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Pro tip: if you’re an editor researching the best gifts for kids this year, do it when your kids get home from school. Imagine my daughter’s glee when she walked into my office to find tabs upon tabs of toys open on my desktop. She immediately pulled up a chair and declared herself temporary editor-in-chief—approving (and firmly vetoing) every option on this list. You could say she’s in the family business.
Here’s the thing: kids are the best gift givers. I firmly believe they should be part of the process from start to finish. I’ve been to birthday parties where parents skipped gift-opening to avoid jealousy, but in my experience, kids love watching their friends unwrap something special—shouting, “That one’s from me!” or “I have that too!” with pure joy.
So if you’re gifting to a kid this year (and have one of your own), take this as your sign to get them involved. Better to give, as they say.
Ahead, you’ll find our curated gift guide for kids, featuring the absolute best gifts for little ones of every age—from infants to tweens. Mom and daughter approved.
Gifts for Infants
You’ll be the hero when you introduce them to their new best friend. Bartholomew Bear is soft, sweet, and always ready for an adventure—or a nap. With his timeless charm and endlessly huggable fur, he’s the kind of teddy you keep close long after bedtime.
“When You Were Born” Personalized Book
For the newest little reader in your life. This sweet, custom story weaves the letters of their name into a magical tale filled with friendly animals and big dreams for their future. A keepsake they’ll treasure for years—and the perfect first book for their growing library.
Baby Bixbee and Hat and Mitten Set
For the tiniest trendsetter. This cozy trio includes UGG’s beloved Bixbee booties, matching mittens, and a faux-shearling trapper hat to keep little ones warm from head to toe. Soft, snuggly, and machine-washable, it’s equal parts adorable and practical—the ultimate gift for a baby’s first winter.
Baby’s First Christmas Gift Set
For the tiniest member of the holiday crew. This handmade keepsake set includes a Liberty-print Christmas bodysuit, a red velvet crown, and a matching stocking—all crafted in the English countryside by My Little Shop UK. Beautifully boxed and made to treasure year after year, it’s a gift that makes a baby’s first Christmas feel truly special.
For the newest little learner. Designed to support visual development from day one, this three-book set features high-contrast watercolor art that grows with your baby—from simple black-and-white shapes to colorful, sound-paired imagery. Created by artist and speech pathologist Tabitha Paige, the accordion-style pages unfold beautifully for tummy time, helping tiny minds (and eyes) light up with curiosity.
Gifts for Toddlers
For the kid who loves turning the living room into a world of their own. This charming cottage-style tent is the perfect hideaway for reading, daydreaming, or big adventures in make-believe. With its lightweight pine frame and easy setup, it’s equal parts cozy retreat and imagination station—ready for hours of play (and the occasional nap).
For the kid with an adventurous streak (and a great pirate voice). This beautifully crafted wooden ship features working sails, a firing cannon, a trapdoor deck, and plenty of details for high-seas storytelling. Scaled to fit Budkins and 10cm figures, it’s built for endless imaginative play—whether they’re sailing for treasure or making someone walk the plank.
FAO Schwarz Bluey Toy Vending Machine Throwback Play Market Stand
For the kid who loves surprises (and Bluey, of course). This mini vending machine dispenses 12 collectible capsules—each with a different Bluey character inside, including rare finds. Twist the knob, reveal the surprise, then reuse the capsules for trading or hiding treasures. It’s endless fun, one turn at a time.
Hape: Scoot Around Ride-On Wood Balance Bike
For the kid who’s always on the move. This bright green, four-wheeled wooden ride-on is the perfect first bike—helping toddlers build balance, strength, and confidence as they zip around the house or park. With rubberized wheels that protect floors and glide smoothly on any surface, it’s a classic favorite that turns everyday play into a mini adventure.
For the kid who’s always the first one in the water. These lightweight, ultra-absorbent towels are perfect for beach days, pool parties, and summer camp adventures. With extra length, reversible stripes, and the option to personalize with embroidery, they’re as fun as they are functional—because even drying off should feel like part of the adventure.
Gifts for Preschoolers
Meri Meri Magical Dress Up Collection
For the kid who lives half in a fairytale. This dreamy dress-up collection includes everything from shimmering mermaid tails to royal crowns and fluttery butterfly wings—perfect for playtime adventures, costume parties, or simply turning an ordinary afternoon into something magical.
“For the kid who’s always running a “salon” out of the living room. This all-in-one styling kit has everything they need to play hairdresser—from a working blow dryer to sparkly clips and rainbow elastics. It’s the ultimate setup for big imaginations, bold styles, and lots of giggles (appointments by request only).
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For the kid who builds worlds wherever they go. This travel-sized MAGNA-TILES set packs 55 mini magnetic tiles into a portable case—perfect for road trips, plane rides, or dinners out. With pieces 75% smaller than the original and fully compatible with all other sets, it’s endless creativity made compact. Because adventure shouldn’t mean leaving the fun behind.
For the kid who turns bath time into a full-on event. This playful French-made set includes a fizzy bath bomb, blue foaming salts, and pink crackling salts—each gentle enough for sensitive skin and enriched with soothing chamomile. Vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologically tested, it’s a splash of clean fun that makes getting squeaky clean feel like magic.
Princess Musical Jewellery Box
For the kid who loves a little sparkle and storybook magic. Adorned with princesses, rainbows, and glittery gardens, this dome-topped jewelry box opens to reveal a twirling princess dancing to “It’s a Small World.” Perfect for storing tiny treasures and everyday wonders—and it comes beautifully boxed for an extra touch of enchantment.
Gifts for 5-10 Year Olds
“Mini Masterpieces My Painting Set Kids Craft Kit”
For the kid who sees the world in color. This portable craft kit comes with everything they need to paint, create, and show off their masterpieces—no mess required. With pre-printed designs, blank sheets for originals, and a handy tin for travel, it’s creativity that fits right in their backpack.
For the kid who loves a good “whoa, did you see that?” moment. This hands-on lab kit lets them mix, pump, and pour their way through colorful chemical reactions—complete with kid-safe ingredients and an easy-to-clean workstation. It’s science, mess, and magic all in one fizzing experiment.
“LEGO Classic Cool Creative Box Building Toy Set”
For the kid whose imagination never clocks out. With over 500 colorful pieces (plus wheels, eyes, and hinges), this set lets them build everything from dinosaurs in sunglasses to DJ kits and monster trucks. The best part? They can mix, match, and mash up creations for endless fun—because in their world, the dinosaur absolutely can ride the skateboard.
For the kid who loves to help out at dinner. My daughter got this for her 6th birthday this year and it is a gift to both her and me, her millenial mother. Built with safety top of mind, young chefs will love getting creative and experimenting in the kitchen.
For the kid who loves to play chef (and gets flour everywhere). This all-in-one kit has everything they need to mix, bake, and slice their own homemade pizzas—complete with stainless-steel tools, a wooden peel, and their very own apron. It’s hands-on fun that ends with the best kind of reward: pizza night, made from scratch.
“Williams Sonoma Kids Bake and Create Pizza Set”
For the kid who loves to play chef (and gets flour everywhere). This all-in-one kit has everything they need to mix, bake, and slice their own homemade pizzas—complete with stainless-steel tools, a wooden peel, and their very own apron. It’s hands-on fun that ends with the best kind of reward: pizza night, made from scratch.
Gifts for Tweens
5 Pocket Open Top Canvas Tote Bag
For the kid who packs like they’re going on an expedition. This iconic “tip-proof” tote stands on its own—literally—thanks to reinforced seams, a double-layered base, and ultra-durable canvas that can handle anything from library hauls to beach treasures. Built to last, loved for generations.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera
For the kid who loves capturing every moment (and decorating their walls with proof). This colorful, easy-to-use camera snaps and prints instant photos in seconds—no filters, no phone required. With fun hues, a built-in selfie mirror, and a simple twist-to-shoot design, it’s pure joy in camera form—ready for birthday parties, adventures, and everyday magic.
For the kid who’s always first to hit the trail. The Schwinn Ranger features a lightweight aluminum frame, front suspension for smooth rides, and 21-speed twist shifters to tackle hills with ease. With sturdy tires built for rocks, roots, and adventure, it’s the ultimate ride for wherever curiosity leads.
“Nintendo Switch 2 Console + Mario Kart World Bundle”
For the kid (or let’s be honest—grown-up) who’s been counting the days. The new Nintendo Switch 2 takes everything you love about the original and levels it up with a vivid 7.9” HDR screen, upgraded graphics up to 4K, and the all-new Mario Kart World—where every course connects in one big adventure. With magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers, built-in GameChat for voice and video, and backward compatibility for most Switch games, it’s the ultimate setup for play-anywhere fun.
Crunch Labs Build Box Subscription
For the kid who takes things apart just to see how they work. Created by former NASA engineer Mark Rober, each monthly Build Box delivers a new hands-on project that teaches real engineering and physics concepts—through pure fun. From chain-reaction machines to mini launchers, it’s STEM learning disguised as play, inspiring curious minds to think big (and build even bigger).
