109: 37+ gift ideas approved by our kids (part 1)
Deep Dives
Explore related topics with these Wikipedia articles, rewritten for enjoyable reading:
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Polly Pocket
10 min read
Directly referenced in the article as a nostalgic toy comparison. The Wikipedia article covers the fascinating history of how British inventor Chris Wiggs created the original compact toys in 1983, their cultural impact, and evolution through various corporate owners.
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Balance bike
11 min read
The article mentions a bike that helps kids 'learn to love riding a bike and eventually a two-wheeler.' Balance bikes have an interesting history dating to the 1817 'running machine' invented by Karl Drais, and the science of how they teach proprioception and balance is educational.
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Postpartum depression
10 min read
The newsletter explicitly focuses on maternal mental health, lists multiple PMAD resources, and references Postpartum Support International. The Wikipedia article provides deep scientific and historical context on a condition that affects 10-15% of new mothers.
Welcome to Two Truths, a bestselling newsletter & media brand exploring the many truths of motherhood from journalists & maternal health advocates Cassie Shortsleeve & Kelsey Haywood Lucas of Motherspeak. Two Truths is rooted in the healing & affirming principle that two (or more) things can be true. It’s a “best parenting Substack” per Motherly and The Skimm says you should subscribe; also seen in Today, Fast Company, Vox, The Bump, Popsugar & more.
Gift-giving season is upon us — catalogs in the mail, carts filling, kids casually pointing at everything on store shelves.
As we started thinking about what to give our own children, we found ourselves returning to the things with staying power: toys that invite imagination, gear that actually gets used, and small, sweet items reminiscent of our own childhoods.
This season, we’ve put together three gift guides—two for kids and one for grown-ups—featuring lightly curated, tested-in-real-life items and ideas that children and adults alike may want, need, wear, love, and remember.
Below is our first collection.
» By the way, we’re now on ShopMy—keep up with us, and all of your favorite links, there.
—Cassie and Kelsey
Something they want
My kids have loved few toys more than those from this beloved brand that inspire open-ended play and have staying power, like this adorable storefront with a checkout station, these dress-up characters for Disney lovers, and these friendship bracelets. —Cassie
Nostalgia central: I remember playing with popular sets like these or this—and getting completely lost in a world of make-believe. Now it’s my kids’ turn. —C
» Related: This travel-friendly toy, which one momfluencer describes as “Polly Pocket for boys,” was a top link in a previous issue. (It’s great for any kid who likes dinosaurs.)
Instant entertainment (once assembled) for little lovers of cars, wheels, trucks, and tracks.
We love a good art project over here and leave it to childhood educator Jennie Monness to perfect a kit complete with hundreds of little treasures, plus everything you need to work with them: glue, stickers, markers, a frame, and more. (They also have holiday-themed kits, great for parties.)
Another thing I remember spending hours on: these scooters (which are actually surprisingly inexpensive). Before you buy: We found ours at a local swap! —C
This has been a big hit in our household, helping all my kids learn to love riding
...This excerpt is provided for preview purposes. Full article content is available on the original publication.