This year I have a growing number of little ones on my list to buy for, including my own little man. I am at that stage in life where many friends (and family, for that matter) have little tikes that I always want to get a little something for this time of year. Not to mention, my own little guy. At 13 months, I know he could really care less about how many presents are under the tree. He also certainly does not lack any toys or necessities. It’s not him I’m buying for, it’s me. I can’t stand the thought of not having a few things wrapped up from Santa for his second Christmas. (Now, he was six weeks old last Christmas and in my post-partum new mommy fog, I had NO problem having a lack of presents then. This year is different.) After some perusing of good old cyber space I decided to list with some great finds for the little ones in your life….all under $20 (and note: there are no stuffed animals on this list {smile}).
FOR THE NEWBIES:
Polka Dot Kitty Co.
Matching Personalized Bib and Burp Cloth $18
I recently used Polka Dot Kitty to purchase a similar personalized bib and burp cloth for a friend of ours who welcomed a baby boy. They visited just last week and she was using the cloth during their visit. I love giving (and getting) personalized gifts and this set is affordable and adorable for only $18.
Teething Bling
Let’s face it, when we give gifts to the itty-bitty ones in our life, we are actually giving a gift to the mamas too. I have this turquoise donut necklace from Teething Bling, Smart Mom Jewelry,and both me and the little monkey are big fans. It’s made from completely safe materials and my little guy loves gnawing on the rubbery texture. I had it hanging on my bedroom door the other day and caught him standing at the door just a chewin’ away. There are many colors to choose from (some on sale right now) and matching bangles are also available. The team that thought up this seriously are some smart moms!
Tweet Baby Designs
Fabric and Wood Chomping Necklace $15.00
Chances are, if you are a mom then you have discovered the fanciful world of Etsy. With handcrafted goodies, unique trinkets, and personalized textiles galore – how can you resist this magical land of discovery? It’s like visiting the biggest and MOST talented craft fair you have ever imagined. I LOVE this Fabric and Wood chomping necklace. It is so not obviously a teething necklace, but rather a chic piece of jewelry with double-duty purpose. Check out all of the design options Tweet Baby Designs offers for this one-of-a-kind find!
FOR THE PLAYFUL
Genius Babies
Jester Jack In The Box $16.95
I can just picture the glee on my little guy’s face with playing with this classic vintage-style jester jack-in-the box from Genius Babies. Although it is one of those toys I see winding up and popping over and over – it also seems to be one that worth the smiles. Genius Babies has an entire category of gifts under $20 – be sure to check them all out here. There are some great finds!
Chloe’s Couture
Shabby Chic Wooden Personalized Blocks $3.50 each
I just adore the idea of giving these shabby chic personalized wooden blocks to someone as gift. They are another Etsy artist find and they couldn’t be more darling. Each block is carefully sanded with no sharp edges. They would also make precious shelf decor when not in use. Each block is $3.50 so depending on the length of the child’s name, you could easily come in under $20. Think ”Gavin” would be $17.50. Chloe’s Couture also makes various other styles appropriate for girls and boys too – like Vintage Cowboy. Love it!
Amazon
Baby's First Photo Album for Family & Friends $14.95
This is a must-do on my list this year. I have been planning to get some get some type of family album together for my little g y and I love this one.It’s never too early to start familiarizing them with the faces of special friends and family…and soon it will be time to learn names. I have this fantasy of my little guy surprising his grandmother that doesn’t live nearby by surprising her during a visit one day and blurting out “Nana!” I think it’s great gift idea for any family member to get started for a little one in their life and then leave a few pages open for the parents to fill.
FOR THE CREATIVE-MINDED
What older toddler doesn’t love to color? Simply giving a child a basic box of crayons can be a mundane gift. However, pair the following gifts from unique Etsy sellers up with a few coloring books or a pad of colorful paper and you have a fabulous unique gift for the future Picasso in your life.
Cio Prints
Personalized Crayon Box $3.50
From superhero to princess – Cio Prints offers a variety of ways to customize your own personalized crayon boxto perfectly fit the personality of the little artist on your list. You can choose the color, font, and theme and even the crayon wrappers will sport the same theme! Pair this with a couple of coordinated themed coloring books and I think you might have a delighted little tot on your hands.
ZeeBree
Name in Recyled Crayons (7 Letters) $6.00
Personalized and eco-friendly, ZeeBree has made fulfilling each of these traits a conch. These recycled crayon letters are a great way to practice the alphabet and spelling their name. Best of all they are completely functional crayons. I think this gift could easily be wrapped in tissue paper or cellophane with some pretty ribbon to be given alone if you just need a little trinket for a neighbor friend or your postman’s little one. You can also customize the number of letters to be more or less (each letter is .75)
- 2D Zoo Crayon Roll
I love the bold colors and modern designs that Etsy seller, Iguesssew, uses in her patters for these adorable and functional crayon wraps. This wrap holds sixteen crayons and has a coordinating ribbon tie that allows the roll to securely wrap and be thrown in a diaper bag or backpack. Pair this with some colorful art paper and I think it’s a terrific quick-and-easy gift or stocking stuffer.
This is impressive!!!
thanks for the great gift ideas!