Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

I’m thrilled to launch Sunshine Sam’s new website in time to share my list of favorite holiday gifts with you. Making this was no easy task, because I truly love everything Sunshine Sam offers.  I certainly didn’t expect that a toy with an electronic component would be my first pick! After all, Sunshine Sam is known for its curated battery/screen-free collection of gifts. But it’s holiday time, and MAZE is too good to pass up, as are all of silly, creative, nostalgic, artisan-made, and inspiring products below.

1) BRING YOUR IMAGINATION TO LIFE: MAZE by Seedling

It’s the perfect marriage between building a classic toy, a labyrinth marble maze, then meshing it with cutting-edge virtual reality technology.

You are the inventor! Your adventure starts when you place walls and traps onto a grid with simple blocks and stickers, all included in the kit. Play by tilting your maze and trying to get your marble from start to finish.

Virtual reality comes into play with you build your viewer, download the free app, and transform your Maze into a spaceship, kingdom or ancient ruin.

• Ages 8+

2) BEST S.T.E.M. TOY PICK: Day at the Beach by Build & Imagine

Build Emily and Lucas’ Surf Shop a new way every time you play! The magnetic storywall panels and accessories enable you to design and build a dollhouse for endless imaginative play! Two dress-up dolls are included. Expansion doll packs and additional play-sets available.

• Recommended for girls and boys ages 4-8.
• Easy to travel with.
• Multiple award-winner.

3) BEST GIFT THAT SPANS GENERATIONS: Disney’s Alice Through the Looking Glass Top Hat Kit by Seedling

Get decked out like the Mad Hatter! But don’t be late, this Top Hat is a limited edition item! And, like all Seedling DIY kits, it has all you’ll need to bring this favorite Disney adventure to life!

• Folding Top Hat
• Adornments: Gold buttons, feathers, glitter, felt shapes, printed cards, satin and lace fabric, thread, sewing needles and more!
• Instructions included

4) BEST DIY KIT FOR ADULTS & CHILDREN TO DO TOGETHER: Make Your Own Dream Catcher by Seedling

Seedling takes the beautiful craft of making a Dream Catcher to another level. Adults and children will enjoy creating this whimsical, colorful piece of art.  You may even want to make it yourself to give as a gift for a loved-one to hang on a bedpost or above his/her bed. Sweet dreams!

• Dream Catcher frame
• Adornments: Bright feathers, embroidery thread, pom poms, beads, and bold ribbon to make a one-of-a-kind creation.
• Instructions included

5) SUNSHINE SAM ♥s ETSY: Smarty Pants Paper Co.

To say that we love all things Smarty Pants is a HUGE understatement. From Owner/Designer, Kate’s whimsical Gift Wrap, to her hilarious Greeting Cards, colorful Washi Tape and sooo much more, we just can’t get enough!

It was a hard choice, but I recommend an assortment of Smarty Pants Washi Tape as a smile-inducing gift to the crafty person in your life. (Who can resist a cute Pug face, fanciful unicorns, purple cats and bananas?!) There is so much you can do with Washi Tape, but parents love these 3 things:

• Washi rips easily (no scissors needed).
• It is sticky enough to adhere to paper but not soooo sticky that it could damage a wall, table or floor.
• It has soooo many uses: My faves are using it to hang children’s artwork on the wall, keeping some in my bag for kids to create collages on-the-go, and replacing ribbon with Washi for a show-stopping wrapped gift.