What to Get Your Littles this Year

It is pretty fun to be a kid at Christmastime. In fact, the team at Red Barn Mercantile thinks it is pretty fun as an adult too. The music, decorations, holiday treats, Christmas trees, and more create a festiveness we love. And of course, there is the gifting, another part of the holidays we love — and love to help others with. We’ve pulled together some unique and tried-but-true gifts for the kids in your life, including some stocking stuffers in case the big man needs a helping hand. 

A Sweet Holiday

One of the best traditions at the holidays is making cookies and other seasonal treats. Giving what you make as the gift is even sweeter.   Cupcake Kit and Cookie Cutters, $16 and $12 - From festive toppers and decorative wrappers to sweet woodland scenes, cupcakes and cookies will be pretty to share and delicious to eat.Child’s Apron, $35 - Vintage inspired prints in 100% cotton make these darling aprons so special to give. They tie in the back, have an adjustable neck strap and are machine washable. One size.Reindeer Placemat, $30 - The “Chief Reindeer” placemat comes in red or white and doubles as a great cookie prep mat as well. Made from 100% food grade silicone that is BPA-free and dishwasher safe for easy clean-up. 

Loved by Grandma

Whether you call her Grandma, Nana, Nonnie, Gigi, or Gammy, she likely loves to spoil her grandchildren at the holidays and we have gifts to help her do just that. :-)   Hand Knit Dolls by Cuddle & Kind, starting at $67 - New to Red Barn, these adorable, fair trade, heirloom quality dolls will last a lifetime and improve lives around the world for years to come. Each hand-knit doll sold provides ten meals to families in need.See-Ya Suitcase, $89 - Perfect for traveling, storing treasures, or an overnight at Grandma’s house. The See-Ya has wheels, a retractable handle, and an elastic band on the outside to keep ones favorite doll or stuffed animal close by.JellyCat Stuffed Animals, range from $27 to $169 - Speaking of stuffed animals, our collection of JellyCat stuffed toys are as fun to give as they are to receive. From the perfect Percy Penguin and Perry Polar Bear to the larger-than-life Sacha Snow Tiger and Storm Octopus, we love them, and kids do too. 

The Most Musical Time of the Year

It is easy to get “kids jingle belling” with these unique and fun musical instruments.   Drum, $48 - The perfect way to inspire musical creativity, this drum comes with drumsticks and an adjustable lanyard, and the drumhead is made from natural rubber.Guitars, starting at $89 - What started as a thesis project at NYU has turned into one of the best learning instruments around. There are three guitar options designed to make it fun and easy to play music, along with a free teaching app: the Mini Acoustic (ages 3+), Pro Acoustic (ages 8+) and the Pro Electric (ages 8+)Animambo Musical Keyboard, $68 - Beautiful art and music come together in this fun battery-operated synthesizer which allows kids to play their own music or one of four pre-programmed songs.  

Santa’s Helper

In case St. Nick needs some help filling-up those stockings, our selection of small “stuffers” covers everything from books to art to play.  Mini Books from Penguin Books, $12 - Three beloved classic stories including Heidi, Anne of Green Gables, and A Little Princess are in a new mini format, featuring cover art by Anna Bond, artist and creator of Rifle Paper Co.Metallic Pencils, $9.50 - Kids can add shimmer to their artwork with these six, large grip metallic pencils in festive bird or robot illustrated covers.Avocado Smash, $16.50 - Simple to learn and quick to play, kids love this silly and fast card game that is a new twist on the game of Snap. Watch out for the Guacamole card; if you smash when you see it, you’re out. 

Puzzle Palooza

Puzzles are great gifts for the young and old, and something we love to do at the holidays. Our kids department carries everything from 12pc to 1,000pc puzzles. Here are a few favorites!  Harry Potter Collage 1,000pc puzzle, $22.50 – It’s 2019 and we still love Harry, Hermione, and Ron. This puzzle captures your favorite wizarding world beautifully. It’s a fun way to connect with the kids over the holidays as you dive into your shared love of this dynamic trio.Mammals with Mohawks 500pc puzzle, $13.99 – You had me at the title. What little person wouldn’t love to learn more about mammals with mohawks as you put this colorful puzzle together. It’s two learning opportunities in one!Lots of Dogs 72pc puzzle, $19 – This sweet and vibrant puzzle with all the dogs is a lovely gift for the animal loving little in your life. If your family is more of a cat than dog family, then never fear, we have a cat version too. At Red Barn we are equal opportunity animal lovers.