Cosmic Motherhood | Magic + Joy | Lamorinda Resources

The holidays are upon us, mamas! The air is crisp, the twinkle lights are strung, and the question on every parent’s mind is: what magical gifts will spark joy in our little ones’ hearts?

This year, ditch the stress of endless shopping aisles and let’s create a holiday season filled with thoughtful, developmental toys and keepsakes that nurture their growing minds and wild imaginations. From the curious newborn to the energetic toddler, we’ve curated a guide that celebrates every stage of your little one’s incredible journey.

Let’s dive in!

Newborn Bliss and Sitting Up & Reaching (0-12 months): At first, sensory exploration, soothing comfort, and the gentle beginnings of play. Then encouraging hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and cause-and-effect learning.

• Floor Play: Pehr Magical Forest Round Playmat
• Time Outside (with shade): Little Unicorn Outdoor Family Picnic & Beach Blanket, Water-Resistant, Compact Fold – Perfect for park days and picnics for the whole family. I remember many spring days cuddling on this with my little, new mama meetups, and music in the park days. I love that these blankets come in non-baby but still entirely tender wistful prints, doubling as the perfect backdrop for cute impromptu photo shoots.
• Visual Development: Wee Gallery Organic Ocean Activity Pad – High Contrast Tummy Time Play Mat with 6 Interactive Activities – Soft Sensory Toys for Babies – Visual & Motor Skill Development Toy
• Sensory Development: Miniland Sensorial Reef. Plush Rattle Toy for Infant and Toddlers with Many Different Sensory Stimulations. Fully Washable for Baby Teething. 2023 Toty Finalist.
• Discovery: Manhattan Toy Toadstool Cottage Plush Fill & Spill Baby and Toddler Activity Toy
• Soft Climbing: Figgy Waterproof Play Couch, Eco-friendly. Made in USA. Indoor Climbing Toy, Playroom Furniture, Kids fort, or kids bedroom furniture. Montessori-inspired kids modular sofa
• Early Music: Toniebox Audio Player Starter Set with Playtime Puppy – Listen, Learn, and Play with One Huggable Little Box – Gray – for a full comparison see my full Tonies vs. Yoto player review.
• Eye-hand Coordination + Standing Support: Country Critters Wooden Activity Play Cube by Hape | Wooden Learning Puzzle Toy for Toddlers, 5-Sided Activity Center with Animal Friends, Shapes, Mazes, Wooden Balls, Shape Sorter Blocks and More
• Art Exploration: Honeysticks 100% Pure Beeswax Crayons (12 Pack) – Non-Toxic Crayons, Safe for Babies and Toddlers, For 1 Year Plus, Handmade in New Zealand with Natural Beeswax and Food-Grade Colors, Eco-Friendly.
• Early Life Skills: Melissa & Doug Cutting Food Play Food Set With Wooden Pieces, Knife, Cutting Board
• A handsome bookshelf to keep it all tidy: 4-Tier Wooden Open Bookcase – Modern Display Bookshelf with Side Panels and Solid Wood Frame for Home and Office, Storage Cabinet, Warm White
• Christmas Cozy: Coco Moon Hawaii Christmas Day in Hawaiʻi Nei Muslin Swaddle Blanket – for $10 off click here first.
• Early Foods: Halfway through your first year and up your littles are also starting to explore the wonderful world of food. For my best recs for this stage of life, and some giftable goodies to support, check out 10 Tips for a Happy Lunchbox.

On the Go! (12-18 months): Fueling their newfound mobility, curiosity, and exploration of the world.

• Pikler Triangle Climber: Foldable Climbing Triangle Ladder Toys with Ramp for Sliding or Climbing, Set of 3 Wooden Safety Sturdy Kids Play Gym, Indoor Outdoor Playground Climbing Toys for Toddlers
• Musical Exploration: Lovevery | The Music Set | 6 Musical Instruments and Rhythm & Songs Book, Preschool Education and Montessori Early Learning Musical Toy, Ages 18 Months to 4+ Years
• First Wheels: Doona Liki Trike S3 – Premium Foldable for Toddlers, Toddler Tricycle Stroller, Push and Fold Ages 10 Months to 3 Years, Grey Hound – we’ve used this to push my daughter around our local pond, learn to ride a bike, and zip around downtown. so fun.
• Family Wheels! Veer All-Terrain Cruiser | Premium Off-Road Wagon Stroller for Babies, Toddlers, and Kids | Push/Pull/Push-Along Steering for Uneven Terrain | JPMA Certified | Lightweight and Collapsible
• Eye-hand Coordination: Award Winning Hape All-in-One Wooden Kid’s Art Easel with Paper Roll and Accessories Cream
• Building + Sorting: 36 PCS Wooden Sorting Stacking Rocks Stones,Sensory Toddler Toys Learning Montessori Toys, Building Blocks Game for Kids
• Life Skills: Kids Kitchen Step Stool, Toddler Standing Tower with CPC Certification, Removable Anti-Drop Railing Safety Rail Enjoys Unique Patented Design A Anti-tip Structure More Stable, Natural Bamboo
• Water Fun: Color Changing Kitchen Sink Toys, Children Electric Dishwasher Playing Toy with Running Water, Upgraded Faucet, Automatic Water Cycle System Play House Pretend Role Play Toys for Boys Girls
• Big Kid Table (for Littles!): Lalo The Play Kit, Kids Table and Chairs Set with Sustainably Sourced Wood Kids Table & Set of 2 Non-Toxic Bucket Seat Kids Chairs – Safe and Comfortable – Natural/Sage

The Toddler Takeover (18 months – 3 years + up): Sparking creativity, imaginative play, and a love for learning through interactive toys and engaging activities.

• Ice Cream!: Melissa & Doug Scoop and Stack Ice Cream Cone Magnetic Play Set and Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Wooden Magnetic Puzzle Play Set – these two sets have been darlings in my daughter’s playroom for years now. There are plenty bigger fancier sets out there, but nothing makes her as happy as stacking, unstacking, and let’s get real, licking these simple scoops. 🥵🤪
• More Wheels!: Micro Kickboard – Mini Deluxe – Three Wheeled, Lean-to-Steer Swiss-Designed Micro Scooter
• Spacial Awareness: Toddler Sensory Wooden Balance Montessori Toys and Stepping Stones, Build Coordination Gymnastics Obstacle Motor Skill for Kid
• Life Skills: Wooden Kids Knife for Cooking and Safe Cutting Veggies Fruits, Cute Fish Shape Kids Kitchen Tools, Christmas Gifts for kids, 2-5 Years Old
• Dress-up: Piggy Paint | 100% Non-Toxic Girls Nail Polish | Safe, Cruelty-free, Vegan, & Low Odor for Kids| You Take the Cake (6 Polish Set)
• Independence Development: Dress up Rack, Child Garment Rack, Kids Clothing Rack with Storage Shelf
• Mini World Travelers: JetKids by Stokke BedBox, Blue Sky – Kid’s Ride-On Suitcase & In-Flight Bed – Help Your Child Relax & Sleep on the Plane – Approved by Many Airlines – turns an economy seat into a laydown bed for kids, and the ride-on feature is a bonus for zipping around an airport.
• Imaginative Play: Kids Tent Indoor & Outdoor Toddler Tent Kids Play Tent Large Kids Playhouse Tent Toys with Pennant Banners ​​
• Eye-hand Coordination: Master Workbench by Hape | Award Winning Kid’s Wooden Tool Bench Toy Pretend Play Creative Building Set, Height Adjustable 35Piece Workshop for Toddlers
• Problem-solving: MAGNA-TILES Classic 100-Piece Magnetic Construction Set, The ORIGINAL Magnetic Building Brand
• Awe + Wonder: Star Projector Galaxy Night Light – Astronaut Space Projector, Starry Nebula Ceiling LED Lamp with Timer and Remote, Kids Room Decor Aesthetic, for Christmas, Birthdays, Valentine’s Day
• STEM: Fat Brain Toys Air Toobz, Air-Powered STEM Building Toys for Kids & Teens, Kids Building Toys, STEM Toys for 3+ Year Old

Lastly – More is Less, aka The Cosmic Way:

• Minimalism: When choosing gifts, focus on quality over quantity. Look for timeless toys that can be enjoyed for years to come, and avoid items that are likely to be used only once or twice.
• Make it meaningful: Instead of buying your child a bunch of small trinkets, focus on a few larger items that will spark their imagination and curiosity.
• Sourcing secondhand (or free!): There are many great places to find secondhand toys and other items for children. I love sourcing great educational toy deals on Poshmark (Code SAMIA_KHAN for $10 off). Also consider checking out your local Facebook Marketplace, community sales, thrift stores, or Buy Nothing groups. You may even be able to find some items for free!
• Experiences: Kid-friendly art and science museums, botanical gardens, aquariums all offer annual memberships that are great for gifting to family and friends and your own family. Our local East Bay favorite is the Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery in Walnut Creek, which also offers free reciprocal admission to over 345 participating AHS botanical gardens throughout North America, including the University of California Botanical Garden, Gardens of Golden Gate Park, and San Diego Botanical Garden.

Remember, mamas, the greatest gifts are often the simplest ones. Unstructured playtime, snuggles on the couch, and a warm, loving presence are treasures beyond compare.

P.S. Here at Cosmic Motherhood we never forget about mom. Recently postpartum? Read our blog on all about how to care for Mom (and goodies she’ll appreciate). We offer holistic services and tools to support, inspire, and empower your journey through motherhood.

Happy Holidays, mamas!