Holiday Gifting Megathread 2024

Amos · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

@Cypress
I second this, I’m sure they will also have strong opinions on what NOT to buy! My sister-in-law responded to me in all caps with “PLEASE NO MORE STUFFED ANIMALS.” I most definitely would have gotten them more cute stuffed animals, haha.

Mika · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

Every year I gift my fiance’s whole family a zoo membership as my gift for all 4 of them. They get a lot of use out of it and no plastic trash in the house!

Foster · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

@Mika
That’s a perfect gift!

Lennon · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

Wirecutter gift guides, and these are the guidelines I follow when gifting to other kids:

Doesn’t make noise of any kind
No little/multiple pieces to pick up after (LEGO is the only exception)
No slime, glue, glitter.

Benn · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

If you feel meh about getting them stuff, it might be a good idea to ask their parents if there are any local museum memberships that they would use!

Noelani · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

If you want to do books, here are some good options:
3 year old: anything Gerold and Piggie by Mo Willems
6 year old: boy might like Dog Man (though my daughter also loves it!, it’s pretty irreverent but can get them into reading), Mercy Watson books are also great for this age.

Kipp · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

I also suggest doing the four gift strategy for each kid (if you plan on buying multiple gifts per kid)

something they want
something they need
something to wear
something to read

Quade · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

I would go to Costco and buy a giant Squishmallow for each of the littles. They are relatively inexpensive and a good gift for that age group. Any additional funds I would gift as cash.

Morgan · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

Lowe’s has tiny tool sets with building kits for little kids. My bf’s granddaughter’s loved building the kits with him. They are 4 and 5

Kirby · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

If you’ve got a higher budget, I would recommend a yoto or yoto mini. My 4 year old loves her mini! We did their membership for 1 year so she had loads of cards to choose from.

Also, the kiwi co box subscription. My sis gave 3 months to my daughter last year and they were great!

Kipp · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

I think books should always be a gift for kids! Encourage reading!

Layne · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

My daughter is almost 5 and her cousins are almost 4. We did extended family pictures last January as my mom’s Christmas gift, and all three kids are at an age where puzzles are fun.

Chen · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

Ooh mine are in these ranges. Puzzles (mudpuppy 64 piece seek and find ones are a hit in my house), anything they already have storage for and can expand (lego, duplo, magnatiles, little people). Books - The Princess in Black series is cute for these ages. Art/craft supplies.

Aza · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

Not sure what your budget is but if a few of the kids are siblings and live together, a Nugget or similar foam play set (Costco has the Yourigami brand) seems to be very popular for that age for general play and for building. They run about $150-250 a set but last for years.

Noor · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

My family does a secret santa and I got my 36F cousin. I have no idea what to get her. She lives in NYC and works in fashion, so she definitely doesn’t need (and wouldn’t want) any clothing or accessories from me. A go-to for her has always been NFL gear for her favorite team, but that seems a bit like a copout as that’s what everyone always gets her. She is single, not really outdoorsy, loves going out drinking with girlfriends, true crime/creepy podcasts, and really just works a ton. I’ve never been to her condo so I’m not sure what she already has or needs.

I was thinking Souper Cubes as she is a super busy professional with limited time to cook, but her sister got them for her last year. Something similar to that, which “anyone could use” but that someone may not buy for themselves, would be great. Our price range is $50-75, but I don’t mind going a bit over if needed.

All suggestions welcome - thanks!!

Payton · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

@Noor
I’d always thought of ember mugs as totally unnecessary, but I was given one last Christmas and it is truly incredible. I love mine so much and use it every day. She’s gonna love it!

Noor · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

Glad to hear it! I was tempted to get one for myself too, but I drink my coffee in approx 10 seconds so I definitely don’t need one lol

Mika · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

@Arielle
Pay for a round of golf at a nice course!

Jae · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

How is it different than a regular mug warmer? Those are only like $10

Payton · December 18, 2024, 2:40pm

@Jae
I tried a mug warmer and found it to be sketchy for lack of a better term? I burned myself on it when it didn’t shut off after I turned it off. With the ember I won’t have an anxiety attack about accidentally leaving something else on that might catch on fire