I love, love, LOVE shopping for little ones, and love even more to see the excitement in their eyes once they’ve opened their gifts. Below is a list of gifts I’ve given to children with total and complete success. Mari Tip: One of the best things I’ve ever done for my career and best Auntie of the world position is sign up for Amazon Mom. It’s completely free and you get 2 day shipping FREE and one day shipping for 3.99. Also, if you sign up for subscribe and save for certain items (diapers, wipes, formula, etc) you get an extra discount!! Check it out: Amazon Mom

Cloud b Twilight Constellation Night Light, Turtle I absolutely love this night light. Not only is it adorable, but it’s a great addition to the sleep time routine and an amazing night light. With 3 different choices in color, it allows for your little one to set their own mood before falling asleep beneath a constellation of stars. Love it!!
Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Digital Camera – PinkThis is one of the best gifts I’ve ever bought for a toddler. How many times has your little one taken your mobile phone to take their own pictures, only to leave behind greasy fingerprints or a good old drop into a puddle of water? This camera is amazing, it’s built “kid tough” so you can throw it, drop it, lose it, scratch it up and it will still work like a charm. This is one toy that has been kid tested and definitely adult approved. It’s extra special to see the world through your little ones eyes, some of the photos they take can be absolutely funny, kids make photography unpredictable and eventful!! Note: It also comes in blue.

Vtech – InnoTab Interactive Learning TabletThis little tablet does it all. It’s an mp3 player, video player, educational tool and sanity saver for the traveling family. I just had a 15 hour road trip with my nephew, and I wish I had this tablet for him. He used mine, but without the added “kid stuff” he was over it after about 15 minutes of playing or so. Because this tablet is made for kids, it is a great item to have. Use it as part of your reward program, or bring it out only for long trips and allow your child just enough freedom and yourself some inner peace.

Melissa & Doug Car Carrier I love Melissa and Doug products. I love that they use non-toxic material for all of their items, and they make really great quality products at an affordable price. I bought this for my nephew and it is one of his favorite toys.

Melissa & Doug See & Spell This puzzle is the best. I’ve used it very early on with kids, before the age of 1, as a matching game; then continued with it as a reading and spelling aid. It works on many different skills: sight reading, shapes, letters, colors, reading and spelling skills. Definitely a must for the early genius minds!!

Melissa & Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Clock Another great addition for your child. Like the See and Spell, this puzzle can be used before the age of 2 as a matching game to teach shapes, colors, and numbers. After 3 or so, you can begin introducing the skill: Time, to your child. This clock gives a hands on approach to teaching numbers and time through play, which is the best way children learn and retain information.

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Dinosaur in a Box Jigsaw Puzzles Just a fun puzzle. I love dinosaurs, so this puzzle is always a fun go to for those rainy days. Puzzles stimulate thinking and help to coordinate the thought/action process; they are a great way to allow your child some quality learning time and quiet time to wind down from those extra stimulated days.

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Easel This I love. I love doing art projects with all the little kiddos I work with. This easel makes for cleaning up those messy projects a breeze. Put it in your garage for winter time art projects or out in the back patio for summer day projects. Because of its mobility it makes art time tons of fun for your little ones and less of a hassle for you after.

Llama Llama Misses Mama
This book is wonderful, especially for your little ones about to begin pre-school. I love the Llama Llama series, the author gives a fun and cute approach to finding solutions for everyday struggles, anxiety and fear, and new experiences children face:

“It’s Llama Llama’s first day of preschool! And Llama Llama’s mama makes sure he’s ready. They meet the teachers. See the other children. Look at all the books and games. But then it’s time for Mama to leave. And suddenly Llama Llama isn’t so excited anymore. Will Mama Llama come back? Of course she will. But before she does, the other children show Llama Llama how much fun school can be!”

Giraffes Can’t Dance
This is one of the best books for children of any age. I love books that encourage and praise the individual, and this book does just that. It teaches a child to welcome their differences and allow them to shine, to acknowledge their own fears and find strength within themselves to do what they love no matter their capabilities. Absolutely love this book.