Minimalist Holiday Toy Guide

The holidays are quickly approaching and one thing that always crosses my mind is finding the perfect gifts for my kids. Now more toys isn’t really something my kids need more of. Especially since I’ve been trying to get into more of a minimalist lifestyle. Now if you know me you would probably laugh at me saying that since I would be considered a fine line to hoarder than a minimalist but I swear I’m trying! So when the holidays come around I’m always worried about getting a bunch of toys that my kids don’t really need. So what I’m doing differently this time is to make a gift list of toys that my kids would really love and actually play with for more than five minuets! Disclosure: this post contains some affiliate links. 

I’m trying to move away from a lot of screen time. So for this Christmas I’m all about fun toys that are also great for learning and that will keep my little ones busy for a while or at least long enough to enjoy some much-needed mommy time!

Lately I’ve been obsessed with wooden toys. Something nostalgic about it I guess plus it’s the hottest toy trend in Europe right now.

All of these toys are great and encourage creative learning. They provide tons of entertainment while learning and that is just what I’m looking for!

Fat Brain Toys Wooden Personalized Name Puzzle

What a fun way for your little one to have fun while learning how to spell their name. This wooden personalized name puzzle makes for a special custom gift. Something they can keep and even makes great decor item when not being played with.

JOYCAT Large Wooden Shape Sorter

This Wooden Shape Sorter has so many different games to keep your little one entertained. Teaches great shape and color sorting skills. My kids love anything with wheels. They get a kick out of watching toys roll.

Melissa & Doug Geometric Stacker

Stackers have always been a must have toy for little ones. I’m loving this Geometric Stacker in particular because of the shapes and colors. I love that it give three poles to stack on providing more fun compared to the usual one.

Grimm’s 6-Piece Rainbow Stacker

There’s a cult following with these Grimm Rainbow Stackers. Not only does it make for adorable shelf decor but it really is a great fun take to regular stacking blocks. The shapes and fun that your little one can have with this is endless . This is a toy that you know will last from kid to kid!

Wooden Race Track Car Ramp Racer With 4 Mini Cars

Another fun wooden toy that your kids would love to play with is this wooden Race Track Car Ramp Racer. I’ve seen this toy all over Europe and fell in love with it. The size is perfect. Not too big and not too small. My daughter really loves playing with this toy.

Melissa & Doug Latches Wooden Activity Board

This is something I wish I came up with! This Latches Wooden Activity Board is a perfect busy board for little ones. My kids are always trying to play with these items and now they can have a board where can play safely. I expect many hours of entertainment!

Melissa & Doug Wooden Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter

One of my daughter’s favorite toys is her kitchen. I’m always looking for fun and beautiful wooden food items to add to her kitchen. This Wooden Ice Cream Set is too sweet to pass up.

Toyk Aqua Magic Mat – Kids Painting Writing Doodle Board

My little artists loves to draw. I go through so much paper! I knew there had to be another way. I was so happy when I found this Doodle Board! It has saved me a lot of mess too which I appreciate. I love how the kids can’t draw on the floor or walls with these markers. Its clean easy fun which I absolutely love and recommend. If you have a little artist then don’t think twice about purchasing this Doodle Board!

8 Piece Tegu Pocket Pouch Magnetic Wooden Block Set

As a busy mom it’s always important to have entertainment for kids at all times. When we are eating out or traveling (which we absolutely love to do even with kids!) I highly suggest having a fun toy they can play with and that will promote creativity. These Tegu Blocks are AMAZING! They have provided so much entertainment during eating out at restaurants and even on planes! I love hat they are magnetic so you don’t have to worry about having all these pieces falling all over the place.

Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Clock

I’m a home school mom which I love! So for the holidays I like to get a few educational toys that we can use for school time. This Sorting Clock is such a great way to introduce your little one to clocks and telling time. I love learning through play! Nothing better than having them learn by having fun!

Fat Brain Toys Dimpl

I just purchased Dimpl Toy for our upcoming holiday travels and now its a toy that both my 1-year-old and 5-year-old love playing with. You “pop” the bubbles to the other side. Even I’ve been playing with it! It’s pretty addicting and for the price you won’t want to pass up on this fun toy! This is going to be a hit!

Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set

Staying on my “keep them entertained” topic, here is another super fun small toy that your kids will love! I found out about Squigz from a good friend whose kids absolute love this toy. I love the size of the pieces (I love taking a few in my diaper bag!) and the giggles I hear when my littles play with them! This starter set is really all you need and its a perfect size for a stocking stuffer!

Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Solid Colors Set

These Magna-Tiles are by far one of the most requested toys right now! I didn’t really see the appeal until I tried them out! Next thing I knew I was buying a set for my kids! They are so much fun! My eldest wants to be an engineer so anything with building and creating is her favorite. These tiles can get pretty expensive for the larger sets but I can see why. The quality is great too. I love watching my little one get so creative and see how excited she is to show me each creation!

Melissa & Doug Disney Minnie Mouse Magnetic Dress-Up Wooden Doll Pretend Play Set

If your kids love dress up then check out this adorable Wooden Dress-Up Set! Now this isn’t the paper dress up you might have remembered from growing up. These are wooden and the quality is great! My daughter absolutely loves hers. The outfits are super cute too. This is a perfect gift for a little budding fashionista and the price is great too!!!

Mega Bloks Big Building Bag

This is a staple for anyone with little babies! My 5-year-old will still play with hers and that makes me so happy! I’m not a huge fan of legos because I’ve stepped on too many so I love these Mega Bloks! It’s so fun watching little ones great creative. It’s all about having fun while learning and they will do just that with these Mega Bloks!

Pinkfong Baby Shark Sound Book

I promise I won’t sing the song! If your little ones are as obsessed with this song as mine are then they are going to love this Baby Shark Book! It’s also the number one selling baby food right now! I know I should suggest ear plugs for the adults but they are only little for so long! I say let them enjoy the songs they love! And the simple on their faces when they play with this book is worth everything!!

LeapFrog AlphaPup

Another fun educational toy kids love! This LeapFrog AlphaPup is one of my favorite toys! First of all its just adorable!  I always find my self singing along with the songs. I really think this helped my daughter pick up her ABC’s as quickly as she did!

Disney Princess Necklace Activity Set Necklace Set

If your little one loves Disney Princesses and wants to get creative then this Necklace Activity Set is a must have! The price is right and your little princess will have so much fun making necklaces. I also love tats it’s a great practice for motor skill. Also the little princess charms are just too cute! Would also make for a fabulous stocking stuffer!

Educational Insights Hot Dots Jr. Beginning Phonics Card Set

This is a go to item for helping your kids learn and start their journey to reading and writing! This makes learning fun! We used it as part of our home school lessons and she absolutely loves doing these HOT DOTS! The whole line is great. So many different learning materials.

Melissa & Doug Examine and Treat Pet Vet Play Set

If your little ones loves playing doctor then this Pet Vet Toy Set is the cutest! They provided you with a lot of items to help your little one be the best vet they can be! I love the bag it comes with. Everything can be nicely put away when they are don’t playing.

BUCKLE TOY “Buster”

Keeping those little hands busy is so important especially when we are out and about. This Buckle Toy is perfect for the little ones that love playing with buckles! This toy seriously keep my little one so busy! She gets a kick out of it when she can open them! I was so happy I purchased this!

LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical Table

This Musical Table is one of my favorites! My almost year old loves playing with this table. It provides many hours of entertainment which makes this mama very happy!. She loves all the colors and sounds. So many buttons for them to press! It’s so cute to watch her dancing to it! It’s also great standing practice for her.

LeapFrog Musical Rainbow Tea Set

My eldest received this Musical Rainbow Tea Set for a Christmas gift when she was 2 years old and this adorable tea set still gets played with all the time It was also a great way for her to learn her colors. One of my favorite gifts to give!

LeapFrog Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart

Encouraging play and pretend is so important and special. Not only is this Ice Cream Cart adorable but I know my little ones will enjoy playing with it for a long time. My one year old and my 5-year-old both enjoy playing with this Ice Cream Cart. My 5-year-old “runs her own” ice cream stand while my youngest just loves playing with all the colorful ice cream tops. I really love to get toys that bot kids will enjoy and can play with.

LeapFrog My Pal

There’s nothing quite like this adorable snuggly LeapFrog My Pal that knows your name and your favorite things! I always ended watching the amazement in my little ones eyes when she would hear Violet say her name or say how she loves bananas just like my little one! I also loved the night-time music. You get to really customize this toy making it more unique and special which is something I just love!

**Do you have a Christmas Eve Tradition? One of my favorite Christmas Eve Traditions is the Christmas Eve Box. You can check out all about why it has become one of our favorite traditions!Its a super easy and fun tradition to start that will create some very special memories!**

As a busy mom of two little ones I can get pretty overwhelmed! Finding the time to shop for holiday items can get pretty crazy. My go to is Amazon! We are Prime members and it has seriously changed the way I shop. I love that I can order items and have it arrive in two days! That is huge for this busy mama! I also love that I can read reviews on items I want to get. right now Amazon has a free 30 day trial for their Prime program. You also get access to Amazon Prime Video which is also my favorite! I used to be a netflix girl but the selection on Amazon Prime is so much better! Learn more about all the benefits of Amazon Prime and I’m sure you will be just as addicted as I am!

Disclosure: this post contains some affiliate links. I only recommend products that I truly like.