Favorite Finds - Gifts for Kids - Holiday 2024

You cannot think of the holidays without children. Their sense of whimsy make the season magical. And even if you don’t celebrate with a tree and a jolly, cookie-loving guy in a red suit, kids are still at the center of these festive family celebrations.

Chances are their wish lists are filled with the latest tech gadgets, popular entertainers and characters, as well as trending toys. We wanted to compile a list of some out of the box options that keep kids off screens and that will spark imagination and creativity. We also have some great book options to ensure a love of reading from an early age.

Clixo

One of the best parts about being a kid wads the freedom to explore your imagination and create world, both real and imaginary, that let you journey to where ever your mind could take you. So anything that lets you do that on a regular basis, is an awesome gift for kids. Enter Clixo.

Play is more than just fun—it’s a way to spark curiosity, express yourself, and let go of perfectionism. When it’s done right, it’s pure magic. Clixo is all about bringing that magic into everyone’s life, making play something truly special.

Clixo is a really cool, hands-on toy that lets kids build 3D creations using flexible 2D shapes and strong magnets. The pieces are easy to hold, bend, and snap together in all sorts of fun ways. This award-winning magnetic play system is all about open-ended fun, with no rules or limits to hold you back. They have sets for all ages and interests from starter packs to more in depth packs, with add-ons available to keep building. To spark your creativity, they have even put together some videos packed with ideas to help your kids get started.

Need a bonus? Clixo values its community of creative minds and is dedicated to making play accessible to everyone. In 2023, Toyish Labs donated 1,200 items to schools, hospitals, and organizations, spreading the magic of play. Clixo has also hosted free creative workshops at schools, camps, and offices, fostering exploration and connection. Designed for kids of all abilities, Clixo brings children together, encouraging unity and shared creativity. And we love that!

To check out all of their sets and to learn more visit: https://clixo.com/

Charcoal the Elf

Books are another way to let your child explore their imagination and new worlds. It also opens their minds to problem-solving, compassion and learning. So when we came across this book, we were all about it.

Charcoal the Elf is a heartwarming holiday story about an elf who overcomes bullying and isolation to find self-acceptance and forgiveness. Set in the enchanting world of Claustown, this timely tale teaches kids and teens about standing up to bullying, embracing differences, and spreading compassion. It's a meaningful and inspiring gift for young readers, teens, and anyone young at heart.

Written by seasoned storyteller R.A. Bellson, Charcoal the Elf has a five-star rating on Amazon and is available for $14.95. Perfect for holiday gift guides, it’s an empowering and entertaining read that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider, offering messages of hope and inspiration for the season.

Presently Goods

What happens when you have a company that not only encourages creativity, but celebrates diversity AND helps the planet? You get Presently Goods.

Presently Goods is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and sustainable world through thoughtfully curated toys that celebrate diversity. Their collection features items representing a wide range of cultures, abilities, and backgrounds, fostering appreciation and learning for children. Designed with parents and caregivers in mind, the toys are easy to clean, store, and travel with, while the store offers personalized gift wrapping, notes, and birthday reminders to make gifting extra special.

The bonus…they are also committed to social impact. Presently Goods partners with small businesses that share their values and uses recycled materials for packaging, ensuring every purchase supports a better future for all.

We absolutely love the variety of toys, games, crafts and more that are broken down into age, purpose and activity. It makes convenient and easy to find exactly what you are looking for, or explore the world of fun they over. There is even a section just for grandparents, carefully curated to give them options for some fabulous gifts for the grandkids that they can enjoy together.

We love all of this. We especially loved their craft sets, imaginative play options and eco-friendly products. Need help deciding? Be sure to check out their holiday gift section with plenty of options for all ages.

To see they full line of though provoking, creative and educational toys, crats, games and more, visit: https://presentlygoods.com/

A Bell for Maury’s Bicycle

Another fabulous book we love, is A Bell for Maury’s Bicycle.

A Bell for Maury's Bicycle is an adorable and educational children’s book that makes financial literacy fun and approachable for young readers.

Through Maury’s journey of saving up for something he really wants, kids learn important lessons about real life situations with money and goals.

A Bell for Maury’s Bicycle by financial literacy educator David Maurice Sharp introduces kids to basic financial concepts through a fun, engaging story. As Maury learns to save for something he wants, young readers gain valuable lessons in patience, goal-setting, and smart saving.

The book, featuring vibrant illustrations by Brazilian artist Franklin Silva, has won several awards, including the 2023 Royal Dragonfly Book Award and Story Monsters Approved Winner.

Perfect for early readers, this charming story is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online retailers.

Learn more about the author and artist visit:

David at https://www.davidmauricesharp.com/

Franklin at https://www.franklinsilva.art/

Vontélle Eyewear

We know what your are thinking…why is this beautiful company that created adult sunglasses for adults on a kids list…perhaps because they also have a kids line!

Vontélle is luxury eyewear brand blending bold African, Caribbean, and Latin-inspired designs with a perfect fit. Founded by Tracy Vontélle Green and Nancey Flowers-Harris, the brand caters to diverse face shapes with wider bridges, longer temples, and larger lenses, all customizable with prescription or tinted lenses. Recognized on Forbes 50 Over 50 2024 list, Vontélle empowers wearers to showcase their culture with confidence.

However, what you may want to note for this particular list, is that Vontélle, is the first Black women-owned eyewear company with a Nickelodeon license and a partnership with National Vision, offers a limited edition collection at 900 America’s Best stores.

Vontélle Eyewear teamed up with ViacomCBS Consumer Products to launch a children’s eyewear line featuring beloved Nickelodeon characters. Vontélle created 3-4 unique frames inspired by shows like PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, Rugrats, and more. This collaboration offers exclusive frames combining classic Nickelodeon fun with Vontélle's signature style.

To check out their kids line as well as all of their other fabulous option, visit: https://www.vontelle.com/

Frankie’s Fishy Feelings

Our list of favorite books for kids continues with a book for kids written by…well a kid…addressing feelings like stress, fear and anxiety, that we as adults don’t talk about enough. So, to have a book easing kids feelings on the subject is incredible.

Frankie's Fishy Feelings by high school senior Quincy Kadin, is a heartwarming children’s book that helps kids understand and manage anxiety. The story follows Frankie, a young shark who’s nervous about her first day of kindergarten.

The story follows Frankie, a 5-year-old shark who often feels overwhelmed by everyday situations like school and playdates. With the support of her parents and therapist, Frankie learns coping techniques such as breathing exercises and visualization.

This colorful, engaging book offers young readers a relatable way to explore emotions and emphasizes the importance of self-care, empathy, and seeking help. Perfect for kids ages 4 to 8, it’s a great resource for parents and educators to discuss mental health and coping strategies. And it empowers kids to handle their own anxieties with courage, making it a perfect read for young ones learning how to manage their emotions. And we are all about this!

You can grab your copy of this fantastic book on Amazon.

Smiling Tree Toys

We love when toys are educational, customizable and good for the planet. Plus, we love a great entrepreneurial story. So. it is no surprise that we love Smiling Tree Toys.

Smiling Tree Toys, founded by Justin and Kathleen Smith, started with a passion for handmade, sustainable toys. Their journey began with reclaimed wood scraps and part-time jobs—Justin as a carpenter and Kathleen as a substitute teacher.

After their time in West Africa with the Peace Corps, where they worked in schools and tree nurseries, they returned to the U.S. and launched Smiling Tree Toys. They wanted to create high-quality, non-toxic toys that were both functional and beautiful.

Now, 15 years later, the couple runs a thriving business making wooden toys while raising four kids. Their products, like Personalized Wooden Name Blocks and Spell Well Name Puzzles, help kids develop letter recognition, spelling, and fine motor skills, making them the perfect gift this holiday season. And their letter sets are great for learning other words. And let’s not forget the bonus! A portion of every purchase supports reforestation efforts by planting trees, so each toy also helps the planet, as well. Yay!

They even have keepsakes and ornaments for adults, too!

To check all of their educational toys, visit: https://smilingtreetoys.com/

The Adventures of Big Head Bob

Another book…or books, we are in love with is The Adventures of Big Head Bob.

The Adventures of Big Head Bob series, by David Bradley, teaches kids social-emotional learning and the value of a growth mindset through fun, heartwarming stories. Geared toward ages 5-11, the books celebrate diversity, inclusion, and kindness, with titles like Transform Your Weakness into Strength and The Bob Squad – A Story About Inclusion. In addition to getting this wonderful series for your own kids, they have even created teacher packages at every level to take this mindfulness education into the classroom, where it is definitely needed,

Since its 2021 debut, the series has expanded into a multimedia ecosystem, including over 160 YouTube videos, plush dolls, games, and more. Bradley has visited nearly 1,000 classrooms, using Bob's adventures to help kids navigate emotional challenges. Big bonus!

The series can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and https://bigheadbob.com/collections.

To get more information and check all of the books, toys and sag, visit: https://bigheadbob.com/

Cool Little Ones

We love kids’ clothing that is both beautiful and functional, especially when it protects them from the sun and keep moisture away from their sensitive skin. So we are all about what Cool Little Ones has created.

Cool Little Ones is a kids' clothing line designed for all-day outdoor play, featuring moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics with UPF 50 sun protection. Founded by Glenna Devonport during the pandemic, the brand was inspired by her kids’ sweaty outdoor adventures and the need for stylish, functional activewear for little ones.

Offering everything from rash guards and tees to dresses and headbands, Cool Little Ones combines comfort, versatility, and cute designs, perfect for any outdoor activity.

And the bonus…they make a lot of their garments with REPREVE®, a recycled polyester, including recycled plastic bottles and plan to do a lot more with this and other recycled fabrics in the future. And they are proudly made in the USA.

The brand has earned rave reviews from parents and local media and plans to expand nationally in in the coming year.

For now you can check out the line at: https://coollittleones.com/

Twee Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk is a staple in your outdoor play package…or at least it should be. Giving kids the freedom to be creative and experiment with their artistic side is critical in to their development. And it helps when you don’t have to clean up when that creative inspiration hits. Let mother nature handle that!

Meet Margaux, CEO of TWEE, a maker’s studio crafting art tools designed for little hands and big imaginations! Each TWEE product is thoughtfully created to boost grip strength, fine motor skills, and creative play. TWEE began over eight years ago in Margaux’s son’s preschool art class and has since grown into a global brand with designs for every kid and every imagination.

From sports to food, there is an adorable creation of chalk just waiting for your kid to create with. The creativity doesnt end with chalk. They also carry veggie paints, activities kits and special wee by Twee collections, too!

And be sure to check out their holiday collection, great for stocking stuffers!

For more information and to see all the wonderful options, go to: https://tweemade.com/

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