Holiday gift-giving giving you stress? This 2018 Holiday Buying Guide will hopefully ease some of your shopping woes and make the season merrier for all.

The holidays can be stressful for anyone, and while presents are only a small part of what makes this time of year wonderful, finding the right ones can take up more time than we can spare.

I put together this holiday buying guide after culling through many, many lists online, as well as asking my favorite people (young and not so young) what they’d like to see under the tree or at a gift exchange.

I divided them into basic categories to help you skip to the list that best meets your needs. But if you have a minute, scan through the whole holiday buying guide. You never know, your industrious six-year-old might love something that was originally marketed for hobby-loving teenagers.

You’ll notice this holiday buying guide is heavy on toys that teach and books that encourage reading. When it comes to Christmas, there’s no reason why fun can’t further education. 🙂

Ok, I’m going to make this short and sweet. I hope this Holiday Buying Guide saves you time, money, and stress this season and you can focus on the important stuff… no, not the cookies. The other important stuff.

2018 Holiday Buying Guide

[Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see below for more details]

 

Holiday Buying Guide for… Littles (ages 0-4)

LeapFrog Musical Rainbow Tea Set 

This set both entertains with music and bright colors, and encourages creative play among little children. My own have had more than one set over the years, and the older kids remember it fondly. The music isn’t loud or obnoxious enough to jangle a parent’s nerves (you know that some of them do!), so this is a great gift for your little.

 

Sassy Developmental Bumpy Ball

Perfect for the curious baby that wants a toy to poke, bite, and play with, whether it’s during tummy time, while crawling, or in the early days of walking. The fascinating textures, colors, and bumps for grasping make this a fun and stimulating toy for the one-and-under crew.

 

Pampers Swaddlers, size 1, 198 count 

Diapers may not be as cute as a little onesie set, but what it lacks in “awws,” it makes up for with “phews.” A one month supply of diapers is a gift that can ease the stress of a new mom who is probably wondering how one so small can go through so many diapers in a day. #PracticalGiftsAreAwesomeToo (P.S. Amazon is running a coupon with this item right now!)

 

Melissa & Doug Latches Board

My 2- and 4-year-old love playing with this. Most of my kids have worked on this board in their early years and it is great for fine motor skills and teaching them how to unlock all the stuff you never wanted them to unlock. Seriously, this is a fun and fascinating toy for toddlers and preschoolers.

 

LEGO Duplo Town Truck & Tracked Excavator

Duplo lego blocks are great no matter what they’re building. My own children are into construction, but there are tons of sets and they give the little one in your life free reign to create and imagine. Plus, they’re big and therefore unlikely to scar your foot when you step on them in the middle of the night while trying to get water from the kitchen.

 

Melissa & Doug Examine and Treat Pet Vet Play Set 

This 24-piece set is super cute and great for kids who love animals and/or love playing doctor’s office. It was even recognized as a toy that teaches children empathy.

 

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy

Perfect for babies that love music. I took this portable toy with us everywhere and my little ones enjoyed playing with it when they woke up early. There are lights, too, but they’re not so bright that you’ll need to gift your baby some sunglasses alongside it.

 

The Pout-Pout Fish

This book is an adorable read-aloud to toddlers and babies alike. Full of fun rhymes, helpful friends, and an ending that will get you a smooch from your cuties, you’ll be glad you put this book under the tree.

 

On the Night You Were Born

If there’s a new baby in your life, this book is a must. It is a whimsical story about the things that occurred on the night your little one was born. Start reading it now and you’ll be reciting it together within a couple of years.

 

Goodnight Moon

If you don’t have this classic in your nursery, you need to add it. My 4-year-old and I read it every night before bed and it was the perfect way to end our night. The simple rhymes and recognizable objects in the room make this an easy one for the toddler in your life to read with you.

 

Holiday Buying Guide for… Young ‘uns (ages 5-11)

 

LEGO Juniors Fire Patrol Suitcase

Perfect for younger kids who are ready for regular legos, but need a little stepping stone before doing the big daddy projects. Fun and creative, these make a great gift. Bonus: This set comes with both a male and a female firefighter, plus a case to keep it all in.

 

AmScope Kids Beginner Microscope Science Kit

If you have a science enthusiast in the house, this is a great gift at a great price ($39.98 on Amazon). The experiments and microscope with keep them entertained for hours. Great for older elementary kids who like hands-on learning.

 

Sewing School: 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make

If the child in your life is into crafts and/or sewing, this will surely please them. There are projects for every skill level, as well as easy-to-understand instructions and patterns to work with. So give the gift of a life skill!

 

Lite-Brite Ultimate Classic

Remember these? If not, then maybe you should get one for yourself because they are so fun! With over 200 colored pegs, your child can create designs with the templates or from their own imagination. A classic toy for a reason.

 

Crayola Inspiration Art Case

This is the perfect starter art kit for your young child. So, if they are into art, but aren’t ready for more expensive and intricate sets, this case of the basics will work great. Comes with paper, crayons, markers, and colored pencils.

 

Gardening Tools for Kids with STEM Early Learning Guide

My kids love the idea of a garden and growing our own food. This gift gives you lots of useful information and tools to help get kids outdoors, learning about plants and their food, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. And best of all, they get to play in the dirt!

 

Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks Set

With 100 colorful blocks in various shapes and sizes, this gift will provide endless building fun. All of my kids (age 2-10) play with these and love erecting huge structures or dividing them by color and competing to make the coolest castle. Perfect for encouraging open-ended play.

 

My First Mind Blowing Science Kit

My kids loved this science kit. It was fun and easy enough for them to understand and do with a little supervision. Great gift for young scientists or kids who need an entertaining, hands-on introduction to the subject.

 

Picasso Magnetic Building Tile Set

This is 60 pieces of building fun. From balls to rocket ships to animals, these tiles hold together really well to form anything your child can think up. A great set that can be added to for even larger scale projects.

 

The Boxcar Children: The Mystery in Washington D.C.

These classic books are great for elementary school kids. They are easy to follow, teach new vocabulary, and have a strict moral compass. Plus, they are also mysteries solved by kids their own age, which adds a lot of fun and interest in getting to that last chapter. This book is my children’s favorite (so far).

 

Wonder

This book has gotten a lot of acclaim and attention, and after reading it, I see why. Best for older elementary kids, this story teaches a lot about empathy, friendship, and the perspectives of others. For the reader in your life who will be curled up with a book by the tree Christmas night.

Poppleton Box Set

While geared toward early readers, these stories are funny and entertaining for all ages. Great for quick read-alouds, these tales of a pig and his three friends never get old. This is a box set of five, with three stories in each book. A perfect gift for a young reader who likes to laugh.

 

 

 

Holiday Buying Guide for… Tweens and Teens (ages 12-18)

 

LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Block

This is a set of almost 500 legos that encourages imagination and creativity. Unlike other sets that have a theme, these are open-ended pieces that can be used to create whatever your child’s heart desires. A great gift for the builder in your life who’s never too old for legos. (The large set is available, too, with 790 pieces!)

 

Dartboard Game with Mounting Brackets

This is a fun game for the whole family, mounts easily to the wall, and uses actual darts to avoid the bounce-outs that often happen with the electronic boards. Downside: Steel-tipped darts not included. Upside: You can pull rank and assign the role of score-keeper to your child. 

 

Erin Condren Life Planner

For the (pre)teen in your life that is all about organization and planning, this will make their heart go pitter-patter. It has tons of options, very stylish, and even has stickers to jazz up their days. Also, this is great for setting goals. This planner will help them start the year off right.

 

Stick-on Wallet Card Holder

This gift is great if your teen always has her phone, but never has a purse or wallet. These attach to the back of a phone and can carry cash, cards, and ID. Perfectly practical.

 

Sports Knit Beanie

Whatever team they follow, there’s a beanie with their logo on it. Seriously, it’s winter people. If it’s going to be cold and they happen to like sports, get your (pre)teen a warm knit beanie (pom pom optional) with their favorite team on the front.

 

Ball of Whacks

This “ball” is actually 30 magnetic blocks that fit together to form geometry’s most perfect shape. Full of endless creative possibilities, this gift will keep your puzzle-loving (pre)teen busy for hours. You’re never too old to play with blocks.

 

Color Changing Cinema Lightbox

This lightbox comes with 240 characters, which should be plenty to allow your teen to express themselves. This is a fun addition to any room and they’ll love coming up with pithy statements to put on their personal marquee. 

 

Unicorn Bath Gift Set

Some fun and colorful bath essentials for the teen that likes tubbing. This gift set makes a nice gift or can be broken up into stocking stuffers. Great for adding a little luxury to the bathroom routine.

 

Always Off Makeup Remover Cloths

Perfect for daily face cleansing, these soft cloths gently remove makeup, oil, and dirt, and can be thrown into the washing machine for reuse. Great gift for teens who need to establish a cleansing routine to keep skin fresh and healthy. Comes with three cloths in cute colors.

 

Faber-Castell Watercolor Pencils

This set comes with 12 high-quality pencils that are perfect for adult coloring books and freehand drawings. Great for the artist in the house. (These also come in 24 and 60 pencil-sets for more color variety.)

 

The Chronicles of Narnia

C.S. Lewis’ classic series is a must-read, even if your (pre)teen has already seem the movies. The adventures of four siblings in the magical land of Narnia are engrossing at any age. (I can’t wait to start these with my kids!) This box set includes all of the books, as well as some bonus material.

 

The Book Thief

This unforgettable story follows a girl in WWII Germany who steals books and shares them with her family, neighbors, and the Jewish man hidden in the basement. If your teen loves books, she’ll recognize that same love written throughout the pages of this one.

 

The Princess Bride

A movie with a cult following for decades, this book chronicles the story of Buttercup and a farm boy as they grow, reunite, and make some interesting allies and enemies along the way. A great way to share a beloved movie with the next generation. (Tip: If they really love it, consider this behind-the-scenes bonus – it’s a great read!)

 

 

And for the Adults…

 

Holiday Buying Guide for… Tech

 

Morphie Powerstation External Battery

If you’re like me and forget to charge your phone until you’re out and without a cord, this external battery will save your bacon. It holds 8 charges, which should keep you from too many emergency, out-of-contact situations in the future.

 

PopSocket

Perfect for those of us who have ever dropped our phone on the floor (or on our face while lying in bed). This collapsible grip comes in tons of cute colors and designs, so it’s both fun and functional. 

 

Wi-Fi Extender

This will make the bandwidth user in your life very happy. This device increases the strength and reach of your wireless internet—a huge boon when you’re in the middle of watching something just as you step out to grab the mail.

 

Tile Mate Tracker 

This tracker can help you find your keys, phone, or whatever you need to keep track of. Perfect for the absent-minded person in your life (even if it’s you).

 

Google Chromecast

Don’t tell my Amazon Fire sticks I said this, but Google’s is better. The Chromecast makes it so simple to just “cast” something you have on your phone onto the TV, no menus or remotes needed. So, while I still like my Fire sticks, I would recommend this if you’re looking for easy streaming for the whole family.

 

Leather Tassel Charging Cord

A cute charger might be the perfect answer if you are always leaving yours at home. Hook this tassel on your keychain and it’ll be there when you need it. Comes in 7 different colors.

 

 

Sony Bluetooth Speaker

This wireless speaker is splash-proof and has a six-hour battery. Great for the shower, pool, or anywhere in the house where you want to take calls or listen to music while you work. Perfect gift for the busy person who can’t get away from their phone.

 

Silk Magnetic Cable Manager

Perfect for the nightstand, this gift will help keep your loved one’s cords accessible and organized.

 

Black & Decker Lightdriver

This cordless screwdriver is perfect for projects around the house. Bonus: It’s also a flashlight. Great for the Tim the Toolman in your life.

 

Compact Cube Smart Power Strip

This cube comes with 3 outlets and 3 USB ports. Perfect for desk areas, nightstands, and anywhere that has a lot going on in a small space. 

 

 

Holiday Buying Guide for the… Kitchen

 

Mister Rogers Heat Changing Mug

When you add hot coffee or tea to this mug, Mr. Rogers’ sweater changes color. Great gift for the hot beverage drinkers in your life who needs a little fun in their mornings.

 

Hamilton Beach Bread Maker

As someone who eats gluten-free, this is a money, time, and life saver. Easy to use and clean, recipes included, and produces delicious breads of every sort. The recipient of this gift will thank you later. Hopefully, that thank you will come in the form of a fresh, warm loaf.

 

Shun 7” Knife

I recommend this knife as someone who uses it 90% of the time. It’s worth the investment for your kitchen or for someone you know who is looking for a quality kitchen tool.

 

Soda Stream Sparkling Water Maker Mega Kit

Perfect for any seltzer or soda drinker. Easy to use, this device saves money and waste by carbonating water you can drink as is or add flavoring to (flavoring sold separately). This kit comes with three carbonating bottles and a CO2 cartridge.

 

Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat

This mat will make baking so much easier. Easy to clean, non-stick, and flexible, this is a great gift for the baker in your family.

 

Artland Oil Infuser

This gift will infuse oils and vinegars with herbal flavors. Perfect for the talented cook in your house who wants to add some zing to their ingredients.

 

 

Kilner Vintage Butter Churn

Perfect for the person who loves making everything from scratch. This gift is easy to use and dishwasher safe. Plus, it’s cute as a button.

 

Brown Sugar Bear

If you’ve ever had brown sugar get hard after opening it (who hasn’t?), this little gift will save you. Just drop it in and it will keep your sugar soft and moist between uses. A perfect stocking stuffer for the family baker.

 

 

 

Holiday Buying Guide for… Books

 

My Life With Bob by Pamela Paul

This book about a Book of Books (aka Bob) is perfect for the prolific reader in your life.

 

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

This story of a young woman and her mysterious benefactor will keep anyone engrossed.

 

 

Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin

With New Year’s right around the corner, this will offer fun insights into habits, life changes, and your own tendencies.

 

 

Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

If you know someone who is overscheduled and overworked (tis the season), who really needs a breather, this book honestly and emotionally leads the reader to a more peaceful place. Perfect for the tired mom in your life.

 

 

Notes from a Blue Bike by Tsh Oxenreider

Insightful and interesting, Tsh invites readers to live as the unique and beautiful individuals that they are.

 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

This classic will never get old, so if you know someone who hasn’t (gasp!) read it, this will be a great addition under the tree.

 

 

Own Your Life by Sally Clarkson

Helpful and warm advice on how to get off life’s rollercoaster and live the purpose you were sent here to fulfill.

 

 

Winning Resolutions by Keith McArthur

Perfect for the goal-oriented person in your life. This books breaks down resolutions, and why and how to make them the right way.

 

 

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

This 5-book set is a great gift for anyone who loves British humor and a little sci-fi mixed in with their laughter.

 

 

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson

Sage wisdom for anyone who needs less stress in their life. And after a chaotic holiday season, that would be most of us.

 

 

 

Holiday Buying Guide for… Subscription Services

 

Sports lover

Yearly packages from MLB.com or NFL.com that let them watch all their favorite games are a great gift that keeps on giving. We get our family the baseball package every year.

Book lover

If they love reading, get them Kindle Unlimited. And if audiobooks are more their thing, then go for Audible.

Shopaholic

Amazon Prime is my favorite for fast and easy shipping, not to mention saving money. But the upfront price is a little steep. If you know someone who will use it often though, it pays for itself. (A 30-day Free Trial is also available if you want to test drive it.)

Movie/TV fan

Netflix has an incredible assortment of movies and TV shows. CBS All Access and Hulu are also good choices, depending on their preferences (free trials are available as well). For kids, you might want to try out FreeTime Unlimited, which offers kid-friendly books, shows, movies, games, and more. (Click here for a Free Trial.)

Music lover

If they love to listen to their favorite tunes and create personal playlists, then consider Amazon music or iTunes.

 

I hope this Holiday Buying Guide has helped you find some great gifts for the people you love (and maybe a few for yourself). May the holiday season be less stressful and more joyous!

 

For more ideas not seen in this holiday buying guide, check out these links:

My Suggested Reading List

Gifts for Moms

 

Disclaimer for the links found in this Holiday Buying Guide: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This holiday buying guide post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. All opinions in this holiday buying guide are my own and I never recommend anything I haven’t used myself and loved.