Screen Free Christmas Gift Guide: Imagination Required

For the little babes who want to touch everything and put it straight into their mouth. Think simple, sensory, and sanity-saving.     •    Soft sensory books – crinkle, chew, drool… repeat.     •    Stacking cups – AKA the toy that will entertain them for 20 whole minutes (a Christmas miracle).     •    High-contrast board books – perfect for tiny eyes and early learning.     •    Textured rattles & teethers – because teething season spares no one.     •    Activity mats / tummy-time toys – burn that baby energy before nap time.     •    Muslin loveys – snuggly, sweet, and photo-worthy. Basically: things they can bang, chew on, squish, or stare at like it’s life-changing.

For the toddlers who are suddenly mobile, opinionated, and obsessed with carrying random objects around the house.     •    Push toys / walkers – perfect for the wobbly walkers.     •    Wooden puzzles – shapes, animals, trucks… tiny brain gains.     •    Stacking toys & blocks – watch them knock it down 400 times.     •    Board books – durable enough for the “read it again” era.     •    Pretend play items – mini kitchen tools, baby dolls, play food.     •    Bath toys – because a fresh stash magically makes bath time fun again.     •    Ride-on toys – indoor cardio for toddlers (and for you, chasing them). Basically: toys that survive throwing, banging, drooling, and full toddler dramatics.

For the tiny tornadoes with big feelings, big imaginations, and zero fear. Welcome to the “I do it myself” era.     •    Chunky puzzles – fine motor skills and five minutes of silence.     •    Play kitchens & accessories – your toddler will make you “soup” 19 times a day.     •    Ride-on toys – indoor NASCAR season begins.     •    Building blocks / Magnatiles – towers that take 30 minutes to build and 1 second to destroy.     •    Water tables or kinetic sand – messy? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.     •    Music toys – drums, shakers… embrace the chaos. Basically: toys that let them explore without actually climbing your cabinets.

For the kids officially entering the Land of Endless Questions and Dramatic Playtime Performances.     •    Dress-up costumes – princesses, firefighters, dinosaurs… they become the character.     •    Train sets – hours of entertainment (and pieces you’ll step on at 2 am).     •    Art supplies – washable EVERYTHING.     •    Play-Doh kits – sensory gold and surprisingly therapeutic.     •    Simple board games – teamwork, turn-taking, and learning not to flip the board.     •    Outdoor ride-ons / scooters – energy burners. Basically: toys that channel their imagination WITHOUT turning your house into a war zone.

For the big kids who want independence, opinions, and hobbies overnight.     •    STEM kits – science experiments that won’t blow up your kitchen.     •    Larger puzzles – 24–100 pieces depending on your patience level.     •    Craft kits – beads, paint, stickers… peak creativity season.     •    Sports gear – mini basketball hoops, soccer sets, bikes.     •    More advanced pretend play – doctor kits, kitchen upgrades, dollhouses.     •    Books with longer stories – hello, attention span! Basically: toys that make them feel “big” and keep their hands busy instead of your phone.

For every kid, every stage, and every home that loves a little fun (and a little chaos).     •    Books – they literally work for every age.  •   Outdoor toys – balls, bubbles, chalk, scooters.     • Snuggly blankets & loveys – soft, sweet, and long-lasting.     •    Stacking toys – babies love them, toddlers love them, big kids use them creatively.     •    Bath toys – everyone loves a refreshed set.     •    Open-ended toys – blocks, Magnatiles, dolls, animals… they grow with the child. Basically: things that survive multiple kids, multiple seasons, and every chaotic stage of childhood.