Well everyone, it’s that time of year again. THE HOLIDAY SEASON HAS ARRIVED!!!! And I have to admit, there are some less than joy filled experiences that come along with it, as a parent. Finding perfect mom approved Christmas gifts doesn’t have to be one of them, and I’m here to help with that! I’ve put together a list of toys perfect for Christmas morning.

Toy commercials flood every channel with the newest gizmos and flashing gadgets that are designed to entice your children into a state of hypnoses and infatuation so that they constantly berate you with requests and heartfelt pleas to find them under the Christmas tree.

Exhaustion, frustration, impatience….let’s be real, we’ve all been there!

While you may long to curl up in a dark corner with a bottle of wine and a bag of chocolates (that you’ve hidden from your kids until bed time), don’t give up yet mama!!

We have a very different idea of the perfect gift than what our children have dreamed up in their Christmas morning fantasies. Its a complicated formula that consists of durability (I’m a boy mom, so this goes to the top of my list!), educational qualities, imagination potential vs. screen time, battery requirements, add your own requirements as necessary.

That being said, it doesn’t mean there aren’t super cool (I’m a smidge jealous haha) gifts out there that meet our picky mom standards. Here are a few I found that will definitely be going on the Christmas list.

 

1. Wipe Clean Books

These books are absolutely amazing! My four year old has one now, and I am totally planning on ordering a few more for him. He loves all the pictures and fun games/drawings, and I feel like super mom when he shows off his writing skills to the grandparents! There are a million different options, but I really like the wipe clean brand because it is a thick board book that responds well to baby wipes for clean up! You can find ones for boys, girls, school, you name it and they’ve probably got it. Seriously guys, these are amazing. Stock up!!

 

2. Magformers

Awesome Awesome Awesome!!!! I love these so much, and I’ll tell you why. First off, they are high quality and durable (boy mom, remember). Other brands have small marble magnets used as joints, and that just makes my mom radar scream CHOKING HAZARD and E-R TRIP!!!! For my sanity, I’d much rather avoid my older kiddo feeding the shiny grapes to the younger one. Another bonus is that they come in sets. Real mom moment of truth here…..I have almost no imagination. Honestly, I’m like “oh wow that pile of playdough looks like…..a mud mountain.” That is literally all I’ve got haha. So, just like legos, you can buy sets that are super helpful for people like me (it also teaches kiddos how to follow instructions). It also means that you don’t have to buy 18 million the first time and can add on a little at a time (or each family can get your kiddo a different set for Christmas). They have dino sets, princess sets, basic starter sets, something for whatever your kiddo is into.

3. Body Science Puzzles

This is probably one of the coolest things I’ve seen in a while, and if you dream of your kiddo one day becoming the worlds leading surgeon, then these are the toys for you!. My kiddo is a very hands on learner so these connect with him immensely. As a word of cation, some of the puzzles are anatomically correct. So, if that is something you’re apprehensive about, be sure to check before you purchase.

 

4. Alphabet Wood Puzzle

YAY, more puzzles!! Kids can’t get enough of puzzles, so I’m not surprised they made my list twice. But, they are different enough from the organ puzzles that your kiddos will never notice the similarities. Clearly, I am all about fun learning, and these alphabet puzzles definitely make the cut. I am particularly fond of the animal ones (SO COOL). Also, some of the puzzles incorporates numbers on the back side of the pieces, which makes it double awesome. There are a million different options!

 

5. Foamnasium

Ok guys, I SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST!!!! (unfortunately, it does also come with the highest price tag; but, it is still definitely a reasonable price for an awesome gift)  These are especially great for those of us who are trapped inside by snow for parts of the year, as a way for kiddos to burn up part of their endless energy reserve! You can choose to buy them as a set or each individual piece to customize your collection. They would be great for a wide age range because of their soft yet durable construction.

Well, these are my top mom approved Christmas gifts. Hopefully you can cross a few gifts off your list after reading this! We will definitely be sharing this with family and friends this year! Do you prefer to mingle fun with educational for Christmas, or do you find the most joy from getting those gifts your kiddo has picked out and put on their own Christmas list?