I’ve always said, “If they don’t have it at Costco, you probably don’t need it.” However, you don’t need everything that Costco sells and Costco isn’t the only place you can buy these presents. I’m a fussy old consumer who tells it like it is and wants you to get the most bang for your buck.
Holiday Gifts for Babies
How many toys does a baby need? Not many. So, get something that will make mom or dad happy.
1. Infantino Jumbo Wheel Soft Playmat & Activity Stacker
Babies see bright colors plus black and white, so forget the soft pastel toys. The activity stacker (part of this set) gets wonderful reviews for playability and durability.
2. Bumkins Bibs
If baby already has toys, or if mom and dad don’t have a lot of cash, get something practical like the Bumbkins Bibs variety pack (for infants through 3 years) or:
- Safety 1st baby bath
- Strolee Lightweight Stroller (I like lightweight strollers better than heavier versions, for most situations other than shopping malls. You try pushing a heavy, fully-loaded stroller uphill or over a doorway threshold.)
- Any car seat that meets current safety standards
Christmas Presents for Younger Kids
I prefer toys that have nothing to do with a screen and toys that don’t move around unless the child moves them. (Just so you know my bias.) Many of these Costco toys can be found at Walmart, Target, and Toys R Us, as well.
3. KidKraft® Majestic Mansion and Other KidKraft Dollhouses
This "Barbie-Sized" dollhouse is a great gift for girls ages 3 and up. Note: This must be assembled beforehand, but the instructions are easy. It takes about one or two hours. Buy a KidKraft dollhouse instead of a Barbie Dream House because KidKraft is more durable.
4. Zum Balance Bike
The Zum bike is a cross between a bike and a scooter. It’s a great way to transition from a trike to a real bike, or you can start with this instead of a trike. The fear of falling has been taken out of the equation because the rider can touch the ground for balancing and for stopping. Give kid-powered, ride-on toys rather than Costco’s expensive battery-powered, ride-on vehicles because your child or grandchild will get:
- Exercise
- Educational gain in the form of balancing (large motor) skills and decision-making skills
- Lasting fun that won’t fade away when the charm wears off or the battery dies
The Zum bike can be adjusted lower by drilling another notch. Also, see Mini-Glider (with handbrake and footrest). Other websites have different brands, such as the Strider Running Bike and the Y-Bike. Ages 2-5.
5. Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Tidmouth Sheds Deluxe Set
This wooden train set comes in a large, storage toybox with a seat. Thomas & Friends Deluxe Set is expensive so get grandma or granddaddy to buy it or pitch in, because it’s worth it. (I think the video shows the same set, but there are lots of other Thomas train sets that are less expensive. You can start small and add more pieces later.)
6. Feber Activity Park or Feber Pirate Ship
Personally, I like the Feber pirate ship (although it doesn't have a slide) because little kids can imagine all kinds of sailing adventures, and the Pirate Ship is about half the price of the Activity Park. Get a bandana, a striped shirt, and an eye patch to go along with this cool climbing toy. Ages 2 and up.
Gifts for Older Girls and Boys
Dolls, Hexbugs, and Legos are no-brainer toys. Just make sure your child or grandchild is still in the right age group.
7. Hearts for Hearts Multicultural Dolls
With a choice of white (American hillbilly-ish), Mexican, or African (complete with fro) at Costco, these dolls are similar to American Girls and Karito Kids. I like these because each doll comes with a book and the dolls don’t look like MTV sl*ts. Also, each purchase includes a donation that helps kids in the corresponding region. You can find dolls that represent India, Belarus/Russia, and Laos (plus clothing and games) at other online stores. Ages 6 and up.
Other great dolls at Costco include small Madame Alexander Dolls (let kids play with these, don’t lock them in glass cabinets), and Mini-American-Girl-Doll-and-book sets: Molly, Cecile, or Marie-Grace (in stores only).
8. Hexbug Nano Habitat
Hexbugs are fabulous fun for all ages. This habitat (or any Nano track set) is a space-age incarnation of the model railroad. You can also buy cheap Hexbug Nanos without a habitat and set them free in your house for other kinds of fun and games.
9. Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts
This set is inexpensive but it doesn’t come with much. I would look around for a bigger set or get the Harry Potter Lego Hogwarts game. Also, consider the Lego Pirates of the Caribbean Black Pearl and Lego Star Wars Republic Frigate from Costco. Ages 7-14.
10. Microscopes at Costco
I’ve never found kids’ microscopes to be worth the money. Usually, they don’t work well. Save your pennies and get a real microscope for your mini scientist. It's possible that one of the Costco microscopes is what you want, but consider other options before plunking down your credit card.
In general, I’m not a huge fan of interactive toys and I’m not crazy about kids' science kits. I prefer educational toys that aren’t advertised as being educational. Anything that requires creativity and imagination (like dolls, wooden blocks, or Lego sets) are educational. Anything that requires balance and activity (like a bike or a climbing toy) is also educational. Books are good, but I think your child will learn just fine if you teach him or her to read yourself, without the LeapPad. Of course, this means that mom, dad, grandpa, or grandma needs to spend time with the kid, but that’s what I’m pushing for this Christmas.
As always, you know your child better than I do. If she begs for an American Girl doll, don't get her a Hearts for Hearts Doll. If he begs for Hexbugs, don't get him a train set. Note: If you’re shopping for your wife, skip the Costco mixer and get her jewelry unless she specifically asks for kitchen supplies.
Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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