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.
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
Braun Digital Ear Thermometer
Reliable digital ear thermometer known for accuracy and durability — a long-lasting home health tool.
From: Where to find at-home rapid Covid tests, kid-sized KN95s, and other essentials you may need
iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer
Non-contact forehead thermometer for quick, hygienic temperature checks — practical for households with kids.
From: Where to find at-home rapid Covid tests, kid-sized KN95s, and other essentials you may need
Olika Clip-On Refillable Hand Sanitizer
Portable, refillable clip-on sanitizer that attaches to backpacks and bags — convenient and kid-friendly.
From: Where to find at-home rapid Covid tests, kid-sized KN95s, and other essentials you may need
WeCare Kid-Sized Disposable Face Masks (Pack of 50)
Child-sized disposable masks in fun patterns—practical, affordable option for school, outings, or as a handy backup supply.
From: The one trick to make sure your child's face mask fits properly, to comply with the brand new CDC recommendations.
My Art Book — Board Book Trio (Phaidon)
A trio of small art-themed board books that are giftable for babies, toddlers, new parents, or anyone who enjoys compact art books.
From: 10 of my favorite holiday gifts from Oprah's favorite things list 2023: For men, women, kids and teens
Skout Organic Snack Bars (general plant‑based option)
Plant‑based snack bars from Skout Organic—a thoughtful gift for families wanting healthier, kid‑approved lunchbox options.
From: One Cool Thing: Skout Organic all-natural snack bars pass the picky kid test.
Skout Organic Peanut Butter Snack Bars (box)
All-natural, low-ingredient snack bars (10g protein) that make a thoughtful pantry gift for kids or health-conscious snackers.
From: One Cool Thing: Skout Organic all-natural snack bars pass the picky kid test.
Tax-deductible donation to St. Mary’s Kids
A charitable gift that supports medical care and programs for children with special needs at St. Mary’s — meaningful and tax-deductible.
From: At a time we need more feel-good stories, you should see what this hospital is doing for kids with special needs. | sponsored message
DIY Mosaic Flag Craft Kit (paper tile mosaic)
A kid-friendly magazine mosaic flag craft tutorial—great as a simple creative project or stocking-stuffer activity for young crafters.
From: 10 alternative ways to celebrate the 4th of July, if you're not feeling like waving a flag this year.
Big Universe leveled e-book library (student access)
Tuition-free access to thousands of leveled e-books across subjects and genres—great for encouraging independent summer reading.
From: 6 tuition-free classes that help your teens learn online this summer -- without you standing over their shoulders.
Personalized Map Travel Journal
A customizable travel journal featuring map-themed pages for kids to record trips, stash keepsakes, and personalize with their name—great for preserving memories.
From: The coolest travel journals for kids to help them remember every awesome moment
Target Adaptive Kids’ Clothing (zip-off sleeves & side openings)
Adaptive pieces from Target offering features like zip-off sleeves and side openings to make dressing easier—helpful and thoughtful for kids with dressing challenges.
From: Thank you Target, for your new line of cute new sensory-friendly clothing!
Cotton Bomber Jacket (kids)
Lightweight cotton bomber jacket suitable for variable fall weather — a practical everyday outer layer.
From: 6 kids' back-to-school essentials to get at the J.Crew Factory sale right this second
Contrast Pocket Long-Sleeve Tee (kids)
Soft long-sleeve tees with contrast pockets — versatile basics perfect for layering in cooler months.
From: 6 kids' back-to-school essentials to get at the J.Crew Factory sale right this second
Ruffle Hem Tee (kids)
A soft cotton tee with a ruffle hem that dresses up an everyday top without sacrificing comfort.
From: 6 kids' back-to-school essentials to get at the J.Crew Factory sale right this second
Three-Pack Kids' Socks
A three-pack of kids' socks (fun patterns) — practical and easy gift for everyday wear.
From: 6 kids' back-to-school essentials to get at the J.Crew Factory sale right this second
'Kid, You’ll Move Mountains' Printable Wall Art (Etsy)
Affordable instant-download inspirational print you can print and frame for a kid's workspace to add encouragement and personality.
From: How to create the perfect kids' workspace so it actually gets used.
Smart Head Impact Monitoring Cap for Kids
A wearable cap/helmet sensor that monitors impacts and alerts parents when a child experiences potentially dangerous hits—useful for safety-conscious families.
From: Should your kids be playing tackle football? 6 things that happened when this mom said no. | Thinking Parent
Star Wars Adventures (All-Ages Comic Book)
A kid-friendly Star Wars comic collecting short adventures that introduce and expand on characters like Rey—great for young readers or fans seeking a quick, accessible story.
From: A new all-ages Star Wars comic book gives you a quick fix before Last Jedi
Mermaid Vans Kids' Shoes
Playful mermaid-themed Vans for kids — a colorful, fun sneaker that makes a cozy, wearable gift for little ones who love ocean or fantasy motifs.
From: Mermaid Vans: Because fins don't work well in fall.