This holiday season, we’ve asked some of our favourite creatives, bloggers, makers and OMHG members to join us in rounding up great gift ideas. This week, we’re all about great gifts for kids to inspire their imaginations!
Alison’s Pick – Hand Knit Crown from Lace and Cable
“I’m mom to a pre-schooler and am a big believer in gifts that encourage imagination and pretend play. I love these hand-knit crowns because they can be used for so many things throughout the year – for dress up, pretend play, or for wearing on special days, like birthdays. Children love to invent their own worlds, from fairy lands to castles, and our gifts to them help to make childhood magical. I’m also a big believer in purchasing gifts that are handmade and support makers, so this gift fits perfectly with my gifting philosophy.” - Alison blogs about thoughtful gifting and creates Petit Mail – a snail mail subscription service for young children. You can find her at The Petit Cadeau.
Jessika’s Pick – Bamboletta dolls from Bamboletta
Childhood should be a magical time full of wonder and to me Bamboletta dolls symbolize all the simple sweetness and value of a handcrafted life. Made with love on Vancouver Island, Bamboletta employs over 50 rural women from single mothers to elderly knitters, while inspiring goodness in so many other ways. We were lucky to have Christina, the founder of Bamboletta, come to our Maker’s Retreat and experience her delightfulness in person making her dolls that much more precious! – Jessika is a cheerful activist, community maker, and chief-unicorn-wrangler here at Oh My! Handmade, learn more about her here.
Jessica’s Pick – The Small Object Thumbprint Portraits by Sarah Neuburger
“This Thumbprint Portrait activity set is great for any age, skill level, and gender. It comes with everything one needs to get started making thumbprint portraits (ink pad and stickers). The kit allows kids to put their own personal spin on each portrait. I also like that you can tear out each portrait after completing it to frame or give. With my own children, I’ve learned that they love being able to make gifts just as much as they like to receive them. And on top of that, thumbprint people are just plain cute.” – Jessica Okui is the author of the craft and lifestyle blog Zakka Life. Zakka Life is updated weekly featuring craft projects, printables, Japanese craft books and design.
Shannon’s Pick – Headmistress Knit Headband from Mini Mioche
“Even though I am in love with all of Mini Mioche’s locally-made products, these knit headbands for girls are just too adorable. I have a similar one in mommy size, so I’m planning on getting one for my two-year old daughter so she can be my mini-me.” - Shannon Fitzpatrick is one half of Hoopla, a creative events and display company, located in Toronto, Ontario. Creating unique event details, inspiring installations and beautiful floral creations for clients is what makes me oh so happy. I’m also a Mommy to two (almost three!) kids, which makes me oh so happier.
Robin’s Pick – Child’s Own Studio Softies
“This is just too cool! Child’s Own Studio takes children’s drawings and turns them into ‘softies’ (stuffed animals). I can’t wait for my daughter to start drawing so I can send in a photo. She will just love it!” – Robin Grant is the other half of Hoopla. Bringing colour and life to our clients’ events is what I love to do. Florals are my forte, but I definitely don’t shy away from a little hammer and nail every now and then. I’m also a rookie Mom with one daughter who has made my life just that much colourful.
Jessika’s Bonus Pick – Fidoodle Story Blocks
Fidoodle is a small design company in Toronto that produces artful objects inspired by storytelling, creative play and a love for small objects. Their toys are built from salvaged maple off-cuts, organic cotton, and industrial wool felt. Most of all, they think it’s important that our playful, modern designs are intriguing to both children and adults. Because we all play together.
‘We have three sets of Fidoodle story blocks (including the lovely winter scene pictured here that we set up under the tree every year!) as a parent I love their artistry as much as my kids love playing with them. We’ll be ordering this set for the holidays!’ -Jessika
Find more great kids gifts on our Pinterest board:
Follow OMIYAGE – Marisa’s board Gifts For Kids on Pinterest.
Follow OMHG’s Gift Guide over on Etsy:
Oh My! Gift Guide curated by Oh My! Handmade on Etsy
And don’t forget to check out our other gift guides: Week One – Creative Gifts, Week Two – Giftable Art.
Love shopping for kids gifts? Share links to your favourite items in the comments & we’ll share the best ones on Pinterest & our Etsy page.