Tiny Holidays: For the Kids

Shopping for kids can easily become a mad dash into the Mega Toy Emporium to grab whatever plastic gizmo is flashing from the endcap. We believe in giving gifts that are nurturing and creative, not destined for the trash bin a few weeks after Christmas. Here are a few ideas for fun and engaging holiday gifts for the little ones in your life.

1. Art





We will also mention Dazey Chic in our art roundup this week, but we can't help but include her wonderfully cheery, bright and inspiring artwork for our kid's gift guide. What kid wouldn't love a little art in their room? Priced at just $20, this would make a really cool gift for a niece or nephew.

2. Art supplies

We love the idea of these eco-friendly art supplies from Planet Happy Toys. The crayon rocks are $8.95, the mini sketchbooks are $4.95 and the natural pigment markers are $5.95.

3. Music/musical instruments



What kid doesn't love music? What parent doesn't get horribly tired of listening to Raffi for the 102929299843th time? We're loving "Do Fun Stuff"- the  awesome compilation created by Ryan Marshall of Pacing The Panic Room. You can pick up the album on iTunes and send it to the music saavy parents in your life.

This Band in a Box from The Land of Nod is super cute and just $24.95 for a bunch of musical instruments that will turn your bored toddler into a music making machine!



4. Books

Publisher's Weekly just put out their list of 2010's best children's books. Why not stop by your local bookstore and pick up a few books for your aspiring English major? We particularly love giving copies of books that we loved as kids.



5. Give the gift of time. Take the kid in your life to a ballgame, a museum, a tour of a historical place, or to an outing of their choice.