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.
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood: Episode 1530 — Mister Rogers Shows Us His Workplace (Episode Download/Stream)
An episode that takes kids behind the scenes of the show to learn about work, sets, and how productions are made—great for curious little learners.
From: Mister Rogers' Neighborhood turns 50 today! Here are 5 favorite episodes to share with your own kids.
Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr? (board book adaptation)
A chapter-book style biography from the Who Was? series that gives older children a clear, engaging account of MLK's life and legacy.
From: 7 fantastic books for kids about Martin Luther King Jr. to help educate our younger children
28 Days: Moments in Black History That Changed the World by Charles R. Smith Jr.
A colorful, accessible collection of short biographies and moments from Black history — including context for MLK — suitable for younger readers.
From: 7 fantastic books for kids about Martin Luther King Jr. to help educate our younger children
Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Kid’s Book About Advancing Civil Rights with Nonviolence
A child-friendly biography that explains MLK's nonviolent approach and role in the civil rights movement, ideal for elementary-age readers.
From: 7 fantastic books for kids about Martin Luther King Jr. to help educate our younger children
Vincent's Starry Night and Other Stories: A Children's History of Art by Michael Bird & Kate Evans
Engaging illustrated introduction to art history for kids — a creative gift for budding young artists and curious learners.
From: 18 best children’s books of 2016 | Editors’ Best of 2016
The Journey by Francesca Sanna
Powerful, beautifully illustrated picture book about refugees and resilience — a thoughtful gift to open important conversations with kids.
From: 18 best children’s books of 2016 | Editors’ Best of 2016
Vote-Ready Resources — Polling Place & ID Info
A consolidated resource with polling locations, voter ID rules, and election info—great as an informative gift to help someone be election-ready.
From: These links help you register to vote or confirm your registration in 3 minutes or less
Sticky History of the World (Usborne) - Sticker Activity Book
A hands-on educational sticker activity book that makes learning history fun for kids—great for road trips and family downtime.
From: The brand-new, must-have activity book for your family road trips
The Bell Rang by James E. Ransome (Picture Book)
A thoughtful picture book that explores the emotional realities of Black slavery and family separation, making it a meaningful gift for older children or classrooms.
From: The Bell Rang: An important children's book about the realities of Black slavery and family separation.
Google Arts & Culture Virtual Museum Tours (e.g., Louvre)
Free guided virtual tours of major museums and cultural sites — a thoughtful, educational gift for art and travel enthusiasts.
From: The coolest virtual experience gift ideas for kids and adults. They're fun, we promise!
Churchill War Rooms Admission Ticket
Entry ticket to the Churchill War Rooms, a fascinating WWII-era underground museum — a memorable educational gift for history-loving teens.
From: London with teens: 12 things to see and do with your older kids
minedition/Astra board books (assorted titles)
A curated set of sturdy, baby- and toddler-friendly board books designed for early reading, sensory engagement, and shared reading moments—great for gifting to families with young children.
From: The cutest board books for babies and toddlers, for the holidays and every day!
Whistle + Flute Kawaii Cloud Kids' Tee (also available as onesie, raglan, sweatshirt, and adult sizes)
A cheerful kawaii cloud t‑shirt for kids (also available as a baby onesie, raglan, sweatshirt, and adult sizes) — a cute, weather‑themed gift for little ones.
From: Rain rain go...oh okay. You can stay.
Lovevery Play Kits (Age-Designed)
Age‑based Montessori-inspired play kits for babies and toddlers—thoughtful for new moms and young children.
From: Last-minute Mother’s Day gifts that still feel thoughtful
Skip Hop – Baby Gear & Gifts
Popular brand for baby gear, backpacks, and developmental toys — ideal for gifting to parents of infants and toddlers.
From: The very best Black Friday deals of 2025, all in one place
putting the doll into a tiny high chair
When your child dresses a doll, tucks a doll into a carriage, sings the doll to sleep, or bathes the doll (even if the doll wasn’t made for the bath, whoops!) it’s all a demonstration of kindness. There’s something just so incredible about seeing a young child put on a bandage wh
From: 7 important reasons that children need baby dolls -- both girls AND boys
dolls for children at all ages and stages
So we are beyond thrilled to be teaming up with Corolle, the wonderful French company behind our own absolutely favorite baby dolls. They’re each designed to have the perfect look, size, feel and scent (mmm…that vanilla scent) for little ones to love, and we’re so grateful that C
From: 7 important reasons that children need baby dolls -- both girls AND boys
Manzanita Kids Wooden Stacking Toy
Handmade wooden stacking toys and blocks from an indie maker — timeless, durable toddler gifts that also work as nursery decor.
From: 14 of our favorite small shops and online children's boutiques to help you #shopsmall for the holidays.
Unicorn Donut Silicone Baby Teether
Soft, silicone unicorn-shaped donut teether that soothes babies' gums and makes a whimsical, giftable baby present.
From: The unicorn donut teether is the It Baby gift of the year
PipSquigz Combo Set (Fat Brain Toys)
Suction-play silicone toys that stick to surfaces for tactile play on the go — easy to clean and travel-friendly.
From: These 5 Baby Items for Travel are Must-Haves, According to This Infant Occupational Therapist
Veer Wagon Foldable Storage Feature
Feature description for Veer wagons highlighting easy folding and upright storage—practical for families needing compact transport and storage.
From: The absolute best wagon for families, from infant to big kid. And I've tried a lot of them.
Audrey McClellan
A starter set with a child-sized potty, step stool, and reward stickers to support early potty training milestones.
From: The best new parent advice from 9 of the smartest, most insightful parent bloggers we know
Sassy Brand Wonder Wheel
A tactile and visual activity toy that spins and entertains babies, suitable for travel and small spaces.
From: These 5 Baby Items for Travel are Must-Haves, According to This Infant Occupational Therapist
Naya Breast Pump
Stylish, design-forward breast pump that aimed to modernize pumping; nice as a stylish, high-end gift if available and supported.
From: The most amazing new breast pumps that say, welcome, 21st century moms!