Christmas Shopping for the Kids

{I'm updating this post - making sure links are still working & also adding some new finds! Enjoy some early holiday cheer!}

Christmas catalogs have started arriving already! I don't know about you, but I have not bought a single present this year. So, I am shopping right alongside you today. And I'm excited to share some of the shops I've found through the years.

Every year, I struggle between wanting to get my kids the coolest toys & wanting to give them gifts that will actually last & hold their value. With 4 kids, our house is overrun with toys - many of which they don't even play with on a daily basis. I've also been on a kick of minimizing the amount of stuff we own. So, I'm trying to think of gifts that I can give them that are less materialistic, more meaningful. Less commercial, more creative.

These shops are faith-based, small businesses. We know how hard small businesses have been hit this year, so let's do what we can to help them out!

So, let's shop!

New Growth Press

I recently started an affiliate account with New Growth because they have such a wonderful variety of Gospel-centered resources for your family! I think you will find so many great books here. I'll share a few that we either own or are planning to buy for ourselves!

• The Rwendigo Tales - A series of middle grade novels that I've been looking at for my older kids. They look like they're full of adventure & faraway places.
• The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New by Marty Machowski - I've heard many people recommend this book. It's been on my list to buy for so long. I think we might just need to go for it because we're always looking for discipleship resources!
• Who is Jesus? 40 Pictures to Share with Your Family by Kate Hox - I can't send you to this website without highlighting one of my favorite books in recent years! This books walks you through Scripture, highlighting the pictures of Jesus throughout the story of the Bible.

Tiny Theologians

You might have heard of Tiny Theologians. They are a great shop full of resources to help you teach your child about our faith.

A few of my favorites are:

• A newer addition to this shop is this theology workbook written just for young ones. If you ever wonder where to start with teaching your kids about the basics of our faith, this just might be the thing to help you as you disciple the young people in your care.
• These beautiful alphabet card sets cover various topics including the names of God, attributes of God, and even big theological concepts (like A is for Atonement).
• I'm thinking about getting these cards that teach about church history. I might be showing my nerd side again, but I actually enjoy learning about these heroes that went before us. I feel like this was a part of my education that got skimmed over, so I'm learning along with my kids whenever these people come up.
• They also have an Advent card set that goes through the genealogy of Christ.
• And don't miss the tees & tote!

Little Seeds Company

This Etsy shop is filled with the cutest little sensory, play dough kits. They come with everything you need to teach a Bible story or concept to your little one through play. And we've all heard over & over how children learn so well through playing! I just love this idea & am thinking of getting one of these for my 3-year-old, but I'm sure everyone will want to join in. Bonus that this shop was started & is run by a Mom like many of us.

Here are the ones I'm trying to decide between:

• Nativity Kit : The little wooden dolls & miniature palm trees are just precious.
• Queen Esther: This has always been one of my favorite stories, and I'm sure my daughter (& yours) would enjoy this kit.
• Creation: This kit is so colorful! I'm thinking that this will definitely be a hit with all 4 of my kids!

His Kids Company

This shop has those washable placemats that are so fun to have around for little ones. They also have a few tees, too!

What I'm looking at for my kids:

• Nativity Coloring Mat - Give the kids a reason to linger over that Christmas dinner you spend all day making (all the time knowing that they're only going to eat the rolls). [It's currently sold out, but you can have them notify you when it's back in stock. I'm sure they'll have them ready for Christmas!]
• "Be Brave" t-shirt - I think this will be great present for my oldest son.
• Tie Dye seems to be everywhere these past few years, so here's a shirt for that trend!

Crew + Co

This company has some of the most beautifully-designed items around! They have Advent resources, Scripture memory cards, stickers, magnets, & so much more. I might have a hard time narrowing down which of these is my favorite, but I'll try.

• These Advent Christmas cottages are so cute! They have Scripture readings & activities for each day of Advent. They also come in neutrals, if that's more your jam. [These are currently marked as sold out, but I'm hoping they'll be back in stock before advent this year!]
• Not solely for kids, I think these little travel-sized cards with Scripture on them could be really helpful for anyone's faith. We live in trying, uncertain times, and rooting ourselves in God's Word is so important.
• And the sticker page! From "Don't believe everything you think!" to "Have faith Mama," I think these are great gifts for adults & kids alike.
• I'm thinking these pins would make great stocking stuffers this year for my kids.

The Good Book Company

Lots of good ones here, including the "Tales the Tell the Truth" series. I'd encourage you to skip Amazon & go straight to these smaller Christian book sellers. This shop in particular has some really great ones. Here are some favorites in our house.

• Maria Fearing by K.A. Ellis - My daughter loves this series of books that focus on women who have lived for Jesus throughout history. Others include Fanny Crosby & Amy Carmichael.
• Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know & His Grace is Enough by Melissa Kruger - These books are just essential for your kids' bookshelf. The truths in here are what every Christian parent would want to say.
• The Songs of a Warrior by Katy Morgan - My 11-year-old really enjoyed reading (& re-reading) this retelling of David's story. He got a lot of insight into this story & was learning more about the culture at that time, too.

Christian Book

[These links are affiliate links.] Christian book has lots of items that make wonderful gifts for your family. Bibles & toys & picture books & craft supplies. Lots of sales are always happening, so you're bound to find a good price, too!

• Sounding Joy by Ellie Holcomb - Ellie Holcomb has been writing such beautiful worship songs & now has been successful in writing children's books. This is her latest!
• I See Jesus by Nancy Guthrie - I've really enjoyed reading Nancy Guthrie's books, and I love that she wrote a children's book. It helps us to see Jesus throughout the story of Scripture & recognize Him as the fulfillment of every promise & prophecy.
• Illustrated Little Pilgrim's Progress - My daughter & I have been reading this version of Pilgrim's Progress recently after trying & failing to read the original. It's beautifully written & illustrated. Definitely a classic you'll want to own!
• The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung - I've been reading this with my 5-year-old. The stories are short & sweet. They point us to the Gospel & end with a suggested prayer to help apply the truths. It's a good one!

A few other recommendations...

• Daily Grace Co. - Bible studies, Bible memory helps, puzzles, & lots of other goodies. Plus, they're ALWAYS having some sort of sale!
• Theolaby - If you know Jennie Allen &/or If: Gathering, you know she’s launched a children’s book series. It’s an investment, but I have a good feeling that it’s worth it!
• Rendco Kids - This fun-loving kids line from the band Rend Collective has tees, hats, & books. Check them out!
• Catechesis Books - These beautifully-illustrated board books teach big truths to little hearts.
• Kids Read Truth - The kids side of She Reads Truth has all kinds of great discipling tools for your family.

I hope you found some good ideas today for the little ones you'll be buying for this year - nieces & nephews, kids & grandkids!

Are you looking for more non-toy gift ideas? Take a look at this blog post!

Make sure you pin this post for ideas for future holidays & birthdays. And follow me on Pinterest for more ideas that I find over the next few weeks!

Here's the board I've created for Christmas gift ideas: