Nasiba Adilova’s Gift Edit For Minimalists
The Tot Founder and Mama of Three, Nasiba Adilova, shares her minimalist gift ideas for everyone in your family. Designed with longevity in mind, these products are durable, versatile and as always: made to be safe and stylish.
As a mother of three, I cannot tell you how frustrated I get when my kids grow out of something within weeks or lose interest in a “one trick pony” toy.
One of the main reasons I started The Tot was so that I could find the items that wouldn’t end up in a landfill or be discarded into the depths of a closet or toy chest. I wanted things that could be passed on to siblings and then even to family and friends. I also wanted items that are non-toxic, which is why we created The Tot Test.
Before we use, recommend or agree to sell anything on The Tot, our team always ensures it passes The Tot Test by looking deep into third-party testing, examining ingredients lists and asking depth questions about a product’s composition to ensure it doesn’t contain any of the chemicals we avoid.
When it comes to toys my kids use, I like to steer clear of:
- BPA + BPS
- Harmful Phthalates
- PVC
- Formaldehyde
- Lead and other heavy metals.
Click here to read the full list of ingredients we avoid and why.
It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping for the holidays, a birthday or just because, I’ve listed my must-have minimalist gift ideas for babies, toddlers, kids and parents that won’t take up too much space, are all Tot Tested and Approved and will last a lifetime.
Must-Have Minimalist Gifts for Babies, Toddlers, Kids & Parents
For Babies
Aspen & Maple Activity Gym
One of the best ways for babies to learn to reach, bat and grab is by lying under an activity gym. I love the Aspen & Maple Activity Gym because it’s made with solid, non-treated, FSC-certified wood and non-toxic finishes.
Aspen & Maple Activity Gym – Elephant
$75
Available in more themes
Toki Mats Playmat
A Toki Mat playmat will be used from Day 1! Starting with tummy time, your baby will love using it to play, rest, and read, all while strengthening their muscles.
Toki Mats Mudcloth Playmat
Ranging from $195 to $305
Available in more sizes and prints
Toki Mats Lunar Phases Playmat
Ranging from $195 to $305
Available in more sizes and prints
Dena Rainbow
The Dena Rainbow is a toy that babies, kids and even adults love playing with! Made of food-grade silicone, it even doubles as a teether!
Dena Large Pastel Rainbow
$49.99
Available in more colors and sizes
Bajo Baby Walker
Exclusively available at The Tot, the Bajo Baby Walker will help your tot learn to walk with confidence! Once they’re off and ready to play, it transitions into a wagon!
Bajo Baby Walker
$175
EXCLUSIVE
Wee Gallery Friendly Faces on the Farm Soft Book
Designed with high contrast black and white images that are easier for babies to see, the Wee Gallery Friendly Faces book is a fun way to start expanding your tot’s vocabulary!
Wee Gallery Friendly Faces on the Farm Soft Book
$16.95
For Toddlers/ Young Kids
Babai Bow and Arrow
When it comes to honing hand-eye coordination, the Babai Bow and Arrow Set makes it extra fun! Made with wool, felt and cotton wool, they’re the plastic and ouch-free option you’ve been looking for.
Babai Bow and Arrow Set
$59.99
Babai Magnetic Dollhouse
Dollhouse play just got more exciting thanks to these magnetic sets from Babai. Available in a range of colors and sizes, they let kids set they scene for their imaginative play!
Babai Magnetic Dollhouse
Ranging from $41.99 to $44.99
Available in more colors and sizes
Small Foot Play Cash Register
Role play that teaches money and numeracy skills? Yes, please! From checking out groceries to balancing the register after a day of selling lemonade, kids love the Small Foot Play Cash Register. Made from FSC-certified, sustainably farmed wood and finished with solvent-free, water-based paint, it’s a toy that even the grandkids will play with.
Small Foot Play Cash Register
$29.99
Milton & Goose Play Kitchen + Toy Food
Play kitchens and food toys are a wonderful way to experiment with role play, which helps kids establish a sense of self. They’re also beneficial for expanding vocabularies, hand-eye coordination and developing healthy eating habits, which is why a Milton & Goose Essential Play Kitchen is a must!
Milton & Goose Essential Play Kitchen – Natural
$649
Available in more colors
Milton & Goose Pasta Play Food Set
$48
Lily & River Little Steps
Looking for indoor toys that encourage active play? The Lily & River Little Steps are just the thing! On top of getting kids up and moving, they’re great for teaching kids how to follow simple instructions, learn colors and make patterns.
Lily & River Little Steps
$99.95
EXCLUSIVE
For Big Kids
Clixo Magnetic Building Set
Fine motor play helps kids strengthen the muscles needed for correct pencil grip and independence. The Clixo building set is a great example of this type of play. Designed with magnets so kids can clip them together, these sets enable kids to imagine and create endless designs.
Clixo Rainbow Pack – 42 Pieces
$59.99
Habbi Habbi Learn a Language Books
Learning a second language has numerous benefits, which is why my kids all have Habbi Habbi language books and reading wands! A truly interactive and immersive experience, they’re just the thing your tot needs to learn Spanish or Chinese (or both!)
Habbi Habbi Starter Set + Reading Wand – Spanish
$109
Habbi Habbi Starter Set + Reading Wand – Chinese
$109
Guidecraft Wooden Hollow Blocks
Block play is important for both cognitive and physical development, which is why every kid needs a set like these indoor Hollow Blocks from Guidecraft, which are fun to play with independently or with friends.
Guidecraft Wooden Hollow Blocks
$199.95
Loog Guitars Acoustic Guitar
Raising a little musician? Then you’re going to want to know about the clever (and adorable) kids size guitars from Loog Guitars! Complete with handy instruction cards and online resources, your kiddo will be jamming out in no time.
Loog Acoustic Guitar
$129
Available in more colors
Crayon Rocks – Just Rocks in a Box
Sometimes kids just want to sit and color, right? My favorite non-toxic crayon option is this set from Crayon Rocks because they’re uniquely shaped like (you guessed it) ROCKS!
Crayon Rocks – Just Rocks in a Box – 64 Crayons
$30
For Parents
Kate McLeod Daily Stone
If you’ve been looking for a plastic-free, sustainable and non-toxic body lotion option, Kate McLeod is your girl! All made in small batches in Brooklyn, these incredible lotion bars incredible.
Kate McLeod Daily Stone
$45
Petite Plume Women’s White Classic Twill Pajama Set w/ Navy Piping
Being able to stay in your PJs all day might be the greatest gift of all! As an avid fan of cozy pajamas, I can’t get enough of the timeless options from Petite Plume. And YES, they have matching PJs for the whole family.
Petite Plume Women’s White Classic Twill Pajama Set w/ Navy Piping
$88
Available in more colors
Petite Plume Men’s White Classic Twill Pajama Set w/ Navy Piping
$88
Available in more colors
JEM & BEA Jamie Leather Diaper Bag Backpack
Both my husband and I love Jem & Bea’s Leather Jamie backpack! It has all the right compartments to stash baby gear as well as a gender-neutral look and feel! PS it includes a change pad!!
JEM + BEA Jamie Leather Backpack
$450
Sue Gragg Personalized Diamond Initial Ring
Sentimental and elegant, these diamond initial rings from Sue Gragg are a great option because it’s something they’ll cherish forver.
Sue Gragg Diamond Initial Ring
$495
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Personalized Organic Cotton Sweatshirt – B & W Patch
If there’s one thing I love more than cozy PJs, it’s cozy sweats! New from HART + LAND, you can now personalized your very own organic cotton sweatshirt. The best part: they have sizes for the whole family.
HART + LAND Women’s Personalized Organic Cotton Sweatshirt – B & W Patch
$60
EXCLUSIVE
Continue exploring:
- Expecting a baby? Be sure to check out our Minimalist Baby Essentials.
- Tired of toys your kids grow out of? Here are the Best Montessori Toys That Grow With Your Child.
