FOR KIDS
(THAT PARENTS & TEACHERS WILL LOVE, TOO!)
When giving a gift to a little one, it’s quite the balancing act to find something that elicits oohs and ahhs from the kid and also gets the parents’ seal of approval. With this challenge in mind, we set out to find items that would inspire make-believe, keep little fingers busy, and positively delight everyone involved. And, because this list is full of ideas parents and teachers will also love, not a single one lights up or makes noise—in fact, no batteries required for any of our picks!
KID MADE MODERN ARTS AND CRAFTS LIBRARY, AGES 8+
This best-selling kit—packaged in a reusable storage box—includes over 1,000 arts and craft goodies to spark hours of creativity. From kid-fave googly eyes and pom-poms to wooden beads and sticky gems (as well as child-friendly scissors and glue), the project possibilities are truly infinite. For some starter ideas, the set includes an inspiration sheet, or they can dive right in and unleash their own whimsical creations. All that said, what makes it a true parent win? Nary a dot of glitter in sight!
MAGNA-TILES 32-PIECE CLEAR COLORS MAGNETIC TILES SET, AGES 3+
A perennial top kid (parent and teacher) pick, these award-winning, STEM-approved tiles encourage fine motor skill development, shape and color recognition, problem solving, and more, but equal to all that—they’re just plain fun. Whether building towers or watching them crash down, it’s a toy that will be enjoyed for years and years, as their design skills develop. Compatible with all other Magna-tiles sets, this is a perfect entrée into the building world.
WONDER & WISE BY ASWEETS UNICORN PLAYHOUSE, AGES 3+
What kid wouldn’t love a hideout? This sweet-as-can-be canvas house is made all the more magical with pink unicorns, butterflies, and a sprinkle of flowers. The perfect nook for inspiring make-believe and special story times, its peekaboo windows only add to the fun.
OMY GIANT COLORING POSTER, AGES 3+
Young artistes will love this humongous (39.4" x 27.6") poster OMY made just for us. Featuring NYC’s most beloved attractions—the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building (with King Kong!), Brooklyn Bridge, and of course Bloomingdale’s—the detail-rich aerial is the perfect outlet for engaging quiet time. Big enough to be a team project or a fun solo affair, it’s made to be revisited whenever inspiration strikes.
LITTLE BIG PLAYROOM LEOPARD BALL PIT + BALLS BUNDLE, AGES 6 MONTHS+
This kid-thrilling gift takes the bane of many parents’ play space visits and turns it into a luxe at-home favorite (all the fun without the rando-kid germs!). Bundled with 200 balls and outfitted in chic leopard, it’s the kind of find that delights all: Kids love jumping, bouncing, and yes, sinking; parents love the neutral décor-friendly print, machine-washable cover, and its longevity—once children outgrow it, it can be repurposed as storage. The largest of its kind on the market, the ball pit is crafted of sturdy memory foam walls that won’t cave in and can hold up to three kiddos.
TENDER LEAF TOYS FOXTAIL VILLA, AGES 3+
*The* gift on every wish list, this midsize wooden dollhouse inspires hours of imaginative play. With the included starter set of furniture, tots can set up the charming villa to their liking—and rearrange to satisfy every whim. Committed to protecting our planet, all Tender Leaf toys are made from reclaimed rubberwood, and for every tree used, another is replanted. Dolls sold separately.
INTELLIGENT CHANGE THE FIVE-MINUTE JOURNAL FOR KIDS, AGES 5–12
This best-selling illustrated gratitude journal helps kids slow down for a few minutes each day and focus on the positive things in their lives. An ideal add to morning and bedtime routines, the mindful prompts help their minds plan for a great day ahead and reflect on and remember the good moments they had.
GALISON ANDY WARHOL PAINT-BY-NUMBER SET
Budding artistes can set up their own mini studio and recreate one of the most famous works of art of all time. This all-inclusive kit includes a line drawing of Warhol’s iconic Soup Can on an 8" x 10" canvas, a wooden easel, two paintbrushes, six acrylic paints, and an easy-to-follow paint-by-number guide.
TENDER LEAF TOYS TABLE AND CHAIRS SET, AGES 3+
This adorable wooden child-size set makes the perfect addition to a bedroom or playroom, and gives little ones their own space to create and play. A hidden compartment can hold art supplies, small toys, or blocks, and a center chalkboard square allows for the ultimate forbidden fruit—writing on the table!
TEAMSON CHELSEA KITCHEN, AGES 3+
Universally adored by children, this modern kitchen will get the juices flowing of aspiring chefs and happy homemakers as they “whip up” all kinds of concoctions. Outfitted in a subdued hue with gold finishings, it’ll make a stylish addition to the playroom or bedroom. Fill it with assorted pots and pans and play food and let their imagination run wild.