10 Children’s Gift Ideas that Support Small Businesses
Every once in a while, we put together a list of our favorite children’s gift or toy ideas. Our lists are usually made up of toys that encourage language development or engaging books for babies and toddlers-- things that, as speech-language pathologists, really matter to us. And, things that you often ask for our advice on!
This year, we wanted to shift our focus to another thing that’s near and dear to my heart: supporting small businesses.We feel really passionate about using our toy and gift idea lists to help support other small businesses.
So, with that in mind, here is a brand new list of children’s gift ideas that support small businesses! We looove all of these gifts because A) they’re timeless and can be played with for years to come (no future garage sale items, here!); and B) they come directly from small businesses who are sure to appreciate your purchase so much.
We’re putting this out early on in November to give you time to order things in time for the holidays. We really hope it helps you make purchases that align with your shopping values this season, whatever they might be.
Happy shopping!
#1 North West Felts Stories
North West Felts is a British Columbia woman-owned business that creates handmade felt stories that are great for imaginative play and development of early literacy skills (two of our favourite things!).
#2 DAYS WITH GREY BREAKFAST INVITATIONS
Morning coffee in peace? Yes, please!! Breakfast Invitations are simple games that inspire creativity and independent play throughout the day. Kids can have fun learning while YOU enjoy your morning!
#3 Finger Puppets
Finger puppets have endless play options, and they’re great for taking on the go. This adorable set of farm animal finger puppets that are too cute to pass up!
#4 Diverse Peg Dolls
Little 1-inch peg dolls have all kinds of fun play possibilities within them. We love that this set from My Big World Playscapes and they can be easily combined with other toys like duplo, blocks, a train set, a doll house or farm.
#5 Flashcards
We don’t recommend drilling with flashcards (we want learning to be fun!), but having them around to play with, and talk about is great! We also included them because they are great for stockings!
Letter CARDS
These flashcards are beautiful and professionally printed and feature beautiful images. She also makes wonderful memory books.
Free Pancakes Animal flashcards
Free Pancakes’ animal flashcards are great for any age. The animal pictures are intriguing to toddlers and they also have upper and lowercase letters that will be useful to have on hand during the preschool years.
Anti-Oppressive Yoga Flashcards
WanderWonder Studio created these anti-oppressive, kids yoga cards. They’re inclusive, diverse, and a really fun way to introduce your kids to yoga and practices like breathwork and affirmations. And there is so much more goodness in their etsy shop.
#6 Stacking Cups
These stacking cups by Mushie are a great toy for babies and toddlers. We often use them in speech therapy and they are fantastic for play. You can get 20% off your order for anything Mushie (such cutest items!) by using this link.
#7 Building Blocks
If you don’t have a basic set of blocks yet, we highly recommend adding some to your child’s toy collection. There are so many uses for them! I love this colourful sold by one of my favorite small toy stores Rose & Rex.
#8 Bravery Magazine
Bravery Magazine features a new, brave woman in each of its quarterly publications. It was created to act as a resource for kids-- both boys and girls-- complete with inspiring, real-life models that are diverse and strong. It’s best for children who are a bit older (I’d say 4+), but I love it so much that I had to include it.
#9 Books, books, books!
Our online book list features all the books we recommend for children. We made it using BookShop.org, so any purchases you make directly support local bookstores! Take a look through for some great books we recommend for your children’s ages, and feel good about ordering them from an online store that makes a difference.
#10 Winter Songs & Rhymes Class
There truly is no better gift for your child than sharing fun moments together! Support Wee Talkers this season with our Winter Songs & Rhymes Class! Learn 13 fun songs & rhymes to sing with your little ones all winter.
Live in Vancouver, BC?
these are some of our favourite local stores to buy items for kids:
Picks from the Wee Talkers Community:
On Instagram, we asked about your favorite small businesses that make or sell things for kids and WOW, you introduced us to so many new businesses thatwe had never heard of. Thank you!
Shine Bins sensory play kits
Rigbys Rainbow sensory bins
Chars Jars sensory and play doh kits
Mimi and Moo cute stuffed toys, finger puppets, and masks for kids
Petit Architect DIY architecture kits for kids, books, and games
Name Puzzles by Glenn handmade puzzle featuring your child’s name
Glow Kids affirmation cards for kids
Triple the Joy Boutique owned by a mama of triplets
Palumba quality, open-ended toys made in the USA
Bella Luna Toys waldorf toys
Bea Beau Boutique kids clothes hand-made in Vancouver
Bear Heart Kids clothing and toy store for kids in Kenora, Ontario
Resin Sets handmade alphabet letters made in Ontario, Canada
Caden Lane Baby Boutique personalized baby items and clothing
The Wonder Cabinet high quality toys, books and art items
Birds Love Bees handmade aprons for kids
Puffer Bellies Toys toy store in Staunton, VA
Buttercups Children's Boutique clothes for kids in Langley, BC
Please let us know in the comments if we missed your favorite small business that sells or makes things for kids!