As a mom of 3 teens (2 boys and 1 girl) we’ve gone through so many gift giving phases in our family. Our kids typically give each other a gift (sometimes teaming up together) and gifts for their cousins. On my side of the family we draw names because there are a whole mess of cousins and on my hubby’s side they just have 3 sweet little boy cousins.
Here are some of our favorite gift ideas:
Babies:
*A box. Seriously. Babies love boxes. Have your kids paint or color the box with fun bright colors. Take a big box and make a fort out of it. Grandpa Steve made this one during a visit to his house when they were little.
*Soft chewy books. We had one like this and we put pictures in it and they kids loved it when they were small. You can put pictures of your family in them. Photo Book
*A Personalized Christmas ornament – more a gift for mom and dad but still so special. We, of course, recommend the ones from Painted by Prairie. The best selection in town!
Special Gift: Soft Rocking Horse We had this beautiful caterpillar and our kids loved it. This was a special gift from Auntie Jen and we still have it. The littles love to play on it when they visit our house. And how cute is little Gabe?!?!
Preschool:
*Little People Nativity set. Because as my sister in Law says…Now they can play with it without fear of it breaking. Makes so much more sense than having a Jesus scene they can’t touch. Sounds counterintuitive to Jesus! We’ve given this set to several friends. Our set has been retired to Grandma’s house where it younger cousins are enjoying it.
*Little People farm. As a farm girl I love to share my love of the farm. I often give this as a first birthday gift and it’s always a hit.
*Thomas the Train. My kids still love to play and set up the trains with their cousins. We love the traditional wooden set.
*Games. My kids love them and we love to play them with cousins. Some of our favorites: Uno Moo (I still love to play this one!), Zingo + Candyland.
*Special Gift - Something to Drive. I think the kiddos put a million miles on their John Deere Gator.
Elementary School –
*Legos – My creative kiddos couldn’t get enough at this age. They’ve loved doing the ‘Pick a Brick’ at the Mall of America to find unusual pieces. They’ve liked the sets but have also loved just having basic blocks to play with.
*Art Supplies – Rolls of tape (especially duct tape!), fun paper and scissors. Leona always loved all things crafty! One year she got a sticker maker and I’ve requested stickers each year. She had a Spirograph that was a huge hit too.
*More Games: Apples to Apples, Sorry + Ticket to Ride
Middle School –
*Gaming Stuff – I know nothing about this but my boys do. Minecraft is certainly a favorite. Also Nerf Guns for Epic Nerf gun battles.
*Advanced Technic Legos
*Fuji Instax Camera – So fun even for me to use!
*Experiences: Concerts (someday!), Gift Certificates to SkyZone, Sports Lessons, Cooking Classes, Ice Skates
*Games – Settlers of Catan, Wits and Wagers, Throw, Throw Burrito, + Scrabble (Mom’s favorite!)
*For the last several years our family has rented a house and spent a few days together skiing the week between Christmas and New Year’s. This has become our family Christmas gift and we all enjoy the quality time together. Look at my tiny little ski bunnies! The first time we went skiing Gabe swooshed down the mountain ahead of us and got on the lift himself while Douglas and I helped out Sam and Leona.
High School –
*Tech – All the shiny sparkly things. Phones, airpods, etc. Teens can’t get enough.
*The Comfy – It’s all Gabe wears when he’s home. Also any kind of hoodie for whatever they think is cool: Marvel, their favorite team of just something funny. At our house they can't have enough Jack 'Bunny' hoodies.
*Weighted Blanket – They sleep all the time anyway
*Food – Get them something fun that they really love. Giant tub of licorice? 100 Fruit Snacks?
*Games – Balderdash (It’s hilarious to hear what they think up!), Cards Against Humanity Family Edition and Rummikub (It was Grandma Habben's favorite game. They loved playing games with her. She's pictures above with them).
Our other two favorite gifts to give and to get: Books and PJ’s. No Christmas is complete with out these at our house. In this season of giving I hope this gives you some fun new ideas for those you love.
What's on your Christmas gift list? Any favorites? We'd love to hear all about them!
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