Here is the third in my series of WAHM-made Christmas shopping suggestions, for those of you looking for The Big One. This list will help you find that one awesome gift, the central focus of your child’s holiday extravaganza, that “best thing ever” item that your child will be talking about for months, maybe years, to come. Of course, kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy opening that one special gift on Christmas, so I’ll be sure to include gifts for the big, big kids on your list, too!
You can read my previous list of gifts $25 and under and stocking stuffers to get an broader idea of what craftsparents have to offer your family this Christmas!
Standard Disclaimer: None of these recommendations are solicited in any way. This list is based solely on items I think are cute or that we have and love ourselves. All of the products are made by small businesses owned by mothers, father, and/or grandparents who are trying to generate an additional source of income. They’re all made by hand (ie. not mass produced) and often of “green” (eco-friendly) materials. Many WAHM-made items are one of a kind or limited production items, so if you love it, snag it while you can! Of course, many WAHMs will gladly make customs, so if you can’t get the item you want, don’t despair. Email them and find out if they offer customs options
- Imaginative play doesn’t require batteries. It doesn’t need flashing lights. All it takes is that perfect toy to help spark your child’s creativity and get that little imagination going. Help your little one imagine an exciting fishing adventure with this colorful fishing set from Bright Life Toys (fabric/felt, ages 3+, $45). Currently out of stock, but likely to be back in time for Christmas, is the popular campfire set (fabric, ages 3+, $35). Pair the fishing and camping sets with a mini pop-up tent and create the ultimate imaginary outdoors experience!
- Every child needs at least one well-made, beautiful doll. I think Waldorf dolls, with their all natural materials, wool stuffing (warms to your child’s body temperature), and simple faces make a wonderful companion for any child. They’re worth every penny, as each one is carefully handcrafted and unique. Here are a few of my favorites: 16″ Lea (ages 3+, $189) or 20″ Marina mermaid doll (all ages, $135) from Polar Bear Creations; 15.5″ Madeleine (no age listed, $175) or 18″ Phoebe (no age listed, $180) from Wool Creations (who also has custom slots available; 13″ Snuggles (age >3, $50) from Willow’s Nestings.
- For your little ones who love toys that move and go, a handcrafted wooden double decker car hauler or construction set ($38.50 each) from Grandpa John’s Wooden Toys could be just the ticket. These things are indestructible and absolutely lovely.
- If you have a husband, boyfriend, father, older son, or any other man in your life who uses a bladed razor to shave, spoil him this holiday says with this Sky shaving set or Embers shaving set (acrylester, chrome, nylon bristles, $94.00 each) from Thornbush Pens. Sets include razor, brush, and a stand to keep them in perfect position. Consider pairing them with one of the shaving soaps ($4/bar) from Country Soaps by Marlene and a green stoneware shaving mug ($28.50) from Virginia Wyoming Eclectic Pottery studio for a thoughtful gift.
- Got a crafty knitter mama on your gift list (or maybe you’re a crafty knitter mama and need to point someone in this direction)? A good project bag is a must for an on-the-go knitter — it prevents tangling, protects your projects from kids and pets, keeps you from losing all those pesky stitch markers, and just makes the whole shebang a lot more portable. For the sock knitter, this pink anime Kipster Knitting Project Bag ($34.50) from Zoe’s Bag Boutique is an adorable way to tote an in-progress pair. For larger projects, like longies or a child’s sweater, this pink flowers Chaco Project Bag ($27.50) from Chaco Creations can hold 2-4 cakes of yarn and all the tools you need. For full-sized projects (and the full-sized patterns that may come with them), Chaco Creations also offers the Santa Fe Backpack ($55), large enough to accommodate even the biggest projects. Fill that bag with pretty multi-colored stitch markers ($3/set of 5) from Paty’s Loveys, some festive Candy Cane yarn ($20/skein) from DiscoBabyKnits at Tiny Lady Cooperative, and a Namaste circular needle case ($20) from Nurturing Threads.
- The perfect gift comes in many colors. Pair all the part of this Rainbow After the Rain set (all ages) from Beneath the Rowan Tree and your little gift-receiver will get to enjoy all the colors of imagination. The set pieces are listed individually and include a wooden rainbow stacker ($12/five pieces), a set of 6 11″ “fairy silkies” (handkerchief sized playsilks) in a rainbow spectrum ($16.50/set of six), and a set of 6 35″ playsilks in a rainbow spectrum ($55/set of six).
- This Lotus Flower Family Garden Necklace (sterling silver, $48)from Anna Ourth Jewelry is a beautiful way for a mother to commemorate the births of her children. The lotus blossom pendant comes with three stamped name charms (additional charms can be added for $5 each) with birth stone crystals. A classic, lovely gift for any mother or grandmother.
- Maybe Santa is bringing your child or grandchild (or godchild or…any child!) a new play kitchen. What could be a more perfect gift for the budding chef than this Little Baker Cookie Set ($40) from Nana’s Toy Box. A festive gift box comes filled with a gingerbread apron, a wooden rolling pin, a sheet of pretend rolled dough and uncooked cookies, and four decorated play gingerbread cookies. A “delicious” treat!
- If your child is more interested in the pastoral than the pastries, this beautiful wooden farm set ($40/11 piece set) from Anne Moze All Wood Toys could fill up his/her barn! This hand-carved, hand-painted set includes a farmer and his wife, a milk cow, a goat, a rooster and hen, a goose and gosling, a sow and her piglet, and a little dog, too!
These are just a few samplings of the wonderful WAHM-made items available at sites like Hyena Cart and Etsy. Give yourself time to search and explore; you might find something even better than what I’ve listed here!
