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Here’s an updated list of our favorite, most-played with, delivered-to-your-doorstep, Mom-approved toys.
And here are ourfavorite games.
And ourfavorite books.
Here are some great teen gift ideas.
My favorite are the classic ones from my childhood, and the Nativity books with beautiful pictures.
I think the books we grow up with are so impressionable-they form the images in our mind of what Santa looks like, and Jesus in the manger, and elves, and the wise men. Does it seem overly-thoughtful that I want to “choose” these images for my children? I think it might, but I still choose carefully.
The Night Before Christmas
-The one illustrated by Leaonard Weisgard on the right is my favorite.
Frosty the Snowman
– I am working on getting my hands on the vintage Golden Book version of this story, but this one with vintagey-illustrations will do.
I have a Golden Book collection and a few more (like the Frosty one) on my wishlist.
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER
My mom bought this years ago (she is the best book picker-outer) for my kids and they love this story. Beautiful illustrated and just the right amount of words in this version of the classic fairy tale.
I love this book because it is tells the traditional story, with beautiful illustrations.
Another beautifully illustrated book. Mothers will love this book because Mary tells the story.
I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles
We love I Spy books. They hurt my eyes but they are also so addicting. Once I start a page I have to finish all the searching.
and Janey’s favorite is the second Santa Mouse book:
A Little House Christmas Treasury
All of the great Little House snowy Christmas stories in one book, can’t get any better than that!
I love this reminder of simpler times, with less “buying”, more “creating”, and better “giving”.
I have always loved this story since I was a little girl. This is a beautifully illustrated book!
Eyewitness Classics-A Christmas Carol
The story with all it’s history in one book, appeals to older children and adults. This really brings depth to the story and it all makes more sense with historical reference.
(this copy with Barbara Cooney is out of print, but it can be bought used)
We borrowed this book from the library and I promptly bought it I loved it so much. Definitely a “girl book” with a doll, and an orphan girl and a family finally found. I would have loved loved loved this book as a child.
I can’t get through this book without crying.
It is my favorite Christmas book ever. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story of a son giving the gift of service for his hard working father is even more beautiful.
(Another one that must be bought used.)
I think we have every Gyo Fujikawa book because I am in love with her illustrations, especially her prolific babies. This book is chock full of those babies.
I feel like I’ve read this book 1,000 times in the last 2 weeks. So cute, and a favorite around here and a great message of sharing to boot.
Our favorite Christmas Book: The Tale of Three Trees A Traditional Folktale by Angela Elwell Hunt (Author), Tim Jonke (Illustrator) (Author) I never get through this book without crying.
"The Crippled Lamb" by Max Lucado is one of my Christmas favorites. It makes me cry!
yes! i am so glad you included mr. willowby's christmas tree. it's such a fun book to read.