Kindkado blog
Articles about Sinterklaas, gifts for children by theme and age, and finding a present that fits — written for families in the Netherlands.
Celebrating Sinterklaas with kids
New to Sinterklaas? The traditions explained, plus dressing up, books, decorating, days out and pakjesavond.
6 min read
Small gifts for the Sinterklaas shoe
Over 150 small gifts for the shoe, most under €3 — plus what the tradition is and how often the shoe goes out.
7 min read
How to make a Sinterklaas wishlist
Six kinds of gifts that always belong on the list — so there’s enough to choose from and your house doesn’t fill up.
5 min read
Sinterklaas with teenagers
Drawing names, making a surprise, writing the poem and the rules of four pakjesavond games.
6 min read
Dinosaur gifts for kids
Figures, dig kits, puzzles, books, cuddly toys and LEGO for dinosaur fans — plus dinosaur days out in the Netherlands.
6 min read
Football gifts for kids
Balls, kit, goalkeeper gloves, training gear, games and books by age — plus tips for a football birthday party.
5 min read
Horse & pony gifts for kids
Schleich, Playmobil, puzzles, LEGO, crafts and horse books by age — plus pony rides and horse days out.
7 min read
Make your own hobby horse
What hobby horsing is, and every part you need to build one: stick horse, eyes, mane, bridle and jumps.
7 min read
Unicorn gifts for kids
Cuddly toys, HABA games, puzzles, crafts, dressing up, party things and unicorn books for ages 3–7.
6 min read
Jungle & safari gifts for kids
Cuddly toys, wooden animals, Schleich figures, puzzles, LEGO and books — plus zoos and safari parks in the Netherlands.
7 min read
Jungle & safari baby gifts
Comforters, teethers, music boxes and baby books for a newborn — and what a Dutch kraamcadeau and kraamvisite are.
5 min read
Elephant gifts for kids
Cuddly toys, wooden elephants, Elmer books, puzzles and baby gifts — plus where to see elephants in the Netherlands.
6 min read
Big cat gifts for kids
Lions, tigers, leopards and cheetahs: cuddly toys, figures, puzzles, books and LEGO — plus big cat days out.
6 min read
Shark gifts for kids
Cuddly toys, figures, puzzles, books, LEGO and swim gear for shark fans — plus where to see sharks in the Netherlands.
6 min read
Drawing supplies for kids
Drawing sets, colouring pencils, pastels, watercolour pencils and paper — how to use each, plus tips for drawing together.
8 min read
Drawing books for kids
Step-by-step drawing books by age — from simple shapes at 4 to manga and technique books at 10+, plus colouring books.
6 min read
Books for groep 3: first readers
Dutch first readers at AVI Start, M3 and E3, and how the Dutch AVI reading levels work in groep 3.
6 min read
Holiday & activity books
Dutch holiday and activity books by school year, practice books against the summer dip, and good reads for the journey.
7 min read
School diaries 2026-2027
How to choose a Dutch school diary (A5 or A6, week or day) and what is still left this school year.
5 min read
Swimming certificate gifts
A trip to a tropical pool, diving masks, towels and Waboba balls, plus popular gifts for ages 5 to 8, to celebrate a Dutch swimming diploma.
6 min read
School report gifts
Small surprises, books, games and days out to celebrate a school report — and what to do when it’s disappointing.
6 min read
Gifts for kids on a budget
Smart second-hand buys, gifts that last, free ideas and days out — plus gift ideas by age and price range.
7 min read
Sustainable gifts for kids
What makes a gift truly sustainable: brands we trust, second-hand, renting, days out and good causes.
8 min read