The Best Gifts for Kids and Toddlers
We love finding gifts that spark creativity, get kids moving, or just make them giggle, ideally without a thousand tiny pieces to step on. Here are our favorite gifts for toddlers and kids of all ages, from imaginative toys and games to craft kits and outdoor fun. Shopping for a specific age? Our birthday gift guide breaks it down year by year.
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The guides
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Frequently asked
What do you get a kid who has everything?
Skip more stuff and go for something they can do: a craft or science kit, a cool experience, a class, or a membership to a museum or zoo. Gifts that feed a current interest (art, animals, sports, cooking) also beat another toy. Find age-by-age picks in our birthday gift guide.
What are good gifts for kids who love to draw, cook or read?
Lean into the passion with a slight upgrade: better art supplies or a sketchbook set for artists, kid-safe kitchen tools or a cookbook for little chefs, and a series starter or book subscription for readers. Browse our DIY and handmade and kids picks.
How many gifts should kids get for Christmas?
There's no right number. Plenty of families use a simple framework like "something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read" to keep things meaningful and manageable. Fewer, better gifts usually win.
Shop all picks
This guide contains affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission from some purchases to help support our team. All picks are determined editorially by our staff; there has been no compensation in exchange for our picks.
Sugar Skull Collage Craft Set (paper collage materials)
A sugar skull collage kit combining colorful papers and art prompts makes an educational, artful gift celebrating Mexican artists and tradition.
From: 12 spectacular sugar skull craft ideas for Día de los Muertos, from painted planters to papier maché.
Shoebacca: Kids’ shoes priced like clearance, year-round
Shoebacca: Kids’ shoes priced like clearance, year-round
From: Kids savings programs from popular brands…that are actually worth your time
Send A Smile 4 Kids
Send A Smile 4 Kids
From: 3 organizations that let you send heartfelt holiday cards to kids who need them most
Cat in a Box Coin Bank (MoMA Store)
A kinetic-style cat-in-a-box coin bank that 'grabs' coins for a playful, instant-gratification saving experience; popular and occasionally backordered.
From: 8 cool, modern coin banks for kids who have outgrown piggies
LaVaca Minnidip Inflatable Pool
Stylish small inflatable pool available in playful prints (banana leaves, sprinkle donut, watermelon) — a fun, design-forward backyard gift for kids or adults who want a compact pool.
From: The modern inflatable pools that make you actually want an inflatable pool.
BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat
Lightweight, inflatable booster that deflates for easy storage and is handy for road trips or occasional use.
From: Mifold vs. BubbleBum: Travel booster seat smackdown
Hunter Glitter Rain Boots for Kids
Durable, waterproof rain boots with glitter detail—fun and practical gift for kids who love splashy outdoor play.
From: 25+ amazing deals from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale because we're SO ready to refresh our wardrobes!
Crayola Color Wonder Scented Light-Up Stamper
Mess-free Color Wonder ink and scented stamp pads with a light-up stamp pad make creative, multisensory art play fun for young kids.
From: 7 hot toy trends from Toy Fair 2018
DIY Glow-in-the-Dark Trick-or-Treat Bag Kit (project guide)
A glow-in-the-dark trick-or-treat bag or pattern kit makes a fun, practical Halloween gift for kids who want a spooky, light-up candy carrier.
From: Last-minute Halloween crafts, printables, pumpkin decorating, and party activities to keep the whole week fun.
Who Believes What? Exploring the World’s Major Religions
A brightly illustrated picture book that introduces young children to five major faiths with simple prose—good for starting gentle conversations about religion.
From: Why it's important to talk to your kids about religion (even if you're not religious): 3 books to help guide your conversation
The Kids Book of World Religions
A geographic, illustrated guide for older kids that covers a wide range of religious traditions—useful as a comprehensive introduction and reference.
From: Why it's important to talk to your kids about religion (even if you're not religious): 3 books to help guide your conversation
What Do You Believe: Big Questions about Religion
A thoughtful DK book for older children that explores belief and broader questions about religion—good for deeper conversations and critical thinking.
From: Why it's important to talk to your kids about religion (even if you're not religious): 3 books to help guide your conversation
PLAE x Jasper Wong Glow-In-The-Dark Sneakers
Comfortable, durable kids' shoes are a useful gift that kids will wear daily.
From: These new PLAE x Jasper Wong glow-in-the-dark sneakers are lit (ha)
Hanging Bookshelf for Kids
A suspended wall-mounted bookshelf that clears floor and surface clutter while showcasing reading favorites — kid- and adult-friendly.
From: Decluttering solutions: Hang these 8 things to free up floor space!
100 Things To Do With Dad: Bucket List Scratch Book
A scratch-off bucket list book filled with 100 father-child activities to inspire shared experiences and memories.
From: 10 really cool Father's Day gifts we found at Uncommon Goods
Quitch Bug Bite Itch Relief Patches (single pack, 27 patches)
Natural adhesive patches that soothe mosquito and insect bites—compact, kid-friendly, and easy to tuck into a camp care package or first-aid kit.
From: Natural bug bite patches that actually work | One Cool Thing
Urban Intellectuals Black History Flashcards (52-card deck)
A 52-card deck introducing important figures and moments from Black history — a compact, educational gift for kids, classrooms, or home learning.
From: Black History flashcards that inspire and educate, 52 cards at a time.
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson (picture book)
A thoughtful picture book about empathy and inclusion—pairs well with a recorded author read-aloud for a meaningful gift package.
From: Celebrate World Read Aloud Day! Amazing resources, free printables, author videos, children's book recos and more
Harry Potter Themed Kids Activities PDF (18-page)
18-page printable activity pack with Diagon Alley coloring page and themed crafts to extend a family reading night.
From: Celebrate World Read Aloud Day! Amazing resources, free printables, author videos, children's book recos and more
Rifle Paper x Keds Lively Floral (kids sizes up to big kids 6)
Children's Keds in the Lively floral pattern available from early walkers up to big kids size 6 — a sweet matching option for families.
From: Rifle Paper x Keds = Our new sneaker must-haves for spring and summer.
Lucy Darling Toddler Memory Book — Boy Version
A themed keepsake memory book for toddler milestones and memories — same content as the girl version with different illustrations, ideal as a thoughtful gift.
From: A toddler memory book: Perfect for those of us who, uh, never did our actual baby books.
Children’s Signature Embroidery Hoop (Sentimental Sundays)
Custom embroidery hoop featuring a child's handwritten name or signature — sentimental wall art.
From: 20 wonderfully creative, personalized Mother's Day gifts for a mom who's like no other. | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Personalized Superhero Coloring Card (Pinhole Press)
Custom superhero-themed coloring card featuring a child's likeness — a playful keepsake from kids.
From: 20 wonderfully creative, personalized Mother's Day gifts for a mom who's like no other. | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Love Is Love organic cotton child’s tee (sizes 2T–6T)
Soft organic cotton T‑shirt featuring Ken Min’s cover art—small-run kids' apparel ideal as a Pride Month or everyday gift for toddlers.
From: A wonderful picture book reminding us all that Love is Love.