I read a blog that has lots and lots of neat ideas regarding shopping and ethical/environmentally friendly choices, and there’s a list of stuff for kids. I don’t think we can link to it, but it’s called sunshine guerilla. Apologies in advance if I’m not supposed to do that either (all this time, and I’m clueless)
Blocks, puzzles, fabric balls, art supplies. and truly, you can’t have enough books.
Best little-kid toy we ever got for our baby daughter was a “ride-on-choo-choo.” It wasn’t electric, didn’t have a track. It had a seat that opened so you could put things inside it. There was a bar on the back for cruising, and then later she could ride it. It was a good toy from the time she could sit up until several years later. They don’t make the exact same thing now, but there are similar ones.
For the one year old this is so simple. My kids couldn’t stop playing with it. Gave it as a gift at a birthday party and it was the one toy every child was enthralled with.
@bhs1978 – OH my gosh!! that was my S15’s first real toy when he was 1.5 yrs old!!! He loved loved loved that thing!!! so did the other kids. brings back such memories. I used to give that too as a gift; but had forgotten it. thanks 
Agree on the flashlights esp head lamps! My girls loved dress up hats - one just had to have a cowboy hat.
My favorite gift that I ever gave a little kid was an animal tail - I gave a skunk tail to my nephew. I don’t know if he liked it, but I thought it was great!
My girls also loved their play tent.
When my children were ages 1-5, they loved a Little Tykes activity tunnel. We kept in inside and they played with it all the time.
One of my aunts has given flashlights to various kids in the family for years. Always a hit.
We gave Stomp Rockets a number of times when we were giving kid gifts regularly. I just googled and I see they are still around, with fun variations like glow in the dark rockets.
How about a build a bear gift certificate?
I liked this projection clock that shines stars on a ceiling.
https://www.macys.com/shop/product/discovery-kids-sound-machine-projection-alarm-clock?ID=5152031
^clock is cute idea.
I think I’m going to pick just two or three things for the younger kids and then figure out which kids to give what to - except the 9 yr old who needs something more appropriate for her age then the kiddie stuff. I know she is a huge Hamilton fan so maybe a tee-shirt.
And I’ve decided to give checks to the birthday kids since they will be getting Hanukkah gifts at same time.
Thx everyone for all your suggestions and links to everything!!!
S sent me this link to company that a friend of his works for. Some really unique toys and other stuff for young kids.
For the over 4 kids…get a big bucket of sidewalk chalk. They can use it on their driveways.
I love putting together “art boxes”. Get a bin and figure out what younwould need for the ages…my kids loved things like sticky notes, scotch tape, stickers, washable markers, paper.
What about play doh! There are some fun kits for even young kids.
For the little ones…how bout a big bouncy ball?
If putting together an art box, always add a hole punch. It single hole kind. That and a sheet of paper will keep a six year old boy busy for hours.
I finally ordered all the gifts for the young kids.
For the three boys- almost 3 yr old (in my OP I thought he was almost 2,) the almost 4 yr old and the 6 yr old I bought the road tape. https://www.thegrommet.com/inroad-toys-playtape-classic-road
I also got each a Matchbook car 5 pack.
For the 1 and 11/2 yr old boys I got the Tank the Shark SoapSox. https://www.thegrommet.com/gifts/kids/soapsox
For the two girls I got the Buddie pillows. https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/hatchimals-trade-penguala-buddie-plush-pillow-in-teal-pink/1062389068?Keyword=buddie%20pillows
For the 9 yr old I bought her an Eliza Hamilton t-shirt ( her favorite Hamilton.) https://www.teepublic.com/kids-t-shirt/1511398-eliza-hamilton?product_id=75
For the 1 yr old birthday present I bought this: https://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/kid_o/go_car_green.cfm
I also got a personalized wallet for the 6 yr old b’day present and I will put $10 inside. https://www.personalizationmall.com/Personalized-Boys-Wallets-Sports-p16166.prod?sdest=Search&sdestid=65709455
Just waiting to hear from mom of 11 and 13 yr olds on what gift card would be good.
So happy to be almost finished.
You did a great job. That road tape would have been a big hit in my house.
Just got an email that I have to vote on whether we keep $75 gift swap for adults or skip it. Majority will rule. I hate the swap, tbh, but don’t want to vote either way. I’d rather just go with the flow.
Great picks, Emily! Thanks for the road tape tip - I am ordering it for the little boy of our “adopted” family. He is obsessed with cars.
My older son was into trains from 18 month until he discovered computers at 6. New engines or fancy track pieces were always welcome.
Younger son loved the Playmobil stuff and was always willing to get add ons.
You could also go super old-fashioned - Lincoln Logs!
I’m another one who says you can never have too many books.
The swap got more yay votes than nays so I looked at one of my go to gift sites (uncommon goods) and ordered this.
https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/kitchen-utensil-and-tablet-holder#pr-header-back-to-top-link
I’ll go to the kitchen/cooking store and buy a few utensils to fill it out.
^^ I love that !!!
Coming to this thread late, but I love this site and ordered a few things for my 3-4 year-old grand niece. They are based in NY (I think everything is made there) and don’t sell in big box stores.