Pockets Full of Wonder: Finding Magic in the Little Things

There’s something special about stepping outside in autumn. The air feels cooler, the colours deeper, and the world seems to settle into a slower rhythm. It’s the kind of season that invites us to pause — to pull on a coat, take a slower walk, and notice what’s quietly changing all around us.

Children are already good at this. They spot things adults rush past — a feather caught in a hedge, the tiny spirals on a snail’s shell, a puddle that reflects the whole sky. Their curiosity has no agenda; they’re simply open. When we let them lead, we’re reminded that the most meaningful moments often come from stillness and noticing.

Here are a few ways parents can gently encourage that sense of wonder this season:

Go on “tiny treasure” walks. Take a small basket or tin and collect found objects — acorns, pinecones, conkers, pebbles. Let children choose what feels special to them.

Make a wonder shelf. Back home, display their finds somewhere visible — a low shelf, a jar by the window, a bowl near the bedtime story chair. It gives children a sense of pride and reflection.

Use outdoor finds to start conversations. “How do you think this shell got its shape?” “Where might this feather have come from?” Curiosity builds calm, connection, and empathy for the natural world.

Slow the pace. Instead of ticking off an outing, follow your child’s rhythm. Stop when they stop, crouch when they crouch, listen when they point something out.

I’ve seen how children light up when they’re given time to explore — when they’re trusted to look closely, to collect, to wonder. The world slows for them, and in those moments they feel calm, capable, and deeply connected to everything around them.

These simple moments help children feel grounded. They teach patience, empathy, and care — all the things that make the world gentler.

As the year turns toward Christmas, that sense of kindness and attention becomes even more important. In Oscar and the Star of Christmas Kindness, Oscar discovers that the brightest magic isn’t the star on the tree or the sparkle in the sky, but the warmth that comes from giving and noticing others. And in Whenever You Miss Me at Christmas, Look for the Moon, the wonder lies in love that stretches across distance — a reminder that connection can shine, even when we’re apart.

So maybe this autumn, before the shops grow loud and the calendars fill up, we can slow things down. Let children pocket small wonders and carry them home. Let them see that the world’s beauty doesn’t need batteries or glitter — it’s already here.

Then, when Christmas arrives, they’ll recognise the same kind of magic in kindness, togetherness, and the quiet love that runs through it all.

✨ Final Thought

Maybe the best gifts aren’t the ones wrapped in paper, but the ones we notice — the small discoveries tucked into our pockets after a walk, the moments of kindness we offer, the stories that bring us closer.

This week, take a little time to wander and wonder with your child. Collect a few tiny treasures and let them tell you what makes each one special.

You might be surprised by what they notice — and by how calming it feels to slow down beside them.

If you’d like, share one of your “found wonders” with me on Instagram or Facebook. I’d love to see the little pieces of magic you and your little one discover.