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.
Kids' Team Back-to-School Gear (backpacks, lunchboxes)
Back-to-school backpacks and lunchboxes featuring kids' favorite team logos — practical, recognizable gifts for school-age children.
From: Smells like team spirit: 8 super fun ways kids can support their favorite team
Team-Color Nail Decals for Kids
Sheet of kid-friendly nail decals in team colors that easily apply over polish for quick team-themed manicures.
From: Smells like team spirit: 8 super fun ways kids can support their favorite team
Vintage Sports Team Patches (Etsy/thrift)
Collectible embroidered team patches perfect for sewing or ironing onto jackets, backpacks, or hats as a personalized gift.
From: Smells like team spirit: 8 super fun ways kids can support their favorite team
Superhero Sewing: Playful, Easy, Sew and No-Sew Designs for Powering Kids’ Big Adventures
A beginner-friendly sewing book with tutorials for making superhero capes and accessories—great for crafty parents, grandparents, or teens who want homemade gifts.
From: How to DIY some of the most popular superhero capes on Etsy
Official Orange Junior Astronaut Suit (The Space Store)
Child-sized orange astronaut jumpsuit styled like real flight suits — great for aspiring space fans who want an authentic, wearable look.
From: Beyond Wonder Woman: 14 empowering girl Halloween costumes inspired by real life heroes
Amelia Earhart Aviator Costume (baby bomber jacket, goggles, scarf)
Mini aviator outfit with bomber jacket, goggles, and scarf to recreate Amelia Earhart’s iconic pilot look for dress-up or Halloween.
From: Beyond Wonder Woman: 14 empowering girl Halloween costumes inspired by real life heroes
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Costume (Etsy by Bored Inc.)
A themed justice robe costume kit inspired by Ruth Bader Ginsburg — includes robe and fun fact card to help teach kids about the trailblazing jurist.
From: Beyond Wonder Woman: 14 empowering girl Halloween costumes inspired by real life heroes
Rockford Peaches Baseball Costume (Etsy, Silver Threads by Ronda)
Vintage-style baseball uniform inspired by Dottie from A League of Their Own, offered as a ready-to-wear costume for kids.
From: Beyond Wonder Woman: 14 empowering girl Halloween costumes inspired by real life heroes
Fair Trade Jewelry & Home Goods (To the Market)
A kid-friendly talking device that lets children send and receive voice messages — a fun, screen-free gift.
From: Small Business Saturday deals that make your heart grow three sizes today.
Marley Dias Gets It Done! And So Can You (Marley Dias)
A motivational memoir-style book from the founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks that inspires kids to start projects and become community leaders.
From: Help kids be the change they want to see in the world with these 7 terrific children's books about activism
Be the Change: The Future Is in Your Hands (Eunice & Sabrina Moyle)
An encouraging, action-oriented book that helps children explore ways to make a difference while promoting diversity and respectful dialogue.
From: Help kids be the change they want to see in the world with these 7 terrific children's books about activism
It's Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired, and Get Going! (Chelsea Clinton)
A kid-friendly guide that teaches tweens how to use data and informed decision-making to take meaningful action—great for budding activists.
From: Help kids be the change they want to see in the world with these 7 terrific children's books about activism
Everyone Can Be a Changemaker: The Ashoka Effect (Christine Welldon)
A collection of real-world changemaker stories designed to show kids how innovation and persistence create social impact.
From: Help kids be the change they want to see in the world with these 7 terrific children's books about activism
Yellowberry Tween Bras (e.g., Ladybug, Aspen)
A popular first-bra option for tweens that offers light coverage and comfortable support—great for camp and everyday wear.
From: My go-to shops for the best camp basics for kids. (Hurry: Big sales now!)
Hanna Andersson Boys' Swim Trunks
Well-made, durable swimwear for kids that holds up to heavy use and can be passed down, ideal for swim-focused camp days.
From: My go-to shops for the best camp basics for kids. (Hurry: Big sales now!)
Zappos Kids' Shoe Shopping (including water shoes)
A wide selection of kids' shoes with fast shipping and generous exchange policies—handy for last-minute camp footwear needs.
From: My go-to shops for the best camp basics for kids. (Hurry: Big sales now!)
Hanna Andersson Girls' Athletic Swimsuits
Durable, well-made one-piece swimsuits designed to stay put during active play—ideal for swim lessons and camp.
From: My go-to shops for the best camp basics for kids. (Hurry: Big sales now!)
Primary Kids Camp Basics & UPF 50+ Swimwear
Soft, durable cotton basics from Primary make easy, wearable camp outfits that mix and match for fuss-free packing.
From: My go-to shops for the best camp basics for kids. (Hurry: Big sales now!)
Plastic Shower Caddy Organizer
A portable shower caddy with compartments for markers, crayons, and craft supplies—convenient to move between homework and craft areas.
From: 11 favorite school supply organization hacks and tips | Back to School Guide 2019
Funboy Barbie Movie Speed Boat Pool Float
Large novelty speed-boat pool float inspired by the Barbie movie — great for imaginative play or relaxing in the pool.
From: Beat the heat with 10 of the coolest backyard water toys, inflatable pools, and sprinklers.
Mega Morphibian Remote Control Splash Car
Remote-control vehicles designed to operate on land and water — a high-energy gift for older kids who enjoy obstacle courses and outdoor play.
From: Beat the heat with 10 of the coolest backyard water toys, inflatable pools, and sprinklers.
Wet & Wild Light Show Backyard Sprinkler
A compact backyard sprinkler with rotating jets and light effects that provides quick, easy, and entertaining water play for young children.
From: Beat the heat with 10 of the coolest backyard water toys, inflatable pools, and sprinklers.
Funboy Malibu Barbie Dream Inflatable Kiddie Pool
Colorful inflatable kiddie pool with Barbie-themed graphics — a fun, low-effort splash option for young kids and nostalgic adults.
From: Beat the heat with 10 of the coolest backyard water toys, inflatable pools, and sprinklers.
Waterslide Baseball Diamond Inflatable Water Slide
Combination water-slide and inflatable playfield shaped like a baseball diamond — a sporty splash activity for younger kids.
From: Beat the heat with 10 of the coolest backyard water toys, inflatable pools, and sprinklers.