The Parents Holiday Gift Guide

Our editors’ curated 2022 holiday picks—from toys our kids love to caregiver gifts from brands we want to celebrate.

Not-Just-Plastic Toys
 Lovevery Thinker Play Kit
Lovevery Thinker Play Kit

My kid has long loved these developmentally-tailored kits because they're great for open play. I love them for that reason too—but also because they don't look terrible in my living room.

Uncle Goose Wooden Alphabet Blocks
Uncle Goose Wooden Alphabet Blocks

Classic and heirloom-quality, Uncle Goose wooden blocks come in lots of different language and themed sets, so we invested in Hindi and Mandarin for our kids. The perfect keepsake.

Dixit Storytelling Board Game
Dixit Storytelling Board Game

This game is part storytelling, part mind-reading. Each player has a chance to describe a card in their hand while others try to guess which image best fits that description.

Sweet Stocking Stuffers
Makemake Organics Organic Cotton Sleep Gown
Makemake Organics Organic Cotton Sleep Gown

This super-soft organic cotton sleep sack will keep any new baby cozy through their first winter. (My 5-month-old has just grown out of it and I'm pretty sure he's sad about it.)

Reversible Octopus Plushie
Reversible Octopus Plushie

These trending plushies aren't only cute and cuddly; they're also are a fun way for kids to express themselves, since they're easy to flip inside out to show their two faces (happy or mad/sad).

Scribble Scrubbie Safari Animals
Scribble Scrubbie Safari Animals

These adorable safari animals are perfect for creative kiddos who love to color. The best part is that they're washable, so kids can customize them over and over again.

Gifts That Give Back
Yoobie Chalk & Holder Set
Yoobie Chalk & Holder Set

If your child loves to create colorful works of art, this 10-piece chalk and holder set is a solid choice. Plus, Yoobi gives back: For every item purchased, another is donated.

Tea Collection Mini Dress
Tea Collection Mini Dress

The fun prints in modern styles first caught my eye, but it’s Tea Collection’s commitment to giving back (10% of profits go to philanthropic efforts around the world) that makes me a loyal shopper.

Diaspora & Co. Chai Kit
Diaspora & Co. Chai Kit

This sweet little kit is a great pick-me-up: a ginger and cardamom masala blend, single-source black chai (Diaspora Co.'s MO is reinvesting in local farmers), and a hand-crafted kulhad for sipping.

Experiential Gifts
Wool Couture Lucy the Unicorn Knitting Kit
Wool Couture Lucy the Unicorn Knitting Kit

These adorable knit kits—with step-by-step instructions for beginners—make a delightful kid- and parent-friendly activity for hours of fun. Plus, you end up with a cutie keepsake for your efforts.

Raddish Kids Cooking Kit
Raddish Kids Cooking Kit

My youngest kids (8 and 6) are obsessed with "helping" me in the kitchen. These monthly cooking kits help build their confidence and contribute to our bonding—while avoiding screen time!

Little Passports Subscription
Little Passports Subscription

Little Passports is perfect for curious kids! Little ones get a new box each month with experiences and stories. Choose from different subscriptions focusing on travel, science, animals, and more.

Gifts to Win the Holidays
Tonie Audio Box and Figures
Tonie Audio Box and Figures

My toddler goes from listening to Daniel Tiger's bedtime routine to Mickey Mouse's train ride mystery and suddenly we've had hours of entertainment, no screens in sight. Perfect for long car rides too.

Pottery Barn Kids Neutral Ultimate Art Easel
Pottery Barn Kids Neutral Ultimate Art Easel

Creative kiddos will love this easel. With options to paint, play with dry erase markers, or draw with chalk, it’s a budding artist’s dream. Oh, and it even has storage built in!

LEGO Mindstorms Robot Inventor Building Set
LEGO Mindstorms Robot Inventor Building Set

If your kid is techy like mine, this LEGO robot build-and-code kit will mean hours of tactile, STEM-skill-building fun. Makes for a great long-term play project for ages 10 and up.

Micro Kickboard Scooter - Mini Deluxe Eco
Micro Kickboard Scooter - Mini Deluxe Eco

My child's first set of wheels needs to be sustainable—good for the environment and my wallet. The Eco scooter is made from recycled plastic and has replaceable parts (hello, sibling hand-me-down).

Geometric Jungle Gym Dome Climber
Geometric Jungle Gym Dome Climber

This was a mid-pandemic impulse purchase to help get my 4-year-old's wiggles out while stuck at home, and he still climbs on it daily. Good for up to age 12—I love a play product with longevity.

Sterling Silver Dog Tag Necklace
Sterling Silver Dog Tag Necklace

Celebrate being a parent in a sweet and trendy way. Tiny Tags' dog tag necklace can be customized with your child's name on it (and there are options for parents of multiples too).

South Indian Kitchen Experience
South Indian Kitchen Experience

As an immigrant, finding spices that reflect my family's recipes is rare. So when I found out about this company, I tried everything. My personal favorites are Sambar, Crispy Garlic, and Rasam Podi.