There is something to wear, read, want, and need for everyone in this whole family gift guide! Find unique gift ideas for the kids, for moms, and for dads.
The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here.
I wasn’t sure if I would put together a family gift guide this year. I went back and forth on whether or not I wanted to do a 2018 gift guide.
However, I realized yesterday that there were just too many great things I wanted to share with you all, and a gift guide is the best way to do that. Everything on this list is either something that we currently own and love, or an item that has been recommended to me by someone with impeccable taste. Many of those items are on my personal wishlist this year!
I hope that this gift guide gives you new ideas and fresh inspiration as you finish your holiday shopping. If you need even more ideas, check out this list of 25 kitchen gift ideas for $25 or less (and enter to win an Amazon gift card while you’re there!).
2018 Gift Guide for the Whole Family
For the kids ::
SOMETHING TO WEAR
I love Old Navy’s kid pajamas. Every year I buy winter pajamas for my kids, and shopping at Old Navy means that I can easily coordinate between sizes for 5 kids (I just aim for color coordinated), and that it won’t break the bank.
This year, my girls have the same pajamas, my oldest boys’ pants are the same, and my toddler just matches the color scheme. Shopping at Old Navy online is super easy, and there are almost always sales or the opportunity to get super cash (to use on future purchases).
Old Navy pajamas are ON SALE NOW!
We have ordered three boxes from Stitch Fix for our kids now, and my 6 year old is eagerly awaiting his turn. We’ve been happy with each fix that has arrived, and twice we ended up buying the entire box.
The boxes in which we bought all ten items, the total for everything was about $125. The whole process was a lot of fun and we really enjoyed unpacking everything and trying everything on. Not to mention the ease of not taking kids shopping, or the pressure of picking things out!
You can order a kids’ box and decide when you want it to arrive, or buy a gift certificate for a child to use later.
SOMETHING TO READ
Use the code GIFTBOOK18 to save $5 on a $20 Amazon book purchase!
Genius Lego Inventions with Bricks You Already Have
Sarah Dees’ third LEGO book is the best yet! Each of the STEM-based projects all have some sort of motion to them, from moving robots to a candy dispenser for Starbursts, to games and puzzles. I love how Sarah’s books capture my kids’ interest and bring fresh inspiration into their creations.
This book would be perfect for a child who is perhaps on the cusp of growing out of legos, but wants to be challenged and has an interest in inventing and creating. Genius Lego Inventions will breathe new life into a lego collection!
I can’t wait to get this book for my kids! I am planning on ordering one for a cousin too. As potentially messy as these could be, I also know that they provide hours of fun and creativity, usually with all my kids playing together.
My biggest tip is to buy disposable tablecloths, or butcher paper for the table. I also LOVE LOVE LOVE these activity trays. We use them for so many things, including slimes and doughs.
Creative Adventures in Cursive
This book is so much fun for kids who are interested in learning hand lettering, or simply for teaching cursive in a more engaging way. We have already used the book to discuss bullet journals and my oldest boys have started bullet journaling as a result. I look forward to trying more activities together after the new year!
SOMETHING TO WANT
While my kids love their magna-tiles and wooden blocks, I have been wanting a new kind of block to challenge and inspire their building. We have played with these Kapla blocks at different science/children museums and they are so fun! At the last museum we visited as a family, the whole family got involved in building different structures.
These blocks would be perfect for older elementary and even middle schoolers who are tactile learners and are creative, as well as younger children who can build simple structures.
Dollhouses || Melissa and Doug Victorian Dollhouse || Calico Critters Red Roof Home || KidKraft Savannah Dollhouse
Both my girls and my boys enjoy playing with our various dollhouses and I love to watch them use their imagination and “play house” together. Buying a dollhouse can be an investment in a toy that will last for years and give countless hours of play.
Each of these dollhouses is currently on sale!
We have this “first” trampoline in our basement. It’s the perfect size to fit down there and having a trampoline indoors is a great way to let our kids get energy out on cold or wet days. Our three big kids (ages 8, 6, and 4) can all jump together.
The trampoline is an indoor/outdoor trampoline, so even if you don’t have a basement to put it in (or a big enough playroom), this would be a good option as a first trampoline!
SOMETHING TO NEED
Trivial Pursuit Family Edition
I’m including this here, because kids NEED quality time with their parents! We are big trivial pursuit fans here, and recently found this family version. It’s trivial pursuit, but simplified slightly, and included a deck of cards for the kids and one for the parents.
For the mama ::
SOMETHING TO WEAR
Cute Tees & Sweatshirts || Grins & Grace
You guys know I am a sucker for cute mom tees. I found a new shop to support on Instagram recently. Mel is a mom to two littles and designs beautiful shirts. Sign up for her list to get 15% off!
If you are not sure about sizing, she has a few helpful videos on her Instagram profile with the shirts IRL (in real life).
You must order by today, December 12th, to get pre-Christmas shipping!
I will probably include this every year because I love them so much. They hold up through the winter, even with me wearing them all day, every day. They come in lots of colors, though standard brown is my go-to.
Jewelry Handmade by Artisans Around the World || Noonday Collection
Shop for beautiful jewelry, scarves, purses, and more on Noonday’s website and you will be supporting artisans around the world, supporting and empowering them with quality work.
I picked three pieces I love (pictured above), but there is really something for everybody!
Order by December 17th for Christmas delivery!
SOMETHING TO READ
Use the code GIFTBOOK18 to save $5 on a $20 Amazon book purchase!
I am really excited to read this book! I know Jessica personally, and have heard her teach on this topic. She is gifted in making things special, without adding stress and pressure. This is a great read for any mama.
I have read and reread this book multiple times. Cindy Rollins is a mom to many whose children are almost all grown. She writes with wisdom, gentleness, and so much experience.
Cindy writes about her life, what she learned over the years through multiple moves, new babies, and learning to homeschool with freedom and flexibility.
I recently saw this book recommended on Instagram. Danielle Walker is a successful cookbook author and blogger– she knows what she’s talking about!
This cookbook would be perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions who still want to enjoy their favorite foods.
SOMETHING TO WANT
This is on my list. (Hint, hint, hubby). Any mama knows that the chances of finishing a cup of coffee before it cools are slim. This adorable little coffee mug would keep your coffee/tea/hot chocolate warm as long as you needed it to. Plus, it comes in several different colors.
Hymn Prints, Calendars, & More || Little Things Studio
I know I’m not alone in my love of hymns. Hymns are so full of amazing, beautiful truths. In my life, different hymns have served as mile markers for significant events, both joyful and heartbreaking.
I am SO excited I found this shop, recommended by Homeschooling with the Classics on Instagram. You can find favorite hymns printed on kitchen towels, art prints, greeting cards, and more. I am especially excited about hymns calendars. There is a 12-month option, and a repeating 30-day option.
Everything in this shop is so beautiful!
Sign up for the newsletter to get 10% off your first order!
SOMETHING TO NEED
This is on my personal list this year. After seeing Lynette, a YouTuber who does cleaning/organization videos, recommend this particular vacuum, I immediately added it to my list. As a busy mom, an alternative to pulling out the large vacuum every time I need to clean something would be very welcome. Plus, a small vacuum like this would be perfect for my kids to help too!
For the dad ::
SOMETHING TO WEAR
Lined Shirts & Slippers || LL Bean
LL Bean is my husband’s go-to place for quality clothing. The clothes are not only classic and comfortable, they hold up so well. (Making their fabulous guarantee policy not as necessary!).
These lined shirts and house slippers are timeless and would be great for younger men and older men alike.
Get 25% off your order through TONIGHT, December 11th, using the code GIFT25!
SOMETHING TO READ
Use the code GIFTBOOK18 to save $5 on a $20 Amazon book purchase!
With the Old Breed || Eugene Sledge
If the man on your list enjoys firsthand accounts of World War II veterans, this book might be a good fit for him. This memoir is written by the main “character” in the WWII mini series, The Pacific.
The Old Man and the Boy || Robert Ruark
This book is a classic and one of my husband’s favorites. It is the story of the relationship between a boy and his grandfather. They hunt and fish in the natural areas of North Carolina. If the man on your list is “outdoorsy”, this book might be a great fit for him!
SOMETHING TO WANT
Coffee!!! || Handwarmer Mug || Yeti Rambler || Moka Pot Stovetop Espresso
These are used EVERY.SINGLE.DAY in our home. Any (or all!) of these are perfect for any coffee lovers on your list. The handwarmer mug holds a large cup of coffee, the YETI keeps coffee warm as long as you need it to, and the moka pot makes a really great cup of coffee with little fuss (and for MUCH less than an espresso maker!).
The Yeti Rambler is on sale 25% off right now!
SOMETHING TO NEED
TWSBI ECO Fountain Pen & Good Notebook
We love these pens! If you get the pen, order the notebook too because quality paper will make a big difference.
Jewelry says
This gift guide is awesome! Thank you for sharing! I love to give gifts that are either handmade, or are unique and have personal meaning to those receiving them, it makes the giving even more special to me!
Sara Smith says
I love your list thanks for sharing I am going to buy Trampoline for my 7-year old kid in this Christmas.
Happy Christmas!
Hope says
Thanks for sharing, this is a great list!!
Mavis says
We are giving a family membership to the zoo and science center to one family.
Lisa says
Love that! We have asked for these before as Christmas gifts too.