2023 Holiday Gift Handbook: for Kids & Babies

Our annual family holiday gift guide continues today with Part II: gifts for kids & *babies (*and new parents!) Make sure to look at Part 1: for Him & Her if you missed it.

After the last 4+ years of parenting two kids, we have figured out what they love, what has made parenting easier, and what we cannot live without. These are all recommendations we personally own and love, have gifted, or are on our kids' wishlists this year. I hope you will find it helpful if you are shopping for a young kid, a baby, or a new parent!

Let us kick it off with the littlest ones:

1. Crinkle Tissue Box

This sensory toy promotes exploration, fine motor skills and coordination, all while keeping your baby entertained. Babies love pulling things apart, and this soft crinkle tissue box is the well suited way to practice.

2. Baby's First Christmas Ornament Keepsake

We made one of these for Esmé's first Christmas, and I just got another for Luca. It is such a sweet way to memorialize their little hands or feet, and a keepsake that will be treasured forever.

3. Organic Cotton Muslin Blanket

More than just for swaddling—we use these blankets daily for stroller walks, car seat covers, floor protectors and more. They are particularly lightweight and soft for baby. I also love this stylish floral set, this classic Priano blanket, and this cute one with fringe.

4. Suction Cup Spinners

These window spinners provide endless entertainment. We put ours on our back patio door and Luca loves to play while looking outside. They are also great for bath time, or to keep babies busy while traveling (stick 'em to the plane or car windows!)

5. Baby Bjorn Bouncer

Our Baby Bjorn bouncer falls into the category of must-have for new parents. Both of our kids loved to spend time in it, kicking and bouncing while we cook or do chores. It has 5 star reviews for good reason! Here is a cheaper alternative thats just as stylish.

6. Boon Pipes Bath Toys

We have this bath set and both kids love it. Esmé enjoys setting up different arrangements and pouring the water, and Luca loves to watch. A fun and engaging bath toy set that will grow with your little one.

7. Wubbanub Pacifier

There is something about a soft animal attached to a pacifier that babies cannot get enough of. Esmé was so attached to hers—she still sleeps with the animal (we cut the paci off). Available in tons of different cuddly furry friends. The wubbanub hype is justified!

8. Silicone Pacifier Clip Holder

These pacifier clips are one of my baby essentials—we keep one attached to his car seat and stroller at all times, and his clothing when we are out and about. They ensure his paci never gets lost, and he loves chewing on them.

9. Alphabet Animals Book

Luca's current favorite read, and one of Esmé's long time favorites. This pop-up board book features engaging illustrations and interactive pages, all while learning about letters and animals. The removable alphabet poster is a nice bonus!

10. NumNum Baby Spoon Set

This self-feeding spoon set is genius, and well suited for beginners. The hollow spoon grips food, so babies can easily explore taste and texture while developing their motor skills. It has made meal time easier and more enjoyable for all of us!

11. Plaid Sherpa Pram

There is nothing more squeezable than a baby in a fuzzy winter onesie. The plaid pattern and bear ears are icing on the cake. I would buy it in a heartbeat if we lived in a colder climate. Currently 50% off!

12. Personalized Knit Sweater

This darling customized name sweater will be their most treasured piece of clothing. The well suited thoughtful baby gift that any new parent would love!

13. Lovevery Play Gym

This has proven to be one of our best baby investments. Luca uses it for hours each day, and it is easy to transport from room to room. Each of the accessories serves a different developmental purpose, and has kept both of our kisd engaged. The month-by-month activity guide is also particularly helpful.

14. Tushbaby Carrier

We received this as a baby gift for our first, and it is my favorite way to carry my babies. I can hold them close for long periods of time without tiring, and the convenient pockets eliminate the need for a purse. This should be on every new parent's registry!

15. Touch Activated Nightlight

This has been essential for middle of the night feedings and diaper changes. Simply tap to turn on, hold to adjust the brightness, or set a timer (it also changes colors!) It is wireless and portable, and can be used as a nightlight when baby gets older.

16. Custom Wood Busy Board

This personalized Montessori-style wood puzzle will be loved and enjoyed through toddlerhood. Makes the well suited thoughtful gift for littles and parents alike. Currently 60% off!

17. Portable White Noise Machine

Any new parent can agree—white noise is an essential tool for sleep, especially on the go! This top rated compact machine has a clip for attaching to anything, anywhere, and lasts 6+ hours on a single charge. A diaper bag essential!

18. Magic Merlin Sleepsuit

They call it “Magic” for good reason—both of my kids slept drastically better once they were able to fit into this sleepsuit. Gift the gift of sleep to tired parents this Christmas!

19. Sensory Teething Rattle

On our wishlist for Luca this year! He loves to put anything and everything into his mouth, and he's going to cut a tooth any day now. It helps to keep the muted colors, and it is the type of toy that will keep him busy for a while.

20. Muslin Sleep Sack

We have used a sleep sack for every nap & night time since Luca grew out of the Merlin, and this darling lemon number is our favorite. The muslin fabric is lightweight and well suited for summer, and it has survived through two kids. Available in 52 patterns!

For the 3-10 year olds on your list, here is what we are loving this year:

1. Embroidered Name Sweater

This darling personalized sweater is our go-to on chilly days. It makes the well suited thoughtful gift (especially matching with siblings or best friends!) We gave one to our niece in a coordinating color last year, and the girls look adorable together.

2. Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera

We gifted this to Esmé for her 4th birthday, and the girls loved snapping pictures during her party. She treasures those little photos and keeps them in her purse. It is unfussy and user-friendly for kids!

3. Pasta Making Kit

For the little chef in training, this pasta making kit has everything you need to make three different kinds of ravioli. It is a great way to let them help out in the kitchen, while learning through pretend-play.

4. Lite Brite Touch

A modern spin on the classic Lite Brite game. This animated board features buttons instead of pegs, offering a clutter-free alternative and travel-friendly convenience.

5. World Map Floor Puzzle

With just 24 pieces, this jigsaw puzzle is designed for kids 3 and up. It helps to keep that it provides an opportunity for them to explore world geography while honing their problem-solving skills.

6. Les Parisiennes Coloring Book

This French coloring book offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional coloring books. Complete with 20 pages and 145 stickers to spark the imagination of your budding artiste.

7. Giant Bubble Set

Few things in life bring as much joy to our girl as making (and chasing) giant soap bubbles. It is one of our favorite backyard activities, and fun for all ages. This wand and string set comes in a fun box well suited for gifting.

8. Fuzzy Sherpa Slippers

Esmé loves to wear my fuzzy slippers around the house, so these are on her gift list this year! The bear ears are too cute, and the sherpa will keep her feet warm all season long. Currently on sale for 60% off!

9. Porcelain Tea Set

Tea Parties are one of Esmé's favorite pastimes, and this adorable porcelain set feels very fancy and grown up. It helps to keep the storage case to keep everything organized and easy to transport.

10. Foldable 3-wheel Scooter

This stylish scooter would earn “favorite gift” status for any little kid. The third wheel helps them stay balanced while learning to ride, and the handlebars are adjustable to grow with them. It also folds up for easy transport. Currently on sale!

11. Loog Mini Acoustic Guitar

This award winning kids guitar is the well suited first instrument. Esmé was gifted one last Christmas, and we were impressed with the lesson cards and app that makes learning unfussy and fun.

12. Beaded Jewelry Making Kit

We had a jewelry-making activity during Esmé's birthday party, and it was the biggest hit. The girls loved choosing their own beads and showing off their bracelets. This wood bead kit is unfussy enough for small hands to use, and comes in several styles.

13. Find the Fairies Memory Game

Memory games are one of Esmé's favorite activities, and these beautifully illustrated cards can be appreciated by adults as well. Comes in a pretty box that would make a great gift for all fairy lovers!

14. Grow & Glow Terrarium

Esmé was gifted a terrarium for her birthday, and it was an activity her and I loved working on together. It was genuinely neat to see the seeds sprout within just a few days, and watch them grow over time. Bonus points for this one as it glows in the dark!

15. Pancakes Interactive Book

We bought this book for Esmé last Christmas, and she still flips through it regularly. If your little one enjoys making pancakes, this is a fun way for them to get involved and learn the process, in a hands-on mess-free setting.

16. Personalized Search & Find Adventure Book

Play hide and seek with your little one's alter ego while exploring the world and learning about different destinations. Such a cool idea. We are gifting this one to Esmé this year!

17. Personalized Children's Book

This book would be a hit with the fancy girly girls in your life. Customize the name, skin and hair color and join your little jet setter as she travels to different locations around the world.

18. Personalized Name Clip

How fun and unique are these handmade resin hair clips? Personalize it with your name, favorite color and more. These would be adorable as coordinating gifts for siblings or friends.

19. Personalized Bath Robe

They'll feel all grown up with this soft and absorbent bath robe. Personalize it with their name or monogram for an extra special touch. Available in several colors, and would make a great gift for siblings!

And that wraps up our family holiday gift guide for everyone on your shopping list! Did you find something you loved? I have several of these in my cart and cannot wait to share them with friends and family this year.

Coming soon: gift wrap finds, ornament DIY's and bedroom reveals at the Hacienda! You can follow me on Instagram to keep up with the latest.