Holiday Gift Guide

Imagineering by Lionel (ages 2 ½+)

A brand new collection of train playsets from the classic Lionel brand, these trains are designed just for the little hands of preschoolers. They feature familiar characters, 6 feet of easy-to-connect track, interactive pieces and more! Several options available. $49.99, LionelStore.com or Barnes & Noble

Green Toys Mini Construction Vehicles (ages 3+)

There is no such thing as too many truck toys! These chunky vehicles (made in the United States from 100 percent recycled plastic milk jugs) will bring many smiles this holiday season! Options include a front loader, cement mixer and dump truck—all with moving pieces. The best part? These are dishwasher safe for cleaning after any rambunctious adventures they endure! $16.99 each, GreenToys.com

My First Weaving Loom (ages 6-11)

Weave your own high-fashion accessories-even if you’ve never sewn a stitch! Heirloom-quality wooden loom has all you need to make 3 step-by-step projects, including tools & soft chenille yard. $29.99, LakeshoreLearning.com

Props in a Box (any age)

Dress up and dream big with these unique collections of backdrops, costumes and props to create engaging stories with kids of all ages. Use the special movie maker app to film your story and preserve it for your family to enjoy for years to come! The sky is the limit: Come up with new stories using your prop box. Maybe you’ll be the next YouTube sensation! $74.99, PropsInABox.com

Playmobil (ages 4-10)

Endless imaginative play awaits with Playmobil playsets. Kids can build adventurous castles, exciting theme parks and glamorous mansions—or a world all their own. With many add-ons for each play set theme, this collection is super versatile! Visit U.S. Toy in Leawood for a large selection of Playmobil toys! Prices vary, USToy.com

Jump Rocket LED Night Shotz Set (ages 3+)

Rockets equipped with LED lights shoot up to 100 feet in the air with a quick stomp! It’s entertaining for big kids, but easy enough that even a preschooler can enjoy it! Set comes with three rockets and a jump launcher. $24.99, GeospacePlay.com

Girls Can! Crate Subscription (ages 4-8)

Inspire the girl you’re shopping for this holiday season with the knowledge that she can be or do anything! From pioneering aviators to world-changing artists, from compassionate physicians to brave civil rights leaders, from groundbreaking scientists to trailblazing athletes, each Girls Can! crate celebrates a fearless woman who helped make the world better. This monthly subscription box gift will keep on giving long after the holidays! $29.95 for one month or less per month for multiple month subscription, CrateJoy.com/girls-can-crate/

Nabi Karaoke Box (ages 10+)

A Bluetooth speaker and microphone system designed just for kids, this karaoke box can be personalized with custom bumpers and wraps of kids’ favorite characters. Features dual-microphone input and echo voice-enhancing effects. Audio can be streamed from up to 30 feet away from any Bluetooth enabled device. Your superstar singer will enjoy this gift during the cold winter months and beyond! $149.99, shop.NabiTablet.com

the heART of childhood (ages 12+)

Designed by a local artist, Phyllis Harris Designs, these coloring books feature sweet and whimsical designs and are reminiscent of days gone by. Perfect stocking stuffer for the artist in your family! $11.99, PhyllisHarrisDesigns.com

Remote Control Machines – Animals (ages 8+)

This collection of remote-controlled animals will intrigue creative minds! Each animal moves with different realistic mechanisms. The set includes instructions to create an elephant, a scorpion, a penguin, a crab, a Tyrannosaurus rex and so much more! The pieces can be mixed up to make your own hybrid creations. This set is the perfect gift for a child who loves a building challenge. $49.95, Amazon.com

Julie McKinley is a stay-at-home mom of a 4-year-old son and 3-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.