An Alternative Mom’s Mindful Guide to Christmas: AMAZON LIST FOR KIDS!

It’s that time of year where toy catalogs start to mysteriously end up in our mailboxes, the kids start making their Christmas lists, and everyone starts shopping. The holiday’s have arrived and the stress has begun. Tis’ the season of busy and burnout - insert long sigh here!

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Tis' the Season: Shopping for your little ones!

I can’t believe that I’m already putting together my gift guide for the little ones whose faces light up each and every Christmas morning! Ya know, the gifts that have them buried elbows deep in toylandia! Every year personally gets harder for me to shop. I have a high schooler who is in every extracurricular activity humanly possible and with homeschooling the two younger kids during the day makes it almost impossible to get out and shop. Not to mention my level of exhaustion (shhhhh...mom's aren't allowed to be exhausted...don't tell my secret).

Duh: Amazon!

While the season brings the family together for joy and cheers - I feel it’s safe to say getting our kiddos new toys and gadgets (something they really want) brings so much joy.

Something new we’re doing this year and with transparency, pretty sure I’m late to the party…Amazon List’s! Duh - create a list for each child, share with relatives/grandparents, leave no second guessing and never ending texts asking what Child A and Child B have and don't have already. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love shopping small business and support often in my local community. This is just an extra resource for when you need a break from all the running around or just an excuse to gain some online shopping gratification (shhhhh...your secrets safe with me, the power of the buy button and add to cart is real).

Has anyone found shopping for grade school aged children difficult or is it just me? The toy catalogs are just freakin' gigantic and overwhelming! I can't even make it through the door with the mail before one of my little ones spots it a mile away...how do I know one might ask, well the shrieks and howls like a classic halloween sounds tape doesn't give it away at all! Let's not even mention taking the kids to good old Target around this time (or let alone any freakin time) it's a battle I'm not willing to lose!

Remember, peace and joy peace and joy...peace and freakin joy! I'm telling you now, get those Amazon lists together and blast those suckers out to family and friends. You'll thank me later!

Get that Amazon List started and HAPPY SHOPPING MAMA!

30 GIFT IDEAS FOR THE KIDS! AGES 5-12:

Classic Legos: They take us back to our childhood and are such a great way to bond with our little ones while providing hours of play time! A convenient storage case is an instant win for our household, one less thing I have to buy separately. Ages 4 and up.

Polly Pocket Owlnite Campsite: Nostalgia round #2. Polly pocket has made it's way back into our lives and I'm here for it. Even though they're a bit larger than we remember and not quite pocket size, they're perfect to toss in a bag or backpack for car rides and have even replaced the tablet in desperate times! The camp theme just fits our love for outdoors and nature! Ages 4 and up.

Playdoh Ultimate Color Collection: Sparkle, Confetti, Metallic... SAY WHAT?! The list goes on in this 65 pack of mini Play-Doh. Small containers make for easy storing and small fingers. Lot's of color options means the sky's the limit in creativity. Small containers are also great to pack on the go. Ages 3 and up.

Gabby's Dollhouse, Purrfect Dollhouse: In our house, Gabby is a fan favorite. Both my daughter and son love the show and play very well with Gabby toys together. A gift over the $50 mark, but well worth it for imaginative play. Includes figures, accessories, and sounds. Ages 3 and up.

Hot Wheels Track Builder: I love Hot Wheels... okay, my kids love Hot Wheels. A classic toy that truly bring the family together to zoom tiny little cars all over the house (yes, all over includes walls LOL). This is an all-in-one gift that's compatible with other Hot Wheels sets and part of the track is a STORAGE BOX! Winning! Ages 6 and up.

Wizarding World Harry Potter Wand: This list wouldn't be right without Harry Potter! My youngest is getting into HP and as a simple starter gift, a wand seems just right. It's a great collection starter or wizard costume accent. Ages 6 and up.

13" Talking Bluey Plush: One word: BLUEY! That's right, a household favorite adults included. One show we can watch on repeat and not get sick of. Sing along to the Bluey theme song and press to talk/interact. Ages 3 and up.

Bravokids 10" Doodle board tablet: Another great gift for on-the-go times or when limiting screen time has kicked in. Allows your little one to get creative in drawing and doodling. I also love to leave sweet notes on them for the next time my little on picks it up. Ages 3 and up.

LEGO Star Wars 2022 Advent Calendar: Start the gift giving early and snag a Star Wars Advent Calendar filled with characters, mini build toy vehicles, and accessories! This is a great way to lift spirits of your little Star Wars fans (or husband). Ages 6 and up.

Kinetic Sand 6lb Mega Mixin' Bag: Contains a variety of 3 different colors. Kinetic Sand is a great sensory toy! When I can tell the kiddos need a break, Kinetic Sand is a go-to for some sensory relief. Endless creativity and imaginative play. Ages 3 and up.

Magic Mixies Magical Misting Crystal Ball: Okay, my youngest is still obsessed with these. Every time she see's them in Target we get the "I want, I need it!" Magic Mixies are entertaining with over 80 sounds and reactions. On the pricier side over $65. Ages 4 and up.

Magna-Tiles Arctic Animals 25 piece set: We love Magna-Tiles!! They are perfect for little hands and allow for hours of frustration free play! Promotes kids mental growth, develops critical thinking skills while kids are learning core STEM concepts. They are compatible with all Magna-Tile sets. Ages 3 and up.

National Geographic Break Open Geodes: This set includes 10 geodes and tools to break them open and put them on display! If you live for hands on learning experiences like us then this checks all the boxes of fun, hands on learning. How exciting is it to break open rocks and find crystals? Ages 8 and up.

Rainbowcorns Sequin Surprise Puppycorn Rescue: A giant egg that pops open to reveal an adorable surprise Puppycorn! Includes 12+ surprise rescue supplies. If your kids love unboxing and quirky surprises...this gift is great for them! Ages 3 and up.

Crayola Light Up Tracing Pad: Comes with colored pencils, paper varieties, and over 100 images to trace. An inspirational gift for your little artists to keep the creativity flowing. Endless possibilities here! Ages 6 and up.

Squashville All-Star Squad: These little ultra soft mini Squashmallows are too stinkin' cute to resist! This is an Amazon exclusive and the diversity in animals included is great! Squashmallows are super trendy and this set includes 12-2" minis cuties! Ages 3 and up.

Hungry Hungry Hippos, Dino Edition: When I start to hear, "I'm boooored" we break out the board games! Board games are perfect for the family to play or to give mom a few minutes to fold some laundry in peace! A classic game with a modern twist because who doesn't love some dino fun! Ages 6 and up.

Monopoly Junior, Bluey Edition: Let me scream is louder... BOARD GAME LOVERS! Yet again, Bluey for the win. Monopoly is a bit hard for the younger ones to understand but with this junior edition, you get the same concepts of taking over the town but simplified. With Bluey and friends at that? It's a big win! Ages 5 and up.

TeeTurtle Reversible Mood Plush: Yup, you heard that right! An adorable plush that let's everyone know your mood without saying a word. A cute sensory toy for stress relief or just adorable to snuggle up with. A viral TikTok sensation!

LOL Suprise Fashion Dolls: LOL Dolls are a favorite in our house, the unboxing satisfaction and mystery of which doll is included is so exciting! Let me throw this disclaimer in there... It becomes an addiction to try and collect them all. Ages 4 and up.

Pokemon TCG Sword & Shield- Lost Origin Booster Bundle: C'mon... who doesn't love a good old Pokemon card pack every now and then? And did you think Pokemon wasn't going to make this list? The nostalgia of Pokemon is real. A fun trading card game for the whole family because I personally believe you're never too old for Pokemon! Ages 6 and up.

CLUE Harry Potter Wizarding World Edition: Another fantastic Harry Potter feature...board game style. A classic board game that is great for the family. Clue is known as a suspenseful "whodunit" game. This version has many fun features that original Clue doesn't have! Ages 8 and up.

TECH DECK Sk8shop Fingerboard Bonus Pack: Tech Deck's are back! Includes 6 fingerboard decks and accessories to customize your own decks. Learn all the tricks and become a pro fingerboarder in no time! Ages 6 and up.

Melissa & Doug Get Well Doctor's Kit: 25-piece play set with realistic pretend play doctor patient care essentials! Comes with a doctor tote to easily store the pieces in. A toy that can help ease the stress of visiting the doctor while teaching comfort, nurturing, and empathy. Ages 3 and up.

Lite Brite Retro Toy: Create art with light on this super nostalgia toy. Use the 12 templates or imagination to create works of art that are illuminated by the back light. Over 240 pieces that come in 6 different colors, the possibilities are limitless! Ages 4 and up.

National Geographic Earth Science Kit: Over 15 science experiments and STEM activities. It's like a mini science lab right in your own home! Hands on learning experience with hours of experiments and fun. High-quality educational toy and easy-to-follow instructions make this kit the perfect gift for your little scientist! Ages 8 and up.

Nerf & Strike Elite Strongarm Toy Blaster: Fast fire 6 darts in a row with this Strongarm blaster that shoots darts up to 90 ft. away! 6 darts are included but I highly recommend getting extra. Nerf is fun for the whole family and an easy way to get every one outside running around! Ages 8 and up.

K’NEX – 35 Model Building Set: 480 classic K'NEX pieces lets your builders get creative with building real movable models. Included is a storage bin that once again provides the perfect clean up solution. Ages 7 and up.

Realistic Jurassic Dinosaur Play Set: Create a Jurassic world right in your very own home. Set includes a Dino Park play mat, 9 dinosaur figures, a storage carrying case, and accessories. Great gift for your little dino lover while stimulating imaginative play. Ages 3 and up.

Walkie Talkies: The absolute perfect adventure toy! Can we all agree that walkie talkies were the -ish back in the day?! Play with siblings and relatives and explore forever! Waterproof, small and light-bodied makes this easy for your kids to use!

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Remember that the holiday season is also a time for balancing yourself. Burning out is super easy around the holidays and finding that time for yourself is important. Don't feel the stress to run out every day after work or sit at your desk scrolling Pinterest endlessly looking for ideas. Take a few moments in the next couple of months to reset your mind frame and remember, it’s okay to only do what your body allows you to!