When my sister and I were standing in the hour long Anthropologie Black Friday line (it’s the only line we’re willing to wait for…. the store is always so festive during the holidays….) we got to chatting about a myriad of topics, one being gifts for Harper this Christmas season. I’ve always been of the notion that I’d like her to have toys that promote her imagination…. creativity, physicality, and cognitively. Being a teacher, she had a good idea of what I was meaning and showed me a few items she had in mind… all great options to promote and expand her ever budding imagination. I’m frequently asked about gift suggestions for little ones, so today I thought I’d put together a fun holiday gift guide for the little ones in your life… all items I’m considering, or have previously purchased, for Harper….

And, before we get into the actual gift guide, a quick word about our holiday inspired outfits. As I mentioned yesterday, I like to have pieces that work for casual + dressy affairs. Enter Harper’s sequin jacket + my metallic blazer. Easily dressed down, as featured today, and up with simple shifts. My blazer can also be buttoned up as a dress + worn with black tights + heels… or layer it over a dressy lace cami + faux leather leggings for an in between-ish look. Pair Harper’s jacket with black leather leggings as well, or with a cute holiday skirt or dress…… simple swaps make holiday pieces more versatile than they initially appear…..

Now, onto the gift guide……

Outdoor Toys: 

We purchased this swing-set for Harper this season… and can’t wait to see how long it takes to assemble (haha!)… and last year got her this trampoline, which she absolutely loves. This balance bike was recommended to me by a friend, and I think it would make a great gift for any toddler…. it comes in blue + pink and you can purchase a little bike basket to go on it. Harper also got this playhouse last summer and it’s been such a great source of entertainment and imagination for her…. takes about 2-3 full days to put together, but well worth it.

Creativity/Imagination:

I love the idea of an art easel…. as well as putting coloring books + crayons in the stockings. Playdoh is also another household favorite, and I think this wooden tools set would be a great accompaniment. Harper is musical, so I always like giving her instruments for her to sing and dance with. Since we have another little lady on the way, I thought about getting Harper this little stroller to put her baby doll in when we go for walks…. Harper got this play kitchen last year for Christmas and loves it! I also love the Jellycat plush stuffed animals… they’re so soft and Harper can easily use her imagination playing Doc McStuffins with them. We do a lot of block building at our house too (a gift from one of Harper’s great grandparents last year) and it provides her with tons of imagination opportunities.

Indoor Toys:

This bowling set is a great indoor toy (we got it last year and Harper loves it…) and I think this bean bag target game looks like a wonderful indoor activity. This indoor fishing toy looks like it would be a great gift (I actually saw some kiddos using this on a pre-school tour I took yesterday).

Cognitive/Learning:

We always get Harper a few books and I really like the books that come with sound so that she can really interact with the story. Puzzles are always a great option as well. We have this alphabet puzzle, which has really helped in teaching her letters. These shape + letter cards are also great little stocking stuffers… Harper really enjoys playing with them as well!

 hope that helps a little in your holiday shopping! Have a wonderful weekend friends! xx
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(Outfit Details || Metallic Blazer | Henley | Jeans | Purse | Harper’s Jacket | Thermal | Jeans | Shoes)