GIFT GUIDEHoliday
by Kelli Matthews
It’s
time for my annual roundup of kids’ gifts—the ones that actually hold their attention, survive being dropped, and don’t turn into clutter by January. I test these with real kids in my life (from preschoolers to teens), and these are the standouts for creativity, learning, silliness, and pure joy.
Art + Creativity
For the kid who’s constantly doodling, building, or asking for “just one more craft.” These gifts unlock creativity without requiring a whole project setup from you.
PIXICADE. Pixicade turns kids’ drawings into their own playable video games. It’s incredibly easy to use—draw, snap a photo, and suddenly their characters come to life. The creativity payoff is huge, and I love that it gets kids sketching instead of staring at a blank screen. abacusbrands. com/collections/pixicade
THE ACORNS PROJECT. This subscription-style art box focuses on nature, storytelling, and imagination. The projects feel thoughtful and open-ended instead of overly structured. Kids can follow the prompts or wander off on their own creative path (which mine absolutely did). Beautifully designed and refreshingly calm. theacornsproject.com
POSCA PAINT-BY-NUMBER GIFT SETS. POSCA pens are having a moment, and these new paint-by-number kits make them incredibly accessible. Each canvas comes with four custom POSCA pens in themes like Boho Muse, Lilac Dream Butterfly, and more. The result looks polished, and kids stay engaged without frustration. Under $30 makes it an easy win. unibrands.co
PETIT COLLAGE. My Museum Magnetic Scene: A portable magnetic playset where kids can arrange artwork, characters, and museum scenes again and again. It’s perfect for travel, restaurants, or quiet-time play. The pieces store neatly (parent win), and the art theme sparks great conversations. amazon.com/dp/1797234897
CLIXO. Clixo’s bendable magnetic shapes snap together in the most satisfying way. Kids can build animals, wearable creations, abstract sculptures—whatever they dream up. It’s screen-free, endlessly reusable, and packs flat for travel. One of the most versatile STEM-meets-art toys out there. clixo.com
CONNETIX MAGNETIC TILES. Connetix tiles are one of those toys that kids return to over and over. The magnets are strong, the colors are gorgeous and the pieces click together in the most satisfying way. Kids can build towers, ball runs, animals, or full-on cities—totally open-ended and endlessly replayable. A standout STEM gift for all ages. connetixtiles.com
Tech + STEM
The gifts that make kids say “wait… how does this work?” These are fun, durable, and secretly educational.
TUNESHINE. Tuneshine is an LED display that brings album art to life in real time, synced with whatever music is playing. Whether kids are wearing headphones on the couch or turning up the volume in the kitchen, it adds a whole new sensory layer to the listening experience. It connects to your streaming service (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.), identifies the track, and instantly displays the album art in a minimalist, handcrafted wood case. tuneshine.rocks
NANOLEAF BLOCKS COMBO KIT. These interactive LED blocks are controlled by an app that lets kids change colors, patterns, and animations. My younger teen immediately unboxed it, set it up in his gaming area, and assembled the whole thing on his own. A fantastic space-personalizing gift for tweens and teens. us-shop.nanoleaf.me
TONIEBOX + TONIES. A favorite for younger kids. The Toniebox is a soft, screenfree audio player activated by little characters (“Tonies”) that tell stories, play songs, and entertain for ages. It’s easy to use and rugged enough for toddler handling. This is a huge hit with my preschooler niece. us.tonies.com
SMARTIVITY ROBOTIC
MECHANICAL HAND.
Kids build a fully functioning mechanical hand using strings, levers, and a clever biomimicry design. Assembly is surprisingly doable, and once built, kids can pick up small objects and experiment with how it moves. A fun intro to engineering concepts. smartivity.com
Skin + Self-Care
Because kids and teens love a routine too— and these make it simple.
COLLEGE GIRL CHERISHED. A thoughtful monthly care package designed for college-aged kids who might need a little love from home. Packed with comfort items, self-care, and sweet surprises, it’s a bright spot in a busy semester. Where to buy: https://collegegirlcherished.com/
BRIGHT GIRL. My older teen son quickly claimed this set for himself. It’s gentle, practical, and perfect for teens who want to take care of their skin without a complicated routine. Works well for any gender. Where to buy: https://brightgirl.com/
SLIME KITCHEN BLIND
These new Blind Boxes pair a 6 oz themed slime with a collectible character toy, and the surprise factor is half the fun. Kids can discover figures from three themed series— Garden Hippers, The Monsters, and Brainrot—with multiple variations in each line, making every box a different reveal. theslimekitchen.com
Gear + Outdoors
Kid-tested items that hold up to playground life, wet weather, and family adventures.
VIVOBAREFOOT KIDS BOOTS. Lightweight, flexible, and surprisingly sturdy. My six-year-old nephew said they “actually feel barefoot!” They’re easy for kids to pull on themselves and are great for active play, rain or shine. vivobarefoot.com/us/kids
IGOR EURI RAIN JACKET. A bright, waterproof rain jacket that stands up beautifully to PNW weather. Comfortable, durable, and with that classic European style. Ideal for rainy school days or muddy backyard adventures. justshoesforkids.com
IGOR YOGI RAIN BOOTS. Warm, flexible, and easy for kids to put on independently—huge win. They grip well and keep little feet dry through even the most dramatic puddle-jumping. justshoesforkids.com/
STICKY LEMON DUFFLE BAG. Colorful, sturdy, and incredibly cute. This duffle works as a weekender or a dance/sports bag. The quality is excellent and the playful design makes it a fun, personality-filled gift. justshoesforkids.com
WEE WANDER TRAVEL BACKPACK + BLANKET. My four-year-old niece immediately claimed both the backpack and the cozy travel blanket. The designs are adorable, the size is perfect for kids, and the blanket has become a go-to for naps, flights, and car rides. weewander.com
Games + Puzzles
Family-friendly, brain-building fun for game nights and quiet afternoons.
RIDLEY’S MAP OF THE STARS PUZZLE. A beautiful 500-piece celestial puzzle that feels like both a fun challenge and a learning moment. Kids get a stunning finished piece plus a crash course in constellations. amazon.com/dp/B094F3HK84
THE GANG (THAMES & KOSMOS). A fast, funny, strategic card game that kids pick up quickly but adults also genuinely enjoy. The artwork is silly, the gameplay is smooth, and it’s chaotic in all the right store.thamesandkosmos.com
Miscellaneous Fun
The little delights that fill stockings, calm fidgets, and bring big smiles.
TOSY MAGNET PYRAMID FIDGET.
A holographic magnetic fidget that’s endlessly buildable. Kids can pull it apart, snap it back together, and create new forms every time. Mesmerizing and great for travel.
HELLO DEARIST LETTER WRITING
KITS. These kits make writing letters unbelievably fun. Cute stationery, prompts, and stickers get kids excited about sending mail to friends, grandparents, or pen pals. hellodearist.com
STUFFED STATES. Soft, huggable plushies shaped like U.S. states. Kids can pick their home state—or collect the states where friends and family live. Sweet, educational, and big on charm. stuffedstatesusa.com
BEARPAW EVA TEDDY BEAR. A plush, cuddly teddy bear that’s incredibly soft and giftable. Great size, great quality, and extra sweet with 15% off using code TEDDY15. bearpaw.com/products/eva-teddy-bear-taupe
Foodie + Kitchen Fun
For kids who love to mix, make, decorate, and taste.
PAMPERED CHEF KIDS CLUB. A monthly cooking kit with real tools, kid-friendly recipes, and fun kitchen activities. We made churro beignets with the kit we tried—they were delicious, and the kids were so proud of themselves. pamperedchef.com/kids-club
CANDY LAND CANDY CRAFTING DELUXE
CREATABLE KIT. A hands-on candy lab perfect for kids who love color, texture, and experimenting in the kitchen. Fun, creative, and surprisingly tidy as far as candy-making goes. cricketscandy.com
Mom’s Gift Guide
It’s
that time of year again—my annual roundup of gifts moms will actually use, actually love, and actually be excited to unwrap. I try everything myself and only include the standouts, from Oregon favorites to small brands worth discovering. Whether you’re shopping for your mom, your partner, or yourself (no judgment), here’s what made the list for 2025.
Bags & Accessories
Functional but stylish upgrades—perfect for moms who want things that make daily life easier and better.
WILL LEATHER GOODS (OREGON BRAND). The Simple Satchel (Turquoise) stands out for its soft leather and saturated turquoise color. It’s roomy enough for daily essentials or work gear without feeling bulky, and it has that “will only get better with age” quality that Will Leather is known for. A signature Oregon staple. willleathergoods.com
VENUSTAS HEATED
JACKET. This jacket is impressively warm while still feeling lightweight. I wore it on the sideline of a middle school football game and stayed completely toasty the whole time. The adjustable heat settings are easy to use and genuinely useful for outdoor events and winter adventures. venustas.com
ADVENTURIST SIDEKICK
This compact crossbody is ideal for stadiums or events that require small or clear bags. I took it to a Portland Thorns match and it was perfect— just enough room for my phone, cards, cash, and a lipstick. Lightweight, secure, and easy to wear hands-free. adventuristbackpacks. com/products/ sidekick-crossbody
BEAR PAW SLIPPERS. The Izzy Platform Lo slippers from are plush, supportive, and cozy in a way that makes you want to keep them on all day. The platform sole gives them a more substantial feel than typical slippers,
and they hold their shape beautifully. A reliable cold-weather treat. bearpaw.com/products/ izzy-platform-lo-iced-coffee
Foodie
For the mom who always knows the best local maker, packs snacks “just in case,” and treats dinner like a creative project. These finds bring big flavor and small-batch joy straight to the kitchen.
SON OF MAN CIDER (OREGON BRAND). This dry Basque-style cider is crisp, bright and super drinkable. I opened a bottle with dinner and it paired beautifully with almost anything. It’s refreshing without being sugary, and it’s an easy win for cider fans. Available locally at Market of Choice and Whole Foods or go to sonofman.co
LOVELY COFFEE (LOVELY SPRINGFIELD). Lovely’s beans bring the coziness of their Springfield café straight into your morning routine. The roast I tried had a smooth balance of brightness and depth, and it made a perfect everyday cup. A thoughtful Oregon-local choice for coffee lovers. Available at lovelyspringfield.com or Lovely Cafe, 111 Main St. Springfield, Oregon.
discoveries—my favorite was the Portland-made Hot Mama Salsa hot sauce, which I immediately started putting on everything. I love gifts that introduce me to new makers to support, and this one makes that easy and fun. thefarmersfinds.com
BIG PICTURE FARM. These goat milk caramels are unbelievably creamy and deeply flavorful. I kept them in the fridge and rationed a couple at a time to make them last—which still didn’t stop me from finishing the box too fast. Safe to say I’m already planning to reorder. bigpicturefarm.com
FOND REGENERATIVE. This regenerative bone broth (and beef tallow) tastes clean, herbaceous, and—honestly—kind of addictive. It’s one of the few broths I actually look forward to sipping. It instantly elevates quick meals and feels like a wellness ritual I can actually stick with. fondregenerative.com
ROK PRESSO SMARTSHOT. This compact manual espresso maker impressed me immediately. The Smartshot design means no dialing in—you just pull a consistently great shot with beautiful crema every time. It’s perfect for moms who want café-level coffee without giving up counter space. us.rok.coffee/products/ presso-smartshot-soft-teal
Candles
For the mom who counts “lighting a candle” as self-care (same). These picks transform a room in seconds.
CERERIA MOLLA. This luxury candle line feels elevated and polished, and every scent I’ve tried has filled the room quickly and cleanly. The packaging is beautiful enough for gifting but simple enough for everyday use. cereriamolla.us
BEAN CANDLE COMPANY. These hand-poured soy candles smell comforting and modern, and I appreciate how long they burn for their size. They give off a rich scent that doesn’t overwhelm, making them an easy go-to for gifting all winter. beancandlecompany.com
Skin & Body Care
Self-care without a whole routine shift—just products that feel good, work well, and make winter skin happier.
GATHERWISE (OREGON BRAND).
Gatherwise grows most of their ingredients on a farm just outside Portland, and you can feel that freshness in every product. The Serious Eye Oil and lip balms became immediate staples for me. They also have beautiful holiday gift sets that make the picking easy. gather-wise.com
GLEEM BEAUTY. I loved how soothing and nourishing these formulas felt, especially for dry winter skin. They absorb quickly and left my skin looking calmer and more hydrated within days. A simple, effective choice for moms who want results without a complicated routine. gleembeauty.com
ROGER & GALLET GIFT KITS. These sets include a silky body wash and a unisex fragrance created by Jean Marie Farina. The scents are so bright and balanced and are easy for everyday wear. The lavender, rosemary, and petit grain scent ended up being my teenage son’s favorite - and despite my best efforts to hide for myself, he immediately claimed it. Elegant, classic, and a great little luxury.
Jewelry
Pretty, meaningful, Oregon-connected gifts that feel special without being fussy.
LOYALSMITH JEWELRY (NORTHWEST BRAND). Loyalsmith’s pieces have a thoughtful, minimalist charm that makes them incredibly easy to wear. They layer effortlessly and feel lightweight and comfortable all day. A lovely option for moms who appreciate subtle, sentimental pieces. loyalsmith.com
Miscellany
The fun, unexpected picks that bring a little delight into everyday life.
FEATHERSNAP SMART BIRD FEEDER. Easy to set up and surprisingly addictive to check, this feeder captures crisp, bright footage of visiting birds. It’s a charming way to connect with nature from your window and makes a great gift for anyone who loves watching wildlife. feathersnapcam.com
REN ZEN GARDEN (ENSO SENSORY). A beautifully made desktop zen garden that’s become my favorite quick reset during the workday. The sand, stones, and tools are thoughtfully designed, and the simple act of arranging everything is genuinely calming. ensosensory.com
BOLD & BLOOM (OREGON BRAND). Bold & Bloom pieces strike that sweet spot between modern and timeless. The designs feel fresh and stylish, but still wearable with anything. They’re beautifully made and instantly elevate everyday outfits. shopboldandbloom.com
