[Note: This post was written by KFDC Contributor Emily Moise, a local writer and mom of three young children. She always has excellent recommendations for kids’ items as well as local explorations with little ones. See more of them here, here, here, here, here, and here.]
It’s that time again to light up the lives of the little people who light up ours when we need it the most. My kids have already circled the catalogues and have compiled the lists — to which I do a heavy edit, because mama knows best. Here are my 2023 Amazon picks for little kid gifts, including many of our personal favorites and soon-to-be favorites, sent with best wishes for a happy and peaceful holiday season.
FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER
Guess Who Animals – A kid-friendlier update to the classic game.
Toniebox Audio Player – National Geographic story-tellers include a whale, dinosaur, & penguin.
Robo Alive Lurking Lizard – To get you through the wanting-a-pet-lizard phase.
Warmies (Alligator) – The newest craze: microwaveable, weighted animal stuffies.
FOR THE LITTLE ENGINEER
LEGO DUPLO Gingerbread House – A seasonal intro to the LEGO world.
LEGO Marvel Spider-Man Set – We’ve spent many hours scheming at this webquarters.
Alphabet Transformers – So much play-based learning in this set!
Diamond Magnetic Tiles – The best building toy ever, but prettier.
FOR THE 2023 MOVIE-GOER
Barbie Festival-Themed Doll – Not from the movie, but six-year-old me wants this one.
The Little Mermaid Doll – Almost as beautiful as Halle Bailey!
Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie Firetruck – Paw Patrol vehicles will earn their keep, trust me.
Ninja Turtle Hoodie – Put your little heroes in a half-shell zip-up hoodie
FOR THE SWIFTIE
Karaoke Machine – With Bluetooth to sync Taylor’s version.
Unicorn Fleece Jacket – Sequins and lavender…IYKYK.
Friendship Bracelets Kit – Includes a variety of letters and easy to DIY elastic string.
Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography – A story so good it seems like folklore.
FOR THEIR LITTLE PIGGIES
Fuzzy Lined Crocs – Your best bet transitioning to “winter” footwear.
Tiger Paw Slipper Socks – My son would roar for these!
Bunny Slippers – Is there anything cuter?
Glitter Boots – All sparkly, everything.
FOR THE SENSORY LOVER
Cosmic Shimmer Unicorn Slime Kit – I give up, slime wins!
Plush Diary and Squishy Pens for all the feels.
Play Doh Pizza Oven – Just be prepared to pretend-pizza-eat for hours.
Bluey Slimy Sand – A Bluey kinetic sand set—for real life!
FOR THE LOVE OF ICE CREAM
Little Tikes Ice Cream Truck – The coolest cozy coupe in town.
LeapFrog Ice Cream Cart – My kids gravitate to this as much as real ice cream.
Play Doh Ice Cream Truck Playset – Take the Doh to the next level.
Magnetic Ice Cream Sorter Board – Hello, uninterrupted time!
FOR THE BABY
Treetop Adventure Activity Center – With sectioned off parts for focused or parallel play.
Baby Einstein Around We Grow Walker & Activity Center – Hands-down my #1 baby item.
Baby Tissue Box Toy – Round of applause for the creator!
Indestructibles: Jingle Baby – Babies devour these rip-proof, waterproof books.
FOR-EVER ON OUR LIST
Dino Egg Bath Bombs – Never not needing a bath time bribe.
Crayola Coloring Set – Replenish the dried out supplies and add these Mini Sketch Pads.
Squishmallow (16”) – Can someone just invent a Squishmallow bed?
Shearling-Lined Puffer Coat – This 3-in-1 dinosaur coat looks like a winner too.
JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT
Disco Light – Add an Echo Dot (Kids) and the dance party will commence.
Sushi Bar Train – Influenced by an Instagram reel!
Claw Machine – I can see so many bribes uses for this.
Gumball Machine – Fulfilling FAO Schwarz kinda kid dreams.
What’s on your kid’s wish list this year? Tell us in the comments!
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