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.
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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.
Shatter‑Proof Plastic Beaker & Cylinder Science Set
An affordable set of unbreakable plastic beakers and graduated cylinders ideal for safe kids' science experiments and creative candy science projects.
From: What to do with leftover Halloween candy: 11 creative ideas besides you know, just eating it.
Kids Paintbrush Set
A basic set of child-friendly paintbrushes that pairs well with candy-based DIY paint projects and makes a practical, creative gift.
From: What to do with leftover Halloween candy: 11 creative ideas besides you know, just eating it.
Short Companion Films — Children Interview Holocaust Survivors
Short filmed interviews conducted by children that help make survivor stories accessible and engaging for younger viewers.
From: Outstanding videos and resources to teach our kids about the Holocaust on Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Kid-O Portable Bunk Bed (Cam-O-Cot)
Compact, portable bunk bed system that provides two sleep surfaces for older children while saving space in a hotel room.
From: 7 smart tips for staying in a hotel with toddlers. (Real tips, not those ridiculous TikTok hacks)
Banana Boat Kids Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Convenient mineral spray SPF 50 for quick application on active kids—useful gift for parents seeking easy reapplication.
From: The best sunscreens you can find at Walmart, according to the EWG
Babyganics Kids All-Mineral Continuous Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Mineral-only continuous spray SPF 50 formulated without oxybenzone or parabens—sensible gift for parents seeking simpler ingredients.
From: The best sunscreens you can find at Walmart, according to the EWG
Bug Bite Relief Patches
Convenient cooling patches to soothe and relieve itchy bug bites during outdoor trips.
From: 13 things to make your summer travel with kids easier
Kids' Headphones with Volume Limit
Child-sized headphones with a volume limiter to keep noise down and protect young ears on flights.
From: 13 things to make your summer travel with kids easier
Luna StoryTime Projector
A portable storytime projector that displays soothing images and stories to help kids wind down in hotels or cars.
From: 13 things to make your summer travel with kids easier
HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer
A pocket-sized photo printer that lets families print and share snapshots instantly during trips.
From: 13 things to make your summer travel with kids easier
Snackle Box Snack Subscription
A curated snack box subscription delivering kid-friendly, travel-ready snacks to keep children happy on the go.
From: 13 things to make your summer travel with kids easier
Handmade Squirrel Pull Toy by Kate Steurenagle
Handmade paper mâché and wood squirrel pull toy with non-toxic paint—decorative and playful for a nursery or child's room.
From: Squirrely
Owl Lavender Sachet
A small decorative lavender-filled owl sachet to freshen drawers or closets — cute and giftable for nursery or home.
From: What a Hoot
This Is Me Journal
A guided keepsake journal that lets kids draw, write, and record memories—great for preserving a child’s own stories and artwork.
From: A Kids' Keepsake Kids Keep Themselves
Spot It!
A quick visual matching card game that tests observation and speed — portable and great for short, energetic rounds.
From: Clear the table for 10 of the best board games for older kids. (Hooray for outgrowing Candy Land!)
Appaman Royale Down Coat (Kids)
A jewel-toned down coat for kids — a warm, stylish holiday gift for a child.
From: The ultimate Black Friday Deal roundup: 150+ amazing deals from favorite shops, big and small
Metal Mind Teaser Puzzle Set
Small metal brain-teaser puzzles that provide ongoing challenge and make durable party favors.
From: Over 25 ideas to throw an exciting Escape Room party at home. Let the adventures begin!
Sherlock Holmes Pencil Set (Set of 6)
Themed pencil set ideal as individual favors or a shared gift for escape-room party guests.
From: Over 25 ideas to throw an exciting Escape Room party at home. Let the adventures begin!
Invisible Ink Markers with UV Black Light (Pack)
Invisible-ink marker set with UV light for creating secret messages—great for escape-room activities and favors.
From: Over 25 ideas to throw an exciting Escape Room party at home. Let the adventures begin!
Primary Kids Cotton Basics (tees & shorts)
Affordable, durable basics — cotton shorts, solid tees, and UPF 50 swimsuits — that simplify packing and meet many camp requirements.
From: These sleepaway camp packing tips keep things stress-free. (If not tear-free.)
Squishmallows Chipmunk Plush
Soft, comforting plush toy that can provide a familiar cuddle object for kids sleeping away from home.
From: These sleepaway camp packing tips keep things stress-free. (If not tear-free.)
Bumkins Wet Bags
Waterproof wet bags to separate damp swimsuits and towels from dry clothes for the trip home.
From: These sleepaway camp packing tips keep things stress-free. (If not tear-free.)
Decorative Camp Trunk Accessories (Container Store)
Decorative organizers and trunk accessories to personalize a camp trunk and keep items tidy and labeled.
From: These sleepaway camp packing tips keep things stress-free. (If not tear-free.)
Teva Kids Sandals
Sturdy multipurpose sandals that double as water shoes with traction for rocks and trails — great for active kids at camp.
From: These sleepaway camp packing tips keep things stress-free. (If not tear-free.)