Christmas is right around the corner so we wanted to share some gift ideas with you. Wired posted an article a couple years ago about 5 Best Toys of All Time! 

They did their research and picked the best of the best. We are talking about toys that EVERY child should have or, at least have access too.

The list was long, but was narrowed down to the top 5 very best toys. 

1. Stick
2. Box
3. String
4. Cardboard Tube
5. Dirt

And there you have it folks!

We have tried a few "types" of Christmas in our 10 years of parenting. In no particular order:

1. The "Homemade Christmas." It wasn't a huge hit, I'm not going to lie. The kids were a bit disappointed.
2. The "Splurge, It's Christmas! It only comes once a year, screw the budget Christmas" This one left me a bit empty, emotionally and financially, and left the kids a bit spoiled and ungrateful. 
3. The "Something you Want, something you Need, something to Wear, something to Read" This is the one that has been the best fit for our family. Everyone gets what they want and need with a couple extras. No one gets spoiled. We have extra funds to give to those in need and we are better able to keep the true meaning of Christmas at the forefront of our celebrating. 

Sticking to the 4 gifts is HARD but worth it! We also give one or two family gifts that are surprises and Santa always brings a gift from their wish list.

This year we really wanted to focus on gifts from Family Businesses and Local Utah Businesses and we are really excited to share them with you.

 

The Ultimate Gift Guide

"Family gifts"

The Swurfer is the ultimate family gift. This thing is not just fun, its a good workout!

Letter Craft wood puzzle will be the perfect addition to our game closet. My kids love puzzles and this one is so beautiful!

The Settlers of Catan Board Game Let's just say, your teenagers/adults/super smart younger children will LOVE this game.

"Something to wear"

Freshly Picked is a local shop that everyone loves. The softest, sweetest little mocs for the littles

Madsen Made has the cutest ties and bow ties. We will be adding these to the boys Christmas outfits.

Chickie Cheeks has the cutest dresses and sandals. My daughter is smitten with this pair.

mutzebyashley makes the cutest handmade hats for littles and adults. 

"Something I want" 

Slab and Steel has beautiful modern candle holders. So simple and beautiful.

Jane McCrory Jewelry is a little shop with the most darling items. 

Brass Charm Company has charms and we couldn't resist this Utah one because, Salt Project!

TPTinyToys has the coolest-Not-Lego-kits you can find! Think mini Lego in Avengers, Little Mermaid, Frozen...taking it to the extreme!

Clifford and Sons has some of the best wooden toys in Utah!

Wooden Giraffe is another favorite, ran right out of Logan Utah.

Magna Tiles. These toys are a must. No, they aren't local, but we can pretty much guarantee that you'll play these as much as your kids.

Land of Salt has Harmony's Heart. It's her favorite local jeweler.

Did you know Harmony has an Etsy shop called Membil? Ya might want to hurry and order one of her head planters!

"Something I need"

Bowties and Trenchcoats has great practical items like this tote for the gym.

Maybe it's the Salt Project Orange inside us...but I'm pretty sure we all need these Rachel Ray Stoneware.

"Something to read" 

Or color. These books are all a rage! They've got tons of different ones. Coloring for adults! Animal Kingdom

Phillip Pullman's Trilogy His Dark Materials (Young Adult.) |  Oh, The Places You'll Go! Dr. Seuss (Kids.)

The Giving Manger has created this manger kit to help children remember the true meaning of Christmas and focus on serving.

We will be giving away almost EVERYTHING listed above because we really love these gifts and we know you will to. Stay tuned! Giveaway coming soon.