While making this list, we had our littles check it twice. The general consensus? These goodies are nice.
Everything Happy Snap the Turtle Happy Blankie Mini
Three words: Cutest. Blanket. Ever. $34 (plus $10 for customization), Everything Happy
- Even Better: If you buy a blanket, you get to donate one, too — and where it goes is up to you; just click on a featured charity and voilà.
Cratejoy Little Loving Hands Subscription
The only thing better than getting a letter in the mail? Getting a box filled to the brim with new art supplies in the mail! $25/month, Cratejoy
- Even Better: Once your child completes the craft, they can proudly send it off (in a pre-paid envelope) to the recipient of the month — think hospital, nursing home, military base, etc.
Cuddle and Kind’s Ivy the Bear
There are stuffed bears, and then there’s sweet Ivy: Born on March 12, she “stands up to bullies with a roar.” From $48, Cuddle and Kind
- Even Better: For every doll purchased, 10 meals are donated to hungry kids in North America and around the world.
My Family Builders 32-Piece Set
An awesome mix-and-match block set that’s as inclusive as they come. $50, My Family Builders
- Even Better: Each box includes a deck of cards depicting different types of families, encouraging conversation, understanding, and acceptance.
Heritage Bicycles Bennet Balance Bike
This balance bike’s bright color and slick design will turn your toddler’s pals green with envy. $270, Heritage Bicycles
- Even Better: Not only is it super cute and made in Chicago, but this terrific two-wheeler is made from recycled milk jugs.
Bureo Ahi – Performance Cruiser Skateboard
At 27 inches long and 9 inches wide, with custom griptape, stainless steel hardware, and Carver-Roundhouse 65mm 81A wheels, this thing is legit. $195, Bureo
- Even Better: Each skateboard is made from more than 30 square feet of harmful plastic fishnets, preventing them from entering the ocean.
Funboy Pool Pegasus
Swan float? So last year. But this winged stallion — the Pegasus float — is just what the pool gods ordered. $99, Funboy
- Even Better: Each pool toy purchase provides a person in need with an entire year of clean, safe drinking water.
4Moms Moxi Stroller
Meet the smart stroller, complete with pathway lights, tail lights, a cellphone charger, rear wheel generators, and an LCD dashboard. $699, Galt Baby, Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie
- Even Better: 4Moms donates their products to families in need, as well as maternity wards and NICUs at hospitals around the country.
Read the complete 2017 Gift Guide:
Cara Sullivan is Make It Better’s Print Managing Editor. She has held positions at Cosmopolitan, Allure, and Martha Stewart Weddings magazines, and writes for many national and local publications. Sullivan lives in Ravenswood Gardens with her husband and two young daughters, and is a passionate supporter of Indivisible Chicago, a grassroots organization that focuses on direct actions that small, local groups can take to influence their representatives in Washington.
