Curated Guides for Home, Play & ParentingToys, tools, travel picks, and gift ideas by age.
(2025 Holiday Guides at the bottom!)
These are all the things we’ve used, loved, and shared over the years— organized to make your life easier, not more overwhelming. From gifts for ages 1–8 to water play essentials, creative art supplies, travel gear, and smart storage finds, these curated favorites help you bring more ease (+ joy) to everyday play.
Best Gifts for One-Year-Olds
First birthday favorites that spark curiosity, build coordination, and grow with your child from babyhood through the preschool years
Best Gifts for Two-Year-Olds
Looking for the best gifts for two-year-olds? This Montessori-inspired gift guide features open-ended toys, creative art materials, and pretend play favorites that support independence, imagination, and real toddler development—no flashing lights required.
Best Gifts for Three-Year-Olds
Your three-year-old is stepping into independence: more language, bigger stories, and stronger “I can do it!” energy. These picks focus on Montessori-friendly, open-ended, STEM, creative, and movement toys that grow with your child.
Best Gifts for Four-Year-Olds
Discover the best gifts for 4-year-olds—Montessori, STEM, art, pretend play, and sensory toys that build independence, creativity, and kindergarten-ready skills.
Best Gifts for Five-Year-Olds
Discover the best gifts for 5-year-olds—STEM, art, science, and pretend play toys that build creativity, problem-solving, and confidence.
Best Gifts for Six-Year-Olds
Discover the best gifts for 6-year-olds—STEM kits, strategy games, creative projects, and open-ended toys that build focus, problem-solving, and confidence.
Best Gifts for Seven-Year-Olds
Find the best gifts for 7-year-olds—STEM sets, maker kits, strategy games, books, and creative toys that build confidence, curiosity, and independence.
Best Gifts for Eight-Year-Olds
Shop the best gifts for 8-year-olds—STEM sets, strategy games, maker kits, books, and creative toys that build skills, confidence, and curiosity.
REQUIRED READING:
✸
REQUIRED READING: ✸
Boundaries, burnout, rest, and the parts of parenting no one really talks about.
PARENTS ARE LOVING THESE POSTS:→ We Didn’t Homeschool, But We Did This Instead…
GET The book that helps you turn that phrase into playtime magic.But I’m Bored is your go-to guide for raising curious, creative, independent kids—without adding more to your mental load. Inside, you’ll find dozens of realistic, screen-free play ideas that actually work in real homes with real kids.
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For parents who want less chaos,
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