The 2024 “Toy-less” Holiday Gift Guide

Ideas for babies, toddlers, kids + caregivers.

The 2024 holiday season is upon us! And instead of bombarding you with another gift guide full of random Amazon toy ideas, I wanted to gather some of my favorite items that help kids and other family members in your life thrive within their daily routines.

The following lists some of my favorite PRACTICAL products, items, and services for babies, children, moms, and other caregivers. All of these are things that I personally love and use for myself and my own family and/or families I have worked with over the years.

Happy shopping!

(*Some of these links are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission from your purchase at no cost to you - thank you SO much in advance for supporting my small business!)

For BABIES

• Dreamland Baby Pajamas $ - The cutest, coziest pajamas that come in the best colors and patterns. Snag the holiday patterns before they’re gone, or choose from any of the other beautiful colors. Use code ‘ROOTED’ for 15% off your order!

• Tummy Time water mat $ - This tummy time mat is a really cute gift for any baby in your life and is a great way to help them experience tummy time in a new and fun way! Plus, it’s easy to fill, drain, and store.

• The Upseat $$ - Talk about the most practical gift on this entire guide (in my opinion). This is a baby seat that, unlike most baby seats on the market, puts your baby in an ergonomically-safe position for their body. Too much “container time” during the day is not ideal, but in short spurts, this is my number one choice for a place to put the baby! Especially if there is a toddler running around 😝 Use my code ‘ROOTEDINROUTINE10’ for 10% off!

For TODDLERS

• Tovla Jr. Knives Set $ - Okay you may be thinking - why are KNIVES the first option for toddlers?! But hear me out: these are great, toddler-friendly knives to help teach your toddler how to cut with a knife. It’s a really important skill to learn and toddlers LOVE it. Give them something soft to cut (even playdough) and let them go to town! It will keep their attention for awhile and is a great introductory skill to learn.

• Tubby Todd Bath Bomb Bundle $ - These bath bombs make bath time with a toddler SO much fun! Throw them into your toddler’s bath and watch them 

• Ten Little Furry High Top Boots $$ - The cutest, softest, and most practical “everyday shoes” for a toddler winter. These boots are easy to put on and take off and aren’t too clunky or heavy. Plus, they look so cozy! Use code ‘BLACKFRIDAY15’ for 15% off from through 12/3.

• Y Velo Balance Bike $$ - A great first toddler bike that helps promote balance from the start to forgo the need for training wheels. Don’t forget a helmet!

For PRESCHOOLERS AND BIG KIDS

• Thermos Funtainer Water Bottle $ - My FAVORITE water bottle for kids that comes in so many cute colors and patterns, doesn’t break when dropped, and is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. In my opinion, no kid can have enough water bottles!

• Kiwi Co Sprout Kits $$ - These science and art kits make a great option for a budding scientist or artist in your life. Geared towards ages 3-6, I love how these kits make doing “activities” with your kids SO easy as everything comes pre-cut and ready to go. These would make a great option for kids to use during colder, indoor days this winter. Use code ‘ROUTINE’ for 50% off the first month!

• Indoor mini trampoline $$ - A great option for a child you know with lots of energy! This is a great thing to have as the colder, winter months come up to give them a way to jump and get that sensory input they crave in a safe, appropriate way.

• Hiya Health vitamins $$ - Let me be clear when I say kids LOVE these. You might think gifting a vitamin is odd, but these truly make a great gift for a preschooler in your life. The new Hot Wheels multivitamin bottle is a huge hit in our house and would make a great gift for any kid who loves all things cars. 

• Tonie Box or Yoto Player $$$ - Some may say this is a toy (and so it shouldn’t be on this list!), but I’d argue that it’s really a tool for parts of the day such as quiet time or early mornings. These kid’s audio players are so much fun for any child who loves to learn about new things, listen to music, or hear their favorite characters come to life. I recommend the Tonie Box for the preschooler age range (3-5 years) and the Yoto Player for any kids older than that!

For PREGNANT/POSTPARTUM MOMS

• Moby Wrap $ - My favorite babywearing wrap for the newborn stage! This one is a bit thicker and more durable than some other brands, which I preferred, and comes in so many pretty colors. A really great gift option for a pregnant or new mom in your life!

• Kindred Bravely nursing/pumping bra $ - If you feel comfortable enough gifting someone close to you a bra, this is hands-down my favorite option. It is SO soft and cozy, has NO clips… you can truly wear it all day long! Perfect for both nursing and pumping which makes it super versatile for a pregnant for postpartum friend or family member in your life.

• Ceres Chill $$ - The most practical gift for a mom who is planning to or currently breastfeeding. It acts as an on-the-go milk storage container that keeps milk cold for 20+ hours. I used it ALL the time to store breast milk overnight as well as while out-and-about. This is something I truly cannot believe I lived without during my first postpartum period. Use code ‘ROOTED’ for 15% off!

• Expecting and Empowered App $$$ - For a mom friend who is newly pregnant, planning a c-section, or had her babies years ago, this pregnancy/postpartum workout app truly has something for everyone! Prenatal yoga, pregnancy and postpartum strength workouts, c-section core recovery exercises, and return-to-running programs… it’s all in ONE place. I personally used this as my main exercise routine during both pregnancies and found it particularly helpful after my emergency c-section. Gift a year to a friend and use code ‘ROOTED’ for 15% off!

• Full Feedings Online Program with Email Support $$$ - This makes a fabulous gift for a friend or family member who is expecting a baby in the new year. The Full Feedings method is a gentle way to guide your baby into an age-appropriate daily routine (which you know I love!) to promote healthy sleep habits from day one. I used this with both of my boys and I can vouch that it WORKS. They offer a very affordable online program that comes with downloaded guides, and I highly recommend you add-on the email support. Having that personal touchpoint when you’re in the thick of sleep deprivation is truly priceless. Use code ‘ROOTEDINROUTINE’ for 20% off!
  

For PARENTS, AUNTS, UNCLES, GRANDPARENTS, CAREGIVERS, ETC.

• YETI Rambler 14oz  insulated mug $ - Any adult who likes their coffee or tea HOT would love this mug! I use it every single morning and it truly keeps my coffee hot for hours, plus I also really appreciate the handle because it makes it easier to carry around. Comes in so many different colors!

• Aura WiFi Digital Picture Frame $$ - This makes such a great gift for grandparents or family friends (or could be a cute “family” gift for those with older kids!). It’s simple to set up and so easy to add photos (and videos!) so that there’s a constant supply of updated images for the family to view.

• A special planned outing with your child $-$$$ - If you live close by to a family member or have a trip planned for when you’ll see them next, a really great and practical idea is to plan and buy entry to a special activity or outing that they can do with your child! Some ideas: a museum, the zoo, or a kid-friendly concert or play, an amusement park, etc.

I hope this list is helpful in your search for the perfect holiday gifts for the loved ones in your life. 

Cheers to a happy, healthy, and joyous holiday season!