Gift Guide 1: Fun-Loving Kids, Pitch-Perfect Derry Girls Accent—and More

Games and reading adventures

A $20 Uno tournament set is one game suggestion. The family also enjoys Hitster, a music-playing game described as fun across generations, while friends have praised a goofy board game.

For readers, the guide suggests giving a book you loved as a child, priced at $14. Kids who like suspense might enjoy Escape from Alcatraz comic books, which cost $6 each and are described as a lively choice for preteens.

Toys for imaginative play

Georgie, the writer’s four-year-old honorary niece, is said to be devoted to a handmade cotton bunny. The dolls start at $47, and each one provides meals to children in need; the total reported is 40 million meals so far.

A Tin Can phone uses WiFi to work like a landline and costs $100. Walkie-talkies with a range of almost two miles are $33 for a three-pack, while flashlights, stopwatches and clicker counters have also been popular with the writer’s boys.

Schleich animals are described as beautifully made and suitable to pass down through generations. Prices vary, and both new and secondhand options are mentioned.

Comfort and bedroom touches

A children’s lamp costs $130, while a potato-shaped nightlight is suggested for potato fans. A fort-building set, priced at $50, lets children make a base using sheets, blankets and pillows; Alison’s children have played with it for years.

A wooden photo block holding 10 favorite snapshots costs $26. The guide also mentions children’s and women’s pajamas starting at $36, as well as book sets.

More personal gift ideas

Fried chicken ice cream bars are offered as a surprising treat, with a large bucket priced at $109. Anton and Toby have long enjoyed racing cars and continue to race them as teenagers.

Alison says Georgie loved a pretend server book, waist apron and stack of guest checks that she received last year. She also enjoys nail stickers. The guide notes that purchases through its links may earn Cup of Jo an affiliate commission or involve a sponsored relationship, at no extra cost to readers.