Gift Ideas for Kids: The Best Presents for Children

Shopping for kids' toys can be the best part of the holidays—unless you don't know what to buy. Then, it's a mad dash through aisles of brightly-coloured and noisy toys, some of which are complete mysteries. Whether you're a parent buying gifts for your preschooler, an uncle buying for a niece or nephew, grandparents or even family friends, we'll help you find the right toys.

It can be hard to know where to start. It's hard to know what toys are appropriate for different ages—the age recommendations on toy packages often say 3+. Finding a balance between fun and education can be tricky.

While it might seem like a tall order, we're here to streamline your shopping experience this year. We've consulted several experts who shared recommendations, from engaging educational toys and exciting STEM kits to personalized gifts that kids will cherish.

Choosing the right gift: Tips and considerations

You could just walk into a toy store and grab something from the shelf, but your little gift recipient may not be as overjoyed as you expect. Finding the perfect gift for kids comes with some important considerations. Key factors to keep in mind include age suitability, safety and interests. Here's why each of these should influence your decision-making:

Age-appropriate gifts

One of the most important considerations when shopping for gifts for kids is ensuring that the kid will like what you've chosen.

Parenting coach Jamie Buzzelle says, "This ensures that the gift will be enjoyable and useful for the child. For example, if a set of building blocks were gifted to a middle schooler, in most cases, this would miss the mark because developmentally, they are most likely not interested in this type of play, whereas a two to three-year-old would enjoy this gift and likely use it frequently.

Interests and hobbies

What is the kid you're shopping for into? Buzzelle says that choosing a gift based on their interests shows them you are paying attention to their world. "Gift giving is an opportunity to connect with children and show them their interests and hobbies are valued, seen, and respected," she explains. What better way to say 'I see you' than a well-thought-out gift, specifically tailored to their child's interests or hobby?"

Longevity and versatility

Consider the longevity and versatility of a gift. Buzzelle says these factors entirely depend on the gift itself and the child's age. "For example, a set of stacking cups for a one-year-old can be used for years to come, as they begin to enhance both their gross and fine motor skills since they can be used in various ways," she explains. "And if they are numbered and have different colours, you have years of stimulation ahead. "

Safety

Safety should always be a top consideration, along with developmental stage and age, because children have different safety concerns, and safety standards exist for a reason.

Buzzelle states, "Babies have very different safety considerations than teenagers. Choking hazards are one of the biggest concerns for new parents, so buying gifts with small, removable parts is not advisable. Video games have ratings similar to movies and should be taken into consideration based on the child's age as well, due to possible exposure to potentially overly mature content."

Educational/fun

If there is a way to make gifts both fun and educational, Buzzelle says it's best to go for it. "Play is an opportunity for children to enhance all kinds of skills, from motor skills to cognitive and social skills," she says. "The more kids are engaged in stimulating play, the more they learn."

Age-Appropriate Gift Ideas:

Finding the perfect gift for a child starts with considering their age. Here are some easy ideas that span across all age groups, from infants to teens:

Gifts for infants and toddlers (0-3 years)

Clothes and blankets are common gifts for babies and toddlers. Still, Angela Terry, a child development expert and executive director of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Early Childhood Development Center, suggests considering age-appropriate toys as thoughtful alternatives.

She explains, "Toys like stacking toys, push-and-pull toys, and musical toys are good choices, as they entertain and support essential growth and motor skill development during early childhood. Some recommended toys in this category include the Chomp & Clack Alligator Push Toy from Melissa & Doug, a wooden xylophone from Fisher Price, and the wooden stacking and Nesting Rainbow Building Toy from Fisher-Price."

Presents for preschoolers (3-5 years)

As preschoolers grow, their gift preferences evolve too. Terry recommends presents that encourage make-believe adventures.

"At this age, kids love to play dress-up, pretend they have different careers, and even enjoy mock cleaning," she notes. "Any toy that lets them imitate adult activities will quickly become their favourite. Some good pretend-play gift ideas that Terry suggests are theDust! Sweep! Mop! Cleaning Play Set from Melissa & Doug, the Police Officer Role Play Costume Set from Melissa & Doug, or the Target Toy Checklane from Target."

However, Terry also recommends looking into gifts that encourage problem-solving. "I have also seen many preschool students gravitate towards puzzles and drawing tablets," she says. These help with fine motor skills and can teach these ages how to problem-solve. I recommend Magic Art LCD Drawing Tablet from FAO Schwartz and Peppa Pig Birthday House from Lego."

Gift ideas for school-age children (6-12 years)

School-aged children between the ages of six and 12 are typically moving beyond the stage of wanting toys as gifts. Because of this, Terry says tablets, phones, and children's smartwatches are great gifts to keep them entertained and provide a way to track their location as they venture out and spend time with friends.

"Gift cards to their favourite restaurants, stores, and online shops are also great gifts," she says. "They also love trending small trinkets such as plush toys, keychains, virtual gaming currency, and accessories."

Gifts for teenagers (13+ years) 

Gift ideas for teens can be similar to those for middle-schoolers, but consider options that inspire their futures for truly unique gifts.

Jamie Hendrickson, principal of the Meyer Levin School for the Performing Arts in New York, explains, "I lead a 6-8 school, and many of my students exhibit entrepreneurial spirits. They make eyelashes, wigs, bracelets, cupcakes, and clothes. With the gift-giving season approaching, parents can support this by gifting an LLC to their child, signing them up for free food handling classes and providing access to financial literacy apps such as Goal Setter or apps that teach teenagers how to invest their allowance."

Educational toys and learning gifts:

If you're looking for gifts that balance being fun and educational, educational toys and learning gifts can be a great choice. John Bianchette, VP of Education and Training at Mathnasium, a math learning franchise based in the United States, says, "These gifts not only ignite a passion for learning but also help kids build essential skills like problem-solving and critical thinking in a fun way."

For easy gift ideas that ignite learning and curiosity, consider any of these ideas below:

STEM toys and kits

STEM toys and kits can be great gifts for kids with an aptitude for science, technology, and math.

"These gifts invite kids to embark on a thrilling journey of exploration and discovery," Bianchette says. "Some STEM toys and kits that stand out include engaging robotics sets, interactive coding games, and hands-on science kits. For example, building sets like LEGO or Snap Circuits let kids unleash their creativity while grasping engineering concepts while coding robots like Botley or Dash turn learning programming into a playful challenge."

Language and literacy-focused gifts

Language and literacy-focused gifts are fantastic for cultivating a lifelong love of reading and communication, according to Bianchette. "Some good ideas for this category include engaging storybooks that spark imagination or phonics games that make learning letters and sounds feel like a delightful adventure," he explains. "These gifts transform reading into a joyful experience, enriching children's language skills while creating special moments between parents and kids."

Arts and crafts supplies

Arts and crafts supplies are also great educational and learning gifts, says Bianchette. "Think of vibrant watercolor sets, modeling clay, and building blocks that encourage self-expression while honing fine motor skills. Craft kits that guide them through projects also help to introduce them to new concepts and allow them to take pride in showcasing their unique creations."

Musical instruments and music-related gifts 

"Musical instruments and music-related gifts are wonderful avenues for both learning and self-expression," explains Bianchette. "They enhance cognitive abilities like memory and attention while fostering emotional growth. Learning to play an instrument also teaches valuable lessons in discipline and patience, while engaging with music opens doors to creativity."

Outdoor play gifts and toys

For kids who love being outdoors, Kayla Tucker, SSP, NCSP—a school psychologist, coach, and founder of Whole School Psych—says there are plenty of outdoor play gifts and toys that children will love and that encourage their development.

"Outdoor play gifts encourage kids to get moving, which is important for their physical development," Tucker says. "Being active helps with building strength, coordination, and balance, but it's not just about fitness. Playing outside also sparks creativity, as kids often invent their own games and challenges. Outdoor play can also reduce stress and improve mood."

In need of ideas for outdoor play gifts and toys? Consider any of these ideas below:

Grab sports equipment and gear

"Sports equipment and gear are great because they motivate kids to stay active while learning new skills," explains Tucker. "Something as simple as a ball or jump rope encourages physical activity and coordination; if your child is into a specific sport, having the right gear can help them develop that interest further."

Gift exploration tools

As Tucker says, they tap into a child's natural curiosity, and outdoor exploration tools like binoculars or bug-catching kits are also great outdoor gifts. "These gifts help kids engage with the world around them, encouraging them to explore nature, ask questions, and discover how things work," she says. "Whether it's watching birds through binoculars or catching bugs in the backyard, these activities promote scientific thinking and observation skills."

Consider playground equipment and backyard toys

Playground equipment and backyard toys are also good outdoor gifts because Tucker states that they offer endless opportunities for active, imaginative play. "It could be a swing set, a slide, or even a simple sandbox," she suggests. "These gifts encourage kids to move, climb, and engage in pretend play."

Creative and unique gift ideas

Tucker says that creative and unique gifts allow children to engage in open-ended play, which sparks imagination and builds problem-solving skills. Here are some ideas for unique gifts for kids that they will truly appreciate.

Personalized gifts for kids

"Personalized gifts like custom books or name puzzles are fantastic because they combine learning with a personal connection," says Tucker.  "Name puzzles, for example, help young children develop letter recognition and early literacy skills in a fun, hands-on way. Personalized books where children see themselves as the main character also spark a deeper interest in reading and make the story feel special and relevant."

Look into experience gifts

If you're looking for creative gifts for children, Tucker says that experience gifts offer something that traditional gifts can't: they create memories and foster deeper learning through real-world engagement.

She explains, "Whether it's a trip to a museum or a cooking class, these experiences provide hands-on opportunities that help children develop fine motor skills, social-emotional skills, and creativity. Experience gifts are also great for family bonding, allowing parents and children to share cultural traditions or explore new interests together."

Opt for subscription boxes

Subscription boxes are another one of Tucker's gift recomm

endations because they provide an ongoing source of fun and learning. "Many are tailored to developmental stages and offer activities that align with science, art, or reading, helping children grow through age-appropriate challenges," she says. "Subscription boxes also foster anticipation as children look forward to their monthly deliveries."

Technology and electronic gifts

While tech and electronic gifts may be more expensive, they are great for kids who are interested in science and technology.

"Gifting technology to kids can be a fantastic way to support their growth," says Bianchette. With the right tech, children can express their creativity through coding, art, and music while honing their problem-solving abilities. Plus, tech encourages social interaction, allowing kids to collaborate with friends on projects and games."

Shop for coding and robotics kits

"Coding and robotics kits are great tech gifts, as they blend education and entertainment. Several options are recommended: The Sphero BOLT Coding Robot is a fun gift, as it's a robotic ball that teaches coding through three methods, featuring sensors and a programmable LED matrix, along with new elementary math lessons. Another excellent choice is KiwiCo's Robot Coder Starter Kit, which provides everything needed to build your own robot, promoting essential STEM skills and fostering a love for learning."

Budget-friendly gift ideas

You don't have to break the bank to find fantastic gifts for kids. Explore these budget-friendly and heartfelt ideas that will captivate their interest:

Purchase sets and kits

Sets and kits are excellent gift choices for children because they often combine related items to provide extended play value and educational benefits.

Tucker says some set and kit ideas to keep in mind are art sets that include things like paints, markers, and stencils, which feel fresh and give kids more room to explore their creativity, and building sets, which encourage creativity while helping develop fine motor skills. She adds, "Beginner sewing kits could be a good option for something a little different. They help kids build fine motor skills and learn patience while letting them get creative."

Grab some budget-friendly toys

While toys can be costly, Tucker emphasizes that numerous affordable options offer equal entertainment value. "Walkie-talkies are excellent choices as they foster teamwork and communication, allowing children to engage in various imaginative play scenarios," she explains. "Similarly, microphone machine toys encourage self-expression, appealing to children who enjoy pretending to perform on stage."

For children who struggle with focus or energy management, Tucker recommends fidget toys as popular and budget-friendly alternatives. "These items serve as effective sensory tools, helping kids maintain calm and engagement," she notes.

Make DIY gifts

If you want to try your hand at making your own gifts, Tucker suggests several easy DIY gift ideas for children that tap into their interests and creativity. One option is to create a personalized activity book filled with drawing prompts, puzzles, and creative challenges tailored to your child's passions. "Another idea," Tucker adds, "is to assemble a custom craft kit. You could collect materials for activities like jewelry-making, painting, or clay modelling and package them with simple instructions for a fun, hands-on gift."

Try upcycled gifts

Second-hand items can also be cost-effective and meaningful gift ideas. According to Tucker, "Things like books, puzzles, or gently used toys are great gifts. If you're into upcycling, you can use nail polish to decorate old mugs or get creative with painting rocks to make unique designs."

Finding the best gift ideas for kids may seem stressful, but it doesn't have to be daunting. By considering factors like age, interests, and educational value, you can easily find presents your child will love and use. Remember that the most meaningful gifts don't always come with a hefty price tag. There are lots of DIY and budget-friendly gifts you can make that are equally thoughtful. We'd love to hear your strategies for selecting the ideal children's gifts – share your ideas in the comments below!

Experts

• Angela Terry is the executive director of Bedford Stuyvesant Early Childhood Development Center.
• Jamie Hendrickson is the principal of the Meyer Levin School for the Performing Arts, based in New York.
• John Bianchette is the VP of education and training at Mathnasium, a math learning franchise based in the United States.
• Kayla Tucker, SSP, NCSP, is a school psychologist, coach, and founder of Whole School Psych.
• Jamie Buzzelle is a parenting coach.