The Ultimate Gift Guide for Burned Out Parents

Easy gifts for your kids and your loved ones.... and, yes, yourself!

The last thing the internet needs right now is another gift guide, but I’m giving you one anyway. I am guessing very few of you are actually done with your holiday shopping (I … haven’t….started?), and I’m hoping that by pointing you to some easy ideas, I’ll save you time and energy. I’ve also included a number of grown-up gift ideas, both for other adults in your life and also for YOU, because, well, you deserve fun things, too.

In general, I prefer giving experiential gifts, because I think the world needs more joy and less stuff. But these are hard to include in broad gift guides because they are often, by necessity, hyper local and must be tailored to taste. Still, please consider giving gift certificates to local restaurants and spas.

Also, please support small independent businesses! Among other things, you could consider buying a personalized copy of my book from Split Rock Books, my wonderful independent book store in Cold Spring, New York. Don’t forget you can also buy gift subscriptions to this newsletter and have gift notices delivered via email whenever you like.

Here are my other carefully chosen gift ideas. Links I share with asterisks are affiliate links — every affiliate purchase is like a mini-gift from you to me, which, thank you. Every dollar helps. (I’m a small business too!)

Gifts for kids

SmartMax My First Safari Animals STEM Magnetic Discovery Building Set.* This adorable set for kids aged 1 to 5 includes 18 colorful magnetic animal parts that click together. As one of my friends reports: “You can mix and match the animals, which my 2yo found hilarrrrrious. She’d be like GIRAFFADILE!!! and just fall over laughing.” Amazon, $24.99.

Pressman’s Charades for Kids.* A simple, timeless, kid-friendly version of the classic game — no reading required! Ages 4+. Amazon, $10.14.

Djeco DIY Fairy World Kit.* This kit for kids over 5 includes tons of pre-cut cardboard fairy-inspired pieces that your kids can color and play with… for hours. You’re welcome. Amazon, $23.99.

Mount Cleverest Trivia Game. My good friends rave about this game which they say is fun for all ages, including for kids who have Big Feelings about losing. There’s no minimum age listed, but I’d venture this is appropriate for kids aged 6+. Walmart, $12.48.

Unineovo Pop-it Insulated Lunch Box*. My daughter loves popping the little circles in this cute lunchbox, and the insulation works well, even on the hottest days of summer. Amazon, $13.99.

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza.* This fast-paced game for kids 7+ is simple, hilarious, and really quite fun. Amazon, $9.95.

Myarttype Electric Bead Spinner for Bracelet-Making.* If your child enjoys making bead bracelets, this will be a game-changer. You can make bracelets SO MUCH faster with this spinner. Comes with bead needles and thread, too. Amazon, $21.99.

GlowCity Glow in the Dark Basketball.* Very cool for nighttime play, and (hallelujah) it automatically shuts off. Amazon, $32.99.

The Woobles Easy Peasy Beginner Bundle Crochet Kit.* These crochet kits with step-by-step instructions are perfect for beginners, and the animal creations are very cute. Amazon, $29.74-$119.95.

Gifts for adults (including you!)

Spanx Air Essentials Wide Leg Pant. If you’re like me, the word “Spanx” gives you hives. But trust me about these pants. They are made of an insanely soft material and they are so cute and comfortable (no squeezing!). I am totally obsessed. Plus sizes available. Spanx, $110.

Dr. Squatch Men’s Soap 6-pack. Marketed to men, but women like them too! You can customize which six scents are included in the gift set — they have yummy scents like wood barrel bourbon and alpine sage. Dr. Squatch, $39.90.

LuceStella sandals. Handmade by my friend Silvia using materials sourced from Italy, these leather sandals are just stunning. She has many designs and takes custom orders, too. I recommend checking out everything in her shop; you can shop from her website (or visit her shop in Cold Spring!), but follow her on Instagram, too, to see her latest products. LuceStella, $195.

BabyBrezza Formula Pro Advanced Baby Formula Dispenser. Friends swear by this convenient formula dispenser which quickly mixes warm, perfectly mixed bottles. BabyBrezza.com, $177.09.

The Original Tumbler Diamond Rolling Knife Sharpener. This popular and cool-looking knife sharpener also includes a magnetic knife holder, making it easier than ever to maintain and store your knives. Tumbler, $129.

You’re Getting Old Card Game.* A hilarious game that’s designed “for aging millennials ready to embrace their inner senior citizen.” (And Gen-Xers like me.) Amazon, $13.28.

Jones Road Miracle Balm. I am totally in love with the Jones Road miracle balms. I have them in a handful of colors, and I use them on my cheeks, lips, and eyelids. They add both color and sheen (and sometimes a little sparkle). Subtle, but very pretty. My favorite shades are “Pinched Cheeks,” "Miami Beach,” “Magic Hour,” and “Bronze.” Jones Road, $38.

Kizik Juno women’s snow boots. Comfy, cute and you can slip them on hands-free. I have also heard fantastic things about these Kizik sneakers. Order a half to a full size up for both, though! Kizik, $149.

Wonder Oven. This adorable countertop oven is a 6-in-1 air fryer and toaster oven with steam infusion. Friends have told me that it has inspired their older kids to start making their own snacks. Our Place, $175.

Filson Alaskan Guide men’s flannel shirt. A high-quality and very soft flannel shirt. Some patterns are on sale right now, too. Filson, $58-145.

Author Clock. This adorable clock houses a library of over 13,000 literary quotes and displays a new quote every minute that references the exact time. MoMA Design Store, $199.