With the Christmas gift-giving season in full swing, we polled the CAFO team for a list of top recommended gifts for children, families and colleagues.
For kids, specifically, we asked for ideas that encourage learning, movement and wellness – items our team (and the kids in their lives) have personally benefitted from and support goals for health and healing.
For colleagues, we requested ideas for small gifts that support productivity and soul care – something they either love to give or have benefitted from using in their daily life.
We are encouraged by the many great suggestions and hope these ideas will bless you and the people in your life this holiday season.
Gift Ideas for Kids (of all ages!)
From books to games and a number of toys supporting movement and sensory needs, this list will give you a great starting point for shopping for the kids in your life this Christmas.
Books
- Indestructibles Books: “Super durable books for young kids that are vibrant and washable. Great for babies or kids that have a ‘rougher touch’ with delicate pages. All kinds of topics and stories to choose from!” -Robin Garcia
- Bunny Needs a Break by T.B. Coates: “My talented friend wrote and illustrated this book (yes, shameless plug). If you have a kiddo who struggles with separation anxiety with stuffies – or generally – this sweet little story may help.” -Michelle Clements
- Left Out: Believing My Story is for God’s Glory by Jill Atogwe: “While this book is not adoption/foster care specific, it’s a beautifully diverse and gospel-rich book about God’s intentionality in creating each and every person unique and special, with a purpose… even (and especially) the things we think He forgot or ‘left out’ of our story.” -Sarah Temple
- Caleb Koala’s Comeback Ride by Nicole Wilke: “I might be biased here (since I’ve worked on the marketing for this book), but this book spoke to my daughter’s heart in a way I didn’t expect! She regularly faces medical challenges and a number of hard things living with a disability, and this book gave us a story and framework to remember how God has created her to overcome and remind her of all the people in her life who help her do so. Highly recommend it for your little ones who face hard things!” – Jenny Pope
- The Jesus Storybook Bible: “I have read this unique Bible with all different kinds of populations, and it is well-loved (and easily understood) by all. I love it! Every house needs one of these.” -Ashley Phelan
- Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder: “These are perfect books to read aloud and discuss at bedtime, and now our girls read them over and over independently.” -Nicole Wilke
- Wingfeather Saga Series by Andrew Peterson: “Another tremendous read-aloud series; I love that it normalizes overcoming challenges. It will appeal to both boys and girls.” -Nicole Wilke
Games
- Outfoxed: “A simple but engaging game for the whole family.” -Nicole Wilke
- Five Crowns: “A rummy type of card game that includes five suits instead of four. It is probably the most frequently played game in our house and on the road.” -Jason Weber (Kristin Tegethoff echoes this recommendation!)
- Pass the Pigs: “This travel-size version of an easy, family-friendly game has seen a lot of action in our home this year. It’s simple and fun and can easily engage young children as you roll the pigs instead of dice to earn points. It’s an easy game to play anywhere and fits into a purse or diaper bag when you’re on the go.” -Julie Bolos
- Farkle: “While you may already be familiar with this dice game, sets like this that include a portable tray to roll the dice in are gold! Don’t tell your kids, but it will also work their math skills a bit. This is played often at our house and almost always gets included on road trips.” -Jason Weber
- Telestrations: “Perfect for family game nights or playing with friends, this game is always fun (and funny!). I’ve played it with kids, adults, or a mix of both and everyone always gets a kick out of it!” -Ashley Phelan
- Conversation Cards: “These have been a fun addition to our dining table. We love to pull them out and start fun conversations with family and friends. We have this box, but there are many different versions out there and they make great gifts!” -Jenny Pope
- Skyjo: “This card game was given to us by a teammate years ago and is one of our favorites. It involves strategic decision-making, risk and some basic math skills that are great for younger kids.” – Jason Weber
- Spike Ball: “Just a simple game, but lots of fun, and it gets the kids (and adults!) outdoors and active.” – Jedd Medefind
Toys/Activities
- Yoto Mini: “As a family conscious about our use of technology, this has been one of our best investments. Our children are able to listen to music and audiobooks without the use of the internet. It gives them independence and us peace of mind. Pro tip: to keep costs low, you can purchase ‘Make Your Own’ cards and load them with music and audiobooks you already have.” -Nicole Wilke (Anna Price echos this! Best gift ever!)
- Picasso Tiles (or Magnatiles): “One of the longest-loved toys in our home, these are easy for young kids to build with and learn grit when their fragile masterpieces fall apart. The possibilities are endless.” -Robin Garcia
- Lego Ornaments: “This year, legos have dominated our kids’ wish lists. We got these gingerbread ornaments so even mom and dad can get in on the fun!” -Amanda Baird
- Solid Paint Sticks: “These amazing creations are REAL paint that dry in 90 seconds. Amazon says I have purchased them five times, and I have no cause to question that. They are so worth it.” -Nicole Wilke
- Metallic Watercolor Paints: “Art has so many benefits, from the calming effect of working with our hands to the focus required to manage multiple materials to the gift of being able to bless someone with our creation. These paints are a treat to use and offer something a little different from the norm.” -Nicole Wilke
- Sensory Board: “This is a really great (and QUIET!) busy toy.” -Sarah Temple
- Ninja Gym: “We live in an urban environment and have a super-tiny yard, but my husband was able to make this work, and the kids use it every single day.” -Nicole Wilke
- 4E’s Novelty Expandable Ball: “Fun to play with and especially great for practicing breathing exercises!” -Madison Morelock
- Razor Scooter: “Foldable, adjustable, and way more portable than a bike, these are great for getting some exercise without even trying.” -Nicole Wilke
- Owl Sound Machine/Baby Soother: “Don’t let the name fool you! This can be used for toddlers and young children as well. The heartbeat sound with white noise mimics womb sounds, and it has star lights, both of which can be soothing in a sensory space or dedicated self-regulating area.” -Michelle Clements
- Stars Night Light Projector: “If kids wake up scared, night lights that move and play music can be so helpful!” -Madison Morelock
Gift Ideas for Colleagues
While these ideas can bless a colleague any time of the year, we hope this list might give you a few fresh ideas this Christmas season.
- Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky & Braden Kowitz: “A really practical guide on how to rapidly innovate and solve real problems, applicable in both the for-profit and nonprofit space! This book walks you through each step of a design sprint, from mapping the problem and ideas around solutions to prototyping, testing and refining.” -Madison Morelock
- Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger: “I am currently reading this book on effective, gospel-centered leadership. It has been encouraging and convicting. I highly recommend it!” -Ashley Phelan
- Lead with Prayer by Ryan Skoog, Peter Greer & Cameron Doolittle: “I haven’t read this one yet, but I sat in on a webinar with one of the authors and can’t wait to read it. The author posed this question: ‘Are you a leader who prays, or a praying leader?’” -Michelle Clements
- Overcoming: What Scripture & Science Say About Resilience by Nicole Wilke & Amanda Hiles Howard: “I find it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the information out there for parents when it comes to helping kids overcome hard things. I’ve personally given this book to several friends who work with children and families because I love the accessible explanations of research and the practical strategies it provides for nurturing resilience in children in everyday moments.” -Julie Bolos
- Write the Word Journals: “These journals are beautiful. They allow space to journal alongside the truths of scripture. There’s a variety of themes making this a thoughtful and meaningful gift.” -Ashley Reyes
- Coloring Note Cards: “These are so great to give to coworkers! They provide a fun and relaxing downtime activity (for some), encourage them to meditate on God’s Word and make great gifts. Whoever you gift them to may color them and give them to other people on the team – spreading joy and encouragement!” -Michelle Clements
- Pens: “You could probably do a whole round-up of great pens for work. This is my current favorite! Super fine line and great colors.” -Amanda Baird
- Peepers Reading Glasses: “These adorable reading glasses with several magnification strengths (and blue light blocking) make middle-aged declining vision (hello, 40s!) not so bad! They are offered in a wide variety of super cute styles – I get compliments all the time!” -Ashley Phelan
- French Press: “Working from home, we all get the luxury of making our coffee exactly how we want it. French press is my go-to, and this one is cute enough to leave on the counter!” -Amanda Baird
- Owala Water Bottle: “So many color variations to fit different personalities! It has a sipping spout and a straw, which I love.” -Callie Grant
- Hammock: “A portable hammock that can be attached to any two trees is a great way to encourage both rest and time outside. Pair it with a good book you think the recipient would enjoy to add an extra layer of thoughtfulness. Depending on where you live, picking up one with an attached mosquito net can be a good move.” -Jason Weber
