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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I’ve written a ton about video gaming and how my husband is a huge gamer. This includes ongoing Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, roleplaying games, Magic the Gathering, and anything else that uses a D20. So I was super psyched to get How to Dungeon Master Parenting by Shelly Mazzanoble. Yet another super late review for NetGalley, but I wanted to save this one for October.
How to Dungeon Master Parenting: A Guidebook for Gamifying the Child Rearing Quest, Leveling Up Your Skills, and Raising Future Adventurers by Shelly Mazzanoble
The blurb: For years, millions of fans have looked to the beloved roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons for fun, friendship, and entertainment. And now parents and parents-to-be can use D&D to gain inspiration and how-to when it comes to their most challenging and rewarding role yet. Dungeon Masters are not just expert storytellers and arbiters of the rules, they’re compassionate, creative, quick-thinking leaders who embody the same traits that make a great parent.
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Mick: So what? You like, knit now?
Anton: Randy broke it down for me. Idle hands is the devil’s playpen. So I’m thinking, you know, keep my hands occupied.
Mick: Nah man, that’s saying’s not…literal.
I’m BORED. If you’ve got kids, you’ve heard it. It’s the household equivalent of “Are we there yet?” And let’s be honest: it’s maddening, especially when they’re surrounded by all the toys, books, and art supplies you’ve curated at their disposal. Not to mention a chore list that’s still waiting to be done.
Recent findings reveal that boredom is a widespread experience among children. In a survey of 2,000 parents with children ages 3 to 12, the average time before boredom set in was just 33 minutes. Notably, 81% of parents reported that their children consistently sought new activities after returning home from school or daycare. Although this survey highlights a persistent need for engagement across age groups, it doesn’t tell the whole story.
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Child(ish) Advice 