Things are a little different this year (okay, more than just a little) but we are trying to keep some of our traditions, or at least modify them so that we can still do what we want to – while still keeping safe. We won’t be seeing family, we won’t go to shows but we’re still doing holiday gifts – that is definitely not cancelled. Here some gift ideas that will keep kids happy and busy all winter long – even if it means being stuck at home.
Got a kid who likes art but doesn’t love a mess? This art kit is so simple, easy and fun. It’s for ages 5 and up but my 13-year-old daughter had a blast working on the kitty pompom kit. No need for any artistic knowledge – all you have to do it put pompoms on a sticky surface. My daughter said it was very relaxing and the artwork looks adorable on her bookshelf! There are four kits to choose from: cat, dog, unicorn and dinosaur. Buy here: https://amzn.to/3elIB0z
The elections are on everybody’s minds right now and regardless of the results, people will be speaking about them all winter long. My husband and I believe it’s imprtant to teach our kids about the basics of how the elections actually work, what is a delegate and how the electoral votes work. In this multiple award-winning board game there are two teams (minimum of 2 players) and the goal of each team is to get 270 electoral votes in order to win and become President. Older kids will learn about how the electoral college works, as well as math skills – the game includes six PlaySmart Dice, which enable higher-level math calculations. Younger kids will learn about U.S. geography. My family played it and it was super easy to follow the instructions and really cool to come up with strategies for reaching 270 electoral votes. For ages 8 and up. Buy here: https://amzn.to/3kQR7Ht
Teens and tweens are spending a lot of time on their devices this year – even more than usual. It’s always good to take a break from screentime to relax and music will do the trick. My Audio Pet is a wireless speaker that can connect to any device and comes in several incredibly adorable animal shapes. It also comes in waterproof animal shapes which can be submerged in water – perfect for bathtime fun! Although the speakers are all small, they produce a very loud, clear sound – hard to belive it’s coming from such a small speaker. Buy here: https://amzn.to/35XG88H
We are hoping to conquer the winter doldrums with creativity and art kits will certainly keep kids busy – some for days! The Diamond Art Club is not really a club but rather a website with a huge selection of diamond art kits fo every taste and style. Diamond art is like a paint by numbers, but instead of painting you’re applying tiny rhinestones. Perfect for encouraging fine motor skills, the kits come in artwork in so many themes: from nature to fantasy to animals to holidays and so much more. From $14.99 and up. Buy here: https://www.diamondartclub.com/
Play and Go Storage Mat – Color Your Own
This super-useful gift just keeps on giving! After kids color this mat – which will take a several days to accomplish, if not longer – they can use it to store toys as it turns into a sack by pulling the drawstring. The mat comes with three markers but you can easily grab an inexpensive set on non-washable markers if you want additional colors. The mat itself is machine-washable. $42. Buy here: https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/colorku
Not everyone loves playing Soduku because, let’s face it, numbers can be intimidating. But what if instead of numbers you have colors? And instead of writing down with a pencil you place marbles in the correct spot? The stretegy of this logic game is similar to Soduku and there are 104 puzzles (with solutions). Age 8 and up.
Persnalized Home Team Baseball Game
Baseball season is over (Congrats to the Dodgers!) and it’s too cold to play outdoors but that doesn’t mean you can’t play your own baseball game at the comfort of your home. Whether you love the Yankees, Mets or any other MLB baseball team, this game uses dice and the two outfield billboards to move pegs. It features a dry-erase board to keep score and your team’s logo. Buy here: https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/home-team-baseball-game
I was not compensated for this post. I received some samples.
Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to three kids, ages 13, 11 and 8.
Wow. That coloroku wooden puzzle looks super cool! Thanks for the great gift idea for my son. He loves Sudoku.