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.
Parenting with Annie Pleshette Murphy
As moms ourselves, we really value our sanity – and fortunately, there are a slew of awesome products out there that help us do just that, several of which have been rounded up by our own Publisher and Editor in Chief Liz Gumbinner on the ABC News Now show, Parenting with Annie P
From: Cool Mom Picks and ABC - Saving your sanity, mamas!Yahoo Mail (email service)
A widely used free email service that can help parents organize messages, photos, and milestones—useful for compiling digital memories to share or archive.
From: How to turn your email box into a baby bookJimeale New York Diaper Bag
A sturdy, practical diaper bag with a non-flashy design favored by celebrities—useful and stylish for new parents.
From: Jimeale: Keeping The Things that Keep You Pretty, Pretty
Oakiwear Mermaid Rain Boots (toddler)
Mermaid-print boots that tap into the mermaid craze and make rainy days feel magical.
From: 12 crazy-cool patterned rain boots for toddlers, all under $30. Including the new Hunter for Target boots!
Eight Candles and a Tree (Simone Bloom Nathan)
A simply written book for very young kids about a child curious about a neighbor who celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas — great for toddlers and preschoolers.
From: 3 terrific books for children who celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah
I Love Earth: Touch and Feel Board Book
A tactile touch-and-feel board book that teaches toddlers simple eco-friendly actions like recycling and planting trees.
From: Spark a love for our planet with these 13 enchanting Earth Day books for kids
Handmade Creepy Monster Doll Pair
A pair of handmade monster dolls with a deliberately eerie look—quirky, offbeat gift for teens or friends who dislike traditional Valentines.
From: 10 anti-Valentine's gifts for people who hate Valentine's Day (you know who you are!)
Knix
Knix is another popular brand of leak-proof and period-proof underwear that includes the Knixteen (or KT by Knix) line made just for teens with lighter flows. They were a podcast sponsor several years ago, and you can find info about them on this helpful post about how to answer all your daughter's
From: Period underwear to menstrual cups: 4 tampon alternatives we've tried that can save you during the tampon shortage
Hello Kitty x Original Makeup Eraser Set
Limited-edition Hello Kitty patterned reusable makeup eraser set—cute and teen-friendly for a fun, practical gift.
From: The Original Makeup Erasers: Okay fine, I love them. Here's why.
San Diego Street Murals & Mosaic Photo Walk
A self-guided or guided mural tour that offers Instagram-ready photo spots to engage teens and spark creativity.
From: What to do in San Diego with Teens: Tips for a cool getaway
Voter Registration Guide (State-by-State Deadlines PDF)
A concise, printable guide outlining state-by-state voter registration deadlines and steps — helpful for teens preparing to vote.
From: When can your teen register to vote? Here are the rules, state by state.
Betsey Johnson Raglan Baby Doll Dress
A playful raglan baby-doll dress by Betsey Johnson at Torrid — flirty and comfortable for everyday or back-to-school looks.
From: Cool plus-size clothes for teens: 8 of our favorite destinations | Back to School Guide 2022
Chained Stud and Ear Cuff Heart Earrings
Chained heart stud paired with an ear cuff for an edgy, layered look — budget-friendly and great for pierced ears.
From: Cool Valentine's Day jewelry for women: 14 pieces that are edgy, funky, and anything but traditional.
Retro Rainbow Heart Necklace (Peggy Li)
Retro-inspired rainbow heart pendant that blends 70s nostalgia with a modern, playful aesthetic.
From: Cool Valentine's Day jewelry for women: 14 pieces that are edgy, funky, and anything but traditional.
Red Leather Heart Earrings (Amber Poitier)
Lightweight red leather heart earrings available in multiple sizes — playful and wearable beyond Valentine’s Day.
From: Cool Valentine's Day jewelry for women: 14 pieces that are edgy, funky, and anything but traditional.
Kipling Seoul 15" Laptop Backpack
Roomy, lightweight backpack (reader favorite) with space for tech and essentials — known for long-lasting construction and practical pockets.
From: 20 cool backpacks for teens this year | Back to School Guide
Mondrian #38 Backpack (Society6)
Artist-designed 17.5" backpack from Society6 with unique print — a creative gift for teens who appreciate indie art and expressive gear.
From: 20 cool backpacks for teens this year | Back to School Guide
Kane Double-Pocket Backpack (45% Recycled Materials) — State
Kane backpack made from a recycled poly-canvas blend with double pockets—an eco-conscious, practical choice for teens.
From: 20 cool backpacks for teens this year | Back to School Guide
Pink Kawaii Wings Mini Backpack
Small pink kawaii wings mini backpack — novelty accessory perfect for teens who want a cute bag for essentials or cosplay.
From: 20 cool backpacks for teens this year | Back to School Guide
Herschel Retreat Backpack
Compact, stylish backpack with a protective laptop sleeve and recycled fabrics — a smaller, eco-conscious option for teens.
From: 20 cool backpacks for teens this year | Back to School Guide
Fjällräven Kånken Classic Waterproof Backpack
The original Kånken in a waterproof build — simple, long-lasting, and available in many colors for a personalized teen look.
From: 20 cool backpacks for teens this year | Back to School Guide
Vans Old Skool H2O Checkerboard Backpack
Vans checkerboard H20 backpack — affordable, iconic skate-culture style that makes a fun, casual school bag for teens.
From: 20 cool backpacks for teens this year | Back to School Guide
Adaptive Backpack for Wheelchairs (Target)
Adaptive backpack designed to strap to wheelchairs — functional, inclusive gift for teens who need secure, accessible storage.
From: 20 cool backpacks for teens this year | Back to School Guide
“Kånken Me” Custom Color Fjällräven Kånken Backpack
Customizable Kånken that lets you choose colors for a unique, made-to-order backpack — great for a personalized gift (ships in 3–4 weeks).
From: 20 cool backpacks for teens this year | Back to School Guide