When holiday shopping for your kids, have you ever heard of the “want, need, wear, read” rule? I love thinking about those four things when it comes to shopping for my kids. I also love shopping for Toys for Tots this time of year; it is an annual tradition in our family and we love to incorporate the kids by shopping together and placing all the toys in a Toys for Tots bin (found at select locations – find them here). Whoever you’re shopping for this holiday season, I hope you can find some gift ideas for kids here; with mainly San Diego-based brands and locations listed below.
Here are my favorite places to shop in San Diego (+ online) for the following:
PLAY
@tenderleaftoys is my vote for the best (and cutest) wooden toys
@lakeshorelearning because every toy here is handpicked by educators
@miniplayhomes – custom playhouses
@anthillshop for trendy tots
@youngwildandfriedman sensory kits for every theme
@wiwiurka_toys wood climbers for kids (and whoever else wants to monkey around)
FUN
Gift your kiddos a membership or lessons to…
@g3kidssandiego gymnastics, playtime + parents nights out – need I say more?
@allijosswimschool if your little can’t swim just yet
@ifiwasabirdyoga for the yogi kids
@sdcircuscenter for the gymnast in your life
@plungesandiego so you can swim and play whenever you choose
@magical.princess.parties zoom call with a princess of your choosing
@sandiegozoo if you don’t already have an annual pass
TREATS
@batchandbox for the most delicious cookies in San Diego. Tell me otherwise!
@fuzziwiggscoronado for custom candy bags + holiday treats ideal for stocking stuffers; freshly made fudge and candied apples, too
@sugarandscribe for the most delicious (and cutest) treats from unicorn rice krispies to savory pastries
WHAT TO WEAR
@mamagstitched custom embroidered sweaters for littles (and their parents, too!)
@gromsquad_usa for your beach babes
@theminimalistapparel with the cutest tees
@elisashindesigns custom bracelets with your kiddos name (or mom+me bracelet sets)
@fiveloaves_twofish for the fashionistas and trendsetters, made in San Diego
@ryleeandcru for capsule wardrobe fans
READ
@reneesbookcorner local mom selling the fabulous Usborne books
@literatikids book club + membership options for kids 1-12
@elonbooks interactive book where you get to choose different endings based on choices you make throughout the story
@warwicksbooks has a fabulous collection of children’s books; this La Jolla bookstore has been around since 1896 – need I say more?