Holiday Gift Guide for older kids (4-10 yrs). This list has a mix of everything. Lots of options for building and creating. A crafting option, and some imaginary play.
I’m a big fan of family group gifts. Something that’s a little bit bigger and out of the price range for a single kid, but a great gift that the whole family can enjoy.
Here’s my round up of family group gifts for 2023. Some of these we’ve done in years past, and others are on our current Christmas list.
Please don’t think that because I create these, that this is the standard you have to live up to, that you should go into debt to buy presents, or that your kids NEED this stuff. This is solely meant to be used as a resource and to give you ideas if you need them. Around here, we try and stick to the 4 present rule. A Want, Need, Wear, and Read (which is still a lot with 5 kids). Plus stockings, cause mama always goes a little overboard with stockings.
Most of these presents are things that my kids already own, so we know they’re a hit; or they have seen and asked for them for Christmas. I’ve also tried to include known discount codes where possible.
Hopefully these spark your imagination and help make shopping a little bit easier. As always, when possible, please support small shop owners. This has been a challenging year for all. I’ll include a list of my favorite below.
If you follow me over on Instagram, you know it’s not a secret that I prefer unit blocks over any other wood block on the market, but let’s talk about why.
What is a Unit Block?
If you’re not familiar with Unit Blocks, they are a standardized block often found in preschools and some kindergarten classrooms. A unit is 1 3/8” (3.49cm) and all blocks are based on this measurement, thus giving you the perfect fit, no matter what you are building. A traditional unit block is made with hard maple, is a natural wood color, and are 100% worth the investment because they will last for generations.
Everwood Friends is my favorite company for Unit Blocks. Not only are they made in the USA with high quality Maple, but the edge are carefully rounded for safety and they have a beautifully smooth finish. Plus you can buy them in sets, as individual blocks, with or without gems and graphics; oh and did I mention Castle Blocks? All these options allow you to build your own unique collection, based on your family’s needs, budget, and kid’s interests.
Grimm’s Blocks
Another popular block that you might be familiar with is Grimm’s. Grimm’s blocks are built on a 4cm scale (approximately 0.5 cm bigger than a unit block) with limewood, which tends to be a lighter, but softer wood. They’re also painted with non toxic, waterbased colored stains and have a rougher texture, which provides grip when building. So while they’re not a true unit block, they are a popular block for building.
A Grimm’s cube next to an Everwood Friends cube.
Which is Better?
I do love the color of Grimm’s, however I’m not a huge fan of their blocks. As you can see below, the type of wood that Grimm’s are made of tends to dent easily and because of this, I don’t believe they’ll hold up for the long haul, especially with 5 kids. The damage you see in the photo wasn’t made from rambunctious play, but from a build that came crashing down; and if you’ve ever played with blocks, you know that falling structures are a given. The other thing that I don’t love about Grimm’s is that unless you have multiple sets, the odds of you having a block to fill the space that you need or give you the right height in a more advanced build is rare, especially if you’re after color coordination. This isn’t a fault of the blocks per-say, but rather their 4cm scale.
Dents in the two different kinds of blocks.
On the other hand, our Everwood unit blocks have taken much more of a beating and the marks on them are minimal- as in I had to really look in order to find one with a dimple. (Can you spot it?) In fact, I know people who’s kids play with the same unit blocks that they played with as a kid. To me, that makes them worth the investment alone; to know that they’ll hold up to generations of play.
Getting Started with Unit Blocks
One question I get asked a lot when talking about unit blocks is where to start? With so many shapes, sets and options, it can sometimes feel overwhelming.
If you have older kids (4-5+ yrs), I recommend you start with the Everwood Core Set. This set will give you a good mix of basic shapes for great builds, and will also help you determine what other shapes might be missing from your collection. If you have younger kids, a great place to start is with the 42pc Unit Block Pyramid. The pieces in this set are larger, which is easier for younger kids to balance and build with; and it also comes with a tray, for easy clean up. The Everwood trays will fit on a cubby or standard toy shelf. Also, if you’re going to be building on carpet or want to make multi-level structures, don’t forget your platforms.
Grimm’s Large Stepped Pyramid beside an Everwood 42 pc Unit Block PyramidThe size difference between the two sets.The difference in individual blocks between the two.
Problem Solving– I want to build X, how can I do that?
Imagination– can follow their own plans
Self-Expression– explore and express themselves
Mathematics– concepts such as length, measurement, comparison, number, estimation, symmetry, balance
Continuity and permanence– engages spatial sense and motor abilities
Creativity– can be moved freely and combined in numerous ways
Science– test hypothesis and build scientific reasoning
Self-Esteem– they have ideas and they can bring them to life
Social and Emotional growth– take turns, share, cooperation
Development in all areas– fine and gross motor skills
Storage
When it comes to Unit Block storage, I actually prefer a block shelf over trays, because blocks can be grouped by shape and are therefore easier to spot without having to dig or move things around. We also use baskets for smaller pieces that are the same shape, to make cleanup quick and keep the shelf looking neat. However, I know a lot of people who love the option of having a tray, because most stack for storage and it’s easier to tell when pieces are missing, plus they don’t take up as much space.
Our Everwood Friends Block Shelf
Building with Unit Blocks
I’ve touched on this a little bit, but the reason I, as an adult, love building with unit blocks is because of their precise measurements. There is literally always a block, a triangle, or an arch that fits; which allows my visions to come to life. It also makes building less frustrating, more visually appealing, and sturdier for play when the kids take over.
That’s not to say that Unit Blocks and blocks of other scales can’t work together. I love the color that Grimm’s blocks add to block builds, but it does take some trial and error to get the sizing right and it can be a complicated process if you’re looking for a specific color.
Building with Unit Blocks can be a relaxing creative outlet for both kids and adults alike. There are endless amounts of combinations and creations that can be made, which is why I’d classify them as the ultimate open ended toy.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF BLOCK PLAY?
*Our Everwood Friends collection is made up of blocks that were both purchased and gifted in exchange for our honest opinion. The views and opinions you see on this blog are strictly my own and I would never endorse or promote something that wouldn’t fit with our lifestyle or that my family wouldn’t use in our everyday lives. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.*
This is a question I’ve been getting asked a lot lately, so I finally sat down and thought about actionable steps that you can take with your family to make the transition; because sometimes “just do it” is super vague and overwhelming.
To start, you’re first going to need to assess the current toy situation. Go collect all the toys from around your house and put them in a common area. Overwhelmed? Then your kids probably are too when they go to play. So from here, you’re going to sort them into 3 piles.
Toys that are either broken or that your kids have outgrown. Sell, give away or throw these out.
Toys that you would never consider giving away, either because they hold sentimental value (eg. they were your toys as a kid) or because they are your kids’ absolute favorites.
Everything else.
Now go through that third pile with a really critical eye. Are there unnecessary multiples? Have your kids not played with it in a really long time because their interests have changed? Do you think this toy will make the toy rotation cut after 4-6 weeks? If the answer is no, get rid of it now and start to simplify.
Next, you’re going to implement toy rotations. To do this, put everything in the two keep piles away (we use these bins for storage), except for approximate 4-15 toys, depending on the number of kids in your home. 3-4 toys per kid is a good place to start. This is going to give you a better idea of what toys are actually being played with and what toys are just taking up space and causing a mess. Do this for 4-6 weeks, rotating toys every 1-2 weeks. At the end of the 6 weeks, take all the toys that never made it out/were forgotten about/ or never got played with, and donate or sell them. The exception here is the sentimental toys. If those never made it out or have been forgotten, decide if you’re okay with them being packed away until there is another kid or until you have grandkids one day; or if they would be better used by someone close to you who has kids. Aren’t you feeling lighter and less overwhelmed already?
Now, which toys got a lot of play? Which toys were they begging you to take out? Which toys were never put away during those 6 weeks? Those are the toys you need to look into finding open ended options for first. If there are no alternatives (because it’s the beloved paw patrol collection for example) that’s okay. Work to find toys that they can use in conjunction with those favorites, like a stacking rainbow, bridges, or blocks that they can use to build a lookout tower.
Repeat, repeat, repeat. Slowly over time, you can add more toys to your collection, by looking for the favorites, finding open ended alternatives and then REPLACING. This is key. Don’t just add the new toys to the pile, actually get rid of the close ended or unused toys, while you’re thinking about it. Sell those toys on Facebook Marketplace to pay for new ones.
Sometimes you’re going to get rid of or sell 3-5 toys and you’re only going to replace them with 1, that is okay. Your kids don’t require a ton of toys to have fun, that is one of the benefits of open-ended play.
Around here, I am always assessing what toys are being asked for and which ones are getting played with- even our open ended toys. Sometimes a toy that was super popular and recommended by a ton of people in the wooden toy community just doesn’t jive with my kids. That’s okay. Chances are it’s still in great condition and I can sell it at or close to what I paid for it (search for wooden toys b/s/t groups on facebook to get the most bang for your buck on resale).
Here’s the kicker, once you feel like your kids have a great collection (minimal or not) STOP BUYING TOYS. Use birthdays, Christmas and special occasions to gift experiences, save up for a big ticket item, or take a family vacation. Don’t just buy “stuff” for the sake of buying stuff. That’s how playrooms fill up and become overwhelming to kids and parents alike.
Getting started or transitioning to open ended toys can be a daunting and overwhelming task. With so many options and companies to choose from, combined with the price tag, you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth and that your kids are going to play with the things you buy.
The nice things about open ended wooden toys is that they grow with your child. My 1 year olds and 6 year old often play with the same toys, the way they play with them is just different. This means that in general, you can start your toy collection with the same basics, regardless of age, making sure to take into consideration the interests of your children.
The other nice thing about wooden toys, is that they tend to retain their value. I often try to buy second hand before purchasing new, however most of these toys sell quickly and at near or almost the cost of retail. This means that if a particular toy really doesn’t get much play or interest from your children, you can sell them and quickly.
I’ve rounded up all of my favorite basics that I would start out with, if I were to do it all again. Remember, too many options overwhelm. You don’t need a lot of toys to occupy kids, you just need to present them in different ways and rotate them periodically. I would recommend having 9-12 toys at most, available to play with if you only have 1 kid. For my family of 5, I try and put out 15 or so options (3-4 toys per kid).
1. Blocks || Building blocks are a main toy for open ended play, and one of the first pieces I would start with. *Update 2023* I’ve since changed my opinion on which set I would start with. If you’re in the market for Blocks, I would 100% recommend you start with a set of Unit Blocks. Everwood Friends has lots of traditional options, as well as blocks with gems, windows, castle accents and more.
2. Grimm’s Rainbow || Our first Grimm’s piece, back before I knew what Grimm’s was. Stack them, use them as tunnels or bridges. Make ball runs or tracks, color sort or build sculptures. There is an endless number of ways to use this rainbow. It also comes in a variety of color options, so make sure to grab that one that speaks to your style.
3. Grimm’s Rainbow House || Stack it into a tower, fit it together like a puzzle, use it as a house for your Nins (more about these later), or a tunnel for cars. There is so much imagination to be had with this stacking toy house, and the fact that there are fewer pieces means it’s a great piece for your littles to learn with.
4. Pebbles || These ones tend to baffle adults, but kids love their simplicity. They are the perfect sizes for little hands that love to carry things around. They are easy to stack, which means they’re great for teaching balance, and they can be used in small world play as things like platforms, ponds, etc. The more sets you have, the more challenging it is to stack them, which is also great for older kids.
5. Stacker || There are so many options here, so you really can’t go wrong. I love to get ones with bigger pieces, because they’re easier for little hands. Stackers are great for hand eye coordination and fine motor skills. Plus the colors are beautiful.
6. Wooden Cars || These cars and their size are a favorite around here. The windows make them easy to grip, and they fit perfectly on the Way to Play track (we’ll get to those in a different post). The colors are bright and fun, and they come in a variety of shapes. Keep them at home or throw them in the diaper bag to occupy during appointments or while waiting for food at a restaurant.
7. Grapat Mates || These cups are perfect for little hands, and my kids love to stack them and put the Nins/Wizards in them. They also use them as cups, and food dishes for animals; and they’ll throw them in the sensory bins when we doing a dry activity (rice, beans, etc). They’re a great tool to teach colors, balance and fine motor skills when paired with the Nins.
8. Grapat Nins or Wizards || These are the people of open ended wooden toys. The kids use them to create stories in the structures that they’ve built and they are the perfect size for smaller hands, but still large enough that they aren’t a choking hazard. The dyes are also non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about them ending up in mouths. Just like the Mates, they can help teach colors, matching, sorting, and numbers.
*An alternative to Grapat Nins and Mates is Grimm’s Friends in Bowls, same concept, just fewer colors.
9. Grimm’s Stacking Bowls || These bowls are great for stacking, sorting by size, building towers, collecting treasures and so much more. Plus they come in a variety of colors, so pick your favorite (I personally love the Red Outside or Natural).
10. Sarah’s Silks ||It’s a cape, a blanket, a cover for a fort. The options are endless. They are also safe for water play. Give one (or two) to your kids, and watch the endless ways they use them in play. You can also grab play clips, to help secure them better when making forts.
Happy Shopping! Hopefully you’ve found this helpful. I can’t wait to hear what you grabbed!
Make sure you’re following me over on Instagram for a GIVEAWAY later this afternoon!!
