I’m starting to think that group gifts are the way to go. Chip in with a bunch of other folks, and get someone one seriously awesome something-or-other that they’ll really appreciate. And I think that’s what Jade’s ToyBox was thinking too, when they created some of the most phenomenal gift boxes for kids that I’ve ever seen.
You can browse by age (baby, toddler or preschooler) and then pick from among clever themes like The Moodie Foodie which is all about kitchen play and Are We There Yet which is packed with items to keep your kid happily occupied on the next trans-Atlantic trip. I also adore the Bambino box filled with lots of CMP favorites, and the brilliant Family Tree gift box which can be customized with blocks and books in any number of languages along with toys specific to African-American or Native American heritage.
I am beyond impressed with the quality of the items in each box. I mean, this is our kind of stuff — educational, beautiful, and creativity-inspiring, hold the Chinese-made mass-produced garbage. Clearly owners Angelique and Robby Ledoux are also into BPA-free plastic, toy safety, fair trade suppliers, and books from actual authors like Mo Willems. (Not that Dora doesn’t spin a terrific tale.) Plus they give 10% of their profits to worthy charities.
These are definitely gift boxes for the picky parents among us — with the prices to match. The boxes start at $125 and go up steeply from there. Still, you get what you pay for. And like I said, go in with a bunch of people and get that kid the toy box of a lifetime. –Liz
Find deluxe gift boxes for kids online at Jade’s ToyBox
Congratulations to Sarah C., lucky winner of a Jade’s ToyBox of her choice!
Edited to add: Jade’s ToyBox unfortunately no longer exists.