As a mom of three kids, ages 7 to 17, I’ve done more than my fair share of holiday gift buying and giving. And as a longtime editor in the parenting world, I have written more gift guides for families than I can count over the past decade-plus. Bottom line: I know how overwhelming the hunt for the best Christmas (or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa) gifts can be.
Whether I’m shopping for my own kids, or recommending ideas to parents, I start researching and testing gifts early each year. I’m always on the lookout for toys, games, books and clothes that meet my criteria — to inspire curiosity, bring a smile to kids’ faces and get used well beyond the holiday season (even better if it’s for years to come).
This year, I’ve pulled together my favorite gifts for kids and divided them into three groups to make browsing easy for you: kids ages 1–5, kids ages 6–10, and those hard-to-please tweens and teens. Among my parent-approved picks, you’ll find toys that encourage hands-on play, invite creativity and learning, support independence, and may even buy you a few peaceful moments while your kids play by themselves. This year, skip the shopping stress and head straight for the good stuff so you can get on with the holly jolly season.
Gifts for kids ages 0–5
Dolphin bath bubble maker ($14.99)
I’m going to let you in on a little secret — giving babies bath toys as gifts never fails. Kids love them and they’re the perfect incentive to coax tentative (or tantruming) toddlers who like going boneless at bathtime (Trixie style) to actually get into the tub. This sweet dolphin suctions to the wall, plays five different songs and uses whatever kid-friendly soap you’ve got on hand to create cascading bubbles that will entertain your soon-to-be squeaky-clean kid. Ages 6 months and older
Merry-go-round wooden carousel ($40)
I love this colorful take on a more traditional top. Children drop their tickets into the booth, then load in the animal passengers — monkey, kitten and bear — for a cute carnival ride. The bright colors and solid wood figures make this toy perfect for developing fine motor skills (and having lots of fun!). Once everyone is settled in, it’s time to spin the top! Ages 2 and older
Kipi Pol electric toy train set ($19.99)
If you’re a toddler parent, you’re bound to have at least a few wooden train tracks in your toy box. Add to your growing collection with this cute and customizable set of two train cars and a locomotive. The set includes the cars, three passengers and three themed sticker sheets (jungle, space, nature) that allow kids to decorate the cars that ride on the tracks. Compatible with Thomas the Train and Brio wooden train tracks. Ages 3–5
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Lacing gems ($24.95)
I love these sparkly lacing gems from Fat Brain Toys, probably because they’re a new take on the chunky Playskool beads from the ‘70s — a favorite from my childhood. Preschoolers can lace and re-lace these colorful gem-adorned beads, creating patterns and jewelry to wear. The set comes with 36 beads in six colors, and a drawstring pouch for safekeeping. Ages 3 and older
DIY magnetic funky family ($21.99)
Felt boards are one of my favorites because they offer hours of ever-changing creative entertainment for kids. That’s why this kit that includes 15 animal magnets caught my eye. Kids layer the felt pieces using the included instructions. Once assembled, these animals can be used to display your preschooler’s artwork on the fridge, or provide endless hours of storytelling on a magnetized board. Ages 4 and older
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Tote a Fort ($39.97)
When it comes to rainy day activities, fort building has always been a reliable favorite in our family. The kids would pull out all the blankets, rearrange furniture and get creative trying to anchor the blankets in place. That’s what I love about this fort building kit. Velcro strips help kids patch the blankets together and bean bags provide the weight needed to hold them steady. Kits come in three- or four-blanket options in various colors. Ages 4 and older
Mini portable Bluetooth karaoke speaker ($23.99)
I’ve tried more than a few karaoke machines for my kids over the years and this is our current favorite. It’s small, portable, lightweight, Bluetooth-compatible and has two battery-operated microphones so sibs or friends can sing together. My daughter pulls it out often and has discovered uses for it beyond traditional karaoke, too (don’t say I didn’t warn you). This one is an easy win for kids who love to sing or narrate their life like a YouTuber. Ages 5 and older
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Gifts for kids ages 6–10
Enlightened Generation experience box (prices vary)
If you’re in the “something to wear, something to read, something they want, something they need” gift-giving camp, the Enlightened Generation experience delivers on all four categories. Plus, it adds two more that my family loves incorporating into gifts — giving back and encouraging travel. Here’s how the experience works: Choose one of the six intriguing collections. Then, select one or more gender-neutral clothing pieces from the collection to be included in the box. Your personal selections are then packaged up in a thoughtfully designed box that does more than just hold items — it builds excitement for each step of the unboxing.
My 7-year-old lit up with anticipation from the moment she opened the Moai of Rapa Nui-themed box. Honestly, I think she felt a little bit like Ryan unboxing the next big thing when it arrived on our doorstep. In it, she found a small activity, a beautiful book (written by a bestselling author) and clothes featuring subtle Moai imagery. Collection topics are curated to encourage questions, and highlight important phenomena and global concerns (like clean water). Plus, 5 percent of the profits support initiatives through Global Giving. It’s amazing how much one little box can do! Ages 3–10
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Cows in Space ($19.97)
It’s hard to find a two-player game that keeps kids entertained and doesn’t require parents to play, but Cows in Space by Relatable may have cracked the code with its 2025 release that was a Toy Insider top pick. Think of it as a Headbanz meets Let’s Go Fishing, if they were on the set of “Men In Black.” Why MIB? Because these cows are abducted by aliens. Strap on your alien spaceship headband and see how many cows you can capture before your opponent does to win the game. Ages 6 and older
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Wash away hair chalk kit ($24)
Crazy Hair Day, I’m coming for you with this gift. Not only does this kit simplify school spirit days, it’s an easy one to pull out when your kid wants to add something special to the day’s ‘fit. This kit comes with six different colors, and can be applied to wet or dry hair. Plus, the design makes it easy for kids to add color to their hair without much help. Ages 6 and older
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Crayola marker airbrush ($22.49)
Any kid can make art with this easy-to-use airbrush set that comes with five stencils and eight washable markers. Kids can load in their favorite color, push a button and start creating, just like Ben and Cam. Layer on the colors or keep it clean and simple with this award-winning update on a familiar product. Ages 6 and older
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CrunchLabs Creative Kit ($29.95 per box)
My son has been a Mark Rober fan since the former NASA engineer booted up his YouTube channel years ago. It’s been exciting to watch him evolve his brand over the years. If your kids crush on his content like mine does, they’ll love getting one of his subscription boxes in the mail each month, too. There are three to choose from: Creative Kit, for kids ages 6–10, focused on creativity and building; Build Box, for kids ages 8–13, focused on hands-on engineering; and Hack Pack, for kids 14 and older, focused on robotics and coding. Each box comes with everything you need to complete the projects inside. Subscribe quarterly or annually. Ages 6–10
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Stickerbox ($99.99)
To say my daughter is obsessed with this brand-new toy would be an understatement (she went through three sticker rolls in 3 days!). Even my 17-year-old was captivated by it. Stickerbox leverages AI so kids can “draw” custom stickers with their voice. Here's how it works: Press the white button, describe your sticker in detail (the more the better), then watch it print. Kids can finish it off by coloring in the black-and-white image. My tip: Order more sticker rolls when you order the box. You'll need ‘em!
If you're curious about the guardrails on this AI, we tested them. A “try again” message appears if Stickerbox is asked to create anything violent or inappropriate. But as with all AI, it doesn't hurt to keep an eye on it. Ages 5 and older
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“Wow in the World: Dinosaurs are Wow!” ($15.99)
Prehistoric Earth is the setting of this recently released book from everyone’s favorite kid podcasters Mindy and Guy Raz. Bold illustrations and easy-to-read facts and trivia tidbits move kids from page to page. Plus, it covers the requisite kid-fave topic — dinosaurs! Consider this an expertly camouflaged educational gift your kids will actually want. Ages 8–12
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Gifts for tweens and teens
While these gifts aren’t necessarily age-specific, they definitely appeal to what makes tweens and teens tick.
Tin Can phone (starting at $75)
Not so much a new product as a resurrected one, Tin Can is making landlines cool again. For kids who are interested in vintage tech like a Polaroid camera, this old-school phone will look great in their room. For tweens begging to get a smartphone, when their parents aren’t sold on the idea, Tin Can is the chance to say yes without compromising on screentime and safety. Calls between Tin Cans are free; calls to phones outside the brand are available with a party line plan ($9.99 per month). Another created-in-Seattle product.
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Fhalo animal tracking bracelet ($19.95)
Animal lovers of all ages can enjoy wearing this jewelry for a cause. Each one tracks a different animal around the world once it’s paired with an app. There are 11 to choose from. Plus, 10 percent of profits are donated to Fhalo’s conservation partners. One size fits most.
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Read What You Want T-shirt ($29.99)
Lean into your tween or teen’s rebellious side with this “Read What You Want” T-shirt from Friends of The Seattle Public Library. The slogan is a subtle nod to reading banned books, but they won’t have to wait for Banned Book Week to wear it. T-shirt material is preshrunk and comes in four different colors, sizes XS through 2XL.
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Pastry Kit ($40)
I love this local gift as an option for older kids who are working to build life skills. Purchase a Pastry Kit from The Pastry Project as a one-time gift, or give your teen a subscription for three, six or 12 months. Each box comes with everything your kid needs to create a culinary masterpiece: premeasured, nonperishable ingredients and a recipe card. They can grab the rest from your fridge. Subscribe by the 21st of the month to get the current box. Cancel anytime.
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Ororo heated pullover hoodie ($159)
If you’ve got a kid who’s allergic to wearing a coat in winter (as almost all Pacific Northwest tweens seem to be), this one’s for you. Put your worries away on our colder, damper days when you bundle your kid in a heated pullover hoodie. It lets kids rock the ‘fit and stay warm without anyone noticing they’re actually wearing a coat. My daughter loves the pullover hoodie, but the full-zip fleece hoodie and heated down vests are just as subtle. The heating elements are controlled by an external battery pack with its own pocket. Available in sizes S through XL for kids ages 6–15.
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Why? Because ($19.95)
If anything will get a group of tweens or teens to trade their phones for IRL laughs, this game is it. It asks players to answer silly “why” questions with their own “because” answers, recorded on small white boards and shared with the group, like a cross between Apples to Apples and Cards Against Humanity, with more appropriate humor. For three to six players.
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Beast Collective basketball ($40)
Tweens and teens will love hitting the court with this bold basketball designed by Rico Worl, a Tlingit and Athabascan designer and founder of Trickster Company. Pick one up at the Seattle Art Museum store or ship it to your home. Comes in red and black, or blue and purple designs, size 7.
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New takes on popular gifts for kids
Woom wow ($199)
Woom has long been a trusted bike brand for kids. This year, they released a self-balancing bike for kids ages 9 months to 3 years. It comes with a book and stuffed animal character, and won’t easily fall over so kids can learn the art of balancing before getting a balance bike. Ages 9 months–3 years
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Toniebox 2 ($119.99)
My youngest has loved her Tonie since we bought it for her years ago. The newest version released this year, and in addition to listening to stories, it’s programmed for even more screen-free interaction. Accessorize with Tonieplay games and a controller. A bundle is available to get you started ($204.95). Ages 1–9
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Disney Stitch interactive plush toy ($49.49)
Consider this toy to be the Tickle Me Elmo of 2025. Inspired by the live-action film, this 17-inch Stitch has over 100 sound and movement combos to entertain kids of all ages. All it takes is a tickle of his nose, or a tap on his belly to get him started. Ages 3–8
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3Doodler 3D candy pen set ($59.99)
When the 3Doodler 3D printing pen came out years ago, it was on everyone’s list. This year, families can add candy to the list of things their kids build in three dimensions. Load in candy capsules and then use the pen to “draw” sugary sweet designs on cookies, cakes or even parchment paper. Ages 8 and older
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Gifts that are always worth giving
If you’re still looking for gift ideas, you can always count on these kids gifts that have proven themselves over the years.
- Building toys: You can’t go wrong with a new Lego, Magnatile, Clixo or other set that lets kids create and build.
- Dress-up sets: Costumes and outfits are always a hit with toddlers and preschoolers.
- Art supplies: Crayons, markers, clay, paints, glitter glue — whatever your kid is into, the holidays are a great time to restock or add something new to your art corner.
- Ride-on toys: From little scooters you can use indoors to rechargeable ride-on cars meant to cruise the sidewalks, kids always appreciate a set of wheels.
- Scooters and bikes: The holidays are always a great time to purchase a new Micro Kickboard or Razor scooter. The same goes for bikes and safety equipment like helmets and kneepads.
- Train and car sets: Add to your collection of wooden or race car tracks with more accessories, cars, locomotives or track.
- Dolls: There are so many to choose from, but the holidays are a good time to splurge on a new one or buy accessories to go with the ones you have.
More gift ideas for kids: |
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