The holidays are right around the corner, which means it's officially time to start thinking about what you want to gift the kiddos, expectant mothers, new fathers and newborns in your life.
But finding the perfect gift can be difficult. That's why Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping Institute Chief Technologist stopped by TODAY to share some of the award-winning products that topped the charts of Good Housekeeping's 2023 Best Parenting Awards. Their team of experts — chemists and engineers to name a few — spent six months evaluating feedback from their 130+ parent reviewers. From sensory balls to a portable sound machine, these parenting essentials caught judges’ eyes for their innovation, safety, quality, convenience and value.
Keep reading to see all of the award-winning parenting essentials seen on TODAY.
Award-winning children gifts seen on TODAY
Avenlur Magnolia Indoor Playground
This 7-in-1 indoor playground gives your kids endless options to play: a mini rock climbing wall, slide, rope ladder, swing, wood ladder and monkey bars. All of which give them the independence to play as they please, and build on their coordination and motor skills.
Parents from Good Housekeeping’s reviews remarked that they were impressed by the quality and style of the play set. “I loved that all three of my kids could play simultaneously!” commented one parent. The brand also comments that the set was created with your child’s safety in mind.
Edushape Sensory Balls
According to the brand, their sensory balls are a great tool for your baby to improve their motor skills. They’re designed to feel soft on their skin and small enough to fit comfortably in their hands, in hopes of encouraging them to grasp and toss the toys as they please. Good Housekeeping lab experts even found the pack “to be among the most durable, long-lasting toy choices.”
Lite Brite Touch
We’re thinking of this toy as an old school classic that has been rightfully modernized. Instead of bright pegs, this new version has 100 light-up pieces. These buttons can be transformed into whatever design they imagine, with fun games and a variety of colors to create art. If they’re wanting to come back to their masterpiece later on, they can save and recall the display to finish another time.
Hatch Rest Go Portable Sound Machine
Easy to clip onto your personal tote, diaper bag or their stroller, this tool uses 10 of Hatch’s “most soothing sounds” to lull your baby to sleep wherever you are. Best of all, it is described as easy-to-use (only three control buttons), drool-proof and long-lasting (up to 15 hours of sound with no Wifi or app needed).
Good Housekeeping also comments that this product “earned high remarks” from their parent reviewers. “They were impressed by how loud it got despite being small and lightweight, and said it was straightforward to attach to a stroller.”
VTech Storytime with Sunny
Based on all that she does, Sunny is full of personality just like your favorite little one. Although her main features include telling a plethora of stories, songs and games (over 300!), the brand suggests Sunny also “inspires imaginative play” and encourages healthy habits for them to be mindful of. This includes setting up a bedtime routine, teaching good manners, along with many others.
Books
On the show, Rothman also highlighted picks from their Kid’s Book Awards. Below are three top picks that came from young readers (even Jenna’s kids!) and their families.
“My Hair is Like the Sun,” by St. Clair Detrick-Jules
This book from St. Clair Detrick-Jules honors natural hair by encouraging your kid to embrace their features. It is a poetic message of self-love, confidence and affirmations. Although rated for kids one to three, the book makes a great gift for every age.
“The real pictures of kids with their awesome natural hair are very cool, especially since my boys don’t see kids with hair like theirs too often,” raved one dad.
“LOL 101,” by David Roth and Rinee Shah
There is nothing more heartfelt than hearing your little one chuckle. Suggested for ages six to nine, this tutorial-esque book, written by stand-up comedian David Roth and comedy writer Rinee Sha, teaches your little one on how to write and tell riddles of their own. The guide also features tons of jokes and playful illustrations that are entertaining for new readers — even getting into the tough conversation of “It is okay if no one laughs.”
“This is a dad-joke’s dream experience,” boasted one of Good Housekeeping’s reviewers. “My daughter would read the book, then tell me jokes from it and we would work on our own together using the prompts.”
“Hoops,” by Matt Tavares
Recommended for ages eight through 12, this book is all about celebrating girls in sports. The graphic novel takes readers through the story of an Indiana girls’ high school basketball team who strive for equal treatment as the boys’ team, and end up receiving an “improbable victory.”
More award-winning parenting essentials
Simply Magnetic Me Suffield Organic Cotton Magnetic Footie
Instead of the typical buttons or snaps, these cotton footies close with magnets. Rothman says the pajamas are ideal for folks with mobility issues who might have difficulty fastening buttons or snap-like closures.
Editor’s note: Our pick is out of stock, but we found another similar option below.
While Rothman's initial pick is out of stock, this option features the same handy magnetic fasteners and an adorable yellow duck pattern. You can grab the footies in sizes newborn through 24 months.
Tovla Jr. Knives for Kids 3-Piece Kitchen Cooking and Baking Knife Set
Rothman's next pick is perfect for kiddos who want to be a chef when they grow up. Complete with soft, serrated edges, the knives are able to cut veggies without causing any harm to little fingers, according to Rothman.
Glo Pals Party Pal Character
Whether your little one loves to splash in the pool or soak in the bath, this water-activated light-up toy ensures a multi-sensory experience, according to Rothman. Good Housekeeping testers found that kiddos couldn't get enough of the colorful lights and "using the characters for imaginative play."
Braun ThermoScan 7+ Connect–Digital Ear Thermometer
New and seasoned parents alike should have no trouble reading the temperature on this award-winning thermometer thanks to its quick, color-coded results. Rothman says Good Housekeeping's testers found the thermometer's low light was "suitable for taking a child’s temperature at night without waking them."
Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Humidifier
Looking for a humidifier or night-light? This award-winning device will do both at once. Rothman says testers loved the multi-purpose humidifier because it was compact, lightweight and easy to use overall.
Step2 Foldable Adult Flip Seat
Supporting your kiddos from the sidelines is important, but making sure you're comfortable while on those sidelines is just as important. This portable, foldable chair provided an ergonomic seating space for testers sitting on top of a cooler, by the pool and more. Rothman even says testers found the chair provided back support in previously uncomfortable situations.
