Holiday shopping online is easy, but if I had just stuck to that, I probably never would have found a Harriet Tubman doll or a wooden automaton kit while scrolling through toy guides on Amazon. A recent visit down the aisles of area shops and chats with store employees led me to a world of brilliant gift ideas for the children on my shopping list. Plus, I got a little help from my own kids.

Here are some ideas that might make the little people in your life smile a little wider this year.

For the kids who love games

For the kids who love art

I live by this: A pack of fresh colors and new drawing paper is heaven. If you’re like me, I describe my house as a maker space because we are always in a state of creating. We even have a teeny tiny art gallery on our stairwell.

Here are some tips for gifts for budding artists in your home.

Consider leveling-up from the go-to beginner art sets to something a bit more refined and you might be amazed at what the kiddos come up with. The friendly folks at Plaza Art have always been helpful at recommending something new.

For the kids who love science, history, and nature

You might have kids like mine who ask a lot of questions about the world around them. Here are some gift ideas for those kids who are into real-life people, events, and nature.

A one-stop shop for all kids

Kids who love adventures

If you’re seeking more than just toys, consider purchasing memberships to one of the many kid-friendly institutions here in Baltimore.

My last suggestion is the oversize cardboard box. The cardboard box was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame at the Strong Museum in 2005 and is a favorite among children everywhere, including mine. Remember The Banner’s story about Paul Newson who made a spaceship out of a box for his two sons. Behold the power of the box and boundless imagination. If you call around to stores, you can usually track one down for free.

More stores you might be interested in visiting for kid’s gifts include The Ivy Bookshop, Found Studio Shop, Better World Imaginarium, In Watermelon Sugar, Greedy Reads, The Pied Piper, Atomic Books and Collectors Corner Inc.

stokely.baksh@thebaltimorebanner.com

emma.harris@thebaltimorebanner.com