Seal it with a Gift: The Tastemaker-in-Training
Arguably, the most fun people to shop for are the kids in your life, as watching them unwrap dreamy toys, books, and clothing can be the ultimate form of nostalgic holiday magic. But perhaps you (or the child) are over commercial hits like Hatchimals and Shopkins, causing a search for a gift that will bring all the same excitement in a more timeless, sophisticated way. Children's market experts and Maisonette founders, Sylvana Ward Durrett and Luisana Mendoza de Roccia, guide us through their favorite over-the-top gifts of the season. Any of these items will surely earn you "Parent of the Year," with the added bonus of looking chic in your holiday Instagram post.
RS Barcelona Foosball Table
SYLVANA WARD DURRETT: “I’m psyched about this foosball table. It’s the foundation for the ultimate playroom, and I love that it’s a game my kids can play together. It comes in an assortment of colors—including neutrals—and the design is so chic that it almost feels like a collector’s piece.”
Milton & Goose Play Kitchen
LUISANA MENDOZA DE ROCCIA: “Milton & Goose makes some of my favorite play kitchens. This season, we teamed up with them to create a Maisonette exclusive in millennial pink! I have three girls, so this is something they all can enjoy.”
Thames & Kosmos Telescope
SYLVANA WARD DURRETT: “If you want to teach your kids to reach for the stars, this will make it all the more possible.”
Loog Guitar
LUISANA MENDOZA DE ROCCIA: “Their album drops January 1st.”
Hape Gourmet Grill
SYLVANA WARD DURRETT: “This looks so close to the real thing—they’ll be grilling for real in no time.”
Moulin Roty Real Baking Set
LUISANA MENDOZA DE ROCCIA: “Mommy or Daddy’s little helper will love a baking set of their own. This one by Moulin Roty is so chic.”
Little Tokyobike
SYLVANA WARD DURRETT: “This is the perfect first bicycle for your on-the-move mini.”
Fifi & the Bird Nightgown
LUISANA MENDOZA DE ROCCIA: “Exclusive to Maisonette is Fifi & the Bird’s “I Dream of Sleep” dress. Hand embroidered in Portugal, you won’t find a sweeter nightgown for your mini anywhere else.”
Juniper Books Harry Potter Set
SYLVANA WARD DURRETT: “For the Potter-heads in all of us: This collector’s set is a gift the whole family will enjoy.”
Baghera Classic Pedal Car
LUISANA MENDOZA DE ROCCIA: “This French brand makes the cutest vintage-inspired cars. I love this red one inspired by the 1930s.”
Schoenhut Concert Grand Piano
SYLVANA WARD DURRETT: “I love finding kid-favorites that can be stylishly integrated into our home. This grand piano is just that.”
E&E Teepee
PonyCycle Horse
SYLVANA WARD DURRETT: “If your kids, like mine, are asking for a horse, this ride on by PonyCycle is the perfect compromise. Powered by human motion, your minis can trot around the house all day and forget they ever wanted the real thing. No real horse in the Ward Durrett family this year …phew!”
Olli Ella Suitcase
LUISANA MENDOZA DE ROCCIA: “We’re always traveling with our kids, and these suitcases are ones they’ll be excited to tote around. The best part? More hands for mom!”
SYLVANA WARD DURRETT: “Petite Plume is a favorite every year, and this holiday exclusive with toy soldiers is beyond cute. It comes in adult sizes, too … just saying.”
