Some kids want to tell you a story. Some want to play you a song. Some are already taking your ice cream order.
That’s how we’ve put together this guide: around what they enjoy, with eight gifts we’re loving for 2026. There are books to open together, something for a first music adventure, and plenty of room for their own ideas.
Explore more things they’ll love doing
For the one who always asks for another story
Two books with very different personalities.
Don’t Trust Fish
$22
For the child who loves a book with a mischievous sense of humor. This underwater story gives you plenty to laugh about together. We like it as a gift that can become part of your time with them, too.
Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton
$24
A coat stitched by her mother is at the heart of Dolly Parton’s picture book. We love the story’s attention to the love behind something handmade. It’s a thoughtful choice for a family that enjoys sharing stories with meaning.
For music makers and traveling storytellers
Gifts with something to return to after the wrapping is gone.
Loog Mini Acoustic Guitar
From $119
For a child who keeps finding ways to make music. This compact beginner guitar comes with flashcards and access to a learning app, giving them a place to begin. Check the product’s size and age guidance before choosing; we’re happy to help compare options.
Kids Road Trip Kit by Inklings Paperie
$26
A travel journal, games and room to doodle turn the journey into part of the gift. Dry-erase pages, stickers and a marker give them different things to try along the way. We love this for the child with a holiday visit or family adventure ahead.
For pretend shopkeepers and curious growers
One gift starts with an order; the other starts with a seed.
Tiny Town Ice Cream Shop Play Notepad
$12
Suddenly everyone in the room has an ice cream order. This 5-by-7-inch notepad comes with a coordinating mini pencil for taking the details seriously. We like it as a gift on its own or something to add to a pretend shop they already love.
Kids Strawberry Garden in a Bag
$18
Color the bag, plant the seeds and watch what happens next. This kit includes crayons, growing medium and instructions, making the planting part of the fun. Strawberries take patience—the listing notes that fruit typically appears in the second year—so this is a growing project rather than an instant harvest.
For a companion and a comfortable reading spot
A soft place to land between adventures.
Baby Duckling by cuddle+kind
$40
This hand-knit cotton duckling is about seven inches tall, with the kind of character that makes a companion feel like its own person. Every one provides five meals to children in need through cuddle+kind. We love it paired with a book chosen for the child.
Butterfly Collector Throw Blanket
$86.95
Colorful butterflies on one side, warm mustard yellow on the other. Four layers of cotton muslin make this a lovely throw for a child’s reading chair or sofa corner. We like a gift that becomes part of their space, with a pattern that feels like them.
More play, without repeating the whole toy cupboard
If pretend kitchens, gardens and car tracks are their thing, our wooden-toy gift guide has the full edit, with verified ages on selected toys and ideas for pairing them.
For a smaller gift, the $12 ice cream notepad or $18 strawberry garden has plenty to do. For a bigger music gift, the Loog Mini Acoustic is $119.
Match toys and activities to the child’s age and stage, and check each listing and its packaging for guidance. If you’re shopping for someone you don’t see every day, asking what they’re into now is a useful place to start.
Tell us what they’re into
Books, music, make-believe or something else entirely? Share their age, interests and your budget with our Gift Concierge.
DM us on Instagram, text Amy at 860-581-0472, or email amy@graceandhaven.co. We reply within one business day. If you don’t hear from us, please try again!
Free gift wrapping is available. U.S. shipping and in-store pickup are always free. Shop online or visit Grace & Haven in Essex, Connecticut.
Let’s find something they’ll love
With love,
Amy
Founder, Grace & Haven
Prices shown are in U.S. dollars and were checked November 4, 2026. Prices and availability may change; current details are on each product page.
