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Holiday Gifts to Inspire Nature Connection, Open-Ended Play + Creativity

Nature-inspired and not-so-nature inspired ideas to nurture movement, connection, and open-ended play all year long.


Gift-giving is on everyone’s mind this time of year. “Should we try the four-gift thing?” “I want my kids to have something to open on Christmas morning, but our budget is tight, and so is our space.”


If you’ve found yourself pondering the same thoughts, you're not alone because, SAME. Many families are craving a simpler season, one that feels less about stuff and more about experience, connection, and play.


Families have asked for a list of gifts that inspire time outside, movement, and open-ended play. Possibly even things that grow with your child or an experience that offers opportunities for magic, wonder, and creativity. Many of these categories will overlap but I've done my best to gather ideas for yourself or even to share with family who are asking "what should we get the kids this year?"


Gifts to Inspire Movement

Encourage big body play and joyful movement — indoors or out!

  • adjustable ice skates

  • adjustable roller skates (bonus points if the grown-ups join in!)

  • balance bike

  • scooter

  • good, waterproof trail shoes for winter!

  • Don’t forget the helmets!


Gifts to Inspire outdoor Play

Winter adventures are even more fun with the right gear and a little imagination.

Gifts to Inspire Creativity

Refill that art cart, or art bag in our case!

  • colored pencils, markers, crayons (maybe choose one if they tend to gravitate toward one over the other)

  • masking tape (again, a must have)

  • pastels (something we are adding in January for my oldest!)

  • watercolors

  • tempera paint

  • cardboard

  • Kimmie asked for face paint (her artistic idol, Brandy, suggested it!)


Stocking Stuffers

Small treasures that spark curiosity + creativity.

  • binoculars

  • hand warmers

  • magnifying glass

  • flashlight or lantern

  • masking tape (if you get nothing else from this list, make sure it's this!)

  • nature treasures (seriously, grab a stick from the yard and call it a fairy wand)

  • Halloween candy (I totally bought a big, refillable ornament from Michael’s to fill with candy from trick-or-treating, because I'm just not buying more candy when we already have it!)

    • I did grab a fun holiday-themed PEZ, and there will definitely be candy canes and a meat stick in there (because of course there will).


Cozy Comforts

Simple joys for slowing down inside.

  • jammies

  • slippers

  • A favorite mug for warm drinks (whether it’s cocoa indoors or tea by the campfire).

  • sleeping bag


Local Experiences

Check your library for free and/or discounted passes to some museums

  • open skate (we love the JFK Coliseum) and plan to check out Dorr's Pond this winter, too!

  • Children's Museum of NH

  • Franklin Park/Stone/Roger Williams Zoo

  • Holly Jolly Journey (kids are free the weekend after "Thanksgiving")

  • Museum of Science

  • Boston Children's Museum

  • VINS

  • Montshire Museum of Science

  • Ecotarium

  • Botanical Gardens at Tower Hill (Gnomevember is still happening and hoilday lights just began!)


What would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments!


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