As the holidays approach, I’ve started to think about gift ideas for the boys and some family members have started asking for ideas. Our boys both definitely enjoy toys, but I usually also think of one or two practical gifts to get them based on their interests. At one, Asher got a cleaning set for Christmas and at two, he got a cordless handheld vacuum. Both of those gifts have by far been favorites and the ones that both of the boys have gotten the most use out of. As I started to think of new ideas for this year, I put together a list of practical items that we have loved and ones that I’ve been considering getting. If you’re on the lookout for some practical life gifts this holiday season, hopefully this guide will help to share a few ideas:
Practical Life Gifts for Infants
–Cleaning Cloths– For table/floor wiping. This was one of the first practical tasks Aiden was interested in.
–Weaning Chair– A great size for 6-12 month olds!
Practical Life Gifts for the Kitchen
–Learning Tower or Step Stool Adapted to Learning Tower
–Spreader: We’ve used this as a first knife for both boys
–Wooden Chopper: Aiden loves this one!
–Nylon Knife Set– This is the knife Asher uses most regularly now at three years.
–Mini Colander Set– I love that these have handles! Much easier for little hands!
–Strawberry Slicer– Another favorite at our house
–Apron– On both of the boys’ Christmas lists. I love that the velcro tab will allow them to put it on independently!
–Placemat– Or check out this DIY!
Practical Life Gifts for Household Cleaning
–Broom/Dustpan/Mop Cleaning Set
–Cordless Stick Vacuum– Considering this for Asher. A great size for preschoolers and up who are ready for more independence with vacuuming and are regularly interested in it.
-Cordless Handheld Dirtbuster– What Asher got for Christmas last year at two years old. This was also light enough for Aiden to use at 18 months.
Practical Life Gifts for Outdoors
–Small Gardening Tool Set– One of the boy’s favorites to use through the spring, summer, and fall in MI
–Cordless Leaf Blower– This one is on Asher’s Christmas list. It’s lightweight and powered by a rechargeable battery.
–Small Snow Shovel– Asher uses this so much throughout the winter and it’s also great for shoveling dirt!
Practical Life Gifts for Interests/Daily Skills
–Golf Tees and Clay for Beginning Hammering Practice- Play dough works too but we’ve found that clay gives more realistic resistance
–Large Plastic Needles for Toddlers
–Embroidery Hoops for Beginning Sewing Practice
Practical Life Gifts for Accessibility
–Step Stool– One of the best practical life purchases I have made. The two steps and grips make it a great beginning step stool for young toddlers and I love that it is easy to clean since it is mostly in our bathroom.
–Suction Cup Baskets– We use these to hold toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, and other self-care items. They attach really well to title and make it easy for the boys to reach these items.
Those are some of our practical life favorites! If you have questions about any of the items, please feel free to comment below or send me an email and I’d be happy to share more. I love that practical gifts like these are ones that the boys get so excited about and they get a lot of regular use. What are some practical gifts that you love for young kids?
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Ann says
I love the idea of giving useful gifts to kids, who often don’t need more and more toys. From a young age, they want to feel like they are contributing members of the family, and you’ve found a way to make that fun through gift-giving. Brilliant!
Lindsay Leiviska says
Love this list! Now I know I’m not the only one who asks for the practical gifts. Love the handheld stick vacuum! I’m asking for one of those for sure. 🙂
Dawn says
That dust buster looks awesome… we totally need a new one! lol This is a really good list!
Sarah says
I love that you included gifts for accessibility in your list! That is so cool and thoughtful. Great ideas all around!