Links may direct to affiliate sites. Purchases made through these links may support our family’s work in spreading the Gospel to unreached areas.
Pretty much every homeschooled little girl I’ve ever met has had a Little House phase. Is this because we Mommas also have a Little House obsession buried in our hearts? Maybe. But few things are as sweet as seven year-old girls pining for an apron, or asking if they can try Johnny Cakes like Laura and Mary. (I’ll save my thoughts on batting around pig bladders.)
We’re on our second Little House girl here and, for the first time, we have a whole host of boys drawn in to the whirl of delight as well. My oldest boys weren’t nearly as smitten with the idea of life in the days of wide open plains and making your own wagon wheels. But this younger crew has latched on to the idea with fervor, and Birdie never has to beg anyone to be Charles (that would be Simon, every time) or Almanzo (so much a John Mark role even in real life that it’s become one of his nicknames).
Since this isn’t our first rodeo trip to Plum Creek, and we’re not exactly what you’d call rich, we’ve been able to curate a gift list of ideas that satisfy the love for all things Little House without breaking the bank. If you’re on the hunt for themed giftables under $20 for your own budding Laura (or Almanzo), here are some ideas:
- Laura’s bonnet. While a full prairie-era outfit will set you back quite a penny, a simple bonnet is under $10 and does a great job of creating the feel of the time. (If you’re a decent seamstress, the McCall’s pattern of choice is McCall’s M9424 and is still available: and there’s even a line of fabrics from Andover called Walnut Grove! My Aunt Lois created the sweet dress and apron Birdie wears for Mary Hannah fifteen years ago, and it’s a treasure!)
- My Book of Little House Paper Dolls: The Big Woods Collection. We’re on our second set of these! The first was for Mary Hannah, and have been carefully tucked away as a keepsake. Birdie loves hers every bit as much as Mary Hannah did, and the fact that Momma gets to sit and cut out the costumes in the initial set up? Swoon. That’s precious memory time I have with each of these girls, and I’m blessed just remember it.
- Little House Coloring Book. These detailed scenes reflect the new movement of “adult coloring” that adds so much more to the fun than just filling in some lines. Using the original artwork of Garth Williams, each page reflects the story as told by Laura. Warning! All of the books are included here, so if your kiddos aren’t yet in on the surprise that Laura actually marries that curious little Farmer Boy, you might want to wait on this one!
- Covered Wagon. The shop who made our amazing little wooden covered wagon (complete with the Ingalls peg family) no longer has a live listing, but she may take custom orders. Others are out there, though! A simple little covered wagon can take pegs, Little People, even green army guys sailing across the prairie in style.
- A Merry Ingalls Christmas. This $5 DVD has two episodes, both centering on Christmas, and has brought such joy into my home that I’d pay three times as much for it. Be prepared to cry if you’re anything like me.
- Washboard. Set this up with a tub, a stretch of line, and some clothespins, and you have a handy little activity. My kids can’t be the only ones who find this fascinating!
- Boy’s suspenders and straw boater hat. This is the boy’s costume equivalent on the cheap. Michael Landon would be proud— especially if you can scrounge up a red and white striped shirt.
- Ammo bag. One simply cannot trek the Big Woods without ammo.
- Leather pouch kit. Boys and girls love making these simple pouches and adding in the element of the Native inhabitants of the prairies.
- Metal thimbles. The beginning of your child’s own sewing kit, or the device by which one plays Hide the Thimble, these are cheap but somehow manage to bring a level of fascination that I doubt our earlier ancestors ever imagined. (I know my grandmother would laugh hysterically at how much fun my kids have with them.)
- Buttons. Laura and Mary spent hours sorting and stringing buttons for gifts and play. You might be shocked at how much enjoyment modern kids get from having their very own box of buttons.
