2019 Holiday Gift Guide for Kids
Itโs that time of year again, folks. Itโs time to really start thinking about what presents to get your little ones for the holidays. Personally, I suppose itโs good to start thinking about a shopping list around the same time they start putting Christmas music on the radio. But as long as Iโm not still driving around on Christmas Eve, I consider the mission a success.
Generally I group Christmas gifts for our kids into three separate categories - books, games, and toys - and we try to make sure each group is well represented each year. Our 2019 Holiday Gift Guide is organized in the same way, and I hope it helps you with your brainstorming this year.
I like choosing special books as gifts, because reading together has always been a big part of our lives. Weโre going to do a picture book advent calendar this year and unwrap a Christmas book each day, but I also very much like placing new books as gifts by the fireplace on Christmas morning,
Board games are obviously another major way that we spend quality time together. And thereโs really no better time for long gaming sessions than the holiday vacation - especially as a teacher. I know weโll have lots and lots of time on our hands for playing new board games together, so we always choose quite a few new games for the kids (and me too!).
And, ultimately, Iโm always searching for new ways to fire up their imaginations too. I have really fond memories of the surprises waiting for us on Christmas morning when I was little - my first bicycle, a Nintendo 64, a Creepy Crawlers oven. Iโm always hunting for those elusive toys that might help them make memories on Christmas Day that theyโll have for the rest of their lives.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. Clicking on these links will lead you to view the itemsโ listings on Amazon.
Best Christmas Books of 2019
1. The Muppet Christmas Carol
This book was everything I could have ever hoped for from an adaptation of my very favorite Christmas movie. Author Brooke Vitale did a great job adapting the story and keeping the key elements (like Gonzo as narrator) and the passion of illustrator Luke Flowers truly brings the story to life.
The Muppet Christmas Carol tied for 1st place on our list of the best Christmas books of the year - and it was a very good year for new Christmas picture books. Thereโs no doubt in mind this book will become a Christmas tradition for us just like the film.
If you want to read more about why we love this book so much and see some more pictures - make sure to check out our featured article.
2. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Kim Smithโs Pop Classics from Quirk Books are a glorious celebration of classic movies from the 80s and 90s and every one of these books is a joy to share with the kids. The latest entry in the series is Home Alone 2, and it tied for 1st place for best Christmas book of the year.
Last year I recommended the first Home Alone picture book to put under the tree, and now you can share the sequel with your family this Christmas. It was just as big of a hit with our son as the first one was - mostly because of the booby traps. Itโs also always a surprise for people when they remember just how sweet and sentimental the Christmas storylines were in those movies.
For a closer look at why we love this book so much, and to see some more pictures - make sure to check out our featured article.
3. Dasher
Matt Tavares has made a name for himself with beautiful, original Christmas stories. Last year he released the very popular Red & Lulu and this year his follow up is called Dasher. His books are gorgeous and feel like instant classics.
Dasher is an origin story for Santaโs reindeer team, and itโs remarkably well done. I appreciate that Tavares is tackling original Christmas stories, and this one was a brilliant concept. His beautiful illustrations make me think this one could go down in Christmas history like The Polar Express.
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For More Christmas picture book ideas, make sure to check out our complete list of the best Christmas picture books from 2019.
More Top Picture Books from 2019
1. All the Ways to Be Smart
All the Ways to Be Smart is one of the best picture books ever made and Iโll never get tired of singing its praises. I consider it not only a beautiful and entertaining work of art, but an immensely important one as well.
Kids absolutely need to hear the message being delivered by Davina Bell in All the Ways to Be Smart. Iโve never in my life seen a better champion for the importance of creativity and imagination. And Iโve never seen a more effective explanation that school and grades arenโt everything in life. Expect to find All the Ways to Be Smart on our list of the best books of 2019 at the end of the year - and I hope it finds its way under a lot of trees this year.
For a closer look at why All the Ways to Be Smart is one of our favorite books of the year, make sure to read our featured article.
2. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Mister Rogers is getting a lot of newfound attention this year - especially with the release of the new film starring Tom Hanks. I couldnโt be happier about this turn of events, because Mister Rogers remains an unparalleled influence on the lives of kids everywhere.
This beautiful book is a collection of Mister Rogersโ poems and songs and illustrated by Luke Flowers. Just like with The Muppet Christmas Carol - Flowersโ passion for the topic shines through in his art and makes this book a treasure to cherish. Weโve found it makes for an amazing bedtime book - partly because of the ease of picking it up to read a single poem or two, and partly because of the soothing nature of Mister Rogersโ kind words.
For a closer look at A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, check out our featured article.
3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: The Illustrated Edition
Each year over the last several years I have been very excited to pick up the newest illustrated editions of Harry Potter - illustrated by Jim Kay. I simply love using these beautiful editions to introduce our kids to Harry Potter. Last year we placed The Prisoner of Azkaban under the tree - and it worked out perfectly to gift The Goblet of Fire this year.
These arenโt annotated versions of the stories - these are complete versions of Harry Potter that are accompanied by gorgeous artistic interpretations of the material from Jim Kay. If you havenโt picked up the first three yet you can now buy them in a boxed set. And, if you want a closer look at what we love about these illustrated editions, check out our featured article about the whole project so far.
4. Jon Klassenโs Hat Box
Jon Klassenโs I Want My Hat Back is one of our top 10 picture books of all time, and the sequels honestly arenโt too far behind for us. Klassen is easily one of our favorite authors and illustrators, and that makes this new boxed set of his Hat Trilogy an easy recommendation.
Inside youโll find a copy of I Want My Hat Back, This is Not My Hat, and We Found a Hat - and youโll receive a bonus copy of a framable art print. Best of all itโs a steal of a price for 3 amazing picture books, and itโs certainly the ideal way to introduce a little one to these amazing books if theyโve somehow never seen them before.
Buy on Amazon | Shop Local on IndieBound
For more gift ideas for the little readers in your family, make sure to explore all of our recent articles about our favorite kids books.
2019 Board Game Gifts
1. Valley of the Vikings
Last year we put HABAโs childrenโs game of the year winner Dragonโs Breath under the tree, and this year HABA has won the prestigious award again. Valley of the Vikings was voted the best kids board game of the year and our kids are having a blast with it. Unfortunately weโve already opened it up before Christmas, but I guess that doesnโt technically stop us from putting it under the tree and playing on Christmas anyway.
In Valley of the Vikings, everybody is a viking taking part in the annual bowling competition. Both our 7-year-old and our 3-year-old can play this one, and it has the great presentation and beautiful components that HABA is known for. Giving the best childrenโs game of the year for Christmas every year is a pretty fun tradition that I think weโll continue.
If you want to read more about Valley of the Vikings, make sure to check out our featured article.
2. Stuffed Fables
Stuffed Fables is a game that we put under the tree last Christmas and spent a lot of time playing during Christmas break. Itโs a role-playing game featuring stuffed animals trying to protect the little girl that loves them. The game comes with a storybook that doubles as the game board for each level. And the miniatures for the stuffed animals are just adorable.
Our son was able to play this game with us when he was a 6-year-old, so I would definitely recommend it for 6+ - especially if they have experience playing games. What makes it truly special is the family bonding it can provide. The story and gameplay is incredibly engaging and imaginative. And fighting the world of nightmares with my wife and son is an absolute blast.
Itโs also a slightly more complex game that certainly requires more time to dedicate to, but thatโs part of what makes it so special. And the theme (and some of the enemy miniatures) is actually quite spooky at times, which is actually a big selling point for us, but is certainly something to keep in mind for sensitive little ones.
3. Unicorn Glitterluck: A Party for Rosalie
The Unicorn Glittlerluck board games from HABA are our 3-year-old daughterโs very favorite board games at the moment. Sheโs a big fan of pink and sparkly things right now and Unicorn Glitterluck is absolutely right up her alley.
The best of the bunch in my opinion is A Party for Rosalie. It has the most going on during the game, while still being manageable by a 3-year-old. Plus, itโs a cooperative game - which is always a huge selling point for us. Everyone is working together to make sure little baby unicorn Rosalieโs birthday party is completely set up and all the guests arrive before Rosalie does.
Of course HABAโs components are fantastic like always, but theyโve also delivered interesting and balanced gameplay for a board game aimed at a young audience. And did I mention our daughter is crazy about it?
4. Choose Your Own Adventure: War With the Evil Power Master
During our last Christmas break, my 6-year-old son and I played the first Choose Your Own Adventure board game - House of Danger - for about 4 straight, uninterrupted hours. We played the entire game straight through and it was amazing. And I recommend you start there if you havenโt played it yet.
I kept my fingers crossed that they would release a sequel, and Iโm happy to announce that they did - War With the Evil Power Master. If youโre unfamiliar with the concept - they have gamified the original Choose Your Own Adventure books, and itโs just fantastic. Personally, my favorite part is the story itself - reading the cards aloud to my son. And I love making all of the decisions and twists and turns together as a team. This is going to be a great Christmas break.
If youโre looking for more board game gift ideas, make sure to check out all of our recent articles about our favorite family board games.
2019 Toys to Inspire Creativity and Imagination
1. Snap Circuits Pro
Our son has long said he wants to be an inventor, so STEM toys like Snap Circuits Pro are always a fantastic choice. He really loves Snap Circuits - this circuit kit with plastic pieces that snap onto a board as you build your circuits - as opposed to a lot of messy, exposed wires.
Personally I love how organized and orderly the sets are. Weโve bought other circuit sets that are a lot messier inside and it really prolongs the whole process and delays the fun. Itโs extremely easy to follow the directions in Snap Circuits - and to find the piece you need.
The set also comes with over 500 projects to do, presented in ascending order of difficultly. For our little lego lover, this is probably the very best part of this particular kit. Itโs easy to follow the directions, find the piece you need, feel accomplished, and learn something new.
2. Tegu Blocks
Weโre still big block builders in our family, particularly with our 3-year-old, but our 7-year-old often joins in with us when he sees us building with his sister. Last year we recommended Magna-Tiles, which are still huge favorites around here. But this year Iโd like to point out our other big favorite - Tegu Blocks.
Tegu Blocks are magnetic like Magna-Tiles, which make them easy to connect and leaves you with very stable constructions. But theyโre also more traditionally block shaped. And, most importantly, theyโre made of wood. Honestly this is a very elegant set of magnetic blocks.
But the downside is that theyโre on the expensive side just like Magna-Tiles are. They come in many different sets with different numbers of blocks inside, so you can collect several sets over time to make larger creations. Last year we received a very large bulk set from the grandparents and itโs been a block building game changer.
3. AirFort
Youโve probably heard about AirFort before - and for good reason too. Itโs a very popular new toy and a brilliant concept. It makes putting a fort in the living room a quick and simple process. And thatโs probably all you need to know.
Forts are special. Itโs hard to put it into words and explain why, but being a kid and crawling into a fort with your family and friends is simply special. I have fond memories of building forts with couch cushions and blankets, but I tried to recreate it recently as an adult in our living room and I failed spectacularly. I was draping blankets over couches and tables and trying to clip them together with clothes pins and everything kept sagging and falling.
AirFort attaches to a (not included) box fan and quickly blows up all the space you need to hide out in. If you are couch-cushion-and-blanket-construction impaired like I am AirFort is a very good alternative for an imaginative day.
4. Nintendo Labo VR Kit
Last year we recommended the Nintendo Switch as a big ticket item for Christmas, and it's still a great choice of course. Especially since there are new models like the Switch Lite that is just a portable gaming system. But if you already have a Switch in the home, I highly recommend the Nintendo Labo VR Kit.
Nintendo Labo is a fantastic concept. There are many different kits to choose from, and, basically, you construct different peripherals out of cardboard. There are kits where you build robots and kits where you build fishing poles, and, of course, the Virtual Reality Kit.
These cardboard kits obviously bring the games to life and make everything more tangible. I love the engineering involved - and the imagination. And of course Nintendo is simply the king of innovative gaming experiences like this and I just love exploring them with my son.
5. Osmo Coding Jam
Osmo has been a very popular contraption in our house for a long time now. Last year I recommended the Genius Starter Kit, because it comes with everything you need to get started with Osmo as well as several games.
Osmo is a contraption you attach to your iPad so it can read tangible blocks that you manipulate on a table or floor in front of you to play the various games. You obviously have a screen, but the gameplay is pretty much all physical and tactile. Itโs a spectacular educational toy that completely blows me away every time I see it used in new ways.
Our 7-year-old son has tried many different games with Osmo, and he claims that his favorite by far is Coding Jam. Honestly thatโs saying a lot, because these games are all a lot of fun. Coding Jam gives you the opportunity to use coding concepts to create your own music. Youโll learn coding fundamentals, pattern recognition, sequencing and loops, rhythm, harmony and melody. Itโs the perfect combo for our little musical inventor.
2019 Stocking Stuffers
1. Seize the Bug Blank Books
A fantastic stocking stuffer to stimulate imagination and creativity is a completely blank book to fill with words, art, stories, or absolutely anything your kids want to use it for. Weโve bought blank books in the past, but these are the best weโve discovered yet. Seize the Bug recently shared a pack of 5 books with us and our kids fell in love with them.
We all like the frame on the cover that gives the books a certain professional style. And I really appreciate the thicker pages inside that make it very difficult to bleed through to the next page. I also enjoy that theyโre slightly smaller than other blank books weโve bought in the past. Itโs easier for kids to handle and perfect for slipping in a stocking.
And for just $12.95 for a pack of 5, you can easily collect lots of these and use them for any projects you want. My son and I have often talked about our ambitions to write and illustrate books together - and Seize the Bug books are the perfect place for us to start and build our own library of original picture books.
2. Booty Dash Card Game
Booty Dash is a fantastic card game designed with the help of the creatorโs six-year-old. We loved this new game so much we added it to our list of the best card games for families, and it has a tremendous amount of creativity and replayability to it.
In order to play the game, you simply take any number and combination of cards you want and lay them in a map on the ground - facedown one after the other - including any number of branching paths youโd like. Another player then tries to wind their way through your map in search of the treasure card. And thatโs basically it! But the possibilities are truly limitless.
Some of the cards are helpful for the treasure-seeker, some do nothing, and some are enemies that they have to fight. For fights, you play a modified, pirate-themed version of rock, paper, scissors - and the seeker has a finite number of lives to spare. If they find the treasure before running out of lives they win. By adding and removing cards and getting creative with your maps - you can truly get a lot out of this special little card game. My son and I are big fans.
3. Roryโs Story Cubes
Roryโs Story Cubes have made an appearance on Dad Suggests quite a few times now, and for good reason. The concept is ingenious and it absolutely never gets old watching the creativity of our kids be unleashed. We obviously added it to our list of favorite storytelling games, because thereโs simply nothing quite like it in terms of extracting a crazy, imaginative tale from our 3-year-old or 7-year-old.
You might as well just assume that youโll find Roryโs Story Cubes in our suggestions for stocking stuffers every single year until the end of time. There will likely never be a better stocking stuffer ever made. Itโs a simple, compact game with limitless possibilities and widespread appeal. And there are even several themes to choose from to boot - like Adventure Time or Scooby Doo.
In case youโre unfamiliar with the concept, all you have to do is roll the dice and build a story out of the images you roll. One person can tell the whole story - or you can take turns as a team telling a story together. The beauty is in the simplicity - and how these dice serve as the means to getting your kids to say the most entertaining and imaginative things theyโve ever said.
4. Flying Toy Ball
If youโre looking for a very cool and very random small toy to slip inside the stocking this year, look no further than this Flying Toy Ball. Basically itโs a small hand-controlled drone to use inside the house. Using infrared it avoids hitting the ceiling or the ground, and typically it just hovers next to you.
Our son received it for his birthday and surprised me when I came home from work by standing in the living room with it hovering over his hand like he was performing a magic trick. This thing is so cool. If you put your hand underneath it it floats up a little. And my son and I have even experimented with playing catch with it, because if you tilt it ever-so-slightly you can send it flying in a certain direction.
Weโve had bad luck in the past with cheap drones that were designed to fly outside that were really hard for us to control, but this simple cheap ball has been a lot of fun for us, and would be a fun, random surprise to slip in the stocking this year.
Need even more ideas? Check out our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide! Good ideas donโt go bad after all.
Have you started shopping for the holidays yet? Whatโs the most exciting thing youโve seen for kids this year? Have you discovered anything that theyโre really going to love? Let us know in the comments. And Happy Holidays to your family from ours!
