Something Distracting

Alternatively, 2025 may need to be a year of distraction - a time for travel, new projects and all-consuming undertakings. This assortment of gifts will carry their recipient to their next destination and inspire curiosity as they seek joy next year.

For your little one’s big adventures - even if they are just to Grandma & Grandpa’s. Dinosaur Duffel Bag from Target.

For packing all of your little one’s belongings in their own compartments or a compartment per day. A hyper-functional duffel that also comes in an array of more neutral shades and sizes. Tobiq Travel Bag - shown here in 60L.

For bigger overnight adventures - a sleeping bag in the shape of a kayak, with a zip out seat and oar-shaped pillow. Kayak Sleeping Back from Asweets on Maisonette.

For keeping bug bites at bay when adventuring out in the world - a tiny device that utilizes power from your iPhone to deliver concentrated heat to a bite, neutralizing the itch or sting. Heat It available at Walmart.

For channeling creativity at any age - colors provided, your artist adds the lines. A fun riff on a classic coloring book: Reverse Coloring book available on Amazon.

For more custom creativity - a bespoke paint-by-number featuring their favorite furry friend (or anything else they love - think restaurants, inside jokes, food products etc..). Paint Your Photo by Paintable Pictures. For something less custom but wall-worthy, I love still life options from Paint Like Frida or Kikis Club.

For constructing new worlds - dimensional masks for an assortment of creatures (unicorns included). Sharky 3D Mask from OMY - makers of the greatest coloring posters.

For constructing + robotics - a three pack of KiwiCo’s best selling robots. For extra-good kiddos consider enrolling them in one of the subscription programs for building all year long.

For constructing something larger than life - a set of tubes, connectors, wheels and mesh to create whatever they dream up. Tubelox.

For keeping their device charged wherever their next adventure takes them - 16 hours of charge from a magnetic charger that keeps the camera free and has a built in kickstand so they can continue to stream their shows while charging. Magnetic Power Bank from Belkin.

For cooking in the wild - a nearly indestructible travel charcoal grill & smoker. Nomad Grill & Smoker.

For al fresco eating from their nomad grill - or wherever their camp kitchen takes them - a magnetic, stacking dinner set that keeps the chuck box neat and tidy. Magware set from Full Windsor.

For hours of entertainment - a combination of a puzzle, a mystery and a game that changes as you put the pieces together (literally and figuratively). Odd Pieces Jigsaw Puzzles.

For getting lost without leaving home - pair with one of your favorite reads of the year (or if you haven’t had time to read, someone’s rec) a delightfully personalized bookmark. The Perfect Page available on Etsy.

For getting started on next summer’s garden - a lovely, ceramic self-watering seed starter. Orta Ceramic Tray available from Hudson Valley Seed Company and perfect for pairing with their gorgeously designed seed packets.

For a more free-spirited approach to next summer’s garden - a series of wildflower seed shakers specifically selected for their location. Seed Shakers from Gifts that Bloom.

For plotting out their next adventure - and looking good on the coffee table while doing so. Guides from Wildsam (plenty of non NPS options as well).

Finally, for getting out there - an annual pass to America’s National Parks, or Theme Park Tickets, or the Symphony or a comedy club etc…