Holiday shopping can feel like a chore. HVP is making it easier for you with our annual Holiday Gift Guide. Everything is tested and approved by our staff. Here are our top picks for your family and friends.
Happy Feet
Kizik Kids' Anaheim - Blue Energy
The whole family will love these shoes. Kizik hands-free shoes for kids help eliminate the struggle of tying and untying laces. The company claims that they are comfy and you can slip them on without breaking the heel. They are true to their word. The shoes feature a patented heel design so all your child has to do is slip their toes into the shoe, the heel will compress so their foot can slide all the way in and then once their foot is in, it will spring back into place securing their foot in the shoe. There's a variety of colors and fit kids to adults. We got the Kids' Anaheim Blue Energy. You can buy them at Kizik / starting at $65.
Old Soles Girl's & Boy's New Click High Top Ankle Booties Sneakers
These adorable little boots are smooth leather high top slip ons for girls and boys featuring elastic side for an easy on shoe. They have an all rubber bottom that provides traction no matter where the adventure takes them. Perfect for keeping little feet warm and dry through the season. Available in sizes 6 month to little kid 13.5.
Buy at Just Shoes for Kids / $80.
Boxbo Girl's Kerran Rain Boot
These little cuties are adorable! These new style rainboots, made only with natural rubber, offering a casual but elegant style, and artisanal craftsmanship, will keep your kiddos feet warm and dry. They are fully waterproof, handcrafted, and contain 100% non-toxic materials. The girls' boots come in a dusty pink and the boys' in a hunter green.
Buy at Just Shoes for Kids / $52.
Great Expectations
Maternity romper - Momper Romper
This one-piece romper is made from super soft, comfy material. It is nice and roomy, so wherever you expand, you will be cool and comfortable. Throw on an extra layer for warmth with a shirt or jacket. It's also designed to wear post-baby. They come in eight colors that you can mix and match with pretty much anything. You can also pick one up for your mini me and twin away.
Buy on Momper Romper / $26.25-$75
Don't forget the accessories
Gunnar & Lux’s BFF Necklace
Make your child and their best friend's day. These fun necklaces are made by a father/daughter duo and meant to be shared with your bestie. This delicate duo proves friends really are forever. Not suitable for ages three and under.
Buy at Just Shoes for Kids / $35.
Lilies & Roses NY Black Swan Headband
Glam up any hairstyle with these graceful swan headbands. A gold glitter crown and wing add a royal touch. A gossamer ribbon and heart-shaped charm round out the look. Perfect for a hair accessories collection! You can also find bands with a unicorn, donuts, fairies, ballerinas, & more.
Buy at Just Shoes for Kids / $22.
ScenTies hair ties - ScenTies
What a cute idea. Hair ties that work like a scratch and sniff only with an adorable little tag. We got the Brownie Sundae, Strawberry, and Cupcake packages. Each pack contains 5 hair elastics in two colors. They also have headbands, scrunchies, and face mask ear loops and mask bands are fragranced with playful scents.
Buy at ScenTies / $8
Electronic fun
Intuos Tablet - Wacom
We got this awesome tablet that can help kids with homework and get creative too. I comes with an ergonomic pressure sensitive battery-free pen that is light, responsive and easy to control. It also comes with creative software that you can use from 2 months to 2 years. I have played around with it and had a lot of fun painting and drawing. This will be a great gift for you creative kid. They will totally love it.
Buy at Amazon / $66
It's all fun and games
This game is like Boggle with colors instead of letters. My kids and I had a blast trying to outdo one another. It's a fast-paced game designed to get your brain and fingers racing. Shake the scrambler and take on your opponent. Shift and slide the tiles to become the first one to match the scrambler’s cube pattern. Age: 7+.
LINKEE is definitely different with trivia questions spanning generations. A family quiz game where you don’t need to know all the answers. This is the kind of trivia game where everybody can play along. You just have to answer the four questions on a card and see if you can guess the link. Get the LINKEE right and win that card! Each card has a letter on the back to help you spell L-I-N-K-E-E. Shout the wrong answer, and your team is out until the next round. For ages 12+.
My family played a version of this last year at the holidays and everyone was in stitches. If your looking to have fun with the whole family, this is the one for you. The questions are designed to encourage conversations between grandparents and grandchildren, brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles. We are showing the Family Gathering version, but you can get a set for family geared towards younger kids. The company also offers sets for teens, sports, couples, and lots more. They also offer travel versions. Get all the relatives in on one big, fun conversation during a big family event or even at the dinner table. Ages 12+
Want something just for the holidays? This little packet is like the one above only it comes with three holidays in one bundle. Ask questions like "Which foods are considered most sacred at your Thanksgiving table?" and "If you couldn’t spend the holidays at home, where would you want to be?" Each boxed set comes with three TableTopics® To Go: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
The game you can play anywhere. It comes with a fabric pouch and the game board is printed on the back. Luck is based on the Skydance Animation movie, using the same characters Sam, Bob, The Dragon, The Captain, Unicorn and Lucky Leprechaun. Navigating through the Land of Luck combines strategy, bidding, and - of course - Luck to claim spaces using cards that are auctioned off one at a time, with the ultimate goal of claiming four spaces in a row. Bid against your friends to see if your Luck pays off! Ages 8+.
This baseball is truly cool, especially for your young baseball player looking to improve their game! It connects to an app with bluetooth technology and it measures speed, distance, height, catches, drop balls and so much more. It also tracks all your progress and achievements along the way. This Smart Gaming Baseball looks and feels like an official match baseball measuring 9 inches and weighing 5 ounces. Approved by my 13-year old baseball star grandson.
My grandkids love anything from Stomp Rocket. It gets them outside and they get to stomp on stuff and watch it go. This one includes 3 stunt planes (Looper, Glider and Wildcat), a sturdy adjustable air rocket launch stand and launch stomp pad with an air hose. Each one does it's own trick too. You can also change trajectory just by adjusting the stand. This is a great STEM toy as it teaches kids gravity, wind shear, and how planes fly.
Disconnect and reconnect. There are lots of fun activities packed into this little box. the cards are designed to help families of all ages spend more quality time together, away from their electronic devices. My grandkids love these and we had a blast testing out the fun. Each activity takes between 20 minutes to an hour. They also make a babies, toddler, and couples edition. Perfect for families with children aged 5-13.
This magnetic wooden toy set is meticulously made. It's manufactured with sustainable beech wood. Talk about eco-friendly and no plastic to harm the environment. This will be a lot of fun for kids 3+. You don't want to give it to a kiddo who still puts things in their mouth since it is made of wood. that said, it's nice and sturdy and comes with 2 black magnetic boards to build your town on. You also get a piece of dustless chalk to draw your roads. You get three iconic London buildings and the London Bridge. The bridge connects with magnets to keep it together while your little drives their taxi and double decker bus over it.
This game is kind of a combo between Boggle and Scrabble with a twist. You get cards with 4 categories, a whole bunch of letter tiles, and a button that beeps. Flip over a card and be first to make a word from the letter tile pile in the middle. Hit the buzzer when you do and score! This is a great way to build your child's vocabulary and spelling skills while having fun. A bonus is that it is self contained Recommended for kids 8+.
Blast into the past with fun bendable toys. They are ultra-posable toys that feature bendable arms and legs for the younger crowd. The Miraculous Bend-Ems 4-pack comes with the characters Ladybug, Cat Noir, Rena Rouge and Hawk Moth. SpongeBob SquarePants pack comes with SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward and Mr. Krabs. Sonic the Hedgehog pack comes with Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Doctor Eggman! My kids pronounced the fun and very cool. Ages 3+
CoComelon did a good job with this cute little mat. It has over 17.5 square feet of soft, non-slip, hypoallergenic EVA foam that creates the ultimate space for your little one to get up and play! It’s lightweight, easily wipes clean and stands up to household cleaners with no color fading and is water resistant, so it’s always ready for the next adventure. It also comes with 2 adorable little cars complete with drivers. My daughter, who is expecting a boy next year went nuts over it.
We had a good time with this 2-sided round puzzle. It's a 360 degree handheld puzzle with 14 concentric rings that spin, flip, twist and slide. Perfect for those who love brain teasers. The double sided puzzle features stunning complementary artwork that adds to the challenge and the fun. There are 6 different puzzles with a design on each side. We got the pizza/spaghetti and meatballs and it was more challenging than I thought it would be. Not only do you have to get the right picture onto the correct side, you have to line up the noodles and pepperoni. Give it a try.
These chunky little plush toys are just adorable and they glow in the dark! They're designed to be squishy and to provide emotional support to your little one and help them sleep. They come in ten different super cute designs. We got Roman The Raccoon and he is definitely lovable. His glow spots are his eyes and the area around them. They are also very reasonably priced. Even my older kids thought he was cool.
Cool dolls
These dolls are fierce for sure. Kids of all ages are going to love these. They are beautifully made and have striking character likenesses, custom-blended skin tones, authentic and first-of-its-kind innovative hairstyles, intricate fashions, and replica playable battle accessories. Each 11.5” doll has multiple points of articulation to recreate warrior poses and action from the movie. Ages 6+.
What a wonderful collection in the partnership between World of EPI and Rock the Bells, a Hip-Hop lifestyle platform founded by the legendary LL Cool J. We got Ebony and Anthony and each doll is wearing culturally representative clothing with the fashion influences of Hip-Hop. the dolls have custom blended skin tones World of EPI is known for. My granddaughter says they are very cool and she loves Ebony's hair. Ages 3+.
Buy at Walmart / $12.97 online / $14.97 in store
Tech time
This nifty little mouse has soft prickles like a hedgehog. It's specially made for kids with learning differences like ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). I have used this all day and it does feel nice in my hand. I kinda like the sensations on my hand as I click away doing my thing. It’s designed from the ground up to provide the rewarding multi-sensory experience these children crave. It's cute as a button and comes in five colors kids are sure to love.
OMG! This toy is too much fun. My son and I put it together and had a blast. It's a Patrol battery operated 1:43 scale slot car racing toy track set with jump ramp featuring Chase and Marshall. Do yourself a favor and put it together before the kiddos get out of bed. It's not hard to do, it just takes a little time. 4 D batteries are also a necessity. The little cars whiz around the track for hours of fun. With two cars, there will be plenty of racing fun for all. For kids ages 5+.
The book bag
A rappin’, rhymin’ children's book about a crab named Cray who lives and plays on Cape Cod Bay. Cray likes to pinch and tease his friends. After an unfortunate accident Cray realizes that he may need to change his approach to life. This sweet little book is beautifully illustrated and teaches lessons on bullying and friendship. My granddaughter loved it. The author behind the beloved series is a 64-year-old grandpa known in New England for his engaging story times with local children. There are 2 more books in this series and if you visit the website you can find 2 printable coloring pages too.
Who doesn't love the fun little character Madeline. In this cute board book the lovable little girl helps teach the ABCs. The book uses large print and colorful illustrations help your little learn the alphabet. It's the perfect gift for any little one who is confident enough to turn the pages, but still working on learning how to read. Ages 0-3.
I grew up with Peter Rabbit and so did my kids. This charming collection contains all 23 original Tales by Beatrix Potter in a beautifully redesigned presentation box. This luxurious box features the new branded design, spot lamination and full-color original Beatrix Potter art, including a pop-up of Peter Rabbit and friends inside the lid. Your little one will meet adorable characters like Squirrel Nutkin, Miss Moppet, the Flopsy Bunnies and all the rest of Potter's whimsical characters. This is a wonderful gift that can be passed on for generations. Ages 3-7.
This beautifully illustrated book illuminates the power of Asian Americans all over the country, in all sorts of fields. Each spread is illustrated by a different renowned Asian American or Asian artist. Alongside the poetic main text, Yes We Will includes one-line biographies of the person or historical moment featured on the page, with extended biographies at the end. Readers of different ages and needs can use the book in different ways, from classroom discussions to bedtime read alouds and more. Ages 4-8.
This playful hardcover book helps the sibling-to-be understand what changes will come when baby arrives. With artwork sure to cause big-kid-sized giggles, this book is perfect for any member or soon-to-be member of the Big Kids Club. Ages 4-8.
This book is specially for the kids who would never dream of asking for a book as a gift. Packed with clever, fourth-wall-breaking gags from Max Greenfield (New Girl) and eye-popping art from New York Times bestselling illustrator Mike Lowery, this ideal read-aloud may not wag its tail or come with wheels, but it’s sure to have even the most reluctant bibliophiles laughing all the way to the end. Ages 4-8.
These books are written for kids 8-12 and are the first two in a series of five. There are just enough fun illustrations to break up the pages and add some interest. They would be perfect for those dreaded book reports where the book has to be a chapter book. The series follows the magical, bookwandering adventures of Tilly -an eleven-year old who has lived above her grandparents’ bookshop ever since her mother disappeared, shortly after she was born.
The Bookwanderers: When her favorite characters, Anne of Green Gables and Alice from Wonderland, start showing up at the shop, Tilly’s adventures become very real. Not only can she follow Anne and Alice into their books, she discovers she can bookwander into any story she chooses.
When new secrets are uncovered, it’s up to Tilly to solve the mystery of what happened to her mother all those years ago.
The Lost Fairy Tales: The second magical bookwandering adventure follows Tilly as she journeys to France to wander inside a peculiar book of fairytales. On a wintry visit to Paris, the friends wander inside a book of fairy tales to find that peculiar things are happening and it is up to the group to figure out what is going on.
This book is very unique in that it has six very different stories with the exact same name. a boy and his robot nanny traveling the globe in search of the world’s tastiest treat, a child mechanical prodigy who invents the freshest dessert ever, and an evil ice cream truck driver who strikes fear in the heart of every kid in town. There are also tips in the last few pages of the book that encourage kids to write their own version of the story. The author also encourages the kids to send it to him to read. This book is an absolute delight. Ages 8-12.
I love graphic novels and so do my kids. This one does not disappoint. The illustrations are full of life, movement, and color. The book is a gritty young adult graphic novel set in the world of Peter Pan. Neverland has become a war zone and now it’s up to a new group of lost teens to set things right! Under siege by a band of pirates, Tinkerbell and a fairy army are barely keeping them at bay with Peter nowhere to be found. This is a great gift for the graphic novel reader in your family. For grades 7-9.
This book is a paranormal thriller about a seventeen-year-old girl returning to camp to uncover the truth of what really happened there twelve years ago, the night her mother drowned. Follow Avril in this gripping ghost story as she tries to find out what happened to here mother. Gift this tale that will enthrall your suspense-loving reader. For teens 14-7 years.
In this blockbuster fantasy series, perfect for fans of Firekeeper’s Daughter and Iron Widow, fate binds two Black teenagers together as they journey into a magical jungle to hunt down a vicious monster. The first of a trilogy, adventure abounds in this book. For grade levels 7-9.
Cook up a storm
Most kids like to help out in the kitchen. Measuring and stirring can be lots of fun. Here is a really cookbook just for kids with simple recipes for kids age 4-7. The first chapter will introduce your child to the kitchen and the tools they will need to cook. With colorful photographs, easy-to-read recipes, and helpful advice on every page, this cookbook will guide kids through their first culinary adventures. This gift is just what your budding chef needs to get started.
If you want your kids to expand their palate, look no further. This cool cookbook from eat2explore sends kids all over the world with easy to prepare, tasty dishes. If your kids have a favorite ethnic food they love, you may find it here and make it at home. Travel from India to Peru to Japan just to name a few. The ingredient list shows a picture of the ingredients along with the list. Plus, you get photos illustrating the preparation and a pic of the final dish.
Catch some zzz's
We got both of these pillows recently and they are a big hit in my house. I LOVE the side sleep pillow. It has a cutout for your shoulders and now I'm not waking up with aches and pains from fighting with my old pillow. It also stays cool and firm, but not too firm. The body pillow got equally as high marks. My son tested this one out and he is in love with his too. This too provides great support and stays cool too. Bonus, they both came with pillowcases that fit the shape of the pillows. Definitely give these a try.
Don't forget your "fur"iends
Need something to entertain your furry friends? We have the answer. My cats are total treat hogs and this makes them work for them, but they think they're playing. It was easy to put together and as soon as my cats heard the treats go in they were on it. The perks are that there a three boxes inside the big one that move around giving them a challenge while they hunt their "prey". You can also download their Ultimate Guide to Indoor Cat Enrichment for FREE! Cat Amazing is also gifting back with their Shelter & Rescue Enrichment Program where their boredom busting treat puzzles are entertaining cats on their path to adoption.
This one is smaller if you are space challenged. It will still stimulate your cat's natural foraging instincts to explore, scratch, sniff and retrieve hidden rewards. Three difficulty levels exist to challenge clever cats as their skills improve. It’s also eco-friendly (made with 100% recyclable cardboard) and safe for your cat (printed with certified metal-free inks).
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