If you need some holiday shopping inspo this season, we’re here to help. Our editors and staff reflected on the best gifts they and their kids received last year. From shoes every mom should own to toys that are still seeing action, read on for the best presents we still love one year later.
Jennifer Silverstein, Sr. Director of Brand Partnerships
I love this personalized baby block we received when my son was born. Not only will it last forever but it helps me remember all those birth details. I also received a pair of Rothy’s. I have a 10 month old and a special needs four year old which means my hands are usually full. Slip on shoes are an underrated necessity for moms so you can put on shoes while holding a child (or two, not to mention a diaper bag).
Jen Watro, Sr. Director of Audience Development
My husband and I planned a day out for each other last year as our gifts—it was a fun alternative to coming up with physical gifts!
Erin Lem, Sr. Editorial Director
My son is obsessed with all the things that go. A year later (he’s now just shy of two years old) he still plays with these construction vehicles every day. They’re small enough to pack when we need easy entertainment when out and about. At home, we let him put them on his high chair tray and it’s pretty much the only way we can get him to sit still for meals.
Amber Guetebier, Managing Editor
Tabletop Curling: it’s deceptively simple. This game became a household challenge to win; it’s tiny, sets up in a flash, takes down in a flash and is easy to pack so great for travel. All you need is a hard surface like a table.
My husband and son also gave me these snow shoes, which I’ve been wanting since we moved to Minnesota. I love snow shoeing because it takes zero skill, is a good workout, and gets you out on trails you can’t access as easily on foot. My goal this winter is to take a full moon snow shoe alone; the ultimate in quiet time.
Laura Capes, Controller
We love this Cannon Ivy Mini Photo Printer. My daughters can print pictures on their own with photo paper (no ink!). It is small and easy to transport. It has been dropped multiple times on hardwood floors and keeps going. It’s been a life saver for creating friend gifts, Father’s Day gifts, crafts with friends, and school projects.
Jennifer Swartvagher, Social Media Editor
Miraculous Ladybug Action Figures! My daughter, Alice, has been watching the show Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir since before it was acquired by Disney Channel. She studies French in school and found an episode of Miraculous on YouTube (and then Netflix) a few years ago. After she received a few of the action figures last Christmas, everyone in the house wanted to play with them. They were a big hit!
Eva Ingvarson Cerise, Bump + Baby Editor
We love our Magna-Tiles! My three year old loves building towers with it and has learned to identify shapes while playing. The tiles are very sturdy and I don’t worry about the magnet pieces coming out and harming my child. Also awesome was a High Five magazine subscription. Every month my daughter is so excited to get mail, read the stories and do the fun activities in the magazine.
Karly Wood, Editor
My daughter, Olivia got Brain Flakes when she was five years old last year and plays with them ALL THE TIME. It’s a go-to activity that at almost 7, she still enjoys. For myself, last year I was gifted a big gift card to Nordstrom and an appointment with a stylist because my mom fashion needs major help. As for Amazon, I got a rocking cheese board, too that was nice because I feel like I’m an adult and can now host parties.
Beth Shea, SoCal Editor
I made both of my kids memory books using Chatbooks. I documented their year in photos and wrote fun captions under each picture. They treasured these books more than any other gifts they received and read them often.
Jillian London, Digital Sales Trafficker
Answer from my daughter: Nintendo Switch. It is amazing because we can play a bunch of games together and you can either take it with you or connect it to the big screen on the tv. And from my other daughter: A Pusheen Box. I get one box per season and it’s filled with everything pusheen, which is my favorite
Kristina Moy, Seattle Editor
My kids received indoor skydiving lessons at iFLY. Not only did they get to make their dreams of flying a reality, but the person who gave them the lessons was able to see their entire experience through a video link provided by iFLY. It was so fun to see everyone’s reactions!
Shannan Rouss, Los Angeles Editor
Last year the best gift we got was Folkmanis puppet: Funny Frog and Bear in a Tree Stump. The pics do not do these puppets justice. They are absolutely adorable and really can covey different feelings with their faces and gestures. We call them Baby Bear and Froggy and occasionally they come out to help with brushing teeth, going to the doctors, etc. I feel like I’ve discovered my hidden puppeteer side. Oh, and my son likes playing with them, too.
Meghan Yudes Meyers, D.C. Editor
My kids loved LEGO. Until they discovered Plus Plus pieces!
RELATED STORIES:
The Top Holiday Gifts of 2019 for Every Age & Stage
30 of the Funniest Santa Photo Fails of the Season
Pottery Barn’s “Grinch” Collection Will Have You Singing Like Cindy Lou Who
10 Ridiculously Expensive Gifts You Can Buy on Amazon this Christmas
Tired new parent?
Related reads
