Toys, Shoes and Gifts for Children

The last thing you want to do when you are shopping for gifts for your children or others is to purchase something just because it is cheap! You have probably figured out that gifts like that don't last much past Christmas day, and if you are looking for an alternative, you have come to the right place! We believe our children deserve meaningful gifts that they can enjoy for months and years to come. We have selected our favorites and I'm sure you will like them as well. Happy shopping!

Soft Star Shoes

The best thing about our favorite gifts for children is that there is a variety of each kind. So if your recipient likes what you get her, you can get a different one, or larger size of the same thing next year! For instance, a great winter gift is Soft Star Shoes. These are absolutely the most comfy slippers on the planet. It is June right now and I am wearing mine as I write this. The sheepskin inner not only keeps your feet from sweating during the winter, it keeps them cool in the summer, too. Unlike most people who experience dry, cracked heels in the winter, I noticed just the opposite. Once I thought it was too hot to wear them, my feet started drying out. So I put them back on and they kept my feet healthier, softer, and much nicer looking. Of course children don't care about that, but they do like all the fun colors they come in! They also like being comfortable and Soft Star Shoes are top notch when it comes to comfort. Soft Star Shoes are made in the USA, so when you purchase them for your favorite youngster, you will support a business right here at home! Soft Star Shoes also come in sandals and casual/dress shoes that can be worn outside the home!

Vegan Shoes

Not a fan of leather shoes? No worry! Vegan shoes for the whole family are also available from Soft Star Shoes or Isabooties for little ones.

Stack and Stick Wooden Building Toys

Stack and Stick are one of my favorite building toys. Similar to Lincoln Logs, Stack and Stick are different in that they STAY together. While each set is made to build a certain thing, a child's mind will come up with many different things to build! Both my daughter and son love their Stack and Stick sets and they combine them to build a number of different things. Stack and Stick are also made in the USA and like our other gifts on this page- a great non-toxic choice for a child's toy!

There are four Stack and Stick sets available, which include Storybook Castle, Grande Villa, Country Barn, and Cozy Cabin. You can see pictures of all four at once by clicking on the image to the right. As you can see, the pieces fit together as you stack them up. When you push down on them, they stick. Very young children may have difficulty pushing them together enough to make them stick. Stack and Stick are appropriate for children ages four and above.

Gift Books

Another one of my favorite gifts is books. I am an admitted book addict. There is just something about a book that draws me in! Especially Usborne books, because they are made visually appealing so that youngsters will want to open the books as well. Usborne Books has something for every age, making it easy to shop for all the children of one family at the same time. If your recipients don't live near you, have their books sent directly to them and you won't have to pay shipping twice.

If you know what subject your gift recipient is currently into, you can search that topic at Usborne and find lots of options. While you're there, you definitely also want to check out the internet specials that change frequently. If you plan well, you can get the books you want for free by hosting an online book party or a catalog party in your home town or at work. If you don't have a local consultant, I can help you with either of these options to help you save money on your gift shopping for the entire year.

Story Time Felts

I have saved my absolutely favorite gift for last! A hit with children of all ages, Story Time Felts is a great gift for boys and girls at every age level. Made in the USA and non-toxic, you can feel good about giving a safe gift that is fun and educational. Unlike books, Story Time Felts are versatile in that they can tell the whole story, part of the story, or a made up story. The quality of the felt is top notch, with super-thick felt and vibrant colors. Best of all, they are washable and stand up to even the messiest youngsters. Story Time Felts products are great for children with learning disabilities and autism. They are great to share with groups, one on one, or even independent play. My all time favorite product is the personalized "Just Like Me" felt dolls. You can actually send your child's photo in and the doll will have his or her face! How neat is that?! There are lots of clothes that you can get, in many different styles, time periods, and nationalities.

For Christmas, you might want to get a Christmas set. During the month of July, Story Time Felts is celebrating "Christmas in July." All Christmas sets will be on sale, as well as the scripture sets. The Christmas felts you see here is just one set: the Christmas tree advent. Each day of the the month of December, you will place a Christmas figure onto the tree, explaining what they mean. (You will receive this information with the set.) There are lots of other Christmas items available!

By July, we should also have our online site available so that you can order these items directly from Story Time Felts online. If you would like to receive updates and specials regarding Story Time Felts, you can join our newsletter group to be the first to know when products go on sale and when the website is up and ready. If you would like to view a catalog until then, here you go. Just like with Usborne books, you are also able to host a felt party, catalog party, or online party. Hostess benefits are pretty good, so you may want to check that out!

We know that shopping for children is difficult, especially when you hear all the stories in the news of toxic toys made in other countries. Many well-educated shoppers are choosing to shop closer to home, which is nice for the children who are getting high quality, long-lasting products that are fun and educational. If you have any questions about the gifts listed here, please don't hesitate to let me know. My email is at the bottom of every page!

For more children's gifts, you might want to check these out as well!

Kids Gift Ideas by Idea Queen
Ideas to help you narrow down your choices for gifts for kids, brought to you by Idea Queen.