Holiday go-time has launched out like a rocket in 2021! Partly because of global shipping problems, partly supply chain issues, and mostly I’m just so excited to share these ideas with you, and so I’m following the trend and getting my gift guides out a little early this year.
Starting out with the kids gift guide! As my daughter is now a tween you’ll see this gift guide is geared more toward tween & teens, but take a look at my past years gift guides if you’re looking for ideas for younger kids.
Let’s get started!
Gap Kids Novelty Slippers
Price: $39.95 USD / 49.95 CAD
I had a pair of bunny slippers like these when I was in grade 6 and I wore those poor bunnies until the soles disappeared. Every tween/teen needs a funky, cozy pair of slippers. Available in teddy bear, unicorn, and reindeer styles.
You can find it here: Gap
Pottery Barn Faux Fur Lapdesk
Price: $99.00 USD / 123.23 CAD
Part functionality, part something fuzzy (and anything fuzzy is pure tween gold), these customizable lap desks are perfect for the tween/teen who spends a lot of time lounging on their bed – computing, gaming, iPad-ing, drawing, writing, or doing homework. I love that these desks have a soft, furry bottom and tons of room for storage. You can even lock the desk top at an angle to hold your iPad/iPhone during Zoom meetings, FaceTime chats, or just some old fashioned holding of paper/artwork with the handy clip at the top.
You can find it here: Pottery Barn
Prismacolor 72 Colored Pencils
Price: $51.23 USD / 79.99 CAD
If there is one thing my daughter borrows from me the most, it is my most precious Prismacolor coloured pencils! These buttery, blendable pencil crayons are vibrant and easy to work with … but they are expensive, making them a perfect present for under the tree. I do recommend splurging on the larger pack as you get so many useable colours, but if you’re looking to dip your toe in (or as a stocking stuffer idea) the general 12 pack is a great start.
Catan Board Game
Price: $44.00 USD / 55.00 CAD
My family really loves board games with our Friday night supper and every year I buy a new game at Christmas for us to enjoy. Catan Jr. is probably our most played board game in this house and I’m really happy we are graduating on to the classic Catan Board Game, one of the best selling board games of all time! If quiet, plotting games that never play the same way twice are up your alley – I highly recommend checking out Catan (or Catan Jr. for the under 10 crew).
Animal Friends Pancake Maker
Price: $40.00 USD
The tween/teen years are when kids really like to get baking in the kitchen. Pancakes are one of the first recipes I remember mastering alone and if you have a tween/teen/kid on your list who also loves Animal Crossing or anything cutesy animal, then this is the gift to give. Pair it with The Big Fun Kids Baking Book ($25) from Food Network for a super deluxe gift! My family and I really enjoy The Food Network’s kids bake off show and I think this collection of recipes covers the fun desserts that most kids want to master first – rainbow cupcakes, s’mores cakes, brownies and muffins. I know this is the baking book I would’ve devoured as a kid baker.
You can find it here: Urban Outfitters
Minecraft LEGO: The Pig House
Price: $39.99 USD / 69.99 CAD
It seems every kid everywhere loves Minecraft. It’s a thing. There are a plethora of LEGO sets out there this year, but The Pig House has won me over – it is so loveably ludicrous! LEGO makes a great gift for almost any age and always seemingly makes it on my gift guides. But if the tween on your list isn’t into Minecraft, I highly suggest taking a gander at the Creator Sets.
Philosophy Cinnamon Buns Bath & Shower Gel
Price: $24 CAD
Philosophy shower gels are my absolute favourite for the luxurious froth and yummy, yummy scents. My daughter has recently fallen in love with them as well and I cannot think of a kid, adult, teen or tween who wouldn’t go ga-ga over the Cinnamon Buns scent.
You can find it here: Shoppers Drug Mart
Unidragon Wooden Cut Puzzles
Price: $49.95 USD
These have to be the most unique, most dynamic puzzles I’ve ever seen! Not only is each individual wooden piece cut out as a unique animal, bug, or plant, but they combine together to make amazing animal shapes! Any true puzzler will love the challenge that these beautiful puzzles present.
You can find it here: Unidragon
Hello Kitty Pencil/Brush Holder
Price: $49.00 USD/ 60.99 CAD
Okay, maybe this is just for me but I haven’t seen a cooler pencil or makeup brush holder (or just set it on your desk for looksies). I know this is high up on my Christmas wish list this year!
You can find it here: Pottery Barn
Squishy Gummy Bear Light
Price: $31 USD / 38 CAD
Who doesn’t want a squishy, rechargeable gummy bear light to transport anywhere, free of the complicated mess of cords? At home in any kid, tween, or teen room or dorm.
You can find it here: Uncommon Goods
Any purchases made via retailer links provided in this article may result in this site receiving a share of that sale, which is truly appreciated!
