Cheryl Shops

Seriously, how is it almost Thanksgiving? And because I don't want to be the only blogger out there who's not doing a gift guide (kidding—I actually love doing these!), here's the first installment in this year's holiday 2017 gift guide. I always start with kids, because they're the most fun to shop for (and the most fun to watch open presents). Here are my picks for kids of all ages.


1. This elephant flaps its ears and plays music, which will probably make parents want to kill themselves, but should delight babies.
Baby Gund Flappy the Elephant $40

2. Kids of all ages are obsessed—obsessed—with Minions, which makes this pretty much the coolest suitcase in existence (even for grown-up kids like, ahem, me).
Away Minions carry-on $225

3. With LED lights, this garbage truck takes something kids are already obsessed with and steps it up to a future-Burning-Man-participant level.
Laser pegs garbage truck $45

4. The only thing that may be cooler than Minions is unicorns, and with customizable options, this one is likely to make you seem like the superhero.
Magical superhero unicorn cape $29.99

5. I love reading Amazon reviews, and the ones for this product do not disappoint—people are legit amazed by how much fun kids have with this set. It's never to early to put them to work, I say.
Melissa & Doug Let's Play House set $23.24

6. Think of this as the junior version of the pink pussy hat. And, note, it's not just for girls.
Oeuf feminist crown $48

7. My friend's daughter has a personalized book like this and she pretty much thinks it's the best thing since…well…Minions.
Goodnight Little Me personalized book $34.95

8. This present is so cool, I kind of want one for myself—again, another gift for kids of all ages.
Design-your-own street art headphones $30

9. I can envision everything from grade-school goofiness to teen angst expressed on one of these light-up signs. Plus, it's just so Instagrammable!
My cinema lightbox $30

Stay tuned for my next rounds of gift guides, coming next week—just in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

In spite of the fact that I devote several weeks' worth of posts to gifts for everyone in the family, let's face it: the holidays are about kids. Which is definitely something that's been on my mind—and everyone's—for the last few days. I don't have any children of my own, but I am Aunt Cheryl to numerous friends' children, as well as my own flesh-and-blood nieces and nephews. After all that's happened, it almost seems petty to show your love with presents they may play with for a few weeks or wear for a few months. But it's all about the little things, and whatever joy I can give these kids, I will. They're so worth it.

I don't know about you, but my friends have been popping out kids like there's no tomorrow. Thankfully, buying presents for kids is almost as fun as buying presents for yourself. These may not be the next Tickle Me Elmo or whatever other sold-out present parents are paying quintuple for on eBay, but these seem pretty cool to me.


Top row:
Every native New York City baby needs a onesie with the major tourist attractions, if only as a public service.  MAPTOTES New York City Icon Onesie, $30

Baby shoes are cute, but these socks—perfect for pre-shoe-wearers—may be even cuter. LUCY'S SOCKS - SET OF 6, $26

This elephant (there are other animals available too) can be heated in the microwave and also smells like lavender. Um, can I have one too?  Aroma Home - Elephant Hot Hugs Hottie, $26

Middle row:
Should the kid remain attached to his or her blankie until adulthood, this Pendleton blanket is so cool, it would be completely understandable. Pendleton Muchacho Baby Blanket - Sapphire - Zd632, $80

I don't know exactly what this thing does, but it's reportedly educational, and it will at least keep the kids away from your iPad. ViNCi - Touch Screen Mobile Learning Tool for Toddlers and Young..., $479

The Stacrobats has a clever name and bright colors, and it's won a bunch of awards. Also, it looks fun!  Stacrobats Soft Colorful Children's Activity for Stacking..., $51

Bottom row:
I find a lot of kids' clothes to be a bit twee, but this organic cotton tee manages to be cute and silly at the same time. MASALA TEES Humpy Kholy Kids Tee, $35

Considering knowing Mandarin helps your child get into preschool, perhaps it's never too early to start learning the periodic table of the elements. PERIODIC TABLE BUILDING BLOCKS, $40

I know many children under the age of 3 who are totally sated by the ol' iPhone, but this dancing lion speaker takes it to a whole other level. DANCING LION SPEAKER, $70

I generally spend the first week or two of the official holiday shopping season shopping for myself. (I hope I am not alone in this; otherwise, I am incredibly selfish.) What generally snaps me out of it is when I start shopping for kids. After all, giving kids gifts is really what Christmas is all about. (Ok, and family and togetherness and all that.) So it makes sense that my first installment of my 2010 Holiday Gift Guide is dedicated to kids--more specifically other people's kids. I do not know (or really care) what the hot toys of the season are; if you're interested, I'd advise you to read the thousands of Mommy blogs out there. These gifts are, I'd like to think, more fun and more thoughtful. In some instances, the parents might enjoy them more than the kids, but, hey, they're kind of for them anyway.
Because Mom & Dad do rock, there's a tattoo-inspired Mom & Dad onesie, $27

I fortunately had parents who encouraged my creativity at every turn; do the same for the kids you know with Alex Toys My Very Busy Box Activity Kit, $40

I know from Facebook updates that parents with kids under the age of 3 are almost always lacking in sleep; help them out (kids, not parents--well, not directly) with the soothing Summer Infant Mommies Melodies Gund Bear, $21.49

This Handmade "Villages Airways" Plane from Sri Lanka, $44, supports fair trade and also looks pretty awesome to play with

Start their fashion addiction early with this fierce Lee Military Jacket from Stella McCartney Kids, $145

Sometimes you do whatever you can to get your kids to eat. My mom fed me chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and macaroni & cheese; you can try this supercool Construction Plate & Utensils Set, $14.95 & $17.49

Rain will become that much more fun for them (and adorable for you) with a Western Chief Kids Frog Raincoat, $37

The essential book for a city kid (or for a suburban kid who one day dreams of moving to the city: This Is New York, $18

How incredibly adorable are these Robeez Soft Soles 3D Moose Booties, $39?