The holidays are here and you want to get something special for those special someones. Read on for great gift ideas in this 2020 Holiday Buying Guide…
Our family pretty much rolls into the holidays the moment Halloween is over. We are excited for the family traditions we share at Thanksgiving, as well as the beautiful Christmas rituals. This time of year is everyone’s favorite.
But when it comes to shopping, that’s a little stressful. With most of our purchases online, it can be both a blessing and a curse navigating the many sites, wish lists, and options.
The holidays should be full of joy and peace, not stress and shopping fatigue. So each year, I put together this Holiday Buying Guide of gift recommendations so you can spend less time culling through endless possibilities and more time enjoying the wonder of the season.
I hope these gift suggestions make your holiday season just a little bit easier, or lead you to ideas you hadn’t thought of before. Either way, ENJOY!
2020 Holiday Buying Guide
[Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see below for more details]
Holiday Buying for… Baby (Ages 0-2)
Zutano Cotton Baby Booties with Gripper Soles
$22.00 – $29.99
Warm, cute, and they stay on. All you can hope for in baby booties, plus they come in some really cute colors.
Letters to My Baby: Write Now. Read Later. Treasure Forever.
$12.16
Writing letters to your little one so they will always have those memories is precious. These offer prompts and space to record your thoughts in a beautiful letter book.
Love To Dream Swaddle UP
$29.95
These swaddle bags are awesome for little ones who need a good night’s sleep. No chemicals or flame retardants. I loved these when my babies were small and their startle reflex woke them often.
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Count & Rumble Piggy Bank
14.91
A fun way for kids to explore counting, and it includes lots of songs and sounds. This is also great for developing fine motor skills as they put the coins in the slot.
Edushape See-Me Sensory Balls
$11.29
These balls are great! The nubby texture is really pleasing for little ones and these can develop motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and just be plain fun to play with!
Lewo Wooden Rainbow Stacker Nesting Puzzle Blocks
$19.99
These colorful stacking and nesting blocks have fun, vibrant primary colors and are great for early motor skills. Wooden blocks are simple, but babies and toddlers love them!
Holiday Buying Guide for… Toddlers/Preschoolers (Ages 2-5)
Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag (80 pieces)
$14.92
This is a great building set for younger kids, ages 1-5. But really any child can enjoy the creativity that comes with building from their imagination, and these blocks are big and sturdy – perfect for little fingers.
Melissa & Doug Pet Vet Play Set
$21.99
This 24-piece set includes 2 plush animals and lots of vet supplies for an exciting time helping sick animals. Great for children who love make-believe (that is to say, ALL of them!).
Hide N Side Kids Play Tunnels
$34.95
This interconnected 4-tunnel system is a blast for crawling babies, but older kids love it, too. All of my kids love playing in this thing. Bonus: it’s easy to fold up and transport.
LeapFrog Number Lovin’ Oven
$22.38
This singing oven comes with lots of ingredients for your budding baker to play with. They can explore numbers and temperatures while an egg sizzles in the pan.
My First Crayola Touch Lights, Musical Doodle Board
$24.99
This doodle board has sounds and lights, but what makes it a great gift is that there are no pieces or pens. Your child can draw with their fingers and you can take it anywhere easily.
Kidzlane Count & Match Educational Egg Toy
$14.99
This is a great toy for discovering colors and counting, but also learning how to sort by similarities. As they put the matching eggs together, they also work their fine motor skills.
YEZI Kids Toy Classical Ukulele
$13.99
Ukeleles are wonderful instruments for children because they are perfectly sized for their smaller bodies, are a lot less disruptive than drums (you know what I’m talking about, parents!), and the can spark your child’s musical interest.
Play-Doh Sand Variety 6-Pack
$14.99
They’re glittery and stretchy and shimmery. This moldable sand is really popular with kids, maybe because it has a similar feel to slime. But I love them because they are great sensory toys and keep my kids happy for ages.
Educational Insights Design & Drill Robot
$11.51
This robot swivels and hinges, and kids can put it together over and over again with the included screwdriver. Great for fine motor skills… or for racing to see who can assemble it the fastest (my kids make everything a competition).
KIDZALLIENT Activity Busy Board
$20.99
If you’re traveling or sitting in a waiting room, this 2-sided board will be a life saver. Kids quietly work at the board activities, or use the case for dry erase markers. It’s versatile and fun.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Elementary School Kids (Ages 5-11)
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars Extreme
$21.99
If your elementary school child is curious about nature and the outdoors, these “binoculars” enhance both sight and sound and are great for exploring. Good for ages 5-8.
Everest Toys Crazy Forts
$44.04
Is there a kid alive who doesn’t love forts? This glow-in-the-dark version has 69 toggles and rods that are child-safe, so you can let them have at it in the living room while you have some uninterrupted coffee time.
Out of Print Kid’s Book-Themed T-Shirts
$12.00-$20.00
These are too cute. There are a variety of colors and book themes to choose from so you can get your child’s favorite. My goal is not to buy ALL of them! (I mean, who doesn’t want to wear The Snowy Day this winter?)
Wooden 3D Puzzle Toy Train Set with Railway
$68.00
I highly recommend these sets for children who love building and have a lot focus. My son spent the days after Christmas when he was 8 building his train with a single-minded drive. The finished product still sits on our mantle.
Spirograph Original Deluxe Art Set
$22.52
19 different gears give your child plenty of options as they make their colorful designs with this spirograph. This classic is still a fun favorite!
My Fairy Garden – Magical Cottage
$65.99
These are adorable and so fascinating for kids. Within a year of starting one of these little gardens, my daughter was growing produce in containers in the backyard. It helped awaken her green thumb!
Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries
$42.28
I know this is a little expensive for a board game, but they come in various themes (this one seemed perfect for the holidays), and everyone in the family LOVES playing it. I definitely recommend it for ages 7 and up.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Middle Schoolers (tweens & teens)
The Manga Artist’s Workbook
$12.69
With lots of kids (and adults) into Manga, this books shows them the basics on how to replicate the drawing style they love.
Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
$29.99
This speaker is great for the tween or teen who loves streaming their favorite artists. It also has 7 bright LED lights for added effect when they’re listening.
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock
$27.95 – $55.17
This hammock can be hooked up outside or inside for your tween or teen to enjoy just relaxing, reading, or listening to music. It comes with tree straps for easy hook-up.
Smoko Light Up Unicorn Slippers
$32.99
These slippers are adorable and perfect for these cold winter nights. Grab their size and give your middle schooler something awesome to warm their toes Christmas morning.
Catan The Board Game
$44.00
If you want to get Game Night going with your pre-teen, then this might be the one. You’re basically building a civilization, buying and trading and avoiding bad guys. Sure to keep you engrossed from beginning to end.
Build-on Brick Mug
$13.90
This fun mug will give your tween or teen something to play with while they enjoy something warm this season. Great way to get the brain moving in the morning!
Holiday Buying Guide for… High School/College kids (Ages 14-22)
HANGRY KIT Essentials Snacks Variety Pack
$29.99
When your child tells you to send provisions, this might fit the bill. At the very least, they won’t starve in their dorm room during finals.
Elago 3 in 1 Charging Station for Apple Products
$24.99
This hub is great if your teen has all the things and they all need to charge. Specifically for Apple products, this one is universal.
Best Pro Eyeshadow Palette Makeup
$13.95
As your teen starts wearing makeup, these natural nudes are a good place to start. Wishing I had something like this in the days of my white eyeshadow…
BobaGO Bubble Tea Gift Set with Cup
$27.95
This set comes with a reusable cup and straw, recipe book, and everything they need to satisfy their bubble tea cravings at home.
FLORAVOGUE Knot Ball Plush Throw Pillow
$30.99
This pillow comes in a variety of colors and is a soft, textured ball of comfort that your teen can cuddle, toss, or sleep on. Perfect for if they think they’re getting too old for stuffed animals, but need something to hold on to.
Tile Essentials Trackers (4-pack)
$66.61
This 4-pack of Bluetooth trackers will help your forgetful teen keep track of all their essentials, including their keys and phone. Great for college kids out on their own. Includes 1 mate, 1 slim, and 2 stickers.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Women
2021 Daily Planner: The Homemaker’s Friend
$15.99
I have used this planner for years and you don’t have to be a homemaker to enjoy the many sections, intuitive layout, and beautiful simple design. This is a quality paper planner, year after year.
Intelex Cozy Body Slippers
$19.99
These incredibly warm and comfy slippers are perfect for this winter. If we’re only dressing professionally from the waist up for Zoom meetings, why not wear some comfy slippers, too.
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
$99.95
This is one special mug. With her smartphone, she can control and maintain the temperature of her drink for as long as she wants. This is definitely the gift for the woman who can’t drink her coffee before it gets cold (e.g. moms everywhere).
If You Can Read This Bring Me Novelty Socks
$9.95
These super cute socks come with a variety of messages, but these “bring me chocolate” socks might be the most universal.
C.R. Gibson Vertical Recipe Keeper Flip Stand
$26.28
This recipe organizer and holder makes cooking and baking so much easier. Comes with tabbed dividers and sheet protectors, too. If you want a more personalized option, this engraved recipe box is rustic and and adorable.
Quility Premium Cotton Duvet & Weighted Blanket (15 lbs/Twin size)
$89.99
This weighted blanket set includes a soft, attractive duvet cover so she can enjoy the relaxation of the weighted blanket as well as how nice it looks on her favorite chair.
Reads Books Loves Baking Stays Home Graphic T-shirt
$15.00
Perfect for a year of quarantining. This cute cotton tee is soft and comfy, but buy a size up to account for some shrinking.
Holiday Buying Guide for…Men
Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
$39.99
With remote work on the rise, so are sore necks and shoulders. Give him the gift that will keep on giving (him massages) after all those screen hours.
TESLYAR Wood Phone Docking Station
$52.80
If your guy tends to scatter his belongings, then this docking station can help him get organized. Attractive ash wood with places for devices, wallet, coins, and sunglasses.
The Good Hurt Fuego: A Hot Sauce Gift Set
$34.99
This sampler is a great way for the heat-loving guy in your life to explore some more hot sauces. They range from mild to blistering.
Greenline Goods 10 Oz Engraved Tumbler Gift Set (Set of 2)
$22.98
Let him enjoy his drink of choice in these beautiful glasses engraved with a map of his favorite city. Whether it’s his hometown or his dream city, these thoughtful tumblers will be a hit.
Magnetic Wristband for DIY work
$9.98
If the man in your life likes to fix things himself, this wristband will help by magnetizing small screws and with pockets for non-magnetic things he needs close at hand.
SOMA Glass Tea and Coffee Cold Brew Bottle (12 oz)
$39.99
If he loves his drinks on the go, this double-walled bottle is great for making cold brew, steeping tea, and keeping coffee hot.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Subscriptions
Bookroo Book Club (ages 0-10)
$16.95 – $29.95 (monthly)
Gift the kids in your life with a monthly subscription service that sends books and other related items in 3, 6, and 12-month packages. Prices range with boxes and age groups.
Audible
$15 – $150
I am a huge believer in audiobooks to increase reading. This service offers access to thousands of audiobooks to listen to when it’s just not possible to read the written words. Comes in 1, 3, 6, and 12-month packages.
KiwiCo Crates
$16.95 and up
There are so many of these crates to choose from, depending on your child’s age and interests. These crates include a really cool project as well as a book and other helpful info. My kids love these!
Universal Yums
$13.75 – $35.75 and up
For the snack monster in your life, here is a monthly box of unique, international munchies sent to their door, along with trivia, games, and recipes. Prices vary based on how many and the duration of the subscription you choose.
Hello Fresh
$65 – $130
This delivery service of prepared ingredients that make it easy to put together healthy, personalized meals is a life-saver and stress-reliever for whoever gets this gift. Gift cards are available in different increments depending on family size.
Sips by
$45 – $180
For the tea lover in your life. These gift cards cover 3, 6, or 12-month subscription boxes of personally curated teas based on preference, as well as filters, notes, and tips to make the tea-drinking experience better. I love mine!
Book of the Month
$49.99 – $169.99
For the readers, this subscription offers a choice of 5 new books (some early releases!) at a cheaper price than other channels, which they can receive and review. They can skip with no charge whenever they want, too. Subscriptions come in 3, 6, and 12-month packages.
Cloth & Paper
$18 – $240
If you know someone who loves planners, pens, and fancy paper, this is the subscription for them. Unique items, accessories, and other items that will tickle their fancy come every month.
Causebox
$54.95/quarter, $199.80/year
For the person in your life who likes goods that are fairly, ethically, and sustainably made. And also beautiful. This is as much about the box as about how people and the earth should be treated.
Minno
$69.99 and up
This subscription gives access to tons of entertaining and engaging shows that have a Christian focus. My kids are huge fans and so am I. Gift memberships run for 1, 2, or 3 years.
Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club
$15/month, $40/quarter, $150/year
This is perfect for the book lover in your life. Membership offers book suggestions, reading lists, forums, webinars, author interviews, and other delightfully bookish things. I joined as part of my 2019 New Year’s Resolutions and haven’t regretted it once.
MEL Science
$298.40 (9 months) – $376.90 (12 months)
This science kit subscription service is awesome for any home scientist (or family of them). This comes with the starter kit, VR headset, and chemistry set. You get 2-3 experiments per month. For kids, there’s an age 5+ version – get the details here.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Kitchen items
9-Speed Immersion Hand Blender
34.97
This stick blender comes with a whisk and milk frother attachment, but what I love is how well it works pureeing soups in the winter months.
COSORI Air Fryer Max XL
$105.98
This 8-in-1, 5.8-quart digital air fryer is such a great addition to a kitchen. It makes the perfect gift for anyone who loves fried foods, but wants to go in a healthier direction – without sacrificing taste. We love ours! Comes with 100 recipes.
Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Maker with Milk Frother
$167.88
This was my favorite gift last year. You can make coffee, espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, and cold brew foam with this machine. Dishwasher safe parts and tons of k-cup variety. Perfect for the coffee lover in your life.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
$79.00
This pressure cooker can perform multiple functions, but it’s a life-saver when you need to cook meat or prepare a frozen meal you forgot to defrost. A huge plus for the meal-maker in the house.
Nicewell Food Scale
$25.98
For the person who loves to be accurate. This food scale allows ingredients to be measured by weight for more accuracy, cleans easily, and converts from grams to ounces.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Books for Kids
Eric Carle Six Classic Board Books Box Set
$32.51
This set of 6 board books are perfect for little ones that need sturdy books that are engaging and can survive teething. My kids loved The Mixed-Up Chameleon!
Boynton’s Greatest Hits: The Big Blue Box
$14.43
These classic books by Sandra Boynton are perfect for babies, toddlers, and other little ones who enjoy hilarious stories with lovable characters. Includes 4 board books.
Richard Scarry’s Busy Busy Boxed Set
$24.49
This set of 4 board books from Richard’s Scarry’s collection are a must. My kids loved the illustrations, new words, and sneaky humor that were a hallmark of these awesome books.
Global Baby Bedtimes
$6.49
This book is great for little ones who need to see that they’re not the only ones going to bed – they’re just doing it differently than other children around the world. Interesting and a great way to expand your kids’ world.
The Classic Baby Lit Collection Boxed Set
$31.93
This set of 8 classic novels converted into colorful, fun board books is a great way to give your kids a light intro to some of your favorites.
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why
$13.45
Kids love asking why, so this image-filled book is a great way for them to get the answers they want without you burning up Google. Don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly being offered lots of interesting facts all day long.
The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook by Dinah Bucholz
$10.95
For the Harry Potter fans, here are over 150 recipes to make all their Hogwarts favorites – from Treacle Tarts to Pumpkin Pasties.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
$10.86
This adapted version of the classic written by his father covers step-by-step how teens can succeed and thrive. Written before the pandemic that has affected many, it still has lots of worthwhile and valuable insights for your teen.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
$11.69
Written in verse, this novel about an Afro-Latina girl in Harlem who feels unheard until she discovers the power of slam poetry is a beautiful testament to coming of age and the pain and love of family.
Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by Alex & Brett Harris
$7.19
This book is about going against the culture that expects little from teens, and instead asks them to take the harder path for the glory of God. I love the message and also that it’s written by twins who came up with the idea as teens.
Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan
$14.99
This fictional story follows three children in different times and places as their lives change when they come into possession of a unique harmonica. Heartwarming and perfect for the whole family.
Still looking for more book ideas? These popular lists will help!
20 Best Book Series for 2nd Grade Boys & Girls
The Best Books for 4th Grade Girls
10 Best Books for 3rd Grade Boys
20 Books that Kids at Home Will Love (& Learn from!)
Books for Adults
Delish: Eat Like Every Day’s the Weekend Cookbook by Editors of Delish
$16.90
This is great for anyone looking for recipes that are tasty and easy. Perfect for the everyday cook whose also a foodie.
Celine by Peter Heller
$14.19
This book is based on the author’s mother, a chic private investigator who looks into the mysterious disappearance of a girl’s father years later. Very atmospheric and great characters.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
$10.69
This is the story of an author who, by a chance letter, finds herself falling in love with the courageous people on the small island of Guernsey after the German occupation of WWII. You can read my full review here.
The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
$14.95
All about the Danish philosophy of comfort, togetherness, and well-being. Perfect for these wintry months indoors.
Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
$19.19
If you know someone who prefers a murder mystery for the holidays, this is about a killer copying perfect murders from famous books. Twisty and suspenseful.
Lovely War by Julie Berry
$5.99
Set during WWI, this story is told from the perspectives of different Greek gods who had a hand in the lives of four young people trying to find their way through war, racism, and hurt to love on the other side. Beautifully written.
Delicious! by Ruth Reichl
$11.49
No one talks food like Ruth Reichl. This fiction debut is about a woman with an excellent palette who discovers a food mystery while helping those who’ve had disastrous results when making recipes from the magazine she works at. Great for foodies.
Girls’ Club: Cultivating Lasting Friendship in a Lonely World by Sally, Sarah, and Joy Clarkson
$12.89
Written from the perspective of three women about their own relationships (mother-daughter-sister) and those with others of their gender, this is the perfect book to send to the special girlfriend(s) you’ve been blessed with.
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
$18.99
2 strangers. 1 flat. Opposite work schedules. And lots and lots of post-it notes. This is the witty and engrossing story of how two people who share a bed long before they ever meet become entrenched in each other’s lives. The story pacing is perfect!
The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton
$12.61
Three couples are trapped during one of the worst hurricanes to hit the Florida Keys while mob hit men lurk, an abusive husband has gone missing, and one woman searches for her missing brother. Suspenseful with great characters. Set during the Great Depression.
Still looking for more book ideas? Try these lists!
Best Jane Austen-inspired Books to Read
My December Reading List Picks
Holiday Buying Guide for…Stocking Stuffers (under $10)
Stretchy Cell Phone Stick On Card/Money Holder
$8.99
These stick-on card holders are perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to carry a purse or wallet and just needs the essentials. Comes with two and designs vary.
Celavi Essence Facial Mask Set
$9.99
This 12-pack of facial masks is great for the woman in your life who needs to treat herself and have some quiet relaxation time.
Candy & Deep Fry Stainless Steel Paddle Thermometer
$9.99
Perfect for keeping temperatures in the right range when frying or making candy. Super helpful for accurate cooking.
Compatible AirPods Silicone Case Cover (2 pack)
$5.99
This case cover is great for protecting from scratches and bumps. Comes in a variety of color combinations.
Coconut Lip Scrub
$9.99
All natural and vegan, this is great for exfoliating dry lips caused by cold winter air. Also useful as an unscented and fragrance-free lip polish.
I hope this Holiday Buying Guide gifts you with some great ideas and makes your 2020 holidays simpler and more fun. To print or download a PDF copy, click here.
Happy Holidays!
~Rebecca
Still looking for more suggestions? Try these posts:
[Disclaimer: 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 post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own and I never recommend anything I don’t love.]
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