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.
Zita the Spacegirl (series)
A sci-fi adventure series about a brave girl rescuing her friend across strange worlds — a lively, imaginative gift for young readers.
From: 10 graphic novels loaded with girl power. Let's hear it for more Roar!
The Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo (series)
A middle-grade graphic novel series about a kid who teams up with a monster protector, blending mystery and friendship — good for curious readers.
From: 10 graphic novels loaded with girl power. Let's hear it for more Roar!
Matthew Langille Rainbow Stripe POP Collaboration (kids)
Colorful designer kids' sneakers with rainbow stripe detail — a standout, giftable pair for special occasions or trend-forward kids.
From: Why POP light-up sneakers for kids are the hottest thing in kids' shoes right now.
Not No. 2…. Always No. 1 Pencil
A novelty pencil stamped with “Not No. 2…. Always No. 1” — a cheerful, confidence-boosting addition to a pencil box or desk and an easy small gift.
From: Get the write stuff with cool pencils for a back to school ego boost
True Colors — Picture Book (based on the song)
A beautifully illustrated picture book adapting the lyrics of 'True Colors' into a celebration of diversity and individuality — a thoughtful gift for young children and families.
From: True Colors is a gorgeous picture book inspired by the song, and we're crying from page 1.
CHNGE Charity T‑shirt
Organic streetwear tee where 50% of profits go to charities — a stylish gift that also donates to causes like Malala Fund and Charity:Water.
From: CHNGE is more than hip organic streetwear, it could change business practice as we know it.
The Trendy Tot Kids' Rainbow Leggings with Cloud Knee Patches
Practical and playful rainbow leggings with reinforced cloud knee patches to reduce wear — great for active kids.
From: Cool kids' rainbow clothing and accessories for summer: Always in style
Vans Rainbow Check Kids' Sneakers (Journey's)
Eye-catching rainbow checked Vans sneakers that make a bold, playful shoe gift for kids.
From: Cool kids' rainbow clothing and accessories for summer: Always in style
Wild Things Dresses Rainbow Spectrum Print Dress (kids)
Bold handmade rainbow dress with a storybook illustration look — a bright, fun gift for a child who loves colorful clothing.
From: Cool kids' rainbow clothing and accessories for summer: Always in style
Hearthsong Indoor-Outdoor Cardboard Tree Fort
Lightweight, reusable cardboard play fort that encourages imaginative indoor or outdoor play and is easy to assemble and customize.
From: 5 incredible deals on hot toys at Zulily right now. The holidays are coming!
Kiwi Crate Subscription (kids' STEAM projects)
Monthly hands-on STEM and art projects for kids that encourage creativity and learning — great for birthdays or holiday gifts.
From: The Best Black Friday Deals 2019 online: From the big brands to the small businesses we love.
Relay (push-to-talk kids smartphone alternative)
A kid-friendly, GPS‑enabled push-to-talk device that offers geofencing, SOS alerts, and works over 4G LTE/Wi‑Fi — good for parents who want a simple, safe communication option for children.
From: Save big on this popular smartphone alternative for kids, now 50% off! | Sponsored Message
Dumpling Valentines in Mini Bamboo Steamers
Cute dumpling-themed valentines packaged in mini bamboo steamers — a playful, punny gift that's perfect for kids or a lighthearted token for a sweetheart.
From: These no-carb dumplings on Etsy are perfect for your Valentine.
DIY Holiday Ornament Kit (sparkle unicorn, Sharpie mugs etc.)
Craft kits or materials for homemade ornaments and small DIY gifts — fun for kids and great for personal, budget-friendly presents.
From: The ultimate list of amazing last-minute holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list!
Yosemite Toy Van by Candylab
A wooden toy van inspired by Yosemite—an attractive, design-forward gift for kids or adults who enjoy nostalgic, collectible toys.
From: Political gifts for women who need to laugh, need to recharge, need to keep going | Holiday Gifts 2020
WheelBrightz Spoke Lights for Bikes
Colorful LED spoke lights that attach to bike wheels to increase visibility and add a fun, glowing effect while riding.
From: 6 comprehensive bike safety tips for kids, from a serious biking family who knows
Motion-Activated Bike Bell
Automatic bell that alerts pedestrians and other riders when a bike approaches—convenient safety gadget and a considerate gift for cautious riders.
From: 6 comprehensive bike safety tips for kids, from a serious biking family who knows
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card (book)
Classic sci‑fi novel about a brilliant child military strategist—great for kids who enjoy competitive multiplayer or tactical games.
From: Try these must-read books for kids who like video games. Because all genres are good genres!
Warcross by Marie Lu (book)
Thrilling YA novel about a global virtual reality game and a teenage hacker—perfect for readers who love immersive online games and esports themes.
From: Try these must-read books for kids who like video games. Because all genres are good genres!
The Nyxia Triad by Scott Reintgen (book)
Fast‑paced YA sci‑fi about a recruit vying for a fortune on a mysterious planet—appeals to fans of space exploration and strategy games.
From: Try these must-read books for kids who like video games. Because all genres are good genres!
Our World Out of Balance: Understanding Climate Change and What We Can Do
A clear, informative book for kids that breaks down climate science and offers practical actions families can take, ideal for young readers who want to help.
From: 3 new books for kids about climate change that inform, uplift, and help us move forward
Plasticus Maritimus: An Invasive Species
A beautifully illustrated picture book that personifies plastic pollution to teach kids about ocean conservation and inspire eco-friendly choices—great for curious young readers.
From: 3 new books for kids about climate change that inform, uplift, and help us move forward
Palm Trees at the North Pole: The Hot Truth about Climate Change
An engaging children’s book that explains climate change impacts with accessible text and visuals, making it a thoughtful gift to spark conversations about the planet.
From: 3 new books for kids about climate change that inform, uplift, and help us move forward
Children's Tylenol Two-Pack (Liquid & Chewable)
Combination pack with liquid and chewable options for children's pain and fever relief — handy to have on hand for parents.
From: Where to find at-home rapid Covid tests, kid-sized KN95s, and other essentials you may need