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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Gift guideThe coolest birthday gifts for tweens ages 9-12
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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.
WOOM Bikes – Kids Bicycles
High-quality, lightweight bikes designed for children — excellent experience-based gifts that encourage outdoor activity.
From: The very best Black Friday deals of 2025, all in one place
Libro.fm Kids Club (kids audiobooks membership)
A kids-focused audiobook membership offering premium audiobooks for a low monthly price—great for young listeners who enjoy stories on the go.
From: Kids savings programs from popular brands…that are actually worth your time
Durable Reusable Lunch and Drink Container Set
Long-lasting lunchbox and drinkware designed to replace single-use plastics—great for school days and outings.
From: Smart Earth Day ideas for families - and the sustainable brands making it easier
Kids Monthly Cooking Club Subscription (Raddish-style)
Monthly cooking kit with reusable tools and guided recipes to build skills and reduce food waste—experiential and educational.
From: Smart Earth Day ideas for families - and the sustainable brands making it easier
Earth Rangers Kids Activity App (Premium/Support)
App that turns real-world environmental missions into earnable badges—engaging and educational for kids.
From: Smart Earth Day ideas for families - and the sustainable brands making it easier
Camp Tuku Overnight Summer Camp (Huguenot, NY)
A traditional overnight summer camp offering cabins, activities, and community — a meaningful gift for kids who’d benefit from outdoor experiences and social growth.
From: 5 ways summer camp can help your kids grow emotionally: From a mom who's seen it first-hand.
Modern Pomegranate Tzedakah Box by Emily Rosenfeld
A decorative handmade tzedakah box (pomegranate/tree of life design) that encourages charitable giving and supports ACLU-related proceeds.
From: 20 special gifts that give back to great causes. | Holiday Gift Guide + Giving Tuesday
holiday gift guides on Cool Mom Tech
Monthly or yearly subscription granting kids access to a large library of ebooks and audiobooks—good for young readers and families.
From: Presenting our 100% entirely Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 2020: See our top 10 gifts for everyone on your list
Regatta Backyard Swing (hammock-style)
A hammock-like nest swing that sparks imaginative play and doubles as a cozy spot for reading or lounging outdoors.
From: 6 of the coolest backyard swings to turn your yard into a playground
Swurfer Standing Surf-Style Swing
A standing-style backyard swing that lets adventurous kids surf back and forth for bigger momentum and an active play experience.
From: 6 of the coolest backyard swings to turn your yard into a playground
Recycled Tire Unicorn Swing
A whimsical swing made from recycled tires, available in multiple colors and ideal for unicorn-loving kids who enjoy durable, eco-friendly toys.
From: 6 of the coolest backyard swings to turn your yard into a playground
Tarzan Tire Spider Web Swing
A group-friendly tire-style swing with a center hole so kids can face each other and swing together, great for cooperative play.
From: 6 of the coolest backyard swings to turn your yard into a playground
Saucer Swing (Circular Tree Swing)
A saucer-style swing that gives the tire-swing feel without the central hole, comfortable for multiple sitting positions and easy to get on and off.
From: 6 of the coolest backyard swings to turn your yard into a playground
Plaine Products Refillable Hand Wash
A gentle, plant-based hand wash in returnable/refillable aluminum bottles — a practical, eco-friendly gift for families with kids.
From: How to teach your kids how to wash their hands. Yes, there is a right and wrong way.
KaBlackout Printable Retro Rocket Templates (3-Pack)
A set of three printable retro rocket templates (easy to advanced) that lets kids and families build multiple papercraft rockets.
From: This amazing DIY rocket craft is perfect for kids now obsessed with the moon landing.
Rainbow Bath Bomb (Color-Change, Fizzy Tub Bomb)
Fun, colorful bath bomb that releases rainbow hues and fizz — a playful, kid-friendly gift for bath time and sensory play.
From: This bath bomb shoots rainbows into your tub and OMG
Vans x NASA Limited-Edition Sneakers
Classic Vans sneakers featuring Mickey Mouse graphics — a playful, wearable gift for kids who love Disney and casual style.
From: The awesome Vans collaborations| Editors Top 10 of the Year
Nerf Toy Blaster
A large, high-impact Nerf blaster — an exciting gift for kids who enjoy active, imaginative play.
From: Some of our favorite Secret Santa gift ideas for the whole family
Courtney Courtney Handmade Girls' Holiday Dress or Swing Skirt
One-of-a-kind, handmade holiday dresses and swing skirts—comfortable, unique pieces that can become a child's favorite beyond the season.
From: These funky handmade holiday dresses are perfect for girls who say no to frills and flounce
Fortnite Rainbow Smash Pickaxe (toy replica)
A large 39-inch role-play pickaxe with spinning wheels and glitter details inspired by Fortnite, suitable as a showpiece or costume prop.
From: Black Friday shopping: 6 holiday toys to have on your radar this weekend | Sponsored Message
Circuit Blox 395 by E-Blox
A snap-together electronic building set that teaches basic circuitry and STEM concepts through play—suitable for kids who like hands-on learning.
From: Black Friday shopping: 6 holiday toys to have on your radar this weekend | Sponsored Message
Harry Potter Training Wand
A themed toy wand for Harry Potter fans, designed for role-play and practicing spell movements—great for imaginative play and fans of the series.
From: Black Friday shopping: 6 holiday toys to have on your radar this weekend | Sponsored Message
My Peppa Pig Play Pals by Klutz Jr.
A creative Peppa Pig–themed craft kit that helps young artists make and decorate character play pals—good for imaginative, hands-on play.
From: Black Friday shopping: 6 holiday toys to have on your radar this weekend | Sponsored Message
The Chronicles of Claudette: Giants Beware! / Dragons Beware!
Humorous fairy-tale graphic novels featuring a bold girl heroine navigating dragons and giants — a playful gift for young fantasy fans.
From: 10 graphic novels loaded with girl power. Let's hear it for more Roar!