I find endless joy in holiday shopping for all the little ones on my list–it’s a magical feeling to see a kid so happy when they open that perfect gift! But as someone who’s obsessed with design, I have to admit that even momentary joy can’t trump the pain of plastic toys that come in a million tiny pieces. (Legos, I’m coming for you!) So this year, I’ve vowed to find gifts that are good-looking, (mostly) built to last, and, most importantly, that the kids in your life will love. Happy shopping!
– Eugenia Stantiesteban Soto, Decoration and Design Director
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Age agnostic and attractive enough to take out of the play room.
Outdoor Games Giant Jumbling Tower by Sunnylife, $60, saksfifthavenue.com
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Creamy sophistication for the most discerning toddlers.
Banwood Scooter, $175, banwood.com
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For the coolest little doodlers.
Shape Crayon Set by Areaware, $8, MoMA.org
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For the future decorator!
Laurel Dollhouse Kit, $85, greenleafdollhouses.com
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Juniper Books’ well-designed sets have something for every kind of reader, from nostalgia lovers (Louisa May Alcott) to fantasy fans (J.R.R. Tolkien).
The Lord of The Rings: The Complete Writings, $245, juniperbooks.com
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I spotted these adorable chocolates in Paris earlier this year and fell in love with them. They’ll make the best stocking stuffers!
Box of 3 Chocolate Bars, €18, lechocolatedesfrancais.fr
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Mobiles that are good looking enough to transition from a nursery to an older kid’s room.
Futura Mobile, $123, flensted-mobile.com
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Functional, cozy, and destined to be a future heirloom.
Custom Baby Blanket, $350, linguafranca.nyc
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Perfect for pot banging. And better yet, they’re made of 100 percent natural wood.
Children’s 9-Piece Cook Set, $37, heaveninearth.co
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Knight or knave? The age-old game lives on with help from this wooden toy sword.
Medieval Short Toy Sword with Scabbard by Kalid, $28, alderandalouette.com
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These Belgian trikes are quite stylish, but also built to last a lifetime.
Foxrider Tricycle, $259, linusbike.com
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The prettiest art papers for crafty kids.
1920s Deco Gift & Creative Papers, $19, pepinpress.com
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Until your budding chef is ready for a Lacanche trade-up, this adorable (and stylish!) play kitchen will do the trick.
Essential Play Kitchen, $679, miltonandgoose.com
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I mean, how cute are these little stuffed dogs? Almost lifelike enough to stave off my very real puppy craving.
Plush Cavapoo, £24, livingnatureworld.com
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Because every day should be a dress-up-in-a-costume sort of day.
Blue Flying Superhero Set, $95, lovelanedesign.com
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Equal parts craft, costume, and wall décor, Omy’s oversize masks also pack flat for easy transport.
Dino 3D Mask, $29, omy-maison.com
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An adorable way to keep those baby toes warm.
Baby Day-of-the-Week Cotton Socks, $165, bonpoint.com
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More for a parent, but who’s counting?
The O BABY Tote, $188, kule.com