2016 Holiday Gift Guide
Big Red Rooster Animal Alarm Clocks (ages 3+)
If your child thrives on routine, he may love a brand new alarm clock featuring a favorite animal—not only as the clock itself but in a projection on the ceiling above his head for him to watch as he falls asleep! Available in a dog, a cat and a dinosaur, one of these options is sure to appeal to your little one! $29, BigRedRoosterProducts.com
Irish Fairy Door Company (ages 4+)
Give the gift of imagination as you transform a human home, classroom or garden into a magical fairy world. While no actual fairies will appear, the magic provided by the Irish Fairy Door Company via the creative team at FairyHQ provides direct access to Fairy Valley and ensures that kids will believe in them all the same. Fairy Valley boasts ongoing magical messages, play ideas and stories delivered to children and parents who register their fairy’s name on the website, via email or at the brand’s immersive app. $19.99, TheIrishFairyDoorCompany.com
App Dudes (ages 8+)
Kids are always excited about the latest technology. Help them bring their favorite Marvel superheroes to life with this unique smartphone stand! Just download the app and place their phone in the stand to see it in action! The app is loaded with phrases and animations that match the superheroes’ individual personas. $19.99, Amazon.com
“Rule Your Room” Kit (ages 10+)
The “Rule Your Room” Kit allows kids to create the ultimate room makeover—whether they’re making posters that jump off walls or a burglar buzzer to protect diaries from nosy brothers. How’s it accomplished? Everything is created with seven “bits” that connect via magnets to create these real life inventions, teaching kids about inventing, electronics and robotics in the process. $99.99, LittleBits.cc
Turbo Runner (ages 8+)
A flying RC vehicle? Yes, please! This one is sure to please the daredevils on your holiday gift list. Capable of going just about anywhere, the Turbo Runner climbs walls and ceilings with ease. It transitions easily from flight to running mode, darts across walls, then dashes across ceilings—it even runs down staircases. Just watch out—you never know where you’ll find it soaring! $49.95, OdysseyToys.com
Bears for Humanity (all ages)
Bears for Humanity is a leading social commerce company committed to helping its community and the earth. From farm to fulfillment, the products are made using only certified organic materials and Fair Trade practices, while employing at-risk women from welfare-work programs right in the United States. The “buy one, give one” program provides a bear to a child in need for every bear purchased. There are 14 different creatures to choose from—and gift-givers can feel good about the socially conscious purchase every time. $25, BearsForHumanity.com
Heartstand Kitchen Intro to Baking Kit (ages 3+)
The new fall collection from Heartstand Kitchen lets chefs as young as preschoolers measure, toss, stir and bake with amazing results, from chicken lettuce wraps to ice cream cone cupcakes. Add the pint-size chef’s hat, apron and junior-sized utensils to make this gift delicious fun that lasts long after the last Christmas gift has been unwrapped. $25, HeartstandKitchen.com
This Is Kansas City by Angela Kmeck (all ages)
A lovely board book designed to instill KC pride in young children, this title will be a unique addition to the gifts under your tree. Both the author and the illustrator, John Hare is local to Kansas City. Plus, Children’s Mercy Hospital receives a portion of the proceeds of all book sales. $12.99, PossumTrotKC.com
Pulse Performance Reverb Electric Scooter (ages 8+)
The Reverb electric scooter is the perfect choice for boy and girl riders across all skill levels. Great for cruising the street solo or riding with a pack of friends, you get 100 watts of power, up to 40 minutes of continuous ride time. Additional features include a 24-volt rechargeable battery system, contoured stem and handle bars for comfort, moto style twist-grip throttle, and two-piece Composite Deck Traction (CDT) surface for a controlled ride. Target.com
Lionel Mega Tracks (ages 8+)
Good news, train enthusiasts of all ages—Lionel is expanding beyond model trains! Mega Tracks is a revolutionary rail system where kids can use their imaginations to design and build their own race courses! This unique building system will challenge kids as they control the action. They can start with easier builds and work their way up to more extreme layouts. Part of the fun is using imagination to build over and over again! $99, Lionel.com
Endless Games (all ages)
Games that are fun for the whole family! For ages 3 to 103, Endless Games offers card, dice, party, word, strategy, trivia, survey and pop culture games for everyone! Brand new is Camera Roll—a game where you race to find photos on your phone. By using your phone, older kids will enjoy joining in on the fun! Other great travel games and board games can be found at EndlessGames.com.
Bob the Builder (ages 3+)
Bob the Builder was recently re-launched on PBS and to celebrate, Mattel debuted a new line of toys that allows kids to play out their own construction projects at home, including an R/C Super Scoop, a Mash & Mold Construction Site with play sand, and corresponding Sand Vehicles to help left, mold and craft play sand creations. Amazon.com
Julie McKinley is a single mom of a 5-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter. Keeping up with her kids is a full-time job, but in the hours between snuggling, book reading marathons and fort-building, she teaches children’s drama and blogs at DirectorJewels.com.