I can hardly believe this is my third go at a holiday gift guide. Every year, the process becomes overwhelming and every year I vow to simplify.
But here’s the problem: it can’t be simplified.
And that’s because you can’t buy your way into my gift guide. Every single product that comes through our front doors is carefully reviewed and judged using the kind of criteria that’s important to parents and kids. Is it well-priced (or if it’s expensive, will it offer good price-per-use)? Is it easy to get out of the box and set up? Are batteries included? Does it have long-term like-ability and play-ability? Is it multidimensional or offer more than one play or learning experience? Is it high quality and durable?
Obviously, every product isn’t going to answer all of those questions, but they need to answer more than just one.
All said and done, this process takes months; and this year, at least 25 per cent of the products we tested failed to make it into the gift guide for one reason or another. That means everything you see here has the official Mommy Gearest stamp of approval.
My third-annual holiday gift guide is divided into two distinct sections: stuff for them, and stuff for you. The order in which gift ideas appear means nothing (you think I’ve got time for that?). I hope my gift guide helps you navigate what’s easily available in major retail stores and the most popular online shopping portals. I didn’t include one-offs, independent or handmade brands this year because they’re often harder to find or take a long time to ship.
Because shopping shouldn’t be a chore — especially holiday shopping! It should be fun. And so should the stuff you’re buying.
Tracey Flattes says
Lego and Lalaloopsie for the kids and the Picture Keeper for me!
Tracey Flattes says
Lego and Lalaloopsie for the kids and the Picture Keeper for me!
Liberty says
Kid List: [1] Frozen Sing Along Edition [2] Lego. My List: Scrabble Electronic Scoring Game
Liberty says
Kid List: [1] Frozen Sing Along Edition [2] Lego. My List: Scrabble Electronic Scoring Game
DebH says
Suncoat Girl Makeup Kit, and FROZEN Sing-Along Edition
DebH says
Suncoat Girl Makeup Kit, and FROZEN Sing-Along Edition
truckerofbc says
my kids
Star Wars: The Clone Wars: The Lost Missions
FROZEN Sing-Along Edition
ME
Picture Keeper PK Pro
truckerofbc says
my kids
Star Wars: The Clone Wars: The Lost Missions
FROZEN Sing-Along Edition
ME
Picture Keeper PK Pro
Elizabeth says
Kid List: Munchkin bathtub crayons, Curiosity Box, and Lunchbox love notes 🙂
My list: Ours cream, Motorola wireless speaker, and looking into the ZClip…
Elizabeth says
Kid List: Munchkin bathtub crayons, Curiosity Box, and Lunchbox love notes 🙂
My list: Ours cream, Motorola wireless speaker, and looking into the ZClip…
Elaine Jasvins says
my kids would love the Motorola speaker and Bananagrams. I would love Tea Forte KATI Tea Brewing Cup
Elaine Jasvins says
my kids would love the Motorola speaker and Bananagrams. I would love Tea Forte KATI Tea Brewing Cup
Karen says
On my kids’ list will be the Suncoat Girl Makeup Kit…because my girls are into sparkle right now…and the sing-along version of Frozen because we love to break into song. For me, I think I would like to try the Ours Anything Balm. I am always looking to try new products that will help sooth my skin from all of the hand washing and cold dry air during the winter.
Mommy Gearest says
Good picks, Karen! And, really, who ISN’T into sparkle?
Karen says
On my kids’ list will be the Suncoat Girl Makeup Kit…because my girls are into sparkle right now…and the sing-along version of Frozen because we love to break into song. For me, I think I would like to try the Ours Anything Balm. I am always looking to try new products that will help sooth my skin from all of the hand washing and cold dry air during the winter.
Mommy Gearest says
Good picks, Karen! And, really, who ISN’T into sparkle?
Lisa (fabfrugalmama) says
Going on the kids’ Christmas gift list: Frozen sing-along edition (because we do it anyway – this just makes it more fun!) and Lego (their favourite!). On my list, I’m including the PictureKeeper… so fab!
Lisa (fabfrugalmama) says
Going on the kids’ Christmas gift list: Frozen sing-along edition (because we do it anyway – this just makes it more fun!) and Lego (their favourite!). On my list, I’m including the PictureKeeper… so fab!
Judy Cowan says
Kids – FROZEN Sing-Along Edition & Star Wars: The Clone Wars: The Lost Missions Mine – Scrabble Electronic Scoring Game
Judy Cowan says
Kids – FROZEN Sing-Along Edition & Star Wars: The Clone Wars: The Lost Missions Mine – Scrabble Electronic Scoring Game
nomnombearinyvr says
On my kid list: Star Wars: The Clone Wars: The Lost Missions DVD and Play-Doh Launch-O-Rama Doh Doh game. On My list: Nintendo 2DS gaming system
Jeannie Lam
nomnombearinyvr says
On my kid list: Star Wars: The Clone Wars: The Lost Missions DVD and Play-Doh Launch-O-Rama Doh Doh game. On My list: Nintendo 2DS gaming system
Jeannie Lam
Suzanne Giroux says
I would choose Fancy Nancy Bountiful Box of Books, Lalaloopsie Tinies Castle and characters. For myself I would choose Philosophy products.
Suzanne Giroux says
I would choose Fancy Nancy Bountiful Box of Books, Lalaloopsie Tinies Castle and characters. For myself I would choose Philosophy products.