Kids bring so much magic to the holidays! Their curiosity, their joy, and the anticipation they carry into every moment make the season feel extra sparkly and bright. Give a child something to make or color or imagine, and they settle into their own world of play.
When the holidays are bustling, creative gifts feel especially meaningful for keeping busy hands engaged. Whether you’re shopping for your own kiddos, filling stockings, or gathering presents for the young ones in your life, choosing gifts that inspire creativity invites them to imagine, explore, and play well into the new year. I deeply believe we're all creative and kids seem to know that truth in their bones!
Here are a handful of my favorite holiday picks this season, each chosen to encourage hands-on making and creative expression.
Cute and Creative Stocking Stuffers
There’s something so sweet about watching a little one open a stocking and discover the tiny treasures and pops of color inside. These are some of my favorite go-to stocking stuffers in the shop this year, simple and cheerful for holiday mornings.
While I'm more of a dog person, these Cat Highlighters are always a hit. They are bright, adorable, and such an easy gift for art projects or homework time. Kids always gravitate towards their pastel rainbow of colors!
Rainbow Sparkle Gel Crayons lay down bright, bold color in a crayon form, but you can go back with water to make for watercolor paint! Low mess! High fun!
For on-the-go creativity, the Tiny Treats Coloring Books are such a great pick. Not only do they fit into small hands, they’re also wonderful for car rides, restaurants, or cozy afternoons at home.
If you want to add a moment of surprise, the Surprise Balls are SO much fun to unwrap! Each layer reveals a new treat, and they make a perfect addition to stockings or gifts for friends. If every kid could choose one thing from our shop... I guarantee 90% would walk out with a surprise ball!
Endless Coloring Fun
I’m especially excited about the EatSleepDoodle color-in collection this year. Kiddos can color their designs with the special, washable markers. Mom and Dad pop them in the wash, and you can have the creative fun all over again!
The Dinosaur Backpack Coloring Kit is always a standout. Your young explorer can decorate their own adventure-ready backpack with the included washable markers, making it truly their own.
From the kitchen table to restaurants and travel days, the Space Explorer Placemat is a wonderful pick. It turns coloring the solar system into an adventure and gives kiddos something engaging to return to again and again.
Getting together with the whole crew? Through on this Coloring Tablecloth! Everyone can enjoy the fun together!
Books that make you go WOW
I love bringing in new things all year long, but these books are always on my shelves because their are jaw-dropping for kids of any age!
Robert Sabuda is the King of Pop Ups (not to be confused with the King of Pop) and creates magical moments within some children's classics AND holiday must haves.
Consider Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, or the Winter's Tale but don't think these books are just for the kiddos. They inspire anyone who still has a sense of wonder!
The magic kiddos bring to the holidays is something I look forward to every year. My nieces and nephews have been the highlight of the season. (You know... between sugar crashes.)
I hope these creative picks help keep that joy going long after the gifts are opened. And if you want more ideas or simply want to browse, come say hi. We'd love to see you.
Sending love and a little magic,
Casey and The Paper Canopy Crew