Personally, I think that Christmas and any "gift centric" holiday is far more fun and exciting when you have munchkins around. Sadly, my brother and sister in law have failed to reproduce in time for me to have a niece or nephew this year. And, my cousin, who once received all sorts of cool kid stuff from me is now 15...
I question if this obsession is somehow tied to my maternal clock ticking... I am four years away from forty.
Whatever! I do have quite a few friends with little ones and I've been getting my "Christmas Kid" thing out by buying them gifts. I thought I'd share my favorite five "under $20" gifts I've found upon my travels this season:
1) Newborn Holiday Elf Hat
PropsToYou, $18 (free shipping)
Okay, this is just TOO-F-ING-CUTE. It's almost too much to take, it's so cute. I have a "niece from another mother" (via my sister from another mother) who is expecting shortly after the new year, I'm bummed that little Tariq (which is what I'm calling him regardless of what his mom names him) isn't making an appearance in time to rock this cutie-patootie hat.
2) Infant Surprise Three-Pack
New Skool, $28
I know, I know! Under 20... but, technically this qualifies! This is a three-pack, which makes each onesie about $9/each. You get a 3-6, 6-12 and 12-18 onesie in the pack, so your tot can be chillin' and illin' for 18 months New Skool style! These hand printed hip-hop inspired designs are super cool for any kid, there are plenty of designs to choose from. I'm partial to the SF themed designs with the Muni Buses and the BART ticket on the onesie, but my non-CA friends love the DJ headphones designs for both girls and boys... Fo' rizzel!
3) Make Your Own Socktopus
Clarity Miller , $20
How fun is this? I have always love Miller's iconic sock monkey designs (and wanted one of my very own), I think that this is a present which would be as fun for the crafty adult as the crafty kid... I'd personally love to find this under the tree for me!
4) DIY Kids
Princeton Architectural Press, $15
Childhood is a great time to get hooked on doing-it-yourself and crafting. This super easy to follow book is a great gift choice for the intelligent, busy, always with their hands in something kid from second grade to middle school. It will help them unleash their creativity and help you get some peace and quiet (maybe, not guaranteed)!
$20
How can you have Christmas without the Grinch? In my family - even though we kids are all adults - we get "Grinch gear" of some variety or another every year in our stocking. The classic Seuss storybook is a huge part of our family culture, as it is part of many families traditions. Why not get your good girl or boy a cuddly Grinch to snuggle up with while you read the story on Christmas afternoon? Such a GREAT gift!
Check out all the super-sweet finds Kate has made this holiday season on her new website, Je t'aime!