Holiday gift suggestions for tots to teens

Do you have a wide range of ages to shop for this holiday season? Consider the following suggestions spanning the spectrum of grandkid ages and stages—all sampled and savored by my grandsons and me.

Jingle Bells: A Musical Instrument Song Book by James Lord Pierpont, illustrated by Nicola Slater
(Ages 0-2, $17.99, Candlewick Press)
This irresistible sound-button board book allows little ones to listen to the recorded music as a merry band of musicians go on a sleigh ride, playing their instruments along the way and culminating in a festive finale.

Where’s the Polar Bear? by Ingela P. Arrhenius
(Ages 0-2, $8.99, Candlewick Press)
Five adorably illustrated spreads encourage youngsters to find a walrus, a hare, a reindeer, and a polar bear all hiding behind bright felt flaps. A mirror on the final page answers the question, And where are you?

Fill N' Splash Submarine Bath Toy
(Ages 18 months-5 years, $19.95, InspirationPlay.com)
2021 Winner of the Parents' Pick Awards for preschool toy. Use the yellow cup to fill the submarine full of water, add some floating balls, then push the orange button to flush it all into the tub. The colorful and exceptionally sturdy toy provides engaging, interactive, educational bath fun—or kitchen sink fun at Grandma’s, as toy tester Benjamin demonstrates.

CLIXO
(Ages 4-8, packs start at $14.99, Clixo.com)
These freeform-shaped pieces with magnets can be simply and satisfyingly clicked together to turn 2D shapes into endless 3D creations. The “21st century building blocks” combine the magic of paper origami and ease of building blocks for tons of creative fun … that intrigues and amazes kids far older than age 8, this grandma—who couldn’t get enough of snapping and shaping the flexible pieces together—can attest.

Bake, Make, and Learn to Cook Fun and Healthy Recipes for Young Cooks by David Atherton, illustrated by Rachel Stubbs
(Ages 5-9, $17.99, Candlewick Press)
From the 2019 winner of The Great British Baking Show comes a charming and mouthwatering cookbook for aspiring little chefs and culinary novices alike.

Bold Made
(Ages 3+, $19.99, BoldMade.com)
Bold Made flips the script on Old Maid! The card game includes bold women who made huge impacts on our world and has a more aspirational goal of ending the game with the Bold Made—not Old Maid—card. It’s a fun way for kids, teens, and adults to learn about inspiring women. The Athlete Expansion Pack increases the inspiration (though it appears challenging to find at retailers).

Spoof
(Ages 10+, $29.95, InspirationPlay.com)
Bluffing is the name of the game, and it will have everyone talking and laughing while trying to spot the real answer among the spoofs. The play time of 30-45 minutes makes Spoof perfect for family game nights, gatherings with friends, holiday parties, and vacation time.

Disclosure: I received these products free for review; opinions are my own.