What I’m Gifting for Christmas 2025
How is your Christmas shopping going? I decided in October I wanted to enjoy December and started planning then, especially because I knew I was going to make some of the gifts this year. It is now December 3rd and I’m happy to report I’m feeling decent about the gift list this year. I’ve even wrapped a few gifts already.
My goal for this post is to give you some gift inspiration and a little dose of reality. I sometimes feel pressured in December to buy more things because my gifts are not as “good” or bountiful as what I see online. But, I keep our family values in mind- quality time together as a family and peace/contentment. I don’t need to add more to cart just to have more plastic junk in our house for a few days! This is exactly why I try to stick to the framework we set up for Christmas gifts years ago.
If you would like to read more about how we organize and plan our Christmas gifts, be sure to read this post. I have some great ideas listed on there, so it’s definitely worth a read.
Are you ready? Here is what I’m actually gifting for Christmas this year!
8 Year Old Gift Ideas
Our 8 year old still loves games, crafts, activities, reading, and random bits of knowledge. She plays with toys a lot differently than her younger sisters, but I still think playing is important. She was probably the easiest to buy for this year.
Selfie camera- I have no idea what the quality will be on this, but the selfie feature was very important to her. If you are on the hunt for a camera, I can vouch for this instant print one. It doesn’t use ink, so you only replace the paper, which is pretty affordable. This has lasted a full year of near daily use, but alas, does not have a selfie feature.
Pants and pajamas- I grabbed a few things from Old Navy and these pajamas were a specific request because they have great sleeve length.
Bird Guide of North America- she has randomly been very into bird identification over the last few months, so this was an easy pick that will keep her interested. She flies through chapter books, so sometimes that feels silly to spend money on. This has a lot of cool facts and pictures, so I’m hoping we all know a lot more about birds in a few months!
Pressed flower kit- I thought I had already purchased this, but can’t find it in my order history. So now I need to search through my gift pile or order something. I linked the brand I was considering.
Cat’s Cradle book with strings- I think she will LOVE THIS!
Tamagotchi- I know this will be fun, but the real question is how long until I regret this? Kidding…mainly.
I am also making a blanket for each of the kids and am excited to try my new sewing skills! I picked fabric unique for each of the kids and I’m eager to see their reactions- they already think I’m magic when I sew even the most basic thing. Such an ego boost!
Stocking stuffer ideas
Initial keychain- I found one on sale for $1-2 at a store somewhere
Bookmark- planning to make one with my Cricut if I have time
Pony pick- this will get divided between my 3 oldest kids
Socks
Facial moisturizer- she has been very interested in starting a skincare routine and this was a brand I found on multiple derm recommended lists. I’ll probably split this up and add some to my 6 year old’s stocking.
We also give each of the kids $5 to spend on each sibling. They can combine forces or buy something separately. The younger siblings decided to buy this watercolor workbook and are still adding a few things to the gift. My grandmother also graciously asks for my input when purchasing gifts for my children, so this puzzle game will be one of the gifts. I’m also thinking of adding this card game to the list as well.
6 Year Old Gift Ideas
This sweet child of mine is nothing, if not consistent. She has asked for the same 3-4 items all year long, so that is what I’m gifting her. She still loves toys and pretend, but seems very content with what we have currently. I’m still on the hunt for a few things to add to her list, but overall I think she will be thrilled with the things I’ve purchased.
Earrings- specifically dangle type. I’ve been happy with Pip Pop Post so far, so we got some charms to add to her current earrings.
handmade blanket
Long skirt- she has been asking for this for months!
Watch- love this watch, but she lost hers. This will be the third time I’m buying this brand- love that it is analog without sounds or buttons to be a distraction. Band is sturdy and silicone, so it doesn’t get soggy when washing hands.
Julie Andrews book- she was introduced to The Sounds of Music at school and has been so curious about Julie Andrews since.
Paper making kit- this has been an ongoing request for at least 6 months, so hopefully by spring we will know all about pulp and have a few pieces of homemade paper.
How to Draw book- we have another book by the same art teacher and the kids love it.
Stocking Ideas
I will honestly probably just add some random notebooks, markers, and art supplies I have stocked up.
Fun band aids- always make the list and we love this brand
Nail polish
This fun game that I think will be a hit
Anything that will be split with her sisters
The sibling gift is more earrings (I purchased a bundle set and will just split up) and my grandmother will get her a marble run. I like this one because it’s made from wooden blocks. In my mind, that means fewer plastic pieces to get lost and the blocks can be used with our classic wooden unit blocks the kids already love. We may upgrade to a plastic one with lots of parts as all of the kids get older, but this feels like a good fit for now.
4 Year Old Gift Ideas
The only requests from our daugther this year were Cinderella and Michigan (as in University of). She is so spirited and honestly loves those things most of all- she even had a Michigan themed birthday party this year! I usually don’t love buying character gifts because I’m worried the kids will outgrow them sooner, but I feel pretty confident the love of Cinderella is enduring.
Cinderella plush doll- a Frozen version of this doll was gifted to us by friends and my 4 year old is OBSESSED! She specifically asked for a Cinderella one. Found on Disney’s website directly with a great cash back percentage on Rakuten. (Sidenote: if you are not already checking here before ordering online, you are leaving money on the table my friend. Not a scam, super simple. Do it.)
handmade blanket
Cinderella pajamas and outfit- found some cute ones at Old Navy
Michigan cheer uniform
Masking tape dispenser with colored masking tape- this may end up being a gift for my 4 year old, but it looks fun!
Cinderella Barbie- specific request for one with a bun! This checks the box and I anticipate will be treasured!
Stocking Ideas
stickers
markers
sticky gems
random craft things I have stashed away, including this washi tape, which was a specific request.
Pony Pick- this was inspired by her absolute hatred of getting small elastics removed from her hair
The sibling gift I think will be a few sticker books- this and this both seemed cute. My grandmother will gift our 4 year old Clue Jr. and something else, but I’m still noodling this one.
2 Year Old Gift Ideas
With a birthday just days after Christmas, I’ve really tried to be thoughtful of what gifts our daughter will be getting this year. We really don’t want a lot more toys she will outgrow in just a few months, but instead want to intentially add play items that will generate creativity for years.
ur 4th for our 1 year old very minimal this year. If we are being honest, her favorite part will be trying to eat the wrapping paper anyway.
Play sink- we have actually had 2 other versions of this, but the motor died after 2 years on the first one and the second one had a piece snap off by a toddler. This will be a hit.
handmade blanket
Hatch- all of my kids have one and I think now is a good time to start introducing it.
Still on the hunt for something to wear and read for this child.
Left to right puzzle- this has been on my list for a toddler, but I finally purchased this year. Excited to see it in action.
Race track- this has been on my list for someone for a while. I think she will find it so entertaining.
Pretend food- we shockingly don’t have any velcro cut food, but she is very into “cooking” things for me and I snagged on a great deal.
Purse with pretend keys and makeup- technically a birthday gift, but I’m excited for this one and had to include it on the list.
Stocking Ideas
socks
bubble wrap- I grabbed on deal and it was around $10 I think. Felt a little silly, but now I think it’s genius!
farm animals- I love adding to our Schleich collection
I’m considering adding these magnetic tile support towers simply to have another thing in her stocking!
stickers
I might even include new silverware because she hides all of ours right now! I get this smaller metal version for the kids and really like it.
The sibling gift is TBD, but my grandmother will give her this train set and something else.
As you can see, I’ve definitely made a dent in my shopping, but am not done yet. I have a few small things to fill in, but am trying to be thoughtful about what we add to our house. More junk feels like more chaos to me, which I simply do not need. The total value of the gifts for my kids isn’t always equal at this age. I try to get it in the ballpark, but I don’t stress about it. They care way more about number and I care more about quality/potential usability. If the number is not quite even, I just wrap them together or fill in with small items I have tucked away that I purchased preemptively.
I hope you found a few ideas here. I will be sure to update the list as I buy more things. Please look back at the list I created last year, a lot of those gifts were MEGA HITS!
Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!
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