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.
Dream Variations (poem, children's edition)
A child-friendly edition or inclusion of Langston Hughes’ poem 'Dream Variations' that can spark conversations about history and equality—good for classroom or home gifting.
From: Teaching kids about racial justice with the best teacher ever: Langston Hughes.
JessieDrawz Digital Prints (Storenvy shop)
Digital art prints from JessieDrawz — downloadable gifts that can be printed and framed when the shop reopens.
From: #DrawingWhileBlack: Prints from 5 amazing Black children's book illustrators and artists you will fall in love with.
Walnut Shell Mini Boats Kit (DIY leaf sail craft idea)
A charming mini craft concept—walnut shell boats with leaf sails make a whimsical hands-on gift or activity kit for kids and nature-loving families.
From: 8 of the most adorable kids' crafts using fall leaves. After they rake them. Hopefully.
Leaf Window Decorations (simple 3-material craft)
A homespun window-decor craft that makes a cozy, low-cost gift or activity for kids to brighten a room with fall colors.
From: 8 of the most adorable kids' crafts using fall leaves. After they rake them. Hopefully.
DIY Fall Leaf Pumpkins (no-carve pumpkin decorating)
A no-carve pumpkin decorating idea using autumn leaves—an easy, family-friendly gift experience for seasonal decorating.
From: 8 of the most adorable kids' crafts using fall leaves. After they rake them. Hopefully.
Cork Turkey Leaf Craft (place-setting craft idea)
A festive Thanksgiving-themed craft using corks and leaves that works well as a kid-friendly gift or hands-on activity for holiday tables.
From: 8 of the most adorable kids' crafts using fall leaves. After they rake them. Hopefully.
DIY Leaf Mask (wearable leaf craft)
A simple wearable-craft idea that becomes a playful dress-up gift for preschoolers and imaginative play fans.
From: 8 of the most adorable kids' crafts using fall leaves. After they rake them. Hopefully.
All’s Faire in Middle School (graphic novel)
A middle-grade graphic novel about navigating peer pressure, acceptance, and family life—a relatable and accessible gift for tweens.
From: Help your kids navigate the hell of middle school with the new graphic novel from the author of Roller Girl.
Kiwi Crate Monthly Subscription (Kids STEAM Activity Kits)
A monthly subscription delivering age-appropriate, hands-on STEAM and craft projects with materials included—great for encouraging creativity and screen-free play.
From: Kiwi Crate: Surprise! Supplies!!!
The Sneaky Chef to the Rescue (book) by Missy Chase Lapine
A cookbook offering kid-friendly recipes and strategies for getting picky eaters to enjoy healthier meals—good for parents of young children.
From: Sneaky Chef to the Rescue: Cooking for kids with the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" method
milky rainbow connection
But I was recently introduced to Make and Takes. This beautiful kid-friendly craft site has got simple, non-lame crafts and activities, like prettying up your straws, or experimenting with color in a milky rainbow connection, both of which I would actually do. The site’s creator
From: A website for crafts and activities of the non-lame variety
I'm the Chef Too Kids Cooking Kit Subscription
Monthly cooking kits that teach kids to cook with guided activities — an educational and hands-on gift for children.
From: 2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Last-Minute Gifts for Everyone On Your List
Children's Place Kids' Clothing (school-friendly pieces)
Comfortable, school-ready tees (including adaptive styles and licensed graphics) that make dressing easier and keep kids happy—good as a practical, kid-friendly gift.
From: Back to school tips for moms: a smart reset guide
ASL Valentine’s Cards DIY Tutorial (Parents Online)
A DIY tutorial for making American Sign Language-themed Valentine’s cards—unique and meaningful for kids to give classmates.
From: We love these printable bilingual Valentine's cards in Spanish, French, Chinese, Swahili and more.
Easy DIY Balloon Arch Tutorial (Birds Party)
A simple, kid-friendly balloon arch tutorial perfect for children’s birthdays or seasonal color-themed parties.
From: 3 different ways to make DIY balloon arches for your next party. Make your entrance!
Pretty Twisted Felted Bag and Tablet Case Craft Kit
A needle-felting craft kit that teaches kids to make a felted bag and tablet case—good for creative hands-on gifts they can personalize.
From: These edgy-cool craft kits let kids make their own handmade gifts
Thermal Aid Teddy Bear
A plush teddy that holds heat or cold packs to soothe minor aches and comfort children or adults—cute and practical for recovery or bedtime.
From: Boo-boo packs just got about a zillion percent more cuddly
Kara Meloy plaid winter hat — kids' tweed-style beanie
Plaid and tweed-inspired winter hat from Kara Meloy's collection offering a classic, 1950s-catalog look for children — a timeless, cozy gift option.
From: Winter hats on!
This Is Not My Hat (Caldecott Winner) - Picture Book
A Caldecott-winning picture book with dry humor and striking illustrations—small, sturdy, and great for sharing with young children as a gift.
From: The best books for kids 2013: A round-up of the best 2013 round-ups of the best books for kids.
Laurie Berkner Patreon Fan Club Membership
A paid membership giving kids virtual backstage access to exclusive content, early releases, and interactive experiences with the Laurie Berkner Band—great for young fans who enjoy sing-alongs and behind-the-scenes fun.
From: Give your kids behind-the-scenes access with Laurie Berkner's Fan Club
Rainbow Letter Crayon Kit
A colorful DIY crayon kit that lets kids create letter-shaped rainbow crayons — a creative, hands-on gift for young artists.
From: 4 colorful DIY crafts from Joy Cho to inspire curiosity in your kids
Smushed Paint Art Kit
A smushed-paint art kit for creating vibrant, textured prints — an engaging gift to inspire sensory exploration and creativity.
From: 4 colorful DIY crafts from Joy Cho to inspire curiosity in your kids
Gem Sidewalk Chalk Set
A gem-shaped sidewalk chalk kit for making sparkly, colorful chalk pieces — great for outdoor play and creative sidewalk art.
From: 4 colorful DIY crafts from Joy Cho to inspire curiosity in your kids
MiniExplorers Color-In Reindeer Advent Calendar (printable)
A downloadable, printable color-in advent calendar that can be reused as a framed activity or printed for multiple children.
From: 12 of the coolest Advent calendars this year, to make the countdown even more fun