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Gifts Given through the Years
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items I’ve been called a good gift giver—and after decades of birthdays, holidays, and just-because surprises, I’ve collected a list of presents that really landed. This list is a walk through those memories: books that were read until they fell apart, gam...
Sections
4
Timeless Books for All Ages
Toys & Games That Stuck Around
The Unexpected Winning Gifts
A Gift from Me: Outdoor Fun, My Way
Timeless Books for All Ages
Books have always been a big deal in our family—thanks in no small part to my mother. Over the years, I’ve given stories that sparked curiosity, comfort, and more than a few giggles. Some were pop-up surprises, some were wise and whimsical, and some ...
ABC3D by Marion Bataille I originally gave this as a basic ABC book—one of those “let’s see how long it lasts” kinds of gifts. To everyone’s surprise, it survived sticky fingers, curious minds, and the test of time. The oldest of my “greats” is now i...
ABC3D
The Saga of Baby Divine Illustrated by Todd Schorr I blame everything on the ’80s—but the kids don’t know the difference. Equal parts bizarre and fabulous, this one’s a little wild, a little vintage, and very much a snapshot of the times. It still m...
The Saga of Baby Divine [Todd Schorr Illus.]
The Wonderful Things You Will Be A modern classic, plain and simple. Sweet, lyrical, and full of possibility. I’ve given this more than once, and every time it just feels right. Please Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchase...
The Wonderful Things You Will Be
When I Was Little: A Four-Year-Old’s Memoir by Jamie Lee Curtis In our family, we’ve always had a mix of girly girls and tomboys, and every single one of them has stayed true to who they are. This book’s got that spirit—it’s funny, sweet, and makes a...
When I Was Little: A Four-Year-Old's Memoir
Big Words for Little People by Jamie Lee Curtis Sometimes a book comes along that says a lot without being preachy—and this is one of them. Big ideas made playful, and just the right balance of fun and thoughtful. Please Note: As an Amazon Associ...
Big Words for Little People
Amelia Bedelia 12-Book Box Set There isn’t an Amelia Bedelia book I haven’t loved—reading, gifting, or laughing over. This 12-book set saves me from having to pick a favorite (because I absolutely can’t). My grown nieces and nephew still quote Amelia...
Amelia Bedelia 12-Book Box Set
The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook When you’ve got a family who takes their annual pilgrimage to Harry Potter World—in costume—and can quote the books and movies by heart, you don’t just give a gift. You find a magical one. This cookbook was the pe...
The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook
The Complete Tales and Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh As the kids grow, I’ve gifted these when they seem ready—not just for the stories, but for the gentle, timeless magic tucked inside them. It’s one of my favorite excuses to revisit the Hundred Acre Wood...
The Complete Tales and Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh
Positively Pooh: Timeless Wisdom Sweet, simple truths in classic Pooh fashion. These are the kinds of quotes you don’t outgrow, and they’re always a comfort to come back to. A lovely companion to the stories—or a thoughtful gift all on its own. P...
Positively Pooh: Timeless Wisdom
The Tao of Pooh There’s something perfect about rediscovering big ideas through a bear who thinks about honey. I’ve given this as a “growing up, but gently” kind of book—ideal for thoughtful teens or adults who could use a bit of quiet wisdom, delive...
Tao Of Pooh
Tolkien 4-Book Boxed Set: The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings So they’d have their own set—and wouldn’t need to “borrow” (read: never return) their parents’ treasured copies. Books are just better when they belong to you, especially ones that carr...
Tolkien 4-Book Boxed Set: Hobbit & LOTR
The Belgariad Series (5-Book Set) by David Eddings Before Tolkien, I had Eddings. I gave this set to help usher in a deeper love of fantasy—more quests, more unlikely heroes, and just enough magic to spark a whole new fandom. A perfect next step for ...
The Belgariad Series 5 Books by David Eddings
Toys & Games That Stuck Around
Games have always been a little hit-or-miss for me—but the good ones stuck. Some were instant crowd-pleasers, some took a second try, and a few surprised us all by becoming family traditions. Whether it’s babies popping colorful bubbles, a giant bloc...
Fat Brain Toys Original Dimpl Baby Toy Bright, colorful, and oddly satisfying to poke—this one was a hit with the babies and their great-grandmother. Sometimes the simplest things really do bring the biggest smiles. Please Note: As an Amazon Asso...
Fat Brain Toys Original Dimpl Baby Toy
Jasonwell Aqua Doodle Mat (40x32 inches) Of all the water drawing mats out there, this is the one I chose—and I stand by it. The kids loved it, and so did their moms. No mess, lots of creativity, and just enough space to let imaginations run wild. ...
Jasonwell Aqua Doodle Mat 40x32 Inches
Not Parent Approved – Hilarious Family Game This one almost flopped—shipped for Christmas, played once, and left on a shelf. But when I finally visited, we gave it another go. And wow. We ended up acting out courtroom trials to justify our answers. I...
Not Parent Approved - Hilarious Family Game
Giantville Giant Tumbling Timber Toy – 56 Pcs A classic with a twist: same block-stacking fun, but supersized—and with bonus points for creative play rules like using feet. Fun indoors, hilarious outdoors. Please Note: As an Amazon Associate, I e...
Giantville Giant Tumbling Timber Toy - 56-Pcs
The Unexpected Winning Gifts
These are the gifts I didn’t quite expect to be the hits they were. Some had me second-guessing—would they fit, would they land, would they last?—but they ended up bringing real delight, and sometimes even a little surprise joy for the adults, too. I...
Another will-she-or-won’t-she-love-it gift. Will it fit, will it be comfortable, what’s her favorite color now—and most importantly, will she drown? She loved it, and lives to tell the tail! (affiliate link)
RGDYPKO Girls Kid 3 Pieces Girls Mermaid Swimsuit Bathing Suits Bikini Set Tail Set Sizes for 4-8 Years - Walmart.com
I gave these whimsical head planters to my great-nieces, and to my surprise, the biggest reaction came from… my niece! She was a little disappointed she didn’t get one, too. (We might just end up gifting them to each other someday.) These quirky litt...
AIMEBBY Face Flower Pot Planter with Drainage
With three generations of girls outnumbering the boys in my family, I’ve always been able to find something just right at Femail Creations. Their quirky, thoughtful gifts have come through for me more than once—especially when I’m looking for somethi...
Femail Creations
A Gift from Me: Outdoor Fun, My Way
To end this list, I wanted to share a little something personal. These are outdoor games I designed using my own photography—pieces inspired by the kinds of gifts I love to give. I haven’t gifted these yet, but they feel right at home here. They’re p...
Designed by nature, made for outdoor fun. This topple tower features rippling lake water reflecting sky and clouds during golden hour—serene, earthy, and just right for lake house gatherings. Customize it with the lake and family name for a personal ...
Lake Water Personalized Lake House Topple Tower
Seabird in Flight “Look Out Below” Coastal Fast Four A royal tern soars across a clear blue sky—and the caption says it all: Look Out Below! This fun, coastal-themed Fast Four game brings humor and personality to your outdoor time. Add your family na...
Seabird in Flight “Look Out Below” Coastal Fast Four
Inspired by street signs but made for backyards, this cornhole set adds a twist to classic gameplay. Bright red STOP signs, directional arrows, and playful messages like The Fun Starts Here make it a standout. You can customize the text—whether it’s ...
Stop Sign and Arrow Red Yellow and Black Cornhole Set