Kids ages 6–9 are growing fast mentally, socially, and physically. They start reading independently, grasp abstract ideas, and enjoy creative and group play. Friendships deepen, empathy emerges, and they seek approval from peers. Motor skills sharpen, and they take pride in accomplishments. Gifts for this age group balance autonomy with guidance, and encourage curiosity, connection, and confidence.
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Between ages 3 and 5, children rapidly grow as curious problem-solvers, expressive communicators, and imaginative players. They build friendships, develop empathy, and gain physical independence. This all lays a strong foundation for school readiness and future learning.
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October is behind us, which means it’s officially wish list season. Sorting through the avalanche of toys and games online and in catalogs can feel more than a little overwhelming. I’ll be honest: narrowing down our favorites wasn’t easy. So yes, our list is on the larger side this year. But in our defense, every pick earned its spot.
To make the Child(ish) Advice list, we researched:
This year, we’ve grouped our favorites by target age and by category. First up, infants and toddlers.
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Lee Abbott (signing): You cannot go down there!
Regan Abbott: Why not?
Lee Abbott: You know why.
Regan Abbott: I’m not a child! I won’t make a sound!
Lee Abbott: Just don’t. Please.
“Quiet” isn’t the first word that comes to mind when describing kids. More often, they fill every corner with sound—shrieks of joy, dramatic retellings, spontaneous dinosaur roars. Children tend to operate at full volume…unfortunately. As it turns out, there are real, developmental reasons behind all that noise.
Kids tend to be loud, not because they’re misbehaving, but because they’re still learning. Self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social cues are all works in progress. They’re figuring out how to read the room, tune into themselves, and turn the volume dial down. Add in boundless energy and curiosity, and volume becomes part of how they explore, connect, and express themselves.
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Sidney: Stu, Stu, what’s your motive? Billy’s got one, the police are on their way, what are you gonna tell them?
Stu: “Peer pressure. I’m far too sensitive.”
Oh, Stu Macher. Not only was he part of the very first Ghostface duo, but he’s also the ultimate class clown. Loud, impulsive, and constantly cracking jokes, Stu masks chaos with charisma. But beneath the blood and comic relief lies something eerily familiar: The emotional blueprint of a kid who uses humor to connect, deflect, and survive.
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Child(ish) Advice 