Last Minute Gift Guide for the Boys in your Life
For those like me who still need to buy a few things.
If you’re anything like me, you might need to buy some last minute holiday gifts (oops).
There are lots of gift guides out there, so I’ll keep this short and sweet.
Here are some Bringing Up Boys-verified gifts in case you’re searching for that extra gift or for some inspiration. All of the items in this list were chosen by me because they foster emotional intelligence in kids, which is—to me—the best gift you can ultimately give your son.
Before I share my list, and because the holidays are not all about gifts, here are some ideas to practice holiday gratitude with your son:
❄️ Gratitude ornaments: write things you’re grateful for on paper ornaments and hang them on your tree
❄️ Create a holiday gratitude scrapbook of pictures of things or moments from the. last year that your son was grateful for (e.g., family, decorating cookies, playing in. the snow)
❄️ Help your son write thank-you cards for teachers, friends, neighbors, or family members
❄️ Encourage your son to pick out toys or clothes to donate to those in need
❄️ Participate in a family-friendly volunteering opportunity, like serving at a food pantry or creating care packages
Now, read here for my Bringing Up Boys gift guide!
Books
For the baby or toddler you want to introduce to emotions: The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions, Anna Llenas
For the little boy you want to encourage to express his feelings: Holdin Pott, Chandra Gosh Ippen
For a big brother to-be: You're The Biggest, Lucy Tapper & Steve Wilson
For the 5-9 year old boy experimenting with and thinking about their identity: Red: A Crayon's Story, Michael Hall
For the middle years boy (8-12) to instill that kindness brings us together no matter how far apart we are: Wonder, R.J. Palacio
For the parent with the desire to raise their sons with positive masculinity: BOYMOM, Ruth Whippman
Amazon: $21.49
Toys/Miscellaneous
For the toddler you want to introduce feelings and emotions to: Montessori Facial Expression Sorting Wooden Puzzle
A musical splurge for kids ages 3-10: Loog Guitar
Loog Kids' Guitars: $65 and up
For the 4+ dinosaur lover who could learn a thing or two about teamwork and cooperative play: Dinosaur Escape Cooperative Memory Game
For the creative and comic-obsessed: Create your own comic book
For the emerging scientist, ages 8 and up: MIT STEM Kit
A monthly activity box to teach about and foster activism and artistry in 7-11 year olds: Wonder Crate Subscription
Subscriptions from $36.95/month
For the parent with the desire to raise their son with positive masculinity: A *FREE* Bringing Up Boys newsletter subscription or consultation:
Wishing you all a holiday season full of cheer, love, and memories. See you here next year.
xo
Dr. Taylor