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.
Selling now
Popular picks people are buying right now.
The guides
Newest guide · August 3, 2026The kids' backpacks we're swooning over right now
Gift guide · October 21, 2025Boost Mobile makes the "kids' first phone" choice a little less stressful
Gift guide · September 8, 2025Best first phone plan for kids: Mint Mobile’s $15/Month Unlimited
Gift guide · July 28, 2025Why moms keep coming back to The Children's Place
Gift guide · March 20, 2025Your kids will love these 35 affordable Easter basket ideas - all under $15!
Gift guide · January 4, 2025Sweet, easy Valentine's Day crafts young kids can make their BFFs.
Gift guideThe coolest birthday gifts for tweens ages 9-12
Gift guideThe coolest first birthday gifts: Toys and keepsakes for 1-year-olds
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.
Feminist Baby Finds Her Voice (Board Book)
A colorful board book sequel that empowers young children with simple, playful messages about voice and equality—great for gifting to toddlers and new parents.
From: Feminist Baby is back and more empowered than ever in this new board book
9 gorgeous mermaid treats you’re going to want for your next under the sea bash.
From: 20 of the absolute coolest mermaid gifts for kids. And uh, maybe adults.
Crocheted Reusable Water Balloons (Strange Loops Crafts)
Handmade crocheted ‘water balloons’ that can be refilled and reused indefinitely, producing zero single-use waste and adding a unique, giftable twist to water play.
From: 3 options for more eco-friendly water balloons for less mess, less risk to animals
Water Wubbles Stretchy Self-Sealing Water Balls
Reusable, nearly unbreakable water-filled balls that self-seal after filling — a fun, low-mess alternative to traditional water balloons for kids.
From: 3 options for more eco-friendly water balloons for less mess, less risk to animals
Kids' sunglasses (polycarbonate frames)
Polycarbonate-frame sunglasses with full UV protection — a practical sun-safe gift for children.
From: Today's fantastic Memorial Day sales mean tons of cool summer clothes and accessories for a steal
TruKid Sunny Days Sport Sunscreen SPF 30
Sport sunscreen designed for kids to resist sweat and stay effective during play — practical for families.
From: The top 10 most affordable safe sunscreens for kids, from EWG's 2018 safer sunscreens guide
thinksport Kids Sunscreen SPF 50+
High-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen created for children — a reliable choice for protecting young skin.
From: The top 10 most affordable safe sunscreens for kids, from EWG's 2018 safer sunscreens guide
Goddess Garden Organics Kids Sport Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 (3.4 oz)
Organic, sport-formulated sunscreen designed to stay on during activity — a thoughtful gift for active kids.
From: The top 10 most affordable safe sunscreens for kids, from EWG's 2018 safer sunscreens guide
BurnOut KIDS Sunscreen SPF 35 (3.4 oz)
Affordable kids' sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection in a child-friendly formulation — a practical gift for families who spend time outdoors.
From: The top 10 most affordable safe sunscreens for kids, from EWG's 2018 safer sunscreens guide
Casper and Jasper and the Terrible Tyrant (middle grade novel)
A critically acclaimed middle-grade fantasy novel full of wonder and bravery—great for gifted readers or kids who love magical adventures.
From: A new middle grade page-turner that's full of wonder and magic | Sponsored Message
Stitch Fix Kids
A personalized clothing service for kids ages 2–14 that ships curated outfits based on style and size preferences — a convenient gift for busy parents.
From: Stitch Fix Kids is finally here, and parents rejoice!
Doodle Journeys: A Fill-In Journal for Everyday Explorers
A colorful, fill-in journal full of playful prompts and messy-style art that encourages kids to draw, experiment and express themselves without fear of perfection—good for hands-on creativity and quiet time.
From: 3 clever new puzzle and activity books for kids, to keep hands busy and minds sharp
5 Little Monkeys Organic Kids Mattress
An organic mattress-in-a-box designed specifically for children—breathable, non-toxic, and sized for kid beds, making it a thoughtful sleep-focused gift for parents and kids.
From: The organic kids' mattress-in-a-box that can actually help them sleep better
Back-to-School Kids' Glasses — assorted branded frames
Affordable kids' eyeglass frames from brands like Converse and DKNY with polycarbonate, scratch- and impact-resistant lenses—good for gifting a durable first pair.
From: 5 things parents need to know before buying your kids glasses
Kids' Swimsuits (Primary & comfy trunks, sizes 2–12)
Basic kids' swimsuits and swim trunks in multiple colors and sizes — a practical, easy gift for active children.
From: The cutest kids swimsuits, now on sale if you hurry!
Apollo 11 Spacesuit Large Backpack
Large backpack styled after the Apollo 11 spacesuit, with optional personalization—practical and thematic for school or travel.
From: The new Smithsonian x Crate & Kids collection is out of this...well, you know.
3 2 1 Liftoff Embroidered Pillow
Embroidered decorative pillow with a playful '3 2 1 liftoff' design—an easy, cozy accent for a space-themed room.
From: The new Smithsonian x Crate & Kids collection is out of this...well, you know.
Astronaut Helmet Pillow Sham
Novelty pillow sham shaped like an astronaut helmet to pair with space bedding or decorate a child's room.
From: The new Smithsonian x Crate & Kids collection is out of this...well, you know.
TOMS x Disney Archive Sketch Collection Shoes
TOMS shoes showcasing archival character sketches from female Disney artists — a thoughtful gift for anyone who appreciates art and Disney history.
From: The new TOMS x Disney shoe collection is what happens when you think beyond glass slippers.
Coding with Kids — Weekly Online Tech Camps (Ages 5–18)
Live, instructor-led weekly online coding camps that teach kids programming and game design — a practical, engaging gift for young learners.
From: Scrambling for summer activities? These fun, affordable online coding camps for kids just got even more affordable.
FUNBOY Glitter Pink Unicorn Float
A glitter-accented pink unicorn inflatable float that adds a playful, fanciful touch to pool parties.
From: The coolest pool floats, from yachts and butterflies, to rainbow clouds for two (for all that safe social un-distancing we'll be doing!)
Outschool Live Online Classes (Giftable Class Credits)
Live, small-group online classes across subjects (Minecraft, LEGO, languages, theater, STEM, art) that make a thoughtful experiential gift for kids who want to learn and connect with peers.
From: How to encourage your kids' interests and passions: 5 expert tips
Schwinn High-Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike
Versatile youth/adult mountain bike available in multiple sizes and colors — a durable outdoor gift for kids and teens who love riding.
From: 11 of the best Prime Day 2021 Deals from brands we trust. No "ACKHYDRO" or "PROFORL7" or whatever.
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V2 (kids' running shoes)
Comfortable, supportive kids' running shoes available in many sizes and colors — practical gift for active children.
From: 11 of the best Prime Day 2021 Deals from brands we trust. No "ACKHYDRO" or "PROFORL7" or whatever.