Our Small Shop Holiday List

Now more than ever, I want to support my favorite small shops. Not only do I want to support the businesses and the families behind them, but I find the toys and materials we purchase from small shops are the ones that we love the most and stay with us for years. The items below are the ones on our wish list this year. Importantly, several of these are also from Black-owned small shops. Lastly, I have included any discount codes I currently have, but keep in mind there may be bigger sales on Small Shop Saturday. I hope you find some inspiration here and with these small shops this holiday season!

Nursling apron - Nursling is one of my favorite small shops, from their reading pillows to their small napkins, and now these beautiful new aprons! They come in three sizes and are made of organic cotton and hemp. I plan to put this on the list for each of my children! Use code RealLife10 for 10% off

Sarah's Silks giant silks - These scarves are always on my list as they are just so beautiful and can be used in a hundred ways. I am excited to gift the kids a giant one to build forts with this winter! Use code RealLife10 for 10% off.

More than a peach crayons - I have been following Bellan, the girl behind More than a Peach, for a while on social media, and I am so excited to finally bring these multicultural crayons into our home. A perfect stocking stuffer!

Nuts and Bolts Board - Our screwdriver board has been one of the most well-loved materials on our shelf, and this will be a perfect progression for D. I like that she can use her hands at first and then learn how to use the wrench as she develops more coordination.

Birch Street Goods Mindful Mat - This is another one of my very favorite small shops. This is a wonderful calming activity, as well as speaking to D’s need for order and arranging small objects in lines!

Natural Playbox bowling set - You can’t go wrong with any of the Natural Playbox materials. This might be the only one we don’t have! Though this is on S’ wish list (our thrower), I think D would enjoy this as a cooperative game as well! Use code RealLife10 for 10% off!

Nuts and bolts - As S is obsessed with D’s tool sets, this is a version of nuts and bolts that will be perfect for S in the coming months. I love the natural look and simplicity of these as he works on coordination of the twisting motion.

PuzzleHuddle puzzle - I really appreciate the representation and diversity in these puzzles, and that they come in all sizes, to meet wherever your child is at in their puzzle journey. It’s hard to choose just one of these many beautiful puzzles.

Playroom creative strawberry stacker - How beautiful are these? This one might just be a gift for me, but I absolutely love these fruit stackers. S would have fun just stacking them but D would enjoy the puzzle aspect of making the fruit. I love supporting this local Seattle toy shop.

Kids Concept Recycling Truck - If there’s one thing S comes back to again and again every day, it’s the vehicles. I saw this truck and it had his name all over it. Not only would he love zooming this around the house but he’d also enjoy popping the little garbage/recycling boxes in and out of their spots on the truck. No plastic either!

Stukka Pukka Pizza Puzzle - We already have one beautiful puzzle from Stukka Puka and I can’t wait to present this one to D. Not only does she get to “make” pizza, but she is learning about fractions along the way! A great problem solving puzzle.

Paper Minikin Dolls - D loves fine motor work, dolls, and dress-up, so I think these will be right up her ally! I love the diversity of the dolls and the modern clothing options they come with.