I think it’s time for a not-so-heavy post, and this is it! We have 18 days left until Christmas (!!!!!), and we are in full holiday mode over here. Now that Finn is a little older, he seems to better understand all of this Christmas stuff. Last year was fun, but I think this year is going to be a riot. He’s just at a really fun age for all things Santa.
“What’s Santa say, Finn?” “Ho, ho, hoooooooo.” You know, he kind of gets it.
It goes without saying: Christmas shopping has been really fun, this year. Of course, Finn has pretty much every single thing any 2-year-old could ever want. So, the challenge is finding gifts that will be useful, exciting, and won’t just sit around, collecting dust and adding to the clutter.
We also tried to choose things that really align with his current interests: anything with wheels, art/creativity, and stuff that allows him to burn some energy, especially during the winter.
Here’s what will be under the tree Christmas morning, some from us, some from Mimi and Pops, and some from Santa:
1. ALEX Toys Active Play Monkey Balance Board
I think he’ll like this. He’s started taking an interest in balance-oriented things at the local play rooms.
It is no secret that Finn is absolutely gaga for all things with wheels, especially construction trucks. He can literally name them all. And we don’t know enough to discern whether or not he’s right.
The pigeon books are his favorite, especially Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (surprise, surprise). I think he’ll be really excited to have a little pigeon of his own.
4. Blue Horse Hopper, Pump Included (Inflatable Space Hopper, Jumping Horse, Ride-on Bouncy Animal)
A few of the YouTube videos he watches feature this thing, which gets rave reviews, and he LOVES watching other kids jump on it.
This is a good toy to take in the car, to restaurants, etc. I think it’ll come in handy.
6. Hape All-in-One Wooden Kid’s Art Easel with Paper Roll and Accessories
This is the primary gift from Mimi and Pops. Finn really, really loves it when we set up an art project for him, which we don’t do nearly enough. Hopefully, this will encourage more of that.
7. Play-Doh 24-Pack of Colors (Amazon Exclusive)
He has been SO into Play-Doh, lately. We feared it at first because, well, MESS. But he’s actually really good at only playing with it on his little table in the kitchen, and it keeps him busy for extended periods of time.
8. Play-Doh Classic Tools Playset
See above. I love this these tools are simple, wooden, and easy to use.
9. Step2 Thomas the Tank Engine Up & Down Roller Coaster
This is the gift that, once I saw it, I just couldn’t pass up. I texted it to Sona early one morning, and she responded with something like “No way in hell!” I ordered it like 5 minutes later, returning another bigger gift we had purchased for him. I just couldn’t resist. He is going to go BANANAS. I–I mean Santa–will definitely win Christmas morning with this sucker, even if it is a little impractical.