The 2014 Smarty Holiday Gift Guide is sponsored by our favorite local toy store, Toys & Co in Cotswold and Park Road Shopping Center. Find everything on your child’s wish list and then some at Toys & Co! And guess what? They will wrap every gift BEAUTIFULLY and oh-so-expertly – so you don’t have to pull an all-nighter on Christmas Eve!
This is our BIG week here in Smartyland – our annual holiday gift guide. We divvy ’em up by ages and our Smarty bloggers get to work helping Santa figure out who gets what. To kick off our week of toy guides we’ve asked our “baby Mama’s” Jennifer Voorhees and Karly Barker to compile a list of some of their family’s favorite toys from years past as well as what they’re getting their tiny tots ages 0-2 this year. Without further to-do, lets get to that shopping list!
Karly’s recommendations:
Since we are expecting baby #2 and about to rock our two year olds life, we are trying to stock up on baby gear so she can do things just like Mom when the new bundle arrives. I love this Bringing Home Baby kit from Toys and Co.
My doctor recommended early on that I stay away from toys that have blinking lights and music, ones that don’t ignite creativity. Of course, we still have lots of those around the house (everything with a grain of salt, right?) but I’ve tried to stick to that rule whenever possible. We have loved collecting craft kits to help her create things at home. We love this Clay and Play Box from Melissa and Doug. Really, we love anything from Melissa and Doug at our house.
On that same note, we discovered these Do-A-Dot Art Markers (although they seem like paint to me) one Saturday morning at the kids craft station at the Atherton Mill Farmers Market. They are mess free paints and we are HUGE fans at our house.
And why not a little art smock for your little artist, while we are at it!
Melissa and Doug Stacking Train
For the littlest tots we have loved this stacking train at our house. It’s worked for Annie from about 9 months to 2.5. Even her older friends seem to love it. And I love a good wooden toy.
If you’re just starting your toy collection, I highly recommend getting a big block set. Kids LOVE blocks and it’s a great way to build creativity.
Annie’s grandparents were nice enough to get her started with an American Girl Bitty Baby at an early age, so we’ve been slowly adding to our collection. With the new store in town it’s been fun to let her play with toys and choose ONE special toy for the holidays. We have LOVED this doctor kit. Annie plays with it almost every day and it’s been a great tool to help her enjoy going to the doctor.
Jennifer’s recommendation:
Fisher-Price DC Friends Wheelies Batman Ride-On
My son is super close to taking his first steps without me and I know this will help strengthen his legs while he has fun scooting around on it. The front of the Batmobile opens up and serves as a ramp for the Joker and Batman to race on, not to mention the interactive buttons. The seat lifts up for storage of the cars when you’re not using them. I know my son will LOVE this as it’s as mobile as he is!
Little People – Animal Sounds Farms
We have just about the entire collection of Little People – everything from Princesses to Super Heroes. This collection is sure to find its way under our tree. Featuring farmers and farm animals and animal sounds to boot, I know my little ones will love playing with this.
Little Tuffies Trucks
My son is starting to show interest in anything on wheels. These trucks are perfect for little hands to grab and push around, not to mention crash! As our home turns into a mini construction site on Christmas morning, these trucks will be perfect!
Look & Find Books:
My two-year old daughter has recently taken to these Look & Find books. They aren’t quite as complex as Where’s Waldo, but difficult enough that she has to spend a little time looking for the items. They offer different books including Princesses, Frozen, Avengers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more.
Fisher-Price Grow with Me Cook and Care Kitchen
Both of my kiddos love helping me in the kitchen – one loves to help create, while the other eats! Adding this interactive kitchen that offers height variations ensures that both of my kids will be able to create in their own kitchen. Maybe mommy will be able to kick up her feet and be served this time!
Disney Frozen Anna and Elsa MagiClip Gift Set
These Magic Clip dolls are so awesome. You can find one for just about every princess made and often come with one-to-two extra dresses that just clip on and off. Furthermore, my daughter loves to take Playdoh and create dresses for these dolls, which encourages her creativity and is super easy to clean up.
Gifting Experiences. Music Together of Charlotte, Launch Your Kid Dance Classes, Charlotte Junior Gym, My Gym, The Art Room, Charlotte Swim Academy or Little Otter Swim Classes to name a few.
For all of your gift needs, head over to Toys & Co!
You can find Toys & Co at:
www.toysandco.com
Park Road Shopping Center
Charlotte, NC – 704-527-1921
Mon-Fri 9a-7p, Sat 9a-6p, Sun 12p-6p
Cotswold Village Shops
Charlotte, NC – 704-365-7980
Mon-Sat 9a-9p, Sun 12p-6p
