Minimalist Holiday Gifts for Babies and Toddlers
Want, Need, Wear, Read. Less is more this season with these thoughtful gift ideas.
By Rosie Colosi
It can be easy to go overboard on gifts during the holidays. The tendency is not surprising, given that most holiday commercials show families with giant piles of presents under the tree. And the allure of that satisfying Add to Cart feeling can be even stronger when you want to guarantee holiday magic for baby’s first Christmas.
But in recent years, there has been a growing minimalist trend to give a child just four holiday gifts: something they want, something they need, something they wear and something they read. Four presents may not sound like a lot, but remember that baby would likely receive just as much holiday magic if you gift wrapped empty boxes. Plus, when your kids know the fun rhyme and pattern to your gift-giving, it can become a special new holiday tradition they can carry on.
Ultimately, the size of each child’s stack of presents is between you and (wink, wink) Santa. But here are some want/need/wear/read options to help you brainstorm (might we suggest matching family pajamas since they double as a photo op?).
Another pro-tip to keeping the holiday haul small? Use Babylist as a holiday wishlist so you can ask for what you and your little ones need, and nothing else.
Want
Need
Loulou Lollipop
Kids' Cup with Straw
Wear
Read
Rosie Colosi
Rosie Colosi writes books for curious kids and articles for parents who are counting the minutes until bedtime. Once upon a lifetime ago, she played Mrs. Claus in The Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes, but now she mostly focuses on singing songs from Annie to her two little girls.
