It is not a good sign that I spent twenty minutes making that graphic and then just now realized that it said “…for a girl who’s turning THREE” in big bold letters. I should be in bed!
But this post is fun, and I’d like to send it out into the cosmic void (name that movie), so here goes!
Lena turns F-O-U-R on April 3 and, like usual, I don’t think Elliott and I will be getting her much. Last year we bought her some craft supplies and the year before that I don’t think we got her anything. She has plenty of stuff! But that doesn’t stop me from coming up with things she’d like, of course.
Or things I would like for her. I know you know how that goes…
The first thing is a doll stroller, which Lena has asked for specifically. I actually do have one tucked away that I bought months ago and “hid” in the garage (she saw it) when I found a good deal, but then someone advertised this gorgeous thing for sale and I started to have second thoughts! Isn’t it darling?! Which one do you think she would enjoy more??
The second gift idea is Magna-Tiles, which I’ve had on my wishlist for the kids for awhile. Everyone raves about these nifty little magnetic building pieces, and the kids have enjoyed them at our friends’ houses. I recently heard, though, that Magformers might be a better investment because they have stronger magnets and the kids’ structures will hold together better. Do you have a recommendation?
One item on the list must be BOOKS. I preordered Heidi for my sister’s birthday last year and have been dreaming about getting them for Lena (and me, duh) ever since. For someone who loves Rifle Paper Co. and classic literature, these pretty volumes are a match made in heaven.
I’ve heard such good things about these magnetic toys, and I feel like Lena would love them. She spends hours making designs with these beads, but she’s often stumped about what pattern or shape to make next. Problem solved with this clever toy.
The Tea Collection is one of my favorites for their globally-inspired, ethically-sourced children’s clothes. They always have the most beautiful patterns and prints that remind me of places I love around the world! I shop for deals on eBay or during their bi-annual (I think?) 50% off sales, so I already have a beautiful Tea summer dress tucked away for Lena that I bought before Christmas.
And last but not least, something for the budding artist. I enjoyed these as a child and have wanted to get Lena and Gil a set of their own. I’m a sucker for classic toys that have stood the test of time and bring back the warm fuzzies, aren’t you?
Anyway, that’s a hodge podge of ideas. What toys have the four-year-olds in your life enjoyed? I’m all eyes!
Magnatiles for sure! (Though I can’t speak to the other brand you mentioned- we have Magnatiles). We got the 100 piece set two years ago and they are played with almost daily. I will put them away for a few weeks at a time and then pull them out again and- magic. If you get them, go big and get the big set. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
Everyone LOVES these things! Even on Facebook, people are telling me to get Magna-Tiles. Maybe the grandparents will surprise us… ;)
These all look like fun gifts! Our kids loved, loved, loved legos! They both played with them for years…but I don’t remember when we started with them. Having a younger sibling might make that a little iffy, depending on how much he chew on things, like lots of two years olds do! :)
Yes! Legos for sure. I might look for a box of them for free or a low price, though, because it seems like people are trying to offload them all the time. My brother LOVED them especially as a kid, and I enjoyed building things with him for many years.
The wicker baby carriage for sure.
I agree with you… ;)
Great gift ideas! Hannah turns four April 12th, so I’ve been thinking about what to get her too. Lately she’s been admiring my necklaces and asks often if she can wear them, so I found some really adorable ones from The Jones Market that are perfect for little girls–https://thejonesmarket.com/t/littles. We might get her one of those. Although, now I’m seriously thinking that any birthday money she gets will go towards Magna-tiles. She’s finally at the age where she’ll sit for an hour at a time building with blocks, so I think she’d love those too. Happy early birthday to Miss Lena!
I’ve heard such good things about The Jones Market necklaces! Candis makes the most beautiful things. I know Mary of TulipsandFlightsuits.com loves them, too. And wouldn’t it be so fun to be matching wiht Lena in our necklaces…?!?!
I just can’t believe Lena will be four!! Oh what an amazing gift that beautiful, thoughtful, smart girl is. And, I’m filing this away for three years from now :)
PS – I vote for the books! I’m a sucker for those stories being read aloud, especially in such lovely editions.
She’s such a blessing to us indeed! I am so grateful for her and marvel at her every day!
And I agree with the vote for the books. :) I have heard RPC is releasing more soon… can’t wait to see!
We have Magformers, and they were the BEST purchase we’ve ever made for our kids. It hurt a little (because they’re so pricey), but they have carried their weight and then some. Any age can play with them . . . from babies to grandpas. You can use them in a million different ways. And (this is my favorite part) they are so easy to clean up (I love Legos too, but in this regard, Magformers have them beat . . . you can just sweep them all together and because of the magnets, they stick together in a gigantic clump that can easily be tossed into the bin). In the time we’ve had them, we’ve only had one piece break, and they’ve seen heavy daily use and abuse. Such a great toy, and I’m sure Magnatiles will give you similar hours of fun.
I looooove the idea of cleaning them up so easily. I am looking forward to Legos for many reasons, but clean up does seem overwhelming and endless…
I’m a little older than you, but I have read that today’s Spirograph is not nearly as great as what was available when we had one growing up. I remember loving ours. Read a bunch of product reviews, and then see if you can find an original on e-bay.
This is great advice, Linda! Thank you. I am becoming an eBay regular for quality clothing items, so I love the idea of finding a good deal on a vintage toy there, too.
I love these gift idea wishlists. I always find myself coming back to them when it comes time to buy a couple of things for the kids ;) Thanks for posting!!
I don’t think you’ll regret it if you go with the wicker stroller. It looks like an heirloom- something she would be proud to pass on to her daughter one day :)
Her grandmother and grandfather have asked to give that to her, Abi, so it will be hers! I’m so excited for her. It does look like it could/will be an heirloom!
The Magnatiles are indeed awesome but as someone mentioned before, you will need the big set. Especially because Gil will be all over them too and you do need a good amount of pieces to make it fun. But otherwise, they are awesome and still pretty sturdy. My boys build huge towers with them and then send them crashing down and even after several years, they are still holding up.
But if she asked for the doll stroller, I would get her that. And she won’t use it forever so now is a good time.
Good advice, Sylvie. I am constantly breaking up disagreements/fights these days, so anything to help the noise level around here is fine by me…
We have Magformers and boy do they get a ton of use! Our three-year-old boy who has recently discovered his love of throwing all the things hasn’t damaged one yet!
Good to know. Are these the perfect toy?!
The wicker baby carriage will make you happy to see it hanging around house.
My girls use my old pink matel carriage style stroller than the umbroller type they have. And mine is in BAD shape. I was a tomboy sorta gal, and my stroller held mostly rocks and sticks in the backyard.
This past Christmas I made photo books for the grandparents. I’m not very good a sharing pictures through the year, so I wanted to gift a years worth of photos to them. When I receieved them from the printers my 7 year old pointed out two major errors in the first two pages. Her age and the year of her baby sister’s birth (!)
Whoops.
Haha, gotta love those inevitable mistakes! But aren’t the Christmas albums always made at the last minute?!
And her grandparents got her the wicker baby carriage, so I am so excited about that! I’m going to make a mattress and blanket for it with my mom, who’s visiting now. I think that will make it more person and cozy. I’m planning to repurpose some old Aden & Anais baby girl blankets that should be cute (and cheaper than buying new fabric!).
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