Ideas for babies, toddlers, kids + caregivers.
The 2026 holiday season is upon us! And instead of bombarding you with another gift guide full of random Amazon toy ideas (no shade though, you can find those here), 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
Teething Tubes $ - I guess you can kind of call this a toy, but these stick-shaped teethers become so much more than that after the baby stage! Babies love them, and then as they grow into a toddler and older child, they are STILL so good for providing oral sensory-seeking input. A low-cost, simple gift that truly lasts years!
Magnetic Me Footie Pajamas $$ - We had these when my kids were little and the magnetic closures makes changing them SO much easier! Plus they come in so many cute prints and are super soft and breathable.
The Upseat $$ - 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!
Lovevery Play Gym $$$ - The OG play mat for a baby to hang out on for their entire first year of life…. no joke! It includes black and white card sets and detachable activity toys, making it easy to switch things up so they always have something interesting to interact with as they grow.
For TODDLERS
Lovevery Early Readers Club $$ - I’ve been a fan of the Lovevery books for years now, and they now have a book-only subscription! They deliver new books every two months which is pretty incredible. I absolutely LOVE their books because they show photographs of REAL people and they talk about realistic and practical topics for the toddler years.
Ten Little Furry High Top Boots $$ - The cutest, softest, and most practical “everyday shoes” for a toddler winter. These boots are easy to put on and take off and aren’t too clunky or heavy. Plus, they look so cozy! We grab a new pair every year because they’re just that good.
Micro Kickboard Scooter $$$ - If you follow me on Instagram, then you know my boys spend a LOT of time scootering along the sidewalk outside our house. This is a perfect gift for a toddler in your life who likes to move – they can learn as early as 2 years old! (Though some more reserved or cautious kids will take longer, and that’s okay.) The three-wheel style makes it easier for little ones to balance, and the handle bars are adjustable as your child grows. (Don’t forget a helmet!)
For PRESCHOOLERS AND BIG KIDS
HappyMe First Journal $ - The cutest first journal for little kids! It has a guided prompt on each page for them to fill out with something good that happened that day, how they’re feeling, and space to draw a picture. I love how this fosters self-reflection and gratitude at such an early age. We started using this when my oldest was around 4 years old (with some help!).
Dojo Soap $$ - The most fun sensory silly string soap for bath or shower time! This cosplays as old-school silly string and both of my kids (ages 3 + 6) LOVE it. Plus, it’s safe for sensitive skin and actually gets them clean, too.
Hiya Health vitamins $$ - Let me be clear when I say kids LOVE these! You might think gifting a multivitamin is odd, but these truly make a great gift for a preschooler in your life. They have a Hot Wheels multivitamin bottle for anyone who has a fellow car-loving kid (me!), and Lion King and Disney Princess themed-bottles too. I also love the Daily Greens & Superfood Powder co-splaying as a “hot chocolate”.
Ride-On Car with Mop $$$ - Here me out… this is honestly the best gift idea if your kid loves riding on cars AND you love a clean home! It’s an electric indoor ride-on car toy that also has a removable mop attachment, so it cleans your floors while they ride. Honestly genius!
Tonie Box or Yoto Player $$$ - Some may say this is a toy (and therefore 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!
Mindfulness Tonie $ - If you do end up grabbing the Tonie Box above, make sure you also throw in this specific Tonie that focuses on guided mindfulness - perfect for listening to during quiet time or winding down before bed.
Future Experience Certificate - Gift your child a future “experience” with you – a movie night, a trip to a museum or play space, a “yes” day, and more. This is such a cute idea and you can tailor it to your specific child’s interests and your family’s budget/lifestyle. You can print the cutest FREE certificates on the website Generation Wild HERE!
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 $$ - The MOST practical gift for a mom who is planning to or currently breastfeeding. It acts as an on-the-go milk storage container that keeps milk cold for 20+ hours. I used it ALL the time to store breast milk overnight as well as while out-and-about. This is something I truly cannot believe I lived without during my first postpartum period. Use code ‘ROOTED’ for 15% off!
Full Feedings Online Program with Email Support $$ - 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!
Expecting and Empowered App $$$ - For a mom friend who is newly pregnant, planning a c-section, or had her babies years ago, this pregnancy/postpartum workout app truly has something for everyone! Prenatal yoga, pregnancy and postpartum strength workouts, c-section core recovery exercises, and return-to-running programs… it’s all in ONE place. I personally used this as my main exercise routine during both pregnancies and found it particularly helpful after my emergency c-section. Gift a year to a friend and use code ‘ROOTED’ for 15% off!
For PARENTS, AUNTS, UNCLES, GRANDPARENTS, CAREGIVERS, ETC.
Hitster Game $ - If you’re looking for a fun gift for a holiday gift swap or a music-loving family member or friend, this is it! We played this with both my family and my husband’s family this summer during our family vacations and it was SO much fun.
Loop Ear Plugs $$ - These are perfect for anyone who is around loud kid(s) or in over-stimulating environments all day. They gently dampen noise and make it way more tolerable to be around chaotic environments, plus they’re small, comfy, and super discreet.
Aura WiFi Digital Picture Frame $$ - This makes such a great gift for grandparents or family friends (or could be a cute “family” gift for those with older kids!). It’s simple to set up and so easy to add photos (and videos!) so that there’s a constant supply of updated images for the family to view.
Minky Couture Throw Blanket $$$ - These are the softest most cozy blankets ever! Would make a great gift for any family member who appreciates comfort and aesthetics. Plus they come in so many different sizes and colors!
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 local museum, the zoo, tickets to an event like Monster Jam or a kid-friendly concert or play, an amusement park pass, 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!