Holiday Gift Guide: Fun for Kids

Our kids gift guide is here! Let Danielle Lucia Schaffer of City Girl Gone Mom help you pick out the perfect gift for all the kids in your life.

This year we reached out to in-the-know locals, who each have expertise in different genres—from fashion and beauty to garden, design, travel and more—and asked them to share what they’re excited to give. Read on for the insiders’ perspectives on what to buy friends, family, co-workers, hostesses, and anyone else on your list, and why! 

Danielle is the founder and author of City Girl Gone Mom, a super popular lifestyle blog for the modern-day parent, host of “The Mom Confidential” podcast and is a contributor for Today Parents.

Kids Gift Guide by Danielle Lucia Schaffer

BIKER JACKET

In Saddle. $88, at Rylee + Cru

Danielle says: “I am absolutely obsessed with Rylee + Cru. It’s a unique and artistic clothing line geared toward the modern-day child though there’s a vintage feel to the entire line, which I love.”

ANIMAL COLLECTIONS

Prices vary, at Maileg

Danielle says: “To go with those vintage threads from Rylee + Cru, check out Maileg. Maileg creates toys that are cherished and played with by kids of all ages. I also love that they are timeless and could be easily passed down. My favorite is their animal collection.”

Find a variety of miniature animals: rabbits and bunnies, mice, and more. Plus accessories galore, including tiny metal washing machines and kitchens.

THE LIGHTNING THIEF: ILLUSTRATED EDITION
(Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series #1)
by Rick Riordan
(Disney Press, 2018)

$39.99 for hardcover, at Barnes & Noble

Danielle says: “An exceptionally illustrated book perfect for any middle grade kids. The large trim format is perfect for family sharing.”

The New York Times Book Review called this one “Perfectly paced, with electrifying moments chasing each other like heartbeats,” and said, “Harry who?”

MAGNA-TILES
Clear colors 100-piece set

$119.99, at Magna-Tiles

Danielle says: “Made by Valtech, these tiles are where math, science and creativity collide. Both my 6-year-old and 3-year-old are quite obsessed with them, and as a mom, I appreciate their promotion of imaginative play.”

MEDIUM USA PLAY  MAT

in Pretty Pink

$124.99, at Camp Castle Play Mats

Danielle says: “These fun mats are created by a mom in Texas. My kids love them and they come in multiple sizes—large for the floor or smaller for the table—and variations, from maps of California to magic forests.”

CINEMOOD PORTABLE MOVIE THEATER

$399, at CINEMOOD

Danielle says: “It offers a small, portable smart projector that is perfect for the kids to throw up on any wall, ceiling, sheet or projector screen. It’s very easy to use and transport!”

DREAMLAND: WORLD LULLABIES AND SOOTHING SONGS BEDTIME ALBUM

$14.98, at Putumayo

“If you’re anything like me, you love your kids falling asleep to lullabies. I’m crazy about the Dreamland album because it incorporates songs from around the world and keeps my kids connected to their multicultural heritage.”