'Tis the Season
Balance Bike
I’ve always been curious about these things—do they really work? Either way, anything that could potentially burn more energy for a non-stop toddler is a plus in my book.
To buy: Kinderfeets Chalkboard Balance Bike, $109
Ride-On Pony
Another thing my one-year-old randomly loves: horses and making horsey noises. (Where she got that from is beyond me.) I love that this particular horse can not only be ridden on, but has tons of other eye-capturing activities for her to busy herself with. And the fact that it makes actual neighing sounds while being ridden? Giddy up!
To buy: Melissa & Doug Giddy-Up & Play Activity Pony, $80
Cute Winter Outfit: For the 3-Year-Old
Another one of those "more for me than them" gifts, but as the mother of two girls, I simply can’t resist. For my oldest, I'm dying over this faux-fur vest and oh-so-soft scarf that—get this—tucks into a pre made hold for a perfect French-inspired "knot" every time. Finished with patterned tights and some fringed booties and this is definitely a little ensemble that I wished came in grown-up sizes.
To buy: (1) Fur vest, $40 (2) Oeuf scarf, $58 (3) Patterned tights, $8 (4) Pleated sparkle dress, $25 (5) Minnetonka fringed boots, $43
Cute Winter Outfit: For the One-Year-Old
My youngest is a crawling monster on the verge of walking and diaper changes have become a game of see how long Mom can chase her while changing her, so clothes have to be a) easy to put on (and take off!), b) comfy and c) cozy. And who doesn't love animal-eared hoodies and baby sheepskin boots? Who?!
To buy: (1) Knit sweater, $46 (2) 'I Have a Lot of Feelings' shirt, $30 (3) Polka-dot baby sweatpants, $23 (4) UGG knit sheepskin boots, $60
Fabric Dollhouse
My three-year-old is super into imaginative play right now, so I just know she’d get a huge kick out of this gorgeous fabric dollhouse from Land of Nod. Not only does it come with four fabric dolls that she can dress up, it also cleans itself up with a simple fold. And the fact that it’s super cute with tons of embroidery detailing is just an added bonus for me. Seriously, how cute is it?!
To buy: Carry Home Dollhouse, $80
Mini Piano
As often happens with second children, my youngest hardly has any toys to call her own so the thought of giving her something special that hasn’t already been played to death by her oldest sister is appealing. Since she’s in that in between crawling and standing all the time phase and LOVES anything that makes noise, this mini piano will be sure to elicit squeals of delight AND it’s easy on the eyes. Win-win.
To buy: Confetti Grand Piano, $148
