gift guide | boys age 5-8 years

I already have Christmas on the brain, and I know that I am not the only one, because I have recently seen a few blog posts around the idea of gifting your children with experiences, rather than things. I’m totally on board! But, my mind has been spinning a bit with gift ideas for my boys that will be useful and fun. My oldest has a birthday coming up soon, too. I’m hoping to do a series of posts, and started with ideas inspired by The Oldest.

[pictured land of nod teepee] We purchased a similar teepee at Costco for a fraction of the price. We’ll be gifting this to the Three Boys at Christmas for a reading nook in the playroom. I’m sure the only thing it won’t be used for is reading… In my mind, though, I picture us snuggled up reading The Boxcar Children by flashlight. Let a momma dream, k?

[pictured: educational insights micropro | branch & twig assorted colored pencils | cedar-wood bug house]

I’m going to go ahead and guess that it’s not unique to my kindergarten-aged boy to be completely in to all things science and bugs. Hence the microscope [which was The Oldest’s idea] and the bug house. He’s also really into art and nature and would get a total kick out of finding those colored pencils stuffed deep in to his Christmas stocking.

[pictured: baby gap pull-on jeans | new balance sneakers]

And, because, birthday’s and holiday’s are a great time to stock up on the upcoming clothing size(s) for the boys, a couple of clothing ideas. The Oldest does not love to wear jeans, but when they have a knit waist-band with that cozy sweat pant feel, it’s a bit easier to convince him. Right now, he is also digging New Balance sneakers, and so am I.

As mentioned above, I am loving the idea of gifting my children with experiences instead of things, so we’ll probably do a very modest combination of both. An experience plus one thing they want, one thing they need, and one thing to read.

What are your favorite birthday/holiday items for children in the 5-year to 8-year age range?

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looks we are loving

wild + bear

Bold tees for your little man, inspired by living wild and free — as a boy’s life should be. Launching: August 1, 2014

[instagram shop started by @shopthewildthings, sweet mom to those handsome boys up there, and @bestdressedbear // keep this shop on your radar because there are bound to be good things coming from them]

carter’s

[I am giddy over the back-to-school looks coming out. I mean, I realize it’s July and you might want to punch me for even bringing up back-to-school/fall weather, but I am a nerd and I love the supply shopping and the wardrobe updating and the smell of fall in the air. I do not love winter, so if we could pause at autumn and resume late spring that’d be great. I popped in to carter’s quickly the other day and drooled over that jacket and the new plaid.]

crewcuts [by J. Crew] + peek kids

[I am definitely going to attempt to dress The Oldest in this outfit on the left, based on pieces we already have in the closet | these jeans are on clearance at peek kids, I purchased and adore! I love the bleached out wash and the slouchy-yet-fitted look | I am a sucker for all things raglan/baseball tee and oh, New Balance, you are knocking it out of the ball park with shoes this season seewhatididthere]

for her

[After putting this collage together, I can only wonder if raising Three Boys is rubbing off on me a bit, but on the other hand, all of these pieces have such a feminine touch. I do know that I like to feel put together, but also comfy. I’ve had my eye on this hat for a couple of months, waiting for it to go on sale! >> nike sneakers | old navy cropped sweater | chambray cap | boyfriend jeans]