I know, I know…like the Internet needs another gift guide.  I’m posting this one anyway because I think it serves two purposes: these are all tried and true things that I believe are worthwhile purchases and it almost serves as a time capsule since Sophie’s favorite subject this past year has been science!  So forgive me for pushing more stuff this time of year, but if you’re interested, here are some of her best-loved things:

1 // EXPERIMENT SETS
Sophie got this lab set from Learning Resources two Easters ago and it was a great way to introduce her to chemistry.  The pieces of the kit are all heavy-duty plastic and even include a handful of laminated experiments.  Her favorite was cleaning old pennies with lemon juice!  For her birthday this year, we got her a color chemistry set, which was also a big hit.

2 // LAB COAT
Another birthday gift was a white lab coat, because you have to look the part, right?  It’s not the best quality, but it definitely keeps her clothing clean.  I embroidered her name above the front pocket for a little something extra.

3 // BOOKS
Look I’m a Scientist is a nice beginner book – we’ve done a handful of the experiments with good results.  Another zoology favorite is Encyclopedia of Animals.

4 // CIRCUITS
The latest addition to our collection is this circuit clay kit. I like that it combines artistic creativity with science!  The only con is that the clay in our kit was a bit crumbly.  I plan to replace it with this clay soon.

5 // ALL THINGS SPACE
Sophie’s other love this year has been the solar system.  Her favorite book on the subject is the First Big Book of Space – it has beautiful pictures and is easy to read and understand.  Other space favorites: this puzzle and this DIY solar system set.

Do you have a little scientist?  What are some of the favorites at your house?

With Christmas just around the corner, I wanted to start a new gift guide series, but with a twist!  These ideas have super specific themes, but are all things that my kids use often and love.  Today I’m starting with P (almost 3-years-old and my family’s little caboose) and his absolute favorite subject this past year: trains!  Here are five of his best-loved things:

1 // TRAIN TRACKS
We have actually had these wooden Brio pieces for over a decade and they are definitely one of those heirloom toy purchases.  I sometimes daydream about my grandchildren playing with them someday!  Even my bigger kids enjoy making very complicated layouts, all around the living room.  They’re made from beech wood and very sturdy – we’ve only cracked a few in all this time.

2 // THOMAS THE TRAIN WOODEN TRAINS
Over the years, we’ve slowly accumulated the wooden trains (like this Thomas) from the Thomas & Friends collection.  I like that they have a more vintage feel, while still being the beloved characters from P’s favorite show.

3 // ZIP UP TRAVELING CASE
We keep all of P’s trains inside this zip-up storage bin.  The bin can be unzipped to a playmat on the inside.  A cool combination of organization and play.

4 // ALL THE BOOKS
Two of his favorites: Go Train Go and the “sequel,” Stop, Train, Stop.  He also got Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo last Epiphany and still loves to look at the pictures.


5 // DUPLO TRAIN
One last toy that keeps P entertained for long periods of time is this number train.  Duplo is another great heirloom quality toy that is fun for years and years.  We’re big fans.

Do you have a train enthusiast at your house?  What are some of the favorites at your house?