It’s the best part of the holidays—picking the perfect present for the kids on your list.
Even better is watching them open it. Kids’ presents are fun—bright colors, sparkly lights, soft and squishy stuffed animals—the stuff that even the adults want to play with after all the wrapping paper is undone. If you’re looking for something that doesn’t plug into a screen, and that your guests will be scrambling to steal from the kids, we’ve got you covered.
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| Spooner BoardMade in the U.S., these indoor/outdoor boards are perfect for the active child who needs a way to blow off some steam, but isn’t quite ready for the rip stick or longboard. Two sizes: ages 4–8, and 9–adult. $45-55, Becky & Me Toys, Glenview and Evanston. | Root Vue Farm Have a future gardener or vegetarian under your roof? Let them see what’s under the dirt. The Root Vue Farm is a nifty way to really watch your garden grow, and is a project that during cold winter months will remind you summer is on its way. $30, ThinkGeek.com. | Squishables Buy two, because you’ll end up stealing your kid’s and cuddling right up during family movie night. The perfect size for little arms to wrap around. Ages 3 and up. $40, Children’s Gift Shop, Northfield. |
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| MagnaFormers They click, they’re colorful and they’re safe—big, clunky shapes that allow kids to stretch their creative chops. Designer Set, ages 6 -12, $110, Children’s Gift Shop, Northfield. | Little Puppets Who doesn’t love a puppet show? Let your little ones practice their language skills with dramatic flair. Ages 3–6. $13 each, Becky & Me Toys, Glenview and Evanston. | Colorforms Go retro this season with a throwback to digital graphics before there were computers. Let the kids go crazy with this 60th Anniversary edition and before you know it, you’ll be mixing it up with them. Ages 3 and up, $40, Marbles: The Brain Store, Skokie. |
See the rest of our gift guide here.
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