5 Gift Ideas for Outdoorsy and On-The-Go Toddlers

The holiday season is fast approaching, and with that comes my annual tradition of providing you with some gift ideas! This year I thought I’d do toddler-specific gift ideas since that’s the phase we’re in (and “children’s toys” are often unsuitable for little ones!) Here are some of my picks for outdoorsy and adventurous kiddies.

1. Veyo: Mitts that Kids Actually Like!

Every parent has been through it: mitts on, mitts off. Tears over cold hands, frustration that they can’t do anything with bulky mitts on. Enter: Veyo Mittyz ($39.95)! These thumbless mitts are genius, especially for toddlers. The thumb “pocket” allows for grabbing (think of a crab pincer). They have oversized gauntlets to fit over bulky jackets, and the designs are adorable. Highly recommended!

→ WIN A PAIR OF VEYO MITTYZ HERE (closes December 4, 2015!)

2. KEEN Play Shoes:

We recently tested the KEEN Kootenay MP ($80) and the Monica CNX ($55) and both have been officially kiddy-approved. My experience with footwear is that if you buy shoes too cheap, they literally fall apart. I see good footwear as an investment in my daughter’s outdoor playtime experience. The Kootenay MP has a fuzzy lining that makes them perfect for cooler weather. What I love about the Monica shoes is that they aren’t clunky like a lot of runners (my daughter calls them her “fast shoes”). TIP: Buy the Kootenay MP a size up. They were way on the small side, I think because of the lining. 

3. Melissa and Doug Water Wow Toys:

This is my new favourite discovery. For families that are on-the-go, whether travelling or hitting the trail, these activity booklets from Melissa and Doug (prices vary) are the perfect toys to bring along. They are mess-free fun, allowing kids, even young toddlers, to “colour” with water. Once the pages dry out, they can colour them again! We’ll be bringing these on the next plane rides for sure.

4. Children’s Skis: 

Skiing at this age is more so about introducing young children to the idea of skiing. Thankfully there are ski sets that are reasonably priced, like the Komperdell Ski Set ($55 CAD), so that you can get your kid gliding without investing a huge amount of dough (because, let’s face it: they may not get into it right away!). This pair has universal bindings that fit over your child’s boots. A great place to start!

5. Board Books from Native Northwest: 

These beautiful books are some of our favourites for a number of reasons: the are educational, outdoors/nature-inspired and feature stunning artwork by First nations and Native American artists. These Native Northwest board books ($10.95) are durable, and offer interactive elements for your young child. My daughter loves the animals and bright colours! One of the best things is that partial proceeds from these publications support aboriginal early childhood development.

GIVEAWAY

→ WIN A PAIR OF VEYO MITTYZ HERE (closes December 4, 2015!)

NEED MORE IDEAS?

Check out these awesome gift guides! 

• Rain or Shine Mamma – Holiday Gift Ideas for the Outdoorsy Kid + GIVEAWAYS
• Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies – Holiday Gift Guide for Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing (with GIVEAWAYS)
• Rockies Girl – 2015 Gift Guide for Outdoor Families
• Outdoors Mom – A Gift Guide For The “OutdoorsMom”
• Wild Tales Of – 2015 Holiday Gift Ideas for the Young Traveler and Outdoor Adventurer
• Tales of a Mountain Mama – Gift Guide for Outdoor Families 2015 + Giveaway
• Play Outside Guide – Outdoor Lovers Holiday Gift Guide & Giveaway
• Brave Ski Mom – The 2015 BSM Holiday Gift Guide for Skiers and Snowboarders
• Go Adventure Mom – Holiday Gift Guide
• Mountain Mom and Tots – Best Gear of the Year + Links to Holiday Gift Guides
• OutdoorsyMama – 15 Things Your Outdoorsy Mama REALLY Wants for the Holidays! Gift Guide
• RockiesChick – Holiday guide for the little explorers
• Wilder Child – Unique and Handmade Holiday Gifts for Your Little Nature Lover
• Hike Like A Woman- Holiday Gear Guide
• Nature for Kids – Rad Gifts For Outdoorsy Kids
• Moms Who Hike- Holiday Gear Guide

What gift ideas do you have for outdoorsy and adventurous parents?

I thought you should know: no one told me what to write here! These products all come recommended by me, and while some of them were provided for review, it was my choice to include them in this holiday guide.