The “Toy-less” Holiday Gift Guide 2023 - Ideas for babies, toddlers, kids + caregivers

The 2023 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 pattern before it’s gone, or choose from any of the other beautiful colors. Use code ‘ROOTED’ for 15% off your order!

• Solly Baby Crib Sheets $$ - Okay, maybe it’s weird to gift a baby crib sheets, but I’m telling you, these are the softest, coziest sheets out on the market. Plus, you can never have enough crib sheets in my opinion! We use these on both boys cribs and they come in the cutest patterns. Use code ‘ROOTEDINROUTINE10’ for 10% of your order!

• 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!

• MiaMily Hipster PLUS Carrier $$$ - You have probably seen me use this on my Instagram stories, because let me just say…. this is the BEST carrier I have ever used. Once your baby is out of the newborn stage, they get so heavy to carry around. This carrier has a flat hip seat for baby to sit on, plus a thick band that buckles around your lower back, which makes it so much more comfortable to use than other carriers. I love wearing Little J around the house or going for longer walks outside… my back truly doesn’t hurt when I use this!

For TODDLERS

• Monkey Around Board Game $ - Okay, I guess this is technically a toy, but it’s actually a board game which I feel like is slightly different? Anyways, this is my FAVORITE first board game for toddlers. Board games are great because they teach children things like taking turns, following directions, winning vs. losing, and more. This game is simple and easy-to-follow for kids starting at two years old!

• Lovevery Placemat & Utensils Set $$ - The best way to make mealtimes with a toddler more enjoyable! This set comes with a placement, napkin, and fork/spoon/knife set. It’s a great way to help a toddler learn about mealtime routines and rituals - they can help you “set” the table and clean up after each time.

• 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!

For KIDS

• Skout Organic Kids Bars $ - These are the yummiest snack bars for kids that come in a variety of fun, seasonal flavors that would make such a cute gift for a child in your life for the holidays. Many of them are allergen-friendly, too! Code ‘ROUTINE’ gets you 20% off.

• Mighty and Bright Weekly Visual Calendar $$ - You guys have seen me talk about this before, but this is a great introduction to a weekly routine chart for toddlers and kids. It is a snapshot of the week and comes with a variety of magnets to move around to indicate what your child has going on that day. Use code ‘ROOTED10’ for 10% off!

• Lalo Play Kit Table + Chairs $$$ - Pricey, but a very functional kids table + chairs set that is also pleasing-to-the-eye. This would make a great gift for a family member with young kids (or a baby and a toddler, for them to grow into). Plus, it’s almost 40% off the entire month of November!

For PREGNANT/NEWLY POSTPARTUM MOMS:

• Skinny Confidential Ice Roller $$ - Okay, I know what you may be thinking - $69 for an ice roller!? But TRUST ME - this one does not disappoint. I keep mine in the freezer and it stays ice cold, which feels SO good on your face in the morning - and helps wake you right up! A great self-care gift for a fellow mom in your life.

• Ceres Chill $$ - If you know a mom-to-be or newly postpartum mom in your life who will be pumping at any capacity, this is hands-down the BEST gift to make her life easier. It makes pumping/storing breast milk on-the-go run so smoothly, which is so important when you’re already juggling a million and one things.

• Massage Gift Card $$$ - No link to this one, as you’ll have to search for a place in her area, but I honestly think this is one of the best gifts you can get a pregnant/postpartum mom. The key is to make sure she actually schedules it! So follow up with a few (nicely) persistent text messages until you know she’s actually going to go : )

For GRANDPARENTS/AUNTS/UNCLES etc:

• Custom Photo Post-It Notes $ - I think this is a really cute idea for grandparents or other family members who don’t have children themselves, but love your kids : ) Most people love making lists and having a personalized touch on their post-it notes is such an easy way to add a little joy to their day.

• Aura WiFi Digital Picture Frame $$ - This makes such a great gift for grandparents or family friends (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!) to over time so that there’s a constant supply of updated images for the family to view.

  
  

Couldn’t leave without a shameless plug for my digital Routine Guides $$ - these make a great gift for a grandparent, mom-to-be, or friend in the thick of it with a baby or toddler (or both!). You can purchase a gift card or simply buy their child’s current age. Use code ‘SMALLBIZ2023’ for 15% off any Routine Guide purchase through 11/30/23!

I hope this list is helpful in your search for the perfect holidays gifts for the loved ones in your life. Cheers to a happy, healthy, and joyous holiday season!