For many of us, these are the final days before gift giving, and it’s time to fill the gaps on our shopping lists, make sure we have small gifts on hand, or stuff some kiddos’ stockings.
To help us all make the most of these last moments to shop, we polled our Tinkergarten team, and, to follow, are their top ten small gifts for the outdoorsy and playful.
EXPERIENCES!
Research and Tinkergarten Leaders agree. The best gift is the gift of experiences—and what better experiences than outdoor ones?! Our favorite last-minute gift is a jar full of ideas for fun, connecting outdoor experiences. Read more and download printable ideas to add to your jar in our Give Outdoor Experiences DIY activity.
Compass
Keep a compass in your pocket. Bring it out whenever you are outdoors, and share how fascinated you are by how it works and what it can teach you. Even the youngest of children will benefit from exposure to this tool and will grow curious, building a foundation for a lifetime of navigation to come.
Treasure Box
Giving kids a small box that is designated for tucking away treasures is a joyful and clear invitation to slow down and savor the amazing objects that await out in nature. Find steps to make your own in our Winter Treasure Box DIY activity.
Collecting bag
The drive to collect is innate, and small humans benefit from collecting on so many levels. All you need is a small canvas bag. Kids can use it to gather and transport objects. And, it’s easy for you to bring it with you whenever you go outdoors. Find canvas bags online or at a local craft supply store. (Tinkergarten families, you can even iron on your badges!)
Magnifying glass
Tuck a magnifying glass in your collecting bag to help your kids experience nature treasures up close. We love large magnifiers, as well as tough and made-to-bring-anywhere options.
Tissues
Fresh winter air inspires noses to run. A travel pack of tissues is like gold for the outdoorsy family.
Lip balm
Have lip balm handy. Lips that are protected can enjoy the elements while remaining soft and safe. If you can, pass over petroleum-based products for natural options like Burt’s Bees.
Reusable hand warmers
Heat them up before you head out, and tuck them in your bag or pockets. Then they’re already there when you or your kiddos need a boost. Or, tuck them inside wool socks, turning those socks into heated mittens kids can put on if their hands get wet or cold. Try handmade warmers or boilable warmers.
Soft wool socks
Use them as intended or put them on kids when their mittens get wet or just have to come off. Smartwool and Darn Tough are two brands that really deliver, but any soft, wool socks will do. A new favorite are the soft, warm and socially impactful Bombas—socks (as well as undies) for babies, toddlers, kids and grown ups. Plus, Bombas is a a Certified B Corp, meaning it scores well in terms of environmentally friendly material sourcing, ethical production and transparency.
Washable liquid watercolor paints or food coloring
Use washable liquid watercolors or food coloring (beware staining) to add color to winter play by making frozen treasure or painting the snow.
Tinkergarten!
Sign up your child for a season of Tinkergarten! Find a Local Teacher in our Teacher Directory or sign up for Tinkergarten Home—our on-demand format at tinkergarten.com!
We hope these help you find just the right small gifts—the kind that will get the people you love outdoors to play in 2024! And, we wish you the most wonderful end to 2023, too.
