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.
Inflatable Shark Arch Sprinkler
Arched inflatable shark sprinkler for running through, riding bikes under, or adding over slides — playful way to cool off the yard.
From: Beat the heat with 10 of the coolest backyard water toys, inflatable pools, and sprinklers.
Boden Fisherman-Style Jelly Shoes with Strawberry Detail
Fisherman-style jelly shoes featuring a playful strawberry motif — a cute seasonal option for kids.
From: Jellies shoes are back! Here are 7 favorite styles for kids, teens, and those of us who may actually remember the 80s
Melissa Fisherman Sandal Jelly Shoe for Kids (Nordstrom)
Durable fisherman-style jelly sandals in clear, pearly blue, or black — versatile and easy to clean for everyday wear.
From: Jellies shoes are back! Here are 7 favorite styles for kids, teens, and those of us who may actually remember the 80s
Mix No. 6 Rainbow Jelly Sandals for Kids (DSW)
Bright rainbow jelly sandals at an accessible price — a colorful, easy-to-wear summer option for kids.
From: Jellies shoes are back! Here are 7 favorite styles for kids, teens, and those of us who may actually remember the 80s
Melissa Pink Sparkle Butterfly Ballet Flat Jelly Shoes (Nordstrom)
Sparkly pink ballet-flat jelly shoes with butterfly accents — a fun, dressy jelly that's easy to wear for kids and teens.
From: Jellies shoes are back! Here are 7 favorite styles for kids, teens, and those of us who may actually remember the 80s
Old Navy Glitter Fisherman Jelly Sandals (silver or bubblegum pink)
Glitter fisherman-style jelly sandals in silver or bubblegum pink — kid-friendly, washable, and mess-free glitter.
From: Jellies shoes are back! Here are 7 favorite styles for kids, teens, and those of us who may actually remember the 80s
Save-Spend-Share Bank (3-compartment money bank)
A three-compartment bank that encourages kids to divide money into saving, spending, and sharing — a hands-on tool for teaching decision-making about money.
From: An age-by-age guide to teaching kids about money: Things we can do as parents.
Play Money Printable for Kids (instant download)
Printable play money set (digital download) for role-play and hands-on practice with counting, making change, and basic money concepts.
From: An age-by-age guide to teaching kids about money: Things we can do as parents.
I Am Money (children's book)
A brightly illustrated picture book teaching financial literacy to 4–8 year olds — a thoughtful gift for young children starting money lessons.
From: An age-by-age guide to teaching kids about money: Things we can do as parents.
Kids’ Character Ride-On Suitcase
Fun ride-on suitcase for kids that doubles as luggage and a toy — great for family travel gifts.
From: 30 fantastic Amazon deals to get you summer ready! Beauty, kids, beach, travel and more
PremiumPrep.com
Check out answers to other college admissions questions Alyse has answered: A grade-by-grade guide to college admissions: What should you be doing and when? How do you know if a college is a good fit? Should I apply Early Decision to a college? How do I know if a college will pro
From: Summer job or internship? Do colleges have a preference? | An Insider Guide to College Admissions
BundleUp App Credit / Seller Boost
BundleUp helps parents sell lots of outgrown kids' clothes quickly — a practical gift for families wanting to declutter and earn money.
From: How to make extra money each month: 24 legit ideas (and no MLMs)
Toniebox Audio Player Starter Set
Kid-friendly audio player with story and music figures—an engaging, screen-free gift for young children.
From: Find the Best Amazon Prime Day Deals! As in, None of the Crap. (Updating Through Wednesday Oct 8)
GoodPop Organic Frozen Pops (pack)
A box of organic, clean-ingredient frozen popsicles in kid-friendly flavors—an easy treat gift for families with children.
From: How parents are surviving the school year (so far)
Cratejoy Curated Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes for kids and adults—STEM kits, crafts, baking, and more—provides monthly surprise experiences delivered to the door.
From: How parents are surviving the school year (so far)
Crayola Virtual Design Pro: Car Collection
A creative toy that lets kids draw and design cars which are brought to life in a 3-D app for virtual racing and play.
From: The best kids' toys, dolls, and games: Editors' Best of 2014
Etsy Handmade Unicorn Headband
A whimsical handmade unicorn headband ideal for dress-up, parties, or imaginative play.
From: The best Cyber Monday 2017 deals from around the web to help you shop big or shop small.
DIY Oscars party cups
A DIY party cup decorating kit (stickers, markers, gold accents) is a practical, festive gift for hosts wanting stylish, kid-safe drinkware.
From: 11 clever Oscar party ideas that deserve awards of their own
DIY Oscar piñata
A DIY Oscar statuette piñata kit is a playful gift for hosts with kids or anyone who wants a whimsical party centerpiece and activity.
From: 11 clever Oscar party ideas that deserve awards of their own
DIY printable Oscar party tattoo
A sheet of printable Oscar-themed award tattoos is a playful prize pack for party winners and a fun stocking-stuffer for movie-night hosts.
From: 11 clever Oscar party ideas that deserve awards of their own
sugar skull balloon craft
A sugar-skull balloon craft kit offers a colorful, easy-to-assemble decorating activity that works well as a unique party gift or craft night supply.
From: 11 clever Oscar party ideas that deserve awards of their own
Hollywood star DIY
A simple DIY Hollywood star craft kit makes a cute activity gift for kid-friendly parties or movie-themed crafting nights.
From: 11 clever Oscar party ideas that deserve awards of their own
Appaman Kids Clothing
Stylish, durable jackets for kids make a practical and appreciated gift for the colder months.
From: All the best 2018 Black Friday deals and discount codes online: From the big guys to the awesome indies
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera (Target)
A fun instant-print camera that's an easy, nostalgic gift for capturing memories.
From: All the best 2018 Black Friday deals and discount codes online: From the big guys to the awesome indies