We’re ten days into December and I haven’t even come close to finishing my Christmas shopping yet. Thankfully, there’s still time left order the rest of my gifts, but the clock is a ticking. Just in case you’re in the same boat as me, I’ve made a little list of some of my favorite things this year for Iris.
Blind Bags
As you may have read, Iris is super into “surprise egg” or “blind bag” videos on YouTube (apparently most toddlers are these days). So I thought it would be fun to make her very own box of surprise goodies to unwrap! For the past couple of months, every time I go to the store I pick up some of the surprise toys. At $3 to $5 a pop, these little suckers add up, so it was nice to spread it out over time. Maybe she’ll get inspired and even want to record her own unwrapping show.
Comfy Critters
We were recently gifted a Comfy Critters gift basket, which included popcorn, cozy socks for me, and a unicorn Comfy Critter for Iris. If there’s one thing Iris has inherited from me it’s definitively a love for being cozy. Comfy Critters is a huggable stuffed animal that is also a pillow and snuggable hooded blanket. Ever since Iris adopted “Unity the Unicorn,” it’s been wrapped around her. One of the best things about it is that if you purchase a Comfy Critter in the month of Decemeber, another Comfy Critter will be donated to the Atlanta’s Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital (just use code BUY1GIVE1 at checkout)!
Shopkins
I feel like these toys are probably some elaborate corporate ploy to embed consumerism in my child’s head from an early age, but alas… I buy them anyway. Besides a chocolate bunny, this is the number one thing on Iris’ Christmas list. And no, you will not find a chocolate bunny on this list because I’d be willing to bet Iris is the only child asking for one YET AGAIN this year. Thank goodness I thought ahead and tucked one away at Easter.
Freshly Picked – The Next Step
As mentioned a couple posts back, Freshly Picked is one of my most favorite shoe companies for littles. When they read that I was sad about Iris nearly outgrowing the moccasins, they treated her to a pair of hard-soled shoes. As cute as the moccasins and tough enough for a four-year-old, I think I love these as much as she does.
Beginner’s bicycle
Sshhhh! Iris is getting her very first bicycle for her BIG Christmas present this year! We haven’t decided on a brand or style yet, but I’m totally in love with the ones from Brilliant Bicycle Co. Now I want one too (seriously, their adult ones are just as awesome).
Alice In Wonderland goodies
Iris has loved the original Alice in Wonderland movie for a couple of years now and it’s been a struggle finding toys to go along with her love. I don’t know if it’s because Alice is one of the few girl Disney characters that isn’t princess or what, but I’m just excited that a few companies have recently created this cuteness that’s now under our tree.
Slip-on Vans
Rifle Paper Co. calendar I purchased locally from Shindig Paperie
Shirts for a cause
What better way to dress your little one than in a shirt that supports a good cause? Here are two of our favorites:
For those of you who don’t know, Art Feeds is a not-for-profit organization that exists to feed creative development and facilitate emotional expression in children nationwide. With every item you purchase, you are helping us reach more children with therapeutic art and creative education programs. Check out their shop (and their cute models) here. 
Lighthouse For Hope is an organization that helps provide financial assistance for families that are fighting pediatric cancer. Their goal is to alleviate some of the financial stress by providing assistance for day-to-day expenses. The proceeds from the shirts will go towards gas cards, groceries, and clothes. By purchasing a shirt, you are helping families who have a child with cancer. Shop their sweet stuff here.
Did I miss any must-haves? Let me know, as clearly I still have some shopping to do…
