Whether or not you have your own children, being an uncle or an aunt is a completely different experience. Because the parenting duties don't fall on you, you instantly get the opportunity to be the cool and fun relative! Here are some awesome gift ideas to help lock in your spot as favorite with all of your adorable nieces and nephews (and their parents)!
One of the best parts about being an Aunt or an Uncle is getting to spoil your nieces and nephews! However, at times figuring out that perfect gift to get them - the one they simply won't stop talking about - can be tricky! Sometimes, parents may be helpful and send a few hot-ticket-item ideas your way, and other times you may hear "Please. No more. We have too much stuff!" and be on your own (because, let's face it, could you really show up empty handed, and risk being met with pouty faces?). If you find yourself in the latter category in figuring out what to gift your nieces, nephews, young cousins, or even children of your nearest and dearest friends - look no further. We've got you covered.
So, let's start with the basics. If you want to keep it practical (hi Mom and Dad), but still make sure your favorite little kiddos look stylish and know just how hip you are, too, clothes are always a safe go-to. Some of our absolute favorites are the adorable band logo tees and onesies by Rowdy Sprout. Featuring bands such as Blondie, The Cure, The Grateful Dead, and Nine Inch Nails, just to name a few - it's the perfect segue to also share your favorite songs and ignite a dance party; the sillier you get, the better! Grab a pair of sweatpants or leggings (so soft, you'll be wishing they made these in your size), and a pair of fresh kicks - and those little ones will be selfie ready, especially if you toss in this vlogger set! (Pro tip on the shoes - don't ask the parents for a size, ask for a foot measurement in inches, then consult the size guide - as sizes can vary across brands).
And if you really want to be the "extra" Aunt or Uncle that you know deep down you are, Babiators are the ultimate go-to for sunglasses. Babiators sunglasses feature flexible rubber frames and impact- and shatter-resistant lenses that won’t break when you bend, twist, or step on them. Kids look cute and parents love their durability – a win for everyone!
Speaking of sunglasses, who doesn't love a good accessory? Add it to the list of Aunt and Uncle duties to show kids how to accessorize like a pro. Whether it's a Bib Kerchief featuring your favorite city, a Metrocard for city adventures in the form of a stuffed toy, an Oat Milk Latte, no foam, in the form of a teether, or even a pair of Baby Earmuffs good for loud bars, restaurants, concerts, or when you accidentally drop one of those words children are not supposed to repeat, you simply cannot go wrong with any of these choices.
So now that we have those kids looking ready to join our brunch table downtown, it's time to have some fun! Anything a littleee bit messy that parents might not think to buy on their own is always a hit - think bath crayons, face paint, finger paint: fun now, apologies for the mess later. Or if a mess isn't quite your style/you’ll be presenting the gift at your own home - opt for noise and ignite their music careers early. Go for a musical set that includes a xylophone, cymbal, and guiro - or head straight for a drum. Rumor has it that Ringo Starr owes his success to his Uncle gifting him a drum set for his third birthday (feel free to share this 'fun fact' with the parents when presenting the gift, but please don't fact check us on this!).
And last, but not least, toss in a small bit of culture, education, and sophistication, and your position as favorite will be sealed with everyone. Start their life as a foodie early with this adorable wooden sushi set - it's never too early to develop a sophisticated pallet. Reading books? Of course! Pick up a copy of Little Miss Naughty, and don't forget to share the naughtiest thing their mom or dad did during your childhood!
And there you have it. Twenty awesome gift ideas that are sure to make it known that you are every bit the Cool Aunt or Fun Uncle that you’ve always wanted to be. But, as any niece or nephew will tell you – a sweet treat just simply isn’t complete without a cherry on top. So here’s our cherry; here at Hazel Baby & Kids, we source only the best from companies using sustainable and ethical business practices. We’ve focused on quality products from the start, analyzing what each garment is made of - or what each toy contains - so that you don’t have to!
