Need tween gift ideas this holiday season? Big kids that aren’t little but not quite teenagers can be tough to shop for. Here are some ideas!

Hi friends!

I’m only doing one gift guide this year- Tween gift ideas for kids ages 8-12. Two of my kids fall into that age group and I’ve already got quite a few on the blog. You can check out all my gift guides here. If you need ideas outside that age group, be sure to check out:

• Toddler Gift Ideas – Ages 1-3
• Kid Gift Ideas – Ages 4-7
• All-Time Favorite Gifts for Babies, Toddlers and Moms
• Gift Ideas for Busy Moms
• 50+ Small Businesses To Support
• Best Gifts For Husbands
• Best Gifts For Parents and In-Laws

This year we’re tackling the in-between age group. They’re big kids now and don’t just want toys. But they’re not teenagers so they may not have a phone. You want to get them more than just gift cards…but what do they want? Here are some ideas!

**This post is not sponsored but some of the links below are Amazon Affiliate links. When you purchase through them, I earn a small amount at no additional cost to you! Thanks for supporting The Lean Green Bean!**

Electronic Gift Ideas for Kids

You can’t really go wrong with electronics in this day and age and there are tons of great options for this age group!

• Mini Drone – lots of different options and price points available
• RC Stunt Car – these are one of my go-to birthday gifts. We have this one and love it.
• Apple Watch or Gizmo Watch – They’re starting to want more freedom and these can be helpful to keep in touch.
• Nintendo Switch or other gaming console – Switch is nice because it’s portable but there are lots of other gaming consoles. Or maybe they would like a second screen or monitor so they can play when friends are over.
• Ring light – If they like filming videos, dances etc. Or get a mini clip-on ring light that goes right on your phone or computer
• Canon Ivy Mini photo printer – Allows them to print out little photo stickers for journals, lockers etc. HP Sprocket is another option.
• Bluetooth Speaker – They can take it outside to play sports, while hanging with friends, into the bathroom for music while showering, etc
• Wireless headphones – Ask them whether they prefer over the ear style or Airpods.
• Kindle – Perfect for book lovers. Throw in a pop socket and this page-turner!
• Wireless portable charger – Help them charge their phone without the cords! I have this one and love it
• Record Player – Vinyl is making a comeback! Something like this looks retro and lets them play records but also lets them play CDs, listen to the radio etc.
• Fujifilm Instax – Another fun camera option to take mini polaroid-style photos

Other options: Gift them a subscription to Spotify, satellite radio, etc.

Tween Bedroom Gift Ideas

Now is when kids start to spend more and more time in their room so help make it a fun and relaxing space for them!

• Night light Bluetooth speaker – A fun way to combine a speaker, alarm clock and nightlight all in one. Or try one like this that projects the stars up onto the ceiling!
• LED Rope lights – A simple, easy way for them to personalize their bedroom.
• Custom Neon Name Sign – A fun wall decoration. Lots of options on Etsy too! If you don’t want to do names, they have neon signs for almost anything that fits their interest!
• Vanity – Tons of options and price points out there. Light-up mirrors make it even more fun!
• Candle warmer – A safer way for them to enjoy their favorite candle scents
• Squishmallow – They can never have too many!
• Beanbag chair – Perfect for when friends are over. Lots of different styles and fabrics. Or try a folding saucer chair like this.
• Photo hanger – Lots of options in different styles, with lights, without lights, but give them a chance to display some of their favorite photos!

Or offer to redecorate their room!

Building Toys & Games for Kids Ages 8-12

This is the perfect age for starting to tackle more advanced and detailed building projects and there are tons of fun games that will still appeal to them.

• Lego sets – There are so many options for sets to fit all sorts of interests and skill levels
• Gravity maze – The fun of a marble run with some added challenge
• Flipside – Rubix cube reimagined
• Kanoodle – challenges for all levels, easy to travel with
• Monopoly Deal – a shorter, more fun version of the board game
• Qwixx – a fun dice games
• Bopit Extreme – fun for a group of friends!
• Ticket To Ride– fun for the whole family
• Telestrations – childhood favorite game of telephone all grown up
• Chess– a great age to learn this game. Or try cribbage!
• Snap circuits – fun and educational
• DIY pinball – any kind of build your own projects are great!
• Crunch labs subscription – Choose a subscription box to help them get building! Kiwi Co also has a box.

Or let them chose a project that they want to build and pay for the materials like wood, screws etc. If they’re tech-focused, a beginner 3D printer could be fun!

Educational Gifts and Brain Games for Tweens

If you’re looking for something that will challenge their brain, keep them busy and make them think, try these:

• Foldology – all the fun of origami with an extra challenge
• Crossword Puzzles – check out one geared towards kids or they might be ready for an adult book!
• Page a Day Calendar – choose a topic they love or one they can learn from like this word a day
• Cookbook – If they like to cook, get them a new cookbook! We have this one and love it.
• Cat’s Cradle – fun string game
• Wood & Metal Brain Teasers – Solve while watching tv or listening to music. Here’s an all-metal set
• Loog Guitar – small sized guitar to learn on with video lessons included. They also have 3 string guitars for beginners to learn
• The Week Junior – We love this magazine for news and world events but you could also choose any magazine that fits their interest
• Puzzles – So many fun options. If they like puzzles, a puzzle board would be a great choice!
• Book series – So many good options out there including
  • Percy Jackson
  • The Vanderbeekers
  • The Penderwicks
  • Land of stories
  • Hilo
  • Last Kids on Earth

You could also gift them enrollment in an in-person or online class that interests them. Outschool has some great options. This is also a great age for science projects!

Arts and Crafts Gift Ideas for Kids

Kids this age can make some seriously impressive art, take their cooking to the next level, develop their skills and have fun creating things that are beautiful and also functional!

• Woobles – a fun way to learn to crochet
• Cross stitch – another hobby to introduce them to!
• Sewing machine – this is the perfect age for them to learn to sew
• How to draw books – lots of options for both beginners and those looking to start trying out more advanced techniques
• Bracelet Making Kits– hours of fun and endless design options. If they don’t like beads, try friendship bracelet kits.
• Markers – If they like art, a new set of markers, colored pencils or paints could be a great option.
• Sketchbook – pair with a new charcoal pencil set!
• Origami – learn to make tons of fun shapes and animals
• Air dry clay – they can create for hours and then let dry or save to try again later. Pair with a set of clay tools.
• Diamond art – A fun alternative to painting. Or try paint by number projects!
• Journal kit– A starter pack to help her get into journaling or scrapbooking!
• Cake and cookie decorating tools – If they like to bake, get them some new tools and kitchen accessories!

Or get them a gift card to a place where they can make their own bath bombs, lotion, candles etc.

Physical Activity Gift Ideas

You can never have too many options to get them up and moving and away from screens:

• Over the door basketball hoop – Fun indoor option. great for bedroom or playroom doors
• Multisport rebounder – Great for outdoor sports practice
• Ebike or scooter – A fun way to get them outside. We have this one and like it.
• Hover seat – Attach it to a hoverboard for a sit-down option to zip around on. We love these.
• Slackline – Great for working on balance
• Ninja course – If you have the space, this is a fun way to transform the yard when they get too old for swingsets
• Lightup football – My 10 year old got this for his birthday and it works great. Love that it’s rechargeable
• Flag football kit – Something they can play with a group of friends
• Spikeball – Fun for all ages
• Sports jersey – Find out who their favorite player is and get them a jersey or shirt.
• Portable pickleball net – Great if you have a flat driveway or area to play!
• Weights – They might be too young for a gym membership but they can still get a workout in!

Or offer to pay the enrollment fee for a sport or local class they want to try. If they already play a sport, see if they need any new pieces of equipment – baseball bat, swim bag, new shoes, batting gloves, etc.

Tickets to a sporting event is another good option!

Style & Beauty Gifts For Tweens

Help support them as they start to develop their own sense of style, experiment with different looks and try new things:

• Kendra Scott necklace – Tons of colors. They also have a mini version.
• Lush products – bath bombs, shower products and more in a variety of scents
• Skincare – Ask for specific requests or give them a gift card to Ulta or Sephora
• Uggs – Or other slippers
• Belt bag – Everyone wants Lululemon but there are some really great knockoffs on Amazon for cheaper
• Sports jersey – Get them a jersey of their favorite player, whatever the sport!
• Heatless curlers – Fun to experiment with
• Face masks – Fun for a girls night
• Bathrobe – Perfect for winter
• Blanket – Can never have too many soft fuzzy blankets to curl up in
• Crocs – Or whatever brand of sneaker they like – Nike’s etc. If they already have Crocs, grab some jibitz!
• Owala– Can’t go wrong with a water bottle!

Or offer to pay for a haircut, trip to the nail salon, shopping trip etc.
PS. I love this Lange hair styling tool which could be a great option as well.

Gift Ideas for Big Kids

Here are a few more random ideas:

• Swiss Army knife – Something practical that will last a long time
• Sneaker display shelf – If they’re a shoe lover, give them a place to display them. They even make light up ones!
• Video game currency – If they have a favorite game, get them some currency
• Sunglasses – Lots of brands out there. I like Goodr bc they have tons of style options at a good price point
• Tool set – If they don’t have their own tools, a starter set would be a great option with some scrap wood for them to create with.
• Socks – Can never have too many socks. Or get them some fun, patterned socks!
• Needoh and fidget toys – Great to keep in their pocket or at their desk
• Nice camera – If they’re into photography they could be ready at this age for a nice camera that they can use to learn to shoot manually.
• Fathead wall decals – They have all sorts of sports and characters to fit their interests
• Pajama sets – Lots of options from silk to cotton, shorts, pants etc.
• Luggage – If your family travels a lot for sports, vacation etc they might like new luggage!

That’s all I’ve got for you today! Hope you got some new ideas!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Looking for the best gifts for in-laws? Here’s a roundup of fun, yet practical gift ideas that are perfect for in-laws, parents, grandparents etc! 

*Originally published 11/2019. Updated 11/2023*

Hi friends!

This post is the follow-up to my Best Gifts for Husbands list. Today I’ve got some of the best gift ideas for in-laws. Behind husbands, this was the second most requested post. People seem to have a tough time coming up with gift ideas for in-laws/parents/grandparents.

Whether you’re new to the family and haven’t gotten to know your in-laws very well yet or you’ve been in the family for years and feel like you’ve already gotten them everything they could possibly want or need, I’ve got you covered with this list!

**This post is not sponsored but some of the links below are Amazon Affiliate links. When you purchase through them, I earn a small amount at no additional cost to you! Thanks for supporting The Lean Green Bean!**

Here are the best gifts for in-laws and parents: 

Photos

In my opinion, you can never go wrong with photos!

• Book and pay for a family photo session so they can have some current photos of the family, grandkids, etc with them in it!
• Canvas print – I get all mine from Canvas On Demand. The perfect way to decorate a room.
• Digital frame – This one has an app and it’s super easy for multiple people to add photos so they appear in the frame.

Electronics

Make the gift even better by installing and setting it up for them!

• Make their house a little more high tech with a Nest thermostat or a Ring doorbell camera 
• Upgrade their TV with Apple TV or Roku – you could throw in a year subscription for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ etc!
• Improve their stereo system with a new sound bar.
• Introduce them to Alexa with an Echo with Alexa or Google Home, etc
• If they like to read or listen to books or podcasts, try an Audible or Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Kitchen

If they enjoy cooking, you can always add something to their kitchen collection!

• My number one pick is an Instant pot
• An Air fryer is also a good option.
• Or buy them tickets to a cooking class!

Travel

Airline gift cards: Do they live far away?

• Put some money towards a flight so they can come to visit!
• Or help them enjoy their retirement and take the trip they’ve been planning for years!

Food

Feed them!

• Try a meat or veggie subscription box like Butcher Box (referral link) or Imperfect Foods.
• Make their weeknights easier with a meal subscription service like Blue Apron, Hello Fresh, etc!
• Help them take the planning out of cooking with a meal planning tool like Cooksmarts.
• Gift them a box of deliciousness from Harry & David.

Plants

A fun way to add new life to a room!

• Check out websites like Bloomscape for beautiful indoor plants – they give you info on size, maintenance, light, pet-friendly etc.
• Or gift them a monthly plant subscription- Check out something like The Sill

Interior Design

Whether they recently moved or have been living somewhere for a long time, they might enjoy a room refresh!

• Gift them a Havenly consult – they can consult with an interior decorator online for a very reasonable price!

Out of Town

If they live out of town, consider:

• A restaurant gift card to their favorite place or a new place to try
• Dinner theater tickets
• A night out with just you and your spouse! Especially if you have kids….they love the grandkids but you guys were their kids first and they would probably love spending some adult-only time with just you guys too!

That’s all I’ve got! For more gift ideas, check out:

• Small Business Gift Guide
• Kid Gift Ideas {Ages 4-7}
• Best Toys for Multiple Ages
• Toddler Gift Ideas {1-3 years} 
• Kitchen Tools for Kids 
• Baby’s First Year Gift Guide
• Gift Ideas For Busy Moms

What’s the best gift you’ve gotten your in-laws or parents lately?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

These Toddler Gift Ideas make perfect birthday presents, Christmas gifts or everyday surprises. Grab one for your son or daughter or one of their friends!

*Originally published 11/2017. Updated 11/2023*

Hi Friends!

Need some toddler gift ideas? I’ve got you covered! I first wrote this post when my oldest turned 3. Since then I’ve had 2 more kids and all 3 of them are out of the toddler years so we’ve had some experience with toddler toys

This is a round-up of some of our favorite toys for the toddler years. You can also check out my Kid Gift Ideas {Ages 4-7} and  Best Toys For Multiple Ages post for more ideas!

It can be easy to accumulate a lot of toys so one thing I’ve really tried to do, especially with my second and third kids after learning my lesson with the first, is focus on keeping things that have multiple uses and encourage imagination.

Things like blocks, trains, play kitchen etc that he can use every day but use in different ways! I love it when they get into their own little world talking and playing by themselves and I can just sit back and quietly watch and listen.

So, if you have a toddler of your own or are looking for gift ideas, I hope this post is helpful!

If you have anyone besides toddlers on your list, maybe one of these gift guides will be helpful:

• 50+ Small Businesses To Support
• Kids Gift Ideas {ages 4-7}
• Toddler Gift Ideas {ages 1-3}
• Best Toys for Multiple Ages
• Best Gifts for Husbands
• Best Gifts for In-laws & Parents
• Gift Ideas for Busy Moms

All the links below are Amazon affiliate links which means I make a small amount of money if you purchase using them, at no additional cost to you.

Arts and Crafts Ideas for Toddlers

I’m a huge fan of having a robust arts and crafts station. Use Pinterest to find some fun, simple project ideas or just take a bunch of stuff out and let them go to town!

• Pipe cleaners
• Clothespins
• Straws
• Pom poms
• Washable paint
• Balloons
• Popsicle sticks
• Paint Brushes  
• Kwik Stix Solid Tempera Paints – perfect for when you need something bolder than a marker but want it to dry quicker than regular paint
• Do A Dot Art! Markers
• Glue Sticks – I like the disappearing purple ones because they can easily see where they’ve spread the glue
• Markers
• Crayons
• Butcher Paper – for me this is so much easier than single sheets of paper because you can tear off as much or as little as you want each time
• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Hole punches
• Hot Glue Gun – to be used by parents of course
• Stamps

Physical Activity Toys for Toddlers

• Bounce House  – great for hot summer days or long winters indoors
• Radio Flyer Tricycle 
• Strider Balance Bike
• Little Tikes Trampoline 
• Styrofoam Glider Plane – they will run and retrieve this time after time after time
• Wod Toys Barbell
• Balls
• Bubble mower
• Traffic cones – great for obstacle courses, races, etc
• Y Glider Deluxe – my daughter really mastered this at about 2.5 years old

Imagination & Creative Play Toys for Toddlers

• Monster Hunting Kit – {Net +Flashlight + Spray Bottle}
• Sensory Table – use for water, sand, dirt, etc
• Play Kitchen – buy play food, a mini grocery cart, save product packages and make your own grocery store!
• Camera – Save your old digital cameras you don’t use anymore. Also check garage sales, etc!
• Sidewalk Chalk
• Tools – we have about 3 different sets!
• Doctor Kit or Vet Set
• Dinosaurs
• Baby dolls/stuffed animals/baby stroller
• Cars/Trucks/Fire engines
• Guitar/Keyboard – anything that encourages music is fun (drums, maracas…)
• Air Fort – easy to setup and easy to store
• Nugget – one of the best things we’ve ever bought for our kids
• Tea Set or Ice Cream Set
• Cleaning Tools

Trains for Toddlers

Trains get their own separate category because they’re such an obsession in our house

• Brio (or Orbium) Train Track Pack   – We set these up on the floor usually but also have a train table. Get a crane! They were my oldest’s fav train accessory.
• Train table – Look for these tables and train sets secondhand on FB selling groups, garage sales etc.
• Wooden Trains  – you can never have too many
• Road tape – Also fun for train cars, hot wheels, cars etc

Fine Motor Skills Toys For Toddlers

• Wooden Blocks
• Duplos – I used to recommend megablocks but after my second kid, I think Duplos are a better option because they’re easy for toddlers but also fun for older siblings
• Lacing beads – We love th alphabet ones but regular ones are fun too!
• Playdough
• Water Wow Activity Books
• Mr. Potato Head
• Magna-Tiles – my older two mastered these around 2.5 years but my youngest was building at 18 months
• Remote control car
• Puzzles
• Spike the Hedgehog
• Plus Plus Big Blocks – fun for building
• Popular Play Things – fun to mix and match to make vehicles

Toddler Gift Ideas

• Hiccapop Foam Bed Bumpers – if they’re transitioning to a big kid bed soon, we love these instead of the big tall bed rails
• Pottery Barn Kids Sheets – there are plenty of places to get sheets but they have some of the cutest ones!
• Reusable Sticker Pads
• Water Bottle – toddlers love anything that’s “specifically theirs” so their very own watter bottle, lunchbox, backpack etc are always a hit
• Backpack
• Books – When in doubt, get books. Here are some of the Best Toddler Books.

If you’re looking for something more branded, here are some TV shows that are popular with toddlers. Any merchandise, games, etc featuring these characters would probably be a hit as well:

• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
• Doc McStuffins
• PJ Masks
• Paw Patrol
• Anything on PBS – Curious George, Nature Cat, Daniel Tiger, etc

Whew! Ok well hopefully this gave you some fun new ideas. If your toddlers or toddlers you know have other favorites, let me know in the comments and I’ll add them to the list!

If you’re looking for baby gift ideas, check out by Baby’s First Year Gift Guide!

And if you’re a toddler parent looking for new ways to keep them entertained, be sure to check out this post full of Indoor Activities for Toddlers.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Looking for the best gifts for husbands and partners? This list has something for everyone from style to tech gadgets to music!

*Originally published 11/2019. Updated 11/2023*

Hi friends!

What are the best gifts for husbands or in-laws? These groups can be notoriously hard to buy for and my goal is to make your life a little easier. You can check out the Best Gifts for In-laws and Parents here.

Husbands and partners can be tricky to buy for, especially if you’ve been together a long time and they already seem to have everything they need and want.

But I spent some time researching, polling my followers and thinking about my own husband and I think I’ve come up with a pretty good list of ideas!

So here you go!

This list is not sponsored but does contain some affiliate links. Using them results in no extra cost for you but I do earn a small amount! Thanks for supporting The Lean Green Bean!

Best Gifts for Husbands

Favorites Box

An easy one to personalize!

• My mom always gave my dad a bunch of single bottles of different beers growing up and it was fun to watch him open them. She now does the same thing for my husband.
• Not into beer? Grab a few of their drink of choice and pair it with their favorite snacks!
• Or go a different route and grab them some different new or local coffees, jerky, spice rubs etc. Check out Man Crates for more ideas.

Style

There are lots of both fun and practical things you can get them!

• I got my hubby socks with our cat’s face from Pupsocks on them a couple of years ago and they were a huge hit! Now you can get ones with kids’ faces on them as well! Check out their website or find them on Amazon. 
• Not into socks? Try shoes!
• Or slippers. These Ugg Slippers for men come highly recommended.
• Comfortable casual pants are always a hit. Try these Lululemon ABC joggers.
• If he likes to work out, a silicone ring can help keep his wedding ring from getting all scratched up. We like Qalo rings

Car

If you’re married to a car guy, here are some ideas:

• I’ve gotten my hubby a gift certificate for a mobile car detailing service that comes to you and makes your car look brand new on the inside. (Hint- this would also be a great gift for most mamas!)
• A prepaid car wash
• Weather tech floor liners
• AAA membership
• Weather tech mug coffee cup holder – My husband loves his Yeti with a handle so this thing fits in the cup holder and lets him bring the mug-style Yeti in the car

Electronics

I’m always on the hunt for new electronic gadgets:

• Check out these Tile finders if your hubby is constantly losing things! They come in various sizes to help you find things like keys, wallets, remotes etc!
• A wireless charging pad
• Apple Watch if you wanna get fancy.
• Bluetooth speaker – My husband loves this to have on our screened porch so he can listen to music
• Sunrise alarm – If he’s a heavy sleeper, this can help him ease into waking up

Music

Got a music lover? Try one of these gifts:

• Subscription to an unlimited music service like Spotify, Napster or Amazon Music Unlimited
• Wireless headphones like AirPods – choose noise-cancelling if that’s important!
• Concert tickets
• Record player – Very trendy right now, reasonably priced and fun to listen to

Commuter

If your hubby spends a lot of time commuting in the car, on the subway etc, here are a few things to consider:

• Wireless Noise-canceling Headphones (You’ll have to do your own research for the best pick for your pricepoint – there’s everything from $50 ones to $300 ones )
• NY Times online subscription to keep up on the news
• Audible or Kindle Unlimited subscription if they like to read or listen to books or podcasts
• Yeti – to keep their coffee hot!
• Portable charger – perfect for keeping in the car for an extra charge

Subscription Box

They have them for pretty much everything now so find one that fits his interest to try out!

• Beer or wine – Craft Beer Kings or SommSelect for example
• Meat – something like ButcherBox (aff link)
• Man Crates – tons of different options
• Socks – try Stance socks or there are tons of other options
• T-shirts
• Coffee
• Spices

Food & Drink

If he likes to cook, grill etc there are lots of good options!

• Meat Smoker – Try this more affordable option or go fancy with something like a Big Green Egg
• Wireless Thermometer – Perfect for smoking, grilling etc so he can monitor temp from his phone
• Ooni Pizza Oven – If he loves pizza night, i’ve heard nothing but good things about these
• Ninja Coffee Maker – Upgrade his basic coffee pot to something a little fancier!
• Nutribullet – Perfect for making a single-serve post-workout smoothie
• Blackstone – trendy right now and fun if he likes to grill!

Other

A few other things that didn’t fit anywhere else:

• Drone – A fun little toy for them to play around with
• Solo Stove – Perfect for family nights around the fire. We love ours
• Waterpik – My husband loves this instead of flossing
• Projector – An easy way to take game day or movie nights to the next level. We have this projector and this screen to go with it.
• Theragun – If he works out, this is a handy tool. Or try a trigger point massage hook.
• Dumbbells – For the days when he can’t get to the gym, having a set at home can help him squeeze in a great workout.
• Leatherman Multitool – Comes in handy for all sorts of little tasks (especially opening packages!)

What’s on your list of best gifts for husbands? And if you need gifts for mom, check out Gift Ideas For Busy Moms.

Looking for more gift guides? Check out my lists:

• Kid Gift Ideas for Ages 4-7
• Best Toys for Multiple Ages
• Toddler Gift Ideas {1-3 years}
• Kitchen Tools for Kids
• Baby’s First Year Gift Guide!

And if you want to shop small check out this list of 50+ Small Businesses To Support.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

These Gift Ideas For Busy Moms are perfect for the moms in your life! Wives, girlfriends, sisters, etc who are constantly worrying about everyone else will appreciate a few of these presents for themselves.

Hi friends!

I first published this gift guide for busy moms back in 2017 when I had 2 kids under 3 and felt constantly busy. Now, almost 6 years later I have 3 kids and gues what? I’m still busy all the time. So I’ve updated this gift guide with some of my favorite things in a variety of categories, plus some things I don’t have yet but are on my wish list.

I hope this gives you some ideas for the moms in your life!

This post contains some Amazon affiliate links (which are clearly identified). That means if you purchase through my link, I get to keep a tiny portion of the sale, at no additional cost to you! Thanks for helping to support The Lean Green Bean.

Need more gift ideas? Check out these gift guides:

• 50+ Small Businesses To Support
• Kids Gift Ideas {ages 4-7}
• Toddler Gift Ideas {ages 1-3}
• Best Toys for Multiple Ages
• Best Gifts for Husbands
• Best Gifts for In-laws & Parents

Happy Shopping!

Kitchen Gifts for Moms

Moms spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Sometimes it feels like all I do is cook and feed people all day long. Here are some tools that make life easier:

• Yeti Coffee Mug– Any mom knows that having the time to sit down and drink an entire cup of coffee is nothing more than a wish. This will keep it warm all morning long.
• Souper Cubes – One of the biggest gifts on busy nights is being able to pull something from the freezer to feed the family. Souper cubes make it easy to freeze and thaw things quickly.
• Instant Pot – When you need a quick meal, the Instant Pot is a lifesaver. It helps me so much with food prep on the weekends and dinners on busy nights.
• Instant Pot Dutch Oven – I’ve replaced my old crockpot with this. You can sear/saute in the pot, use it to slow cook or braise or even remove the dutch oven and use it on the stove.
• Griddler – If she’s still making pancakes in a tiny skillet, get her a griddle so she can make more at once. Plus this one doubles as a sandwich maker.
• Air Fryer – Just as helpful as an Instant Pot for making meals quickly. I use mine multiple times a week.
• Stanley – Help keep her hydrated with a good water bottle. I prefer the 32 oz version with a flip straw but the 40 oz is popular as well. We’re also big fans of Owala.
• Geometry Kitchen Towels – These kitchen towels are on my wish list to make kitchen cleanup a breeze.
• Stasher Bags – Every mom needs snacks and these Stasher bags make it easy to make everything from mom snacks to school snacks for the kids.
• Nutribullet Blender – I’ve been using the personal-sized Nutribullet to make a daily smoothie for months now and I love how it makes the perfect amount and is quick and easy to clean.

Style Gifts for Mom

Moms don’t always have a lot of time to spend on themselves but here are some stylish gifts she’ll love:

• LL Bean Wicked Good Slippers – These are my absolute favorite slippers. I wear them around the house all winter long. If you’re looking for a slide-on option, try these Dearfoam Firesides. (aff link)
• Shark Hair Dryer – I have long hair and until last year I was drying it with the same hair dryer I had in college and it took forever. I bought this last year and it’s a total game changer. I can use the two attachments to dry and brush straighten my hair in under 10 minutes. (aff link)
• Able Leather Bag – Every mom needs a good bag and several of my favorites are from Able. They’re a great company that makes quality products and I have 3 bags of various sizes.
• Avryn & Co. wallet and wristlet – One of my favorite small businesses. I bought myself a wallet/wristlet set two years ago and absolutely love it. They’re perfect for moms on the run who have their hands full of kids and sports bags and coffee. Just slide it on your wrist and go!
• Birkenstock Mayari Sandals – These are the perfect summer sandals. They last forever. They’re comfortable and they can be dressed up or worn all over town when running the kids around. (aff link)
• ChappyWrap Blanket – These blankets are my favorite. We have two and they hold up well in the wash, are super soft and still look stylish draped over the back of the couch.
• Handheld Steamer – For a busy working mom who needs to look professional, this handheld steamer can help her quickly remove wrinkles from clothes on a busy morning. (aff link)
• Aura Wifi Picture Frame – This stylish frame looks great on the counter and is a great solution for busy moms who don’t have time to get actual photo prints made but still want to see all those photos on their phones. Just upload photos to the app and they scroll through on the frame! My mom has one of these and loves it. I love that I can make pics of the grandkids easily appear on her counter! (aff link)
• Silk Pillowcase – These can help keep hair from tangling and frizzing leading to less time needing to be spent on her hair during the morning rush! (aff link)
• Loop Earplugs– For the moms that are just a little overstimulated by all the noise in their house, these can help dull the noise to a manageable level. (aff link)
• Heating Pad/ Weighted eye mask – Make bedtime a little more relaxing once she finally gets there! (aff link)

Tech Gifts for Moms

Technology is life in this day and age. Here are some gadgets to make a busy mom’s life easier:

• INIU portable charger – I have one of these that lives in my car for all the times I don’t have enough time to charge my phone while running around all day. You could also throw in an ultra-compact charger for her to keep in her purse. (aff link)
• Kindle Paperwhite – Slim enough to fit in her bag and gives her a chance to grab a few minutes to read while waiting for kids, appointments etc. (aff link)
• Airpods – I feel like I have no time to sit down and read a book anymore so I’ve switched to audiobooks and I love my airpods for listening while I’m walking the dog, in the car, etc. (aff link)
• Visual timer – This one does double duty. Mom can use it to get work, cleaning, etc done using the Pomodoro technique or she can set it for the kids so they can easily see how much time is left before school, bed etc which makes it easier on mom. Or try this Echo wall clock that we have on the wall in our kitchen so the kids can easily see how much time is left when we ask Alexa to set a timer. (aff link)
• 3 in 1 Charging Station – Give her a place to charge all her devices – phone, watch, airpods all in one spot! (aff link)
• Tile Mate – If she’s constantly wasting time looking for her keys, this can be a major time saver. Or give her the button version to put on a remote. (aff link)
• Walking Pad – I like to get my steps in but I don’t always have time to run out on a walk multiple times a day. These are small enough to store away if needed and make it easy to get some extra steps in while working, watching the kids play etc. (aff link)
• Skylight Calendar – Save her from having to answer questions about the family schedule all day long with this visual calendar that synchs with hers and sits on the counter so everyone can see it. (aff link)
• Carex Bright Light Therapy Light- Long, dark winter months are tough. Give her the benefits of sunlight that she can sit in front of while working on her computer or eating breakfast. (aff link)

Best Gifts For Busy Moms

A few other ideas for sports moms and helping mom relax!

• First Aid Kit for Car – Whether its for an ouchie at the playground or a sports injury, having a first aid kit in the car will definitely come in handy. (aff link)
• Car Trash Can – While you’re at it, grab a car trash can for her to help keep the mess under control and a rechargeable car vacuum can be a big help as well!
• Planner – If she’s a paper planner mom, you can always gift her a planner for the upcoming year!
• Simply Southern Bag – These are perfect for a busy pool mom in the summer. Holds tons of stuff and never falls over so everything spills. (aff link)
• Car Blanket – This will come in handy when her kids are cold in the car, when they stop for an impromptu picnic or when spectating at sports games. This one condenses into a little pouch so she can leave it in the car.
• Shade Chair – If she is an outdoor sports mom, I promise there are some times she’ll wish she had some shade over her chair! (aff link)
• Rain Jacket – Similarly, if she spends time outside it will be raining at some point so a stylish wind/water resistant jacket would make a great gift! (aff link)
• Easy Plant – For when she wants greenery but doesn’t have time to water. These plants have a reservoir that only needs to be filled once a month and then they water themselves. Low maintenance for the win! Pick one out or give her a gift card.
• Puzzle Board – If she loves to do puzzles but never has time to sit down and do one all at once, these are easy to store under the couch or on a table and work on when she has time. (aff link)
• Coloring Book – Even busy moms need to wind down. Coloring is a great option! (aff link)
• Little Green Machine – All moms battle stains and this portable carpet cleaner makes it quick and easy. It’s on my wish list! (aff link)

Gift Certificate Ideas for Moms

Sometimes a gift certificate is the biggest blessing to a busy mom. Here are some of my favorites:

• Down Dog App – I use this for yoga and absolutely love it. They also have HIIT, meditation and barre workouts. You could pay for a few months of these workouts for her.
• Created Colorful – Gift her a chance to find out what her best colors are to make shopping easier. I got this done about 2 years ago and it’s been super helpful
• SLAM – Strong Like A Mother – My favorite workout app! She has workouts for everything from pregnancy to core basics to help heal diastasis recti, plus beginner to advanced workouts you can do at home. I’ve been doing them off and on for 4+ years and still love them. Offer to pay for a couple of months of her workouts!
• Audible – If she likes audiobooks, gift her an audible subscription so she can listen to some new books! (aff link)
• Amazon Prime membership – If they don’t have Amazon Prime yet, give them an Amazon gift card with instructions to use it to purchase a Prime membership for their house. Quick shipping is a game-changer for busy moms. (aff link)
• Stitch Fix – If they don’t have time to go shopping, get them a Stitch Fix gift card so the clothes can come to them! (referral link)
• ButcherBox – If her family is meat eaters, gift them a Butcher Box or a gift card so they can choose their own. Reliable meat delivery can be a big time-saver and help them stock their freezer for busy nights! (referral link)
• Blue Apron – Sometimes we’re just too busy to make meals from scratch. Meal delivery services like Blue Apron help get home-cooked meals on the table without requiring much energy on our part. Sometimes it’s so nice to not have to shop or meal plan but still be able to eat at home!
• Haldi – Even mamas with the most basic skincare (me!) can benefit from this service. Have your mom friends take the free skincare quiz and then gift them a gift card so they can buy some of the recommended products! The quiz helps them learn all about your skin and then they can recommend all types of products that will work best for you. I took the quiz a couple of years ago and have loved almost all of their reccs! (referral link)
• Mo News – If she likes the news but barely has time to watch gift her a Mo News premium membership so she can stay in the know on Instagram.
• Blowout Bar – If she’s having family pictures done or has an event to go to, it can be a treat not to have to do her own hair so you could gift her gift card to a local place!

Let’s chat:

Moms! What’s on your Christmas list this year?

Enjoy!

–Lindsay–

Need kid gift ideas for ages 4-7? Here are toy ideas for everything from arts and crafts, building and educational toys to pretend play and outdoor toys. 

Originally published 10/21. Updated 11/23.

Hi friend!

I’ve been blogging for 10+ years now and have done my share of gift guides. I wasn’t planning to create any more but then I realized that in the kid gift department, I kinda left off at the toddler stage. Now that I have 2/3 of my kids out of toddlerhood, I thought I should put together a new kids gift guide for our current stage of life. So, here are some things my older two (who are about to turn 5 and 7) have been into the past couple of years!

If you need more ideas, check out my past gift guides:

• Small Business Gift Guide
• Gift Ideas for Babies & New Moms {Baby’s First Year}
• Toddler Gift Ideas {Ages 1-3}
• Kitchen Tools For Kids
• Best Toys for Multiple Ages
• Gifts For New Moms
• Gift Ideas for Buys Moms
• Best Gifts For Husbands
• Best Gifts For In-Laws (or Parents)

As always, you know who you’re buying for. Some of these could be used by kids younger or older than this age group. This is also kind of a tricky age group because there are often two versions of things and a 4-year-old could do the “junior” version while a 7-year-old could do the regular version so be sure to consider that!

Remember that I’ve tried to provide links but there are often several similar versions of each idea out there so do some research if needed to find the best one for you! I also encourage you to shop from small businesses whenever possible. I’d love to see you take an idea from this post and purchase it from a small or local business! Or check FB Marketplace or your local selling groups and find one secondhand. Kids don’t need all brand new toys all the time!!

Most of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. That means that I make a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Lean Green Bean.

Arts & Crafts for Kids

Let them express their creativity with all sorts of projects.

• Paint by Sticker – Paint by number can be tricky and messy. These are the same idea, but with stickers. Easy to throw in a travel bag, take to a restaurant and more!
• Boogie Boards – Great for car trips, waiting rooms, sibling sports practices etc.
• Perler Beads – these are fun to make your own designs or follow one tons of free patterns you can find online. For 4 year olds I recommend Biggie Beads which are larger and easier for little hands.
• Giant coloring pages – This is my absolute favorite one, and we’ve done lots! Great for multiple kids to work on at once or for special one on one time before bed or during quiet time.
• Rainbow scratch paper – Something I did as a kid that’s still fun today!
• Playdough + playdough tools – Makes a great stocking stuffer
• Kinetic sand – Lasts forever and is easier to clean up than real sand
• Mosaic sticker art – Similar to sticker by number
• Origami – Comes with paper that’s the exact size you need and shows you how to fold it!
• Paper Airplanes – Easy to make and shows them lots of different types of planes to make.
• Beads for jewelry making – If they’re ready to start stringing, try these. If they’re on the younger side, these beads pop together easily to make jewelry. Or these Lego Dot bracelets!
• Friendship bracelet-making kits – definitely for the older end but great for 7-8 year olds to start making!
• Weaving loom – So fun for making pot holders. If they like it, you can buy refill bags of just the loops to make more on the loom.
• Modeling clay – They have kinds that won’t dry out and can be reused or kinds that dry into permanent creations
• How to draw books – there are books for pretty much anything they’re interested – animals, characters, monsters etc

Art Supplies for Kids

Build a robust art station and let them create with anything that is out and available!

• Pipe cleaners
• Clothespins
• Straws
• Pom poms
• Washable paint – We love washable tempera paint and put it in muffin tins when they want to paint.
• Balloons
• Popsicle sticks
• Paint Brushes  
• Kwik Stixs Solid Tempera Paints – perfect for when you need something bolder than a marker but want it to dry quicker than regular paint
• Do A Dot Art! Markers
• Glue Sticks – I like the disappearing purple ones because they can easily see where they’ve spread the glue
• Markers
• Crayons
• Butcher Paper – for me this is so much easier than single sheets of paper because you can tear off as much or as little as you want each time
• Construction paper
• Scissors – Invest in good scissors for less frustration from kids!
• Hole punches – These are super fun and kids can use both the punched paper and the punch outs
• Hot Glue Gun – Help the younger kids but older kids are totally capable of using these on their own.
• Watercolor paints – These are our absolute fav

Building Toys for Kids

These building toys for kids give them a chance to let their creativity shine!

• Legos – There are so many different sets out there from easy to hard. There should be an option for everyone!
• Playmobil – If they’re tired of Legos these are a fun way to change it up and great for younger kids
• Magnatiles – One of my all-time favorite gifts for kids ages 2- 10. There’s always more to build and you can always use more of these!
• Giant Jenga blocks – my kids love to use these for building just like regular wooden blocks
• Wooden Blocks – A classic toy that never goes out of style. So much open-ended play!
• Marble run – Tons of different combinations are possible with some imagination
• Plus Plus – Another alternative to legos. They have sets to build or boxes for open-ended play. For the younger end of the range look at Plus Plus Big. 
• K’nex – For 4-5 year olds look at Kids K’nex
• Fort Builder – there are lots of brands. Build and then drape a blanket or sheet over it!
• Real Tools – plus some scrap wood! Or a building kit.
• Air Fort – Easy to store without taking up space and easy to set up.
• Erector Set – My youngest loves looking through the book to pick out which design to build and use the screw driver it comes with.

Games and Puzzles for kids

Games that are easy enough for kids but still fun for adults to play, plus puzzles!

• Outfoxed – A fun, collaborative game
• Sleeping Queens – One of our family favorites
• Osmo – The starter kid plus a fun game, like detective, pizza or coding
• 100+ piece puzzles – my kids love puzzles and have several 100 and even 200 piece puzzles
• Spot-It – there’s also Spot-It Junior!
• Super Why ABC letter Game – great for preschool and kindergarten
• Moneybags – better for first gradeish range
• Ticket to Ride First Journey – easier when they can read in my opinion
• Rat a Tat Cat – Another one of our favorites!
• Mermaid Island
• Floor Puzzles – Ditch the boxes and store in mesh zipper bags to save space
• Shut the Box – Fun way to practice math

Educational Toys for Kids

Let them research and learn, experiment and build! Plus you can never have too many books.

• Snap circuits – They have junior and more advanced versions so it’s fun for a wide range of ages.
• Science kits – There are tons out there. My oldest loves them. This is a good starter one. National Geographic also makes some good ones
• Chapter books – Check out these lists: Best Read Aloud Chapter Books – (they’re linked on Amazon here) and 100+ Chapter Book Series for Kids – you can find them linked on Amazon here.
• Eyeclops Digital Microscope (or other digital microscope)
• Nature identification books – depending on their interests look at bug identifying books, bird books, plant identification books, etc
• Encyclopedia – We love this one with tons of pictures. t
• Awesome Science Experiments for Kids– I love this book series, they have an engineering one, robotics one, food experiments and more
• Logic Puzzles
• Simon – My kids love seeing how long they can follow the pattern 
• Yoto – A screen-free way for kids to listen to stories. Perfect for quiet time!

Subscription Boxes for Kids

Monthly subscription boxes for kids- everything from cooking to magazines to coding and clothes.

• Raddish – cooking for kids
• Kiwi Crate – STEAM activities for kids
• Highlights – I get Highlights for my 7-year-old and High Five for my 5-year-old.
• Ranger Rick – They have Ranger Rick and Rick Jr. magazines for different ages
• Stitch Fix Kids – If they’re into fashion! Rockets of Awesome and KidPik are other similar options
• Little Passports – Global learning adventures that are fun and educational!
• Bitsbox – Coding for kids

Active and Outdoor Toys for Kids

Get them up and moving. There are so many options out there for some of these that you’ll have to do your own research to find a good one. But here are some general ideas, some with links, some without

• Nerf Dart toys  – Tons of options big and small
• Laser tag – Great for a group of neighborhood kids
• Razor scooter – Look for these secondhand! For when they upgrade from three to two wheeled scooters
• Razor 360 trike – Look for these secondhand! They’re really fun
• Rollerblades/skates – there are lots of options that start as rollerskates and can convert to rollerblades as their balance improves!
• Sports stuff – Soccer, baseball, football, etc
• Beamo soft frisbee – Always go with a soft frisbee….just trust me!
• Balance beam
• Obstacle course stuff
• Mud Kitchen – Here are directions for how to build a mud kitchen!
• Bug Catcher
• Stomp Rocket  – Aim it away from the roof!
• Gardening/digging tools – Go for metal, not plastic!
• Saucer Swing – Outdoor swing
• Pod swing – Indoor swing
• Slackline – Great way to practice balance
• Ninja course – Hours of fun if you have room in your yard!

Imagination Toys for Kids

Look for all this stuff secondhand! I scored a great deal on a dollhouse in perfect condition plus a huge bunch of Barbies. Around and after Halloween is a great time to look for dress-up clothes.

• Dollhouse – look for these secondhand! Kids are always outgrowing them
• Barbies
• Baby dolls
• Costumes 
• Hot wheels
• Superheros
• Doctor kit
• Vet kit
• Digital camera – in my opinion it’s better to just get an inexpensive real digital camera vs a “kid one”
• Animal figurines – dinosaurs, Little People, robots etc
• Play food for restaurants – Mine love to get new sets and then still use our play kitchen as well
• Ice Cream shop

A few more ideas for the kitchen:

• The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs is my favorite kids cookbook.
• The Big Fun Kids Baking Book is also a good one. The recipes are loaded with butter and sugar, but also delicious. And there’s a fun section for fake-out cakes. We made the grilled cheese one!

Whew! There you go. Hope that helps give you some ideas. Would love to hear your favs in the comments.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Looking for small businesses to support? Here are 50+ ideas that have amazing gifts for all occasions and make it easy to shop small!

*Originally published Nov 2020. Updated Oct 2023*

This is the one gift guide I published in 2020 so I worked hard to make it a good one. As I continue to make an effort to step away from Amazon and support small businesses and local businesses for my gift-giving, I’ve come up with a list of 50+ amazing small businesses to support that I can’t wait to share with you guys. Some of them are local to Columbus or Ohio, some of them are Black-owned, minority-owned or women-owned, some I found through word of mouth, some on Etsy and many I’ve purchased from already!

Several people asked me how to find small businesses and local businesses to support. Here are a few ways:

1. Search Etsy! They’re great for small businesses in general but they also have great filters so you can filter results by a specific state or city, Black-owned shops, etc.
2. Search local hashtags – Get on Instagram and search some of the local hashtags for your area to find local businesses. Once you find some you like, follow them! They’re often really good about sharing and collaborating with other local businesses so that will help you find more.
3. Ask in a Facebook group – There are always a few people in every Facebook group who are in the know about all things small businesses and local!
4. Search your city’s website for a list of shops. You can also check your Chamber of Commerce website.
5. Use Google! Oftentimes local papers, magazines and bloggers put together shop guides or gift guides that can be a great starting place.
6. If you’re looking for a certain toy, perhaps one you find on Amazon, seek out a few local toy stores and see if they have it. If they don’t, call them and see if they’d be willing to order it for you! If you have a more general toy like stacking cubes or dolls, search on Etsy and see what options are available!

And now, in no particular order, here are some awesome small businesses to check out. I highly encourage you to spend time clicking through and exploring their websites. I chose one photo from each site for the collages but their sites have so much more worth seeing! Some of these are Etsy shops and are affiliate links. That means I earn a small amount of money if you shop through them at no additional cost to you!

If you need gift ideas, check out my previous gift guides and then search for those ideas on these small business sites:

• Gifts for Busy Moms
• Kids Gift Ideas {ages 4-7}
• Toddler Gift Ideas {ages 1-3}
• Best Toys for Multiple Ages
• Best Gifts for Husbands
• Best Gifts for In-laws & Parents

50 Small Businesses To Support

Shown above:

1. LoreleiVella – Personalized kitchenware, jewelry and more. I got my kids personalized silicone spatulas for Christmas this year! (aff link)
2. My Sweet Muffin – gifts for babies and kids. So many cute toys, plus room decor, bibs, party supplies and more. I bought Nolan the Play&Go road mat pictured above. It has a drawstring and you can pull it to turn the mat into a storage bag for toys!
3. Cate and Levi – Handcrafted, eco-friendly toys. They have the cutest puppets, as well as sew-your-own stuffed animal kits. I got the dog for a winter project to do with Chase!
4. Little Nomad – Kids clothing and toys plus shoes, books and even clothes for women.
5. Flux Imagery – The most whimsical watercolor art and planners. I bought the fairy pictured above for Lyssie’s room. Erika also offers painting and drawing courses on SkillShare.
6. Cookie Society – Giant, delicious cookies delivered straight to your door! So many flavor options. Marissa also has an amazing food blog – First and Full.
7. Kido – Toys, books and clothes for kids.
8. The Fresh Dolls – A diverse line of multicultural dolls for all kids.
9. Goose Grease – A fair trade company that makes handmade wooden peg dolls. They offer painted sets, DIY kits, custom families and cake toppers.

Shown above:

1. Jamison and Bexley – A local Columbus kids clothing shop. I connected with Jen the owner, who lives near me! And we bonded over our experience with challenging 3-year-olds The clothes in her shop are adorable! (Shopping through my aff link will save you 10%)
2. Wright Kitchen – My mom got me one of her photo books for Christmas last year. I’m obsessed with all her prints. So bright, colorful and amazing using food. She also makes them into puzzles!
3. Treasures from Jennifer – Artisan-crafted, all-natural toys, educational tools, and decor. A friend recommended the bow and arrow shown above and said it’s high quality and easy for her boys to use. I immediately bought one for Chase bc he’s been asking for the past two years.
4. Semicolon Book Store – Black-owned women-owned bookstore in Chicago but you can always shop online! Here’s a list of Black-owned independent bookstores by state if you want to find one local to you!
5. Tab Knits – Handmade backpacks, purses and pouches. I loved one of her wristlets and asked her if she could turn it into a crossbody for me and she did and it’s wonderful. Perfect for just holding a few cards and cash since I leave the house infrequently and don’t need a big purse. (aff link)
6. Sarah + Abraham – Personalized kids’ plates, cups, placemats and stationary items.
7. MKoby Art – – I just love her art- people and landscapes. Melissa is so talented. I have the print pictured above in my office and have my eye on the Sunset one for my bedroom. (aff link)
8. Game Day Feels – Bracelets, mask chains, key chains, dog tags and more made from baseball glove lace. I bought a bracelet a few years ago and it broke and I just replaced it last week! You can put your own quote on it or choose one of theirs. Mine says “Life is about moments. Don’t wait for them, create them.”
9. Magic Beans – Based in Boston, they sell all things baby – car seats, strollers, high chairs, bottles, baby monitors but also have a great toy selection!

Shown above:

1. Dig & Co – Sweet supplies for outdoor adventures, garden and kitchen tools, art supplies and more. I love the acorn matching game pictured above as well as the kangaroo pillows!
2. Grace Personalized – Their custom name jewelry is beautiful but I’m in love with their actual handwriting and fingerprint jewelry. I asked my parents for a handwriting bracelet last year and it turned out so well (aff link)
3. More Than Peach Project Started by a 9-year-old. Multi-cultural crayons. The perfect addition to your art supplies.
4. Puzzle Huddle – Childrens puzzles featuring diverse characters. They start at 15 pieces and go up to 200 pieces for several skill levels!
5. Red Giraffe Designs – Local to Columbus. Handmade jewelry. I have my eye on the long hammered bar earrings pictured above.
6. Native PRINTcess – Gorgeous handmade catchalls and jewelry dishes. I got for one for Christmas (aff link)
7. Lovely Grain Studio – Personalized signs, home decor etc. Or turn your kid’s handwriting into a sign. Did this last year and it was a big hit with both sets of grandparents. (aff link)
8. Mariya Eleanor Designs – One-of-a-kind yarn tapestries. So obsessed with these. Mariya is so talented.
9. LaurelBox – Heartfelt sympathy gifts for those grieving. Choose a curated box or make your own for someone you know grieving a miscarriage, loss of a spouse, battling infertility and more.

Shown above:

1. Little Lily Shop – Mess-free pretend makeup. I got some for Lyssie last Christmas and it’s held up so well! (aff link)
2. Learning Express Toys and Gifts – Several central Ohio stores. It’s a franchise but my father-in-law knows the owners of the Worthington and New Albany locations. You can shop online or find a branch local to you. Tons of toy options for kids.
3. EcoVibe Style – – Recently found this shop and immediately ordered 2 Christmas presents from them. An awesome collection of apparel, home decor, plants, gardening supplies, pillows, kitchenware, furniture and more.
4. Collisionware – Adorable oven mitts and finger mitts. I bought some for my kids this year. (aff link)
5. Dope Coffee – If you have a coffee lover in your life, the holidays are a great time to help them test out a new brand!
6. ElemenOPillows – If you need pillow covers, Karen is your lady! She’s a family friend and makes great pillow covers in pretty much any fabric you could ever want. (aff link)
7. Planthropy – Local to Columbus. The coolest living moss wall art.
8. ARCHd – Homemade decor on wood and marble. I love their wood art.
9. Wildflower Art Studio – DIY Kits that teach you how to do fun things like watercolor, hand lettering, calligraphy and more! (aff link)

Shown above:

• The Bee & The Fox – Vintage graphic tees with fun sayings, keychains, socks and more.
• Avryn & Co – Amazing wrislets and card wallets. Super stylish and come in tons of colors. I love mine!
• Custom Acrylic US – custom signs that would be great for small business owners, friends and family! (aff link)
• Darlify – Personalized pretty things like cups, bookmarks and more. (aff link)
• Created Colorful – Gift a friend a consult to learn what colors work best from them so they can choose clothes that make them look great!
• Mo News – If you have a news-loving friend, gift a premium membership to Mo News!
• Wild Lettie – Greeting cards, cute outdoor gear, accessories and more! I have my eye on one of the hip packs.
• House Of Metalworks – All kinds of beautiful handmade jewelry! I would love one of the fidget rings to play with. (aff link)
• Good Mornings by Steph – super cute earrings and other goodies. She only stocks her Etsy shop the last weekend of the month so follow on Instagram to stay up to date! (aff link)

Two others I love that only do very limited runs but still worth checking out Ettavee and Harper Iman Dolls!

In 2022 I added a few more Etsy shops I’ve purchased from over the last couple of years:

•  The Leather Store – I treated myself to a new leather backpack that fits my laptop so I can easily take it along to work at the kids’ sports practices etc and I love it so much. (aff link)
• Cutting Edge Boston – Last year I got my dad a stemless wineglass with a photo of my youngest engraved on it and it was a huge hit! (aff link)
• Palmetto Wood Shop LLC – We got my FIL a new pocketknife engraved with GRANDPA and it was beautiful! (aff link)
• Make It Snappy – We have 3 of these folding card holders. The kids can put their cards in them when we’re playing games and not have to worry about holding them all in their little hands. And then they fold flat when you want to store them! (aff link)
• Wild Clementine Co – (TEMPORARILY CLOSED) I got my mom one of her reusable bowl covers a couple years ago and it’s so pretty. Great for covering bread dough, pizza dough etc while it rises!
• Vitrage Art Souvenirs – I got my mom and MIL these stained glass hummingbirds and they are gorgeous. You can stick them in a vase with flowers or in a potted plant. And they have tons of other pretty stained glass. Made in Ukraine and shipped super quickly and were well packed. (aff link)
• LitoCraft – My daughter drew a picture and this company turned it into a coffee mug for my husband for his birthday. It turned out so well! (aff link)
• TobeTote – I got my friend’s girls customized tote bags last Christmas and they were a big hit. Super cute and customizable.

If you’re buying board games for people, consider searching for a local game store. Guard Tower is one local to Columbus but you can probably find one in your area! If you’re looking for game suggestions for kids at different ages, follow my friend Danielle @boardgamebabies on Instagram or check out her blog.

Happy shopping!
–Lindsay–

Looking for elementary school birthday gifts for the next party your child gets invited to? Here are some of our go-to gifts!

Hi friends!

School is back in session and for us that tends to mean a fair number of birthday party invites. Now that my kids are in elementary school and we’ve been to a few years of parties, I wanted to round up a list of some of our go-to present ideas.

I know the amount of money spent on gifts varies by family so I’ve tried to include a varitey of price points. Some gifts are up to $30 – maybe something you would gift a close friend, while others are under $10 and a great choice for a school classmate you may not know all that well. Most are around $15 – $20.

I’ve tried to provide a link for each option but remember that there are tons of different brands out there and that often things go on sale throughout the year. If you find a gift you like and are able to, stocking up on a couple of them when they go on sale can be a great option!

Or if you see an idea you like, but it’s too expensive, try searching for a different brand!

This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list…just 25 or so of our favorite ideas to get those gift-giving creative juices flowing.

If you need more gift guides, check out:

• Kids Gift Ideas {ages 4-7}
• Small Business Gift Guide
• Gift Ideas for Babies & New Moms {Baby’s First Year}
• Toddler Gift Ideas {Ages 1-3}
• Kitchen Tools For Kids
• Best Toys for Multiple Ages

So here we go! The links below are affiliate links which means if you purchase using them I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Arts and Crafts Birthday Gifts

• Watercolor Paints
• Perler Beads
• Paint by Sticker
• Friendship Bracelet Kit
• Rainbow Loom
• Glitter Pens + cute notebook
• Puffy Paint + a plain t shirt/canvas bag
• Tie Dye Kit + plain white shirt/bag/pillowcase

Games & Books Birthday Gifts

• A puzzle – we like 300-500 piece options like this one!
• Qwixx
• Sleeping Queens (or another card game) + Card holder
• Outfoxed
• Pokemon Deluxe Book + cards
• Book Light + chapter book (This list has ideas!)
• Pop – It Pro Game – or any other pop-it!

Imagination & Active Birthday Gifts

• Boogie Board
• Marble Run
• Razor Scooter
• Stomp Rocket
• Outdoor Explorers Kit – or just some binoculars/magnifying glass and/or bug catcher
• Remote Control Car – we love this Hover 1 Tornado car
• Reusable Water Balloons
• Melissa and Doug vet set
• Princess Dressup Reuseable Stickers
• Small Lego set – we love these 3 in 1 Lego sets

Other Birthday Ideas

• A gift card to local businesses – ice cream, mini golf, arcade, art studio, etc.
• Squishmallow – tons of different size and character options
• Notebook + markers + water bottle stickers. Buy this pack and include a few in each gift for the year!
• Pencil pouch with their initial on it

Share your favorite birthday gifts to give in the comments below!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

These Kitchen Tools For Kids are perfect for introducing children to the kitchen. Let them get creative, have fun and develop healthy eating habits from a young age!

*Originally published 11/2017. Updated 6/2021*

Hi friends!

Today I’m sharing my favorite kid’s cooking utensils! As most of you know, spending time in the kitchen with my kids is one of my favorite things to do. I started bringing both my kids into the kitchen with me at a very young age. They were both up on their learning tower helping me from about 14 months on.

Lots of you ask me what tools I use in the kitchen with my kids so I thought I’d put together a guide with some kid’s cooking tools that are nice to have on hand for your little helpers! Some of these are brands I love while others are just general ideas and many brands make similar products.

Teaching Kids to Cook

Once you have the tools, the next step is checking out my Ultimate Guide to Teaching Kids to Cook! I have a huge list of kitchen tasks for toddlers, everything from dumping and stirring to using the salad spinner!

Don’t underestimate how much kids can do in the kitchen from a young age. Every chance to practice builds their confidence and soon they’ll be cooking full meals like my six-year-old does!

If your kids are visual learners, we have a whole website dedicated to kids cooking with videos for each recipe! Check out Let The Kids Cook for more!

What To Bake With Kids

If you’re not sure what to make, I’ve got you covered there too! Here are some of my favorite Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes. Most of them use a food processor which is easy for kids to use and they’re all healthy muffins and bars that will help your kids make nutritious snacks they love!

Kitchen Tools For Kids – Cooking Tools They Can Use

All of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. That means if you choose to purchase something by clicking my link, I get to keep a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Lean Green Bean!

Learning Tower

Once kids can stand comfortably for a while, a learning tower is great to have! They can stand right at the counter to help but are a bit more secure than being on just a chair or barstool. Just watch the younger ones closely though because if they sit or fall down they can definitely fall out through the sides or back.

You can buy add-ons as well. We bought the easel to add to the back of ours. It not only makes the back solid, it also adds a magnetic dry-erase board and a felt board. Little Partners also makes activity boards for the back!

• Little Partners Learning Tower
• Learning Tower Easel
• Explore and Store Learning Tower (smaller option)

Knives

I get asked all the time about what knives my kids use. We have used three different types and liked all of them. I start all my kids with Curious Chef.

Next, we moved to the smaller serrated ones. I love Foost. It’s basically like a pumpkin carving knife and is smaller and I think it’s easier for them to handle as they start to cut firmer fruits and vegetables.

The last one we use is Opinel. It’s basically a real chef knife but the right size for kid hands. Around this same time, I also started letting my oldest use paring knives and some of our normal kitchen knives.

• Curious Chef
• Foost
• Opinel

Kitchen Gift Set

If they’re really excited about cooking and you’re looking to get several tools all at once, a gift set might be a great solution.

• Tovla Kitchen and Baking Kids Set
• 13 Piece Montessori Set
• WeeSprout Kids Cooking & Baking Set

Peeler

My son started out using a regular peeler and never had any issues but some people like the palm peeler better because it fits better in little hands. It’s up to you!

• Regular Peeler
• Palm Peeler

Measuring Cups

Skip the colorful plastic ones and go for metal. Trust me, they last longer! These magnetic ones make for easy storage. 

• Measuring Cups 

Cookie Scoop

Definitely one of our most used tools. Cookie baking is a great way to introduce kids to the kitchen. This tool also helps them work on their coordination and grip strength.

And they’re not just for cookies! You can also use it to scoop batter into muffin tins.

• OXO Cookie Scoop

Mixing Bowls with Non-Slip Base

Having bowls with a non-slip bottom is crucial! This set actually has accompanying lids which is nice because some kitchen projects may need to get put on hold for tantrums, naps, etc. I actually prefer a glass mixing bowl but it took me a while to work up the courage to trust my kids with my favorite.

However once they’re a little older, a glass mixing bowl with a handle it my favorite!

• Kitchenaid Non-Slip Mixing Bowls
• OXO Stainless Non-Slip Mixing Bowls
• Glass mixing bowl

Mixing Utensils

Things like stirring, whisking and brushing are perfect beginner kitchen tasks.

• Silicone kitchen utensils

Spiralizer

A spiralizer is a fun way to get kids excited about veggies! Let them pick the veggie and choose what thickness to cut them.

The Inspiralzer brand is my favorite because it suctions really well to the counter so the kiddos can focus on spinning the handle. However I don’t think it’s being made anymore so you could try this OXO one!

• OXO Spiralizer

Grater

These are fairly sharp so watch kids closely when using them. Ones like this with a built-in box can help minimize the mess. It also has non-slip feet which is nice!

• OXO Box Grater

Small Non-Slip Cutting Board

Are you sensing a theme here with the non-slip idea? Get them their own small cutting board so they can chop right alongside you!

• Cutting Board

Veggie Scrubber

Another great tool for simple kitchen task that even young toddlers can handle!

• Veggie Scrubber

Salad Spinner 

Making salads is a great task for kids. They can tear the lettuce, spin it dry, and peel and chop some veggies all by themselves

• Large Salad Spinner
• Small Salad Spinner

Cookie Cutters

Cookie cutters make baking more fun and are good to have on hand for rainy days, holiday baking, etc!

• Cookie Cutters

Salad dressing shaker

If you like to make your own sauces or dressings, these are handy to have! Let the kids help add all the ingredients and then have fun shaking them up!

A mason jar with a lid works great also!

• Salad Dressing Maker

Ziploc Bag Holder

If you make freezer meals, especially chop and dump style meals to stock your freezer for the slow cooker, these are handy.

They hold a ziploc bag upright and open so kids can help add stuff to the bag.

• Ziploc Bag Holder

Silpat

These are great for baking but can also be great to use on the counter when rolling out various doughs, kneading bread dough etc.

• Silpat

Mini Rolling Pin

Full-size rolling pins can be tough for kids to manage. Get them a mini one and give them their own section of dough to work with.

• Mini Rolling Pin

Crinkle Cutter

Anything to make veggies more fun! Let kids cut veggies like potatoes, zucchini, cucumbers and carrots into fun crinkle strips.

• Crinkle Cutter

Silicone Muffin Tins

I also love these silicone muffin tins for easy, no-stick baking!

• Silicone Muffin Tins

————

That’s all for now! I’m sure there are some things I forgot.

Any of these would make a great gift! Want more gift ideas? Check out my Gift Guide for Toddlers (Ages 1-3) or Kid Gift Ideas {Ages 4-7}.

Let’s chat!

Do you cook with your kids? What are your favorite tools?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

After three kids, here are my all-time favorite gifts for Babies, Toddlers and Moms! These are my most used items for everyday life and would make great choices for gifts, baby registries and more.

Hi friends!

I wanted to share my all-time favorite gifts with you guys. In case you missed any my previous gift guides, you can check them out below:

• Small Business Gift Guide
• Kid Gift Ideas {Ages 4-7}
• Gift Ideas for Babies & New Moms {Baby’s First Year}
• Toddler Gift Ideas {Ages 1-3}
• Kitchen Tools For Kids
• Best Toys for Multiple Ages
• Gifts For New Moms
• Gift Ideas for Buys Moms
• Best Gifts For Husbands
• Best Gifts For In-Laws (or Parents)

*Originally posted 11/2019. Updated 11/2023.*

Some of you have asked what my absolute favorites are. I tried to make my previous guides very robust with lots of options at different price points but if I was really going to boil it down to my very favorite things, I could pretty easily pick my top 10 favorites in a few categories.

So, I rounded up my favorites for baby’s first year, the toddler years (mostly ages 2-4) and my current mama favs that I use almost daily. So here are my all-time favorite gifts for babies, toddlers and moms.

Some of the links below are affiliate links from Amazon and other places. That means that if you purchase through them, I earn a small amount at no additional cost to you! Thanks for supporting The Lean Green Bean.

All-Time Favorite Gifts

All-time favorite newborn items

1. Ergo Adapt – Hands down my favorite baby carrier. I have three of them and used them with all three kids. I love the adapt bc you don’t need an infant insert.
2. UpSimples Swaddle Blankets – These are THE softest blankets. Great for swaddling, spit up, lovies, cold weather covering, etc.
3. Lectrofan Sound Machine – A good sound machine is a must-have. I have this one in several rooms.
4. Newborn to Toddler Rocker – I used the rock and play with all three, but since it was recalled, this is my next most-used chair. It got plenty of use with all three as well.
5. Boogin’ Head Pacifier Clip & Zutano Booties – If baby takes a pacifier, boogin’ head is a must to keep from loosing them. But only one of mine really took a paci so I’d also recommend the booties. 
6. Gootensil – The perfect first utensil. Easy to load and great for them to practice with or just chew on when teething.
7. B’apron Baby – The best bib. It goes over the shoulders and ties in the back so they can’t yank it off their neck.
8. Summer Infant Popup Playyard – We used this ALL the time when we owned a gym while my oldest was a baby. Even now we use it in our living room to keep the baby away from the big kids when they’re building, doing train tracks etc. They have a newer model with a sun shade which is great for outside.
9. Laugh and Learn Table – All my kids have loved this. You can put it on the floor without the legs when they’re little and it’s great when they start to stand. Even my big kid still play with it!
10. Sit to stand walker – Another one that’s been highly used with all three kids when learning to walk!

Check out my Baby’s First Year Gift Guide here.

All-time favorite toddler gifts

1. Wooden train tracks – My oldest was non-stop trains from ages 1-3. Most of the brands work together so snag them on sale and build your collection.
2. Anything that encourages open-ended play and has more than one use: trucks/cars +babies/stuffed animals – great for any age. They don’t have to be fancy…the simpler the better so they can use their imagination
3. Play tools and doctor kit and vet set – our three most used “pretend” sets
4. Play kitchen – all my kids have loved this from age 1 and it’s still being use by my 9 year old
5. Duplos – skip the mega blocks big builders and just get Duplos. Big enough for 1-year-olds and my kids used them until they were 4 or 5 before switching to smaller sets.
6. Nugget – Great pretty much as soon as they start crawling but I’d say 2.5 or so is about the time mine started using on their own without needing parent help to set it up and move it around. Big hit from ages 3-6 and still being used by my older kids as well to make forts, cars and more.
7. Magnatiles and/or wooden blocks – Blocks are great for any age. Magnatiles are one of my favorite gifts for 2nd birthday because my kids started using them independently around 2.5. My 9 year old still builds castles etc for his army men with them. Get the 100 pack. Several of them. Just trust me
8. Scooter – Tricycles are great but if you only want to buy one, I’d go with a scooter for ages 2+. My daughter mastered it around 2.5 and with practice probably could have been good at it even younger.
9. Ultimate fort builder – easy to snap together but if you want to build some of the designs they suggest, you have to position the connectors a certain way so ages 3-4 might be a better age to start if no older siblings
10. Art supplies/playdough/water table/sensory bins – check this post for a list of our most used supplies

Find all my favorite Toddler Gift Ideas here.

All-time favorite gifts for kids ages 4-7

If your kids are no longer toddlers, I have lots of toy ideas for kids ages 4-7 here:

Kids Gifts Ideas – Ages 4-7

Mom Favs

1. Able purse – Hands down my favorite crossbody purse. I have 3 of various sizes and love them all.
2. Yeti Coffee Mug – To keep your coffee hot and also minimize spills and potential burns from little hands that are grabbing for your mug.
3. Stitch Fix – Since going shopping is hard! I also love my Lululemon Dance Studio Pants.
4. Slippers – On my feet every day for fall, winter and spring.
5. Pop Socket– A must-have for your phone.
6. Audible or Kindle Unlimited membership- When I have the time and energy to read for fun, this comes in handy for access to a lot of books and Audible makes it easy to listen to books while doing other things.
7. Food processor – Instant Pot – Air Fryer – Nutribullet : My four most used kitchen appliances.
8. Heating Pad – For all your mom aches and pains and also to make your bed warm and cozy.
9. Birkenstock Mayari – My go-to shoe all summer long. Stylish, comfortable and long lasting.
10. Dumbbells – You can get a great workout, even in your living room, with a good pair of dumbbells. 
11. Shark Hair Dryer – Saves so much time drying my hair
12. Airpods – Cannot live without them!

Find all my favorite Gift Ideas For Busy Moms here.

So there you go! I’m sure I forgot something but this should get you started!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–