A Mighty Girl's 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Hello! A Mighty Girl intern Lili here: geologist by training, former museum educator, sometime writer, and always equality advocate. When I’m not scouring the internet for A Mighty Girl-worthy content, I’m a home-schooling mama to three fabulous kiddos. My nine year-old is a sports, mythology, and math fanatic; my six year-old knows more about knights, airplanes, and Mo Willems’ books than I ever will; and my three year-old combines the love of all things sparkly with all things reptilian like no other. While they each have their own passions and affinities, they all contributed to my top toy selections.

Playmobil 1.2.3. Large Farm

This farm set has made it through all three of my children and still looks brand new. It is a no-fail toy that has a way of appealing to any child, and has endless creative play options. In our house, it has been transformed into a space port, Laura Ingalls' house, Wilbur and Charlotte's barn, and a hideout for Robin Hood, in addition to being just a farm.

For more toys like this one, visit our Animals / Farm section within Pretend Play.

Plasma Car

My favorite things about Plasma Cars are the fact that it's a ride-on toy that can accommodate an older child, and even better that it can be an indoor or outdoor toy. My eldest two children have developed a complicated -- yet collaborative -- racing game with their Plasma Cars.

For more toys like this one, visit our Movement / Riding Toys section within Outdoor Play.

Nicki Baby Doll

This sweet little doll has been my daughter's companion since infancy. It is just the right size for little hands, and so soft. Her beatific smile wins me over every time I look at her... well, that and the fact that I can toss her in the washing machine.

For more toys like this one, visit our Dolls / Playsets section within For Baby.

Melissa and Doug Pirate Chest

I find this pirate chest hidden all over my house, filled with jewels and coins. The trap door inside, just the perfect size to hide the most treasured booty, is the most fabulous touch.

For more toys like this one, visit our Make-Believe / Fantasy section within Pretend Play.

Your Body Layer Puzzle

My 3 year-old daughter refers to this puzzle as her "girl puzzle", and loves to take it apart, sort the layers into piles, and put it back together again. Hearing her say "Organs first! Then muscles! Then the skin! Then her clothes!" is so much fun.

For more toys like this one, visit our Science / Math section within Toys / Games.

The Secret Door

There are very few collaborative board games on the market, but this company has developed so many great ones! This is one game that all three of my children (9,6, and 3) can play together, and is often one that they choose to play.

For more toys like this one, visit our Board Games section within Games / Video Games.

Gas n Go Mower

My children love to mow the lawn at the same time as me, or even when I'm not. They mimic the tasks of pouring in the gas, priming the engine, and starting it, and then across the grass they go! The only thing that could improve upon this toy is if it actually cut the grass...

For more toys like this one, visit our Gardening section within Outdoor Play.

eeBoo Tot Tower

All three of my children have loved this toy for all of its play options. Stacking, knocking down, nesting, counting, sorting... the list goes on and on!

For more toys like this one, visit our Learning Toys section within For Baby.

Melissa and Doug Pizza Party

Creating, baking, cutting, serving... my kids love to play pizza parlor with this toy. That they get to change around the ingredients and cut the pizza into pieces makes it that much better.

For more toys like this one, visit our Kitchen / Cooking section within Pretend Play.

Rat-a-Tat-Cat

This card game used to be one that required an adult to play with my eldest, but ever since my middle child turned 5, it has been a game the two of them could play together. It combines both skill in the form of math and memory, as well as some guess work and leaps of faith that make for a great game!

For more toys like this one, visit our Card Games section within Games / Video Games.