I’m going to be honest with you: I tried to keep my home from being invaded by toys. I tried to colour coordinate my son’s blocks to our decor. I strived to stay away from plastic (so bad!). I wanted to keep everything “educational.” But then, bit by bit, kids take over, life takes over and what you think is cool, or pretty, or fun—or, even worse, a complete set—doesn’t matter anymore. Everything goes out the window. And what is left, from all the money spent, research done and recommendations given, is a basement playroom where my son (and all the kids in our lives of all ages and genders) have spent hours playing with select items that never cease to capture their attention. Here are a few of those toy ideas—the best gifts for kids I’ve experienced—to help inspire your holiday shopping this year.