My Favorite Things

Why my favorite things, you might ask? Well, the holidays will be here before we know it, and coming up with the perfect gifts can sometimes be challenging! I believe any gift guide is helpful, and if you’re reading my blog, then I know you’ll appreciate the specially curated collections I have listed below. These gifts support outdoor play, process art, and creativity. They encourage quality time and literacy as well! They also foster both professional and personal growth, and as parents and teachers, we never really stop growing, right?

Have you ever watched your child open gifts only to become so overwhelmed that they ignore the new toys and instead play with the boxes and wrapping paper? Most of us have experienced this, and while it can be frustrating, it’s telling. Children don’t need fancy toys! Even when they seem to want the latest battery-operated, light-up toy from the store, the novelty of that toy wears off quickly, leaving you with another item on the floor and more money spent.

When my boys were babies, I remember giving them the package of wipes while they were strapped in the stroller or riding in the shopping cart. They loved the sound of the packaging and trying to open the little plastic flap to get the wipes out. They NEVER played with the stroller toys that were designed for entertainment. As they got older, they spent countless hours outside playing in the mud, tossing balls, and painting on the front porch. As they grew, prioritizing experiences that nurtured family bonding, outdoor activities, physical exercise, and creativity was paramount. Countless hours were spent cuddled up with captivating books, crafting with cardboard, or constructing obstacle courses in the backyard. Such experiences contribute to the holistic development of a child, which is, after all, our ultimate goal. While we strive to fulfill our children's desires for material possessions, it's just as crucial to offer them sources of inspiration.

While the collections below list some great items, many are not included. Use these lists as a springboard for creativity. I often advise parents and teachers that creatively grouping items can be a powerful source of inspiration. Picture a large cardboard box filled with smaller, pre-cut cardboard pieces. Combine this with rolls of masking tape, a fresh pair of children's scissors, markers, and perhaps even a Makedo kit, and you've created countless hours of imaginative play! Such a delightful gift! For the tireless aspiring athlete, consider assembling items like plastic cones, rubber floor dots, various balls, and laundry baskets. They're sure to invent endless games for you and your family to enjoy! For the adventurous child, how about a new adventure backpack equipped with a flashlight, field guides, a compass, and a brand new set of pencils and a sketchpad for nature journaling? Embrace your inner child as you put together unique, thoughtful, and enjoyable gifts!

Please know that these lists have been created as affiliated links. I do receive minimal commissions from items bought using these links. However, they are also created to offer inspiration. Browse the lists, leave them or click them, whatever suits you and your children’s interests this holiday season.

My FAVORITE Things Collections:

BOOKS FOR CREATIVE & ADVENTUROUS KIDS

TRIED & TRUE ART SUPPLIES

ITEMS FOR OUTDOOR MOVEMENT & PLAY

BOOKS FOR PARENTS & EDUCATORS

LOOSE PARTS & MORE

Wishing you and yours all the best this holiday season!

Get Outside! Get Unplugged! Get Messy! and Stay Playful!

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Nature Play from an Occupational Therapy Lens