Sleep-Related Holiday Gifts and Stocking Stuffers!
{Updated December 16, 2023}
This time of year I often get asked for gifts and stocking stuffer ideas for children and adults that are helpful for sleep. I have my Resources page for my go-to items to make the sleep training process easier, but here is a list of some of my favorites, including some for the older kids and adults!
A Low Blue Light Reading Light
I actually have this one that my son gave me as a gift and when I’m not reading on my Kindle, I use this light and it works perfectly. I love that it charges with a USB so when I’m on vacation, I don’t have to worry about batteries. Right now, there’s also a coupon for 10% off on Amazon!
Once your little one transitions to a bed, you’ll want to get a pillow that fits your child - adult pillows are often too big/deep and are uncomfortable. These are great pillows and come with the correct size pillowcase. This one has a 4.7 rating with 37K reviews on Amazon, so it works well :)
If you’re looking for a great travel bed for sleepovers at grandma’s house or road trips, this one is the BEST! This one is the one I always recommend to clients and with 12K 4.8 reviews on Amazon, others would agree :)
If you’re getting ready to introduce a lovey for your child to sleep with (sometime after the first birthday), these are the softest, most cuddly ones. My college student got the smaller version and larger version when he was born as gifts and they are still in his room :) Getting ones that won’t fall asleep easily means you don’t have to replace them every 6 months!
I do always suggest getting a duplicate of whatever lovey you use so you can wash them in rotation with the crib sheets and “wear” the same way. No sense having a brand new spare to use if you lose the favorite old one - your child WILL know ;)
Bedtime story books
These are some of my absolute favorite bedtime stories:
Time for Bed hardcover (also comes in a board book)
Goodnight, Gorilla board book
Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site board book
The Going to Bed Book board book
I love you to the moon and back hardcover (also comes in a board book)
When children are young, you reach for a short board book – and often the same board book over and over again because they love it! When they get a little older, they start wanting a little variety and longer-than-ten-pages options, but you don’t necessarily want or have the time to read for an hour ;) This is when I suggest pulling out a “Collections” book – usually shorter stories all based around one theme and it *feels* like a longer story but it often the same length or shorter than the stand alone books. (Note: I’m all for spending lots of time reading to your kids, but I always recommend the entire bedtime routine should be no more than 30 minutes.)
These are hands-down the best PJs I’ve ever owned – I have 4 sets :) They’re silky and soft and are cool enough to wear in warmer weather because of the self-regulating bamboo fabric and with cozy fleece sheets, I also wear them all winter. GREAT gift for any mom!
With 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon, parents love these! These are great to warm up for little ones to help fussiness, but preschool and early elementary kids love to snuggle with these too. You can also use them with an ice pack.
When babies are teething, sleep will inevitably be affected (much more so if they don’t have solid sleep skills prior)…and when baby doesn’t sleep, neither do the parents :) I’m always keeping tabs on which natural remedies work well for teething and this one has been the top contender for many of the families I’ve worked with recently. (Please note: Always ask your pediatrician about over-the-counter products that you are considering for your child.)
A Cozy “Reading in Bed” Pillow
I bought pillows like these for both of my boys 5 years ago and they STILL use them on a daily basis. Makes reading before bed extra comfy! I know some people will also create a reading nook in the bedroom with a bean bag on the floor – and we tried that when they were younger – but they preferred these because they have back/neck support and since they use it on their beds, it’s not as chilly in the winter!
As of the writing of this post, it’s 35% off!
Do you have a Disney or Harry Potter fan? These soft pillowcases are fun to add to solid bedding and can be easily switched out when your child finds a new character they love!
Of course my first recommendation with snoring is to speak to your primary care provider – snoring can be a sign of medical issues like sleep apnea. When that’s been ruled out, I’ve found these clips work better than the strips and other options on the market. This is one of those funny gifts that’s usually more for the gift-giver than the recipient, but everyone is happy in the end ;)
We keep the house at 62 degrees F overnight – it’s proven that we get into deeper sleep in a colder bedroom but I have older kids with these fleece sheets and comforters that they can pull up on their own. (The best sleeping temp for babies and younger kiddos is 68-70 F.)
These sheets are so cozy and don’t lose their softness or pill with washings. With really warm bedding, I suggest wearing breathable PJS like those listed above. Fleece PJs worn with micro-fleece sheets would make you sweat in your sleep! If you have little ones in a crib or who aren’t ready for sheets/comforters yet, I suggest a sleeping temperature of 68-70 degrees F.
Know a sleep-deprived mom who could use some guidance getting her little one to sleep through the night. A gift certificate would be the perfect gift!
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This post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you, your child and/or your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your child’s physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.