hsb Holiday Gift Guide 2022

Nov 23

holiday gift ideas for babies, toddlers, and kids (and their mamas!)

For holidays we tend to keep things minimal, which is a lot easier said than done with three kids now! Last year I invested in this gorgeous advent calendar (this is a sweet option too). I start on Dec. 1, and fill it with a random assortment of things like experiences (such as a hot cocoa date, donating some items or baking cookies together), SMALL surprises like a new ornament, a new card for our Yoto Player, a hot wheel car, etc., and edible treats.

As for Christmas presents, we try to save “big ticket” items that we want them to have (like a bike or scooter) for Christmastime, and otherwise don’t get anything too big. Rather than lots of little things we try and go for a few great, well-made and open ended toys that we know they’ll use for a long time to come. Now that O is a little older (5 this year!) he’s also asking for some things that aren’t what I would normally choose (like Paw Patrol cars) so I am going to be grabbing a couple of things from his list as well.

For the baby we will go minimal and stick with newborn essentials- getting her some stocking-stuffer type gifts that are practical and that she needs anyway- like new bibs, teether toy, or a cute onesie.

We also always get them each a couple of books and new jammies. That’s it!

For each other, my husband and I never exchange big gifts. We usually have to budget to travel back East to see my family for the holidays so don’t want to spend extra money on arbitrary gifts. We usually just do stockings with little things for each other which is always fun!

Remember to keep expectations in check. I find that with toddlers, they don’t yet have the ability to hide feelings of disappointment, to show gratefulness and appreciation, or to have delayed gratification. They’re just not amazing gift-getters. This can lead to big disappointment on the parent’s part, if you’ve spent a ton of time and money buying presents that it seems your toddler couldn’t care less about. And babies just have no clue what’s going on and would often rather play with the boxes and wrapping paper. Remembering this is developmentally normal and knowing that it’s not your child being ungrateful or spoiled can help you keep your own feelings in check and embrace Christmas morning and all the chaos that can come with it!

Below, I’ve broken down gift ideas into age groups for little babies, older babies, and toddlers. I also have a section dedicated to the special Mama or Mama-to-Be in your life (even if it’s you!) so feel free to send this along to your partner. ;)

In another section, you’ll find some fun partner items that may or may not be in my hub’s stocking this year! Last, you’ll find some experience options- things like subscription boxes! These are great gifts for people like nieces and nephew that may live far away.

*Some of these will be affiliate links meaning I get a commission when you shop from here, which I appreciate so much!

Simply click on the item to shop! Happy Holidays!

xo Rachael

Newborn-6 Months

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baby 6-12 months

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Toddler: 12 months-3 years

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Bigger Kid: 3-5 years

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Mama & Mama-to-Be

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Partner Stocking Stuffers

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experiences & subscription boxes (for anyone!)

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Rachael Shepard-Ohta

Rachael is the founder of HSB, a Certified Sleep Specialist, Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator, Breastfeeding Educator, and, most importantly, mother of 3! She lives in San Francisco, CA with her family.

https://heysleepybaby.com