Shopping for kids can be tough yet enjoyable, whether you’re looking for gifts for your own children or those you might not know so well. If you think of shopping for a gift like reigniting your inner child, it becomes far more fun. With options ranging from educational sets to outdoor activities to imaginative playsets, there’s certainly something for all the kiddos on your list. We’ve rounded up dozens of options to save you time and help you find the right thing. We’ve listed toys, arts and crafts, and even field day-inspired fun; so you’ll find just what you need to bring a smile to your child’s face.
1. Toddler Couch
For playtime, naptime, and beyond, a couch for little ones can come in handy. It even has a fun blue fluorescence that glows after being in the light, creating a magical nighttime experience. This mini-couch easily folds out into a bed, providing a comfortable space for children to eat snacks, read, watch TV, play games, or sleep. With side pockets for storing books and toys, it can help your kids stay organized and comfortable in playrooms, nurseries, or game rooms. The removable couch cover is machine washable and resistant to fading and shrinking, so you don’t have to worry about food or crafts making a permanent mess.
2. Bubble Blaster
On nice days, a bubble blaster can entertain for hours. This rotating bubble gun is made for small hands, and with a simple press of a button there will be iridescent bubbles of all sizes everywhere. Designed with leak-resistant seals, it can be turned sideways and upside down without causing messes, giving playtime no boundaries. The bubble blaster is battery-operated and comes with a soap solution and dish, so your kids can get right to playing.
3. Travel Tray for Toddler Car Seat
A travel tray for toddlers can make short and long trips more bearable for everyone. The tay provides a stable surface for children to play, eat, or draw while on the road. It also makes it possible to keep everything within reach, from snacks to games. Its adjustable straps keep it in place to prevent pit stops to adjust it. The tray is also made from easy-to-clean materials, which everyone knows is a necessity. Best of all, the tray folds up and has a shoulder strap for easy storage and transport when you get to your destination.
4. Pretend Play Food Set
Some of my fondest childhood memories included play food and pretending to be a chef in a play kitchen. This 122-piece set of fake foods includes everything from donuts to burgers to condiments. Consider it an educated playtime tool that you can use to help your kids learn food names, colors, and more. Playing with this set can also help children develop fine motor skills. It’s a wonderful addition to any play kitchen or imaginary picnic.
5. National Geographic Mega Science Lab
A science set is a fantastic gift for kids, offering education on Earth science, chemistry, and science magic. This awesome kit packs 45 of the coolest experiments, like building a volcano, growing a glow-in-the-dark crystal, and digging up a real fossil, plus a bonus guide with 30 more fun experiments using common household items! Learn the magic of science with tricks like changing water colors, catching bubbles, and making coins float. This high-quality educational toy from National Geographic guarantees top-notch fun and learning, with hands-on activities designed to inspire curiosity and foster a love for science.
6. Giant Four in a Row Game
Some gifts for kids can be enjoyed by everyone, like this giant Four in a Row lawn game. The set includes a premium natural wood base, vibrant red and blue plastic discs, and a handy carrying case for easy transport. Ideal for camps, lawn games, family game nights, picnics, or parties, this giant game is easy to set up and even easier to play. You could use this for quiet playtime or make it part of family game nights.
7. Toddler Balance Bike
If you’re shopping for a toddler who has an interest in the outdoors and speed, gift them a bike. This balance bike is designed for kids 18 months to 5 years, allowing them to push, stand, and walk their way around while learning how to ride a bike. Each bike comes with a customizable plate, so kids can personalize it with stickers or drawings to make it their own. You won’t have to worry about them pedaling in the grass or gravel thanks to puncture-resistant all-terrain tires. Plus, the bike grows with your child, featuring an adjustable handlebar and easily adjustable seat.
8. Loud Alarm Clock
CLOCKY is a goofy alarm clock that ensures heavy sleepers will wake up on time. This quirky clock literally jumps off your nightstand and rolls around the room, forcing you to get out of bed to turn it off. It features a loud alarm that is guaranteed to wake even the laziest and deepest sleepers. The clock’s playful design makes it a fun introduction to morning routines and waking up when needed.
9. Kids Cooking and Baking Set
Some children love to be a helper in the kitchen, mimicking the joys of cooking and baking. If you know a kid like this, gifting this comprehensive set will inspire them to learn and participate in the kitchen with their own supplies. The set includes a reusable toolbox for storage, a cookbook, an apron, measuring cups and spoons, a kitchen timer, tongs, a rolling pin, three nylon knives, a spoon, a spatula, a whisk, three cookie cutters, and a cutting board. Made from safe, non-toxic, food-grade materials, your kid can actually help prep meals. The included recipe book also contains easy-to-follow recipes that your kid can try with supervision.
10. Dinosaur Fossil Dig Kit
The Dinosaur Fossil Dig Kit offers an exciting adventure for budding paleontologists. This kit allows kids to excavate and discover hidden dino fossil eggs while learning educational facts. It includes tools such as brushes and chisels to excavate the fossils carefully, teaching them about patience and accuracy. Each excavation card features a unique dinosaur story, perfect for those who are interested in dinos and Earth’s history. It’s a hands-on activity that combines fun and learning, but you might want to keep this one outside.
11. Trampoline
If you have kids with energy, consider a trampoline to help them express those zoomies. A trampoline for kids is an excellent way to get kids outside and moving. Adding to its appeal, it comes complete with an adjustable hanging basketball hoop and a children’s dart board, offering multiple ways for kids to have fun. It’s a great gift for the whole family because it accommodates several children aged 1-8.
12. Dinosaur Toys
Dinosaur toys are a popular interest for kids, at least in my experience. If your kiddo shows interest in the tyrannosaurus rex or triceratops, give them a playset that exposes them to more species of incredible dinos. This set of 12 will introduce different species by coming to life with sounds and names you can learn by pressing the buttons on the interactive sound book. These toys offer both fun and knowledge about prehistoric creatures, making them perfect for toddlers and young kids. The toys are also made from child-safe materials with realistic details, meaning you can let your kid play with them for hours.
13. DIY Science Kit
For those kids who love to learn, this engineering kit offers over 70 STEM projects. It can be used to give hands-on learning to children aged 8-12. They can do everything from building mini drones to creating robots. This DIY science kit promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity while teaching electronics, engineering, and robotics without feeling like a stale classroom. This gift would be great for summer vacation, boosting home school activities, or opening minds to the world of STEM.
14. Cash Register Toy
This cash register sparks nostalgia in me, reminding me of how I’d line up my stuffed animals as if they were buying books from my personal library. For others who like to play real-life scenarios, this complete set is perfect for sparking imaginations. The set features realistic functions like a working calculator, scanner, and cash drawer. It also includes play money and credit cards, making it similar to real check-outs. It can enhance play scenarios while helping your child learn math and social skills at the same time.
15. Laser Tag Guns with Vests
Laser tag guns with vests bring the excitement of an arcade game to your home or backyard. Laser tag is a great way for kids to stay active and develop strategic thinking skills. The set is designed for safety, with infrared technology that is harmless to the eyes. And thanks to features like real target vests, invisibility mode, night vision flashlight, voice-guided directions, and a 150-ft shooting range this set will have everyone learning. Players of several teams can switch between different modes to beat their opponents, and with vibrations and sounds the laser tag will feel realistic.
16. Sand Toys
Whether you live near the beach or have an upcoming vacation, sand toys are essential for a fun day at the water’s edge. However, they can also be used in the sandbox! Your kids can build castles and monuments with the included bucket, rake, shovel, watering can, and various animal molds. Use this set to garner their creativity or make a competition or art display out of the afternoon.
17. Deluxe Hockey Set
The Deluxe Hockey Set is perfect for young sports enthusiasts who want to practice their skills at home. This set includes a goal, two 43″ pre-curved sticks, and a no-bounce ball, which you could use outdoors or indoors (with care). The set is easy to assemble and disassemble, making it easy to take to parks or friends’ houses, keeping hockey close by. Your kids can learn the rules of the game and work on their hand-eye coordination while also adding physical activity to their day.
18. VR Headset
With our growing online world, kids are sure to encounter technology early and often. Regardless of rules about screen time and smartphones, a VR headset can be a fun way to embrace technology with the whole family. Connect this headset to your Android or iPhone to immerse yourself or your kids in videos or games. It can make education videos feel more real, or make learning games larger than life.
19. Remote Control Drones
These drones are an exciting gift for kids thanks to the hybrid car-drone design. The car-drones can race on the ground and fly in the sky. They feature propeller guards and a one-key emergency to help with safety. With abilities like 3D flips, high-speed flying, and vibrant LED lights for night-time visibility, the drones will captivate attention and keep kids entertained. They even include three speed modes to accommodate different skill levels.
20. Small White Board
You’d be surprised how much creativity can take place on a simple whiteboard. Your kid can use it for drawing, writing, and even practicing math problems. The board comes with dry-erase markers and an eraser, making it easy to use and clean for kids of all ages. Use it in a playroom or family area to inspire classroom-like learning or even a chore chart. Or, let your kid decide to use it and see what types of stories, art, and games they come up with.
21. Light Up Dance Mat
The Light Up Dance Mat provides hours of interactive dancing for kids. It has 8 buttons and 3 difficulty levels with 3 modes, designed to entertain and challenge 3- to 12-year-olds. It features built-in nursery rhymes and Bluetooth connectivity, so your kids can dance to their favorite music. In terms of learning, it can teach your children rhythm and coordination while helping them move their bodies. The mat is made from easy-to-clean vinyl and is powered by 4 AA batteries that you’ll want to have ready when the mat arrives.
22. Kids Luggage
When kids have their own luggage, it can make packing and traveling more exciting. Instead of tagging along and wandering through airports, they can roll their little suitcase along just like mom and dad. This five-piece luggage set includes a suitcase, backpack, neck pillow, lunch bag, and luggage tag. The set comes in bright patterns like rocket ships, butterflies, cars, donuts, or unicorns—which makes it easy to spot at the baggage claim. If your kid is big enough to help roll their own things as you travel, they might as well have luggage they love.
23. Cartoon Remote Control Cars
Remote-controlled cars are practically a rite of passage as a kid, and these little cartoon cars make a perfect gift. The cars can move forward and in reverse, which will teach your kid directions and the rules of the road—we hope. The battery-operated cars also have working sirens, honks, and flashing headlights to make them more realistic. These cars will endlessly capture your toddler’s attention whether they play alone or with a buddy.
24. Christmas Train Set
Ah, the iconic Christmas train set. It’s in many holiday movies and even more homes, surrounding the base of a Christmas tree and making the holiday spirit that much more noticeable. This set has train cars all by Santa Claus in the engine, along with smoke, lights, and a horn. Your kids can play with this all year round, or you can save it for the magical days surrounding the holiday. It even plays popular holiday songs!
25. Doll House Dreamhouse
A dollhouse is a miniature world of fun and imagination with endless possibilities. It features multiple rooms, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas, all decorated with wallpaper and 3D toys. This massive, 374-piece set has everything to make playing possible: 15 rooms, movable furniture, and even lighting to play after dark. Your child can add their own pieces, playing with their favorite props and dolls, or play with the provided pieces—they’ll never run out of possibilities!
26. Inline Skates
For an active child, give them inline skates that help them learn balance and give them their own type of transportation. Perfect for gliding through the neighborhood or at the local park, these skates will be their favorite way to move this summer. And with wheels that light up without batteries, they’ll look awesome day and night. The skates are made with a reinforced aluminum-alloy frame, high-rebound wheels, bearings, and right-foot brake for a sturdy and smooth ride.
27. Click N’ Play Plastic Balls
Is there a more iconic playtime place than a ball pit? I don’t think so. Let your kids have fun by jumping and swimming in a ball pit at home thanks to this pack of non-PVC and BPA-free balls. Create a fort around a space they can jump into or purchase a separate ball pit that you can fill to the brim with these multi-colored balls. Your kids will entertain themselves for hours! The included reusable mesh bag with zipper keeps the balls organized and tidy when not in use, making cleanup easy.
28. Children’s Electric Car
A battery-powered car for toddlers and kids is another great pastime. Your kids can drive up and down the driveway or around the neighborhood while learning the rules of the road. They might even learn how to park, but don’t count on it! This 12-volt jeep-style car will enhance their imagination or even allow them to carry toys and supplies around. With a working AUX port, USB port, and horn, they’ll have a real-life experience. Plus, thanks to high-bright headlights, fog lights, and searchlights they’ll be visible after sunset.
29. Wilwolfer Play Tent
The Wilwolfer Play Tent creates a magical space for kids to play and relax. It features a spacious interior with vibrant designs that stimulate imagination. The tent is easy to set up and take down, so you can move it around the house or even use it outdoors. The tent set comes with magical star lights for a cozy atmosphere and a padded mat to make sitting and lying more comfortable. Use the tent for fantasy playtime or even for an indoor camping adventure.
30. Magnetic Tiles Set
This vibrant, colorful magnetic tiles set provides endless combinations for building and expressing creativity. With over 100 pieces your kids can combine shapes to make buildings, artwork, or vehicles. They can mix and match colors and shapes without needing other elements to create thanks to the magnets that hold pieces together. The tiles are easy to stack and build, and because of their smooth plastic surface they’re also easy to clean and store.
31. Foam Swords
Foam swords make for a safe and exciting playtime for children who love to imagine scenes like medieval fights and jousting. Crafted from soft, durable foam, these swords are designed to withstand hours of imaginative battles. These soft, lightweight swords allow children to mock battle and role-play scenarios without the risk of injury. Foam swords also float, so they can make pool days even more fun. This set of six is great for small and large families alike, or they could be great party favors!
32. Kids Makeup Table with Mirror
This pink and purple vanity set lights up with a heartwarming glow and plays enchanting tunes when the mirror opens, adding a touch of fairy-tale charm to every Getting Ready With Me session. The vanity itself is easy to assemble—no tools required. Packed with glamorous accessories fit for royalty, the set includes pearl-like bracelets, hair ties, rings, mini perfume bottles, lifelike lipstick and lip gloss, a styling comb, and even a working hair dryer! It’s the ultimate gift for toddlers and young ones who take interest in getting glammed up for playtime or every day.
33. Koala Weighted Stuffed Animal
The Koala Weighted Stuffed Animal provides comfort and companionship for children, whether it’s to help them feel grounded, reduce anxiety, or help them sleep. This plush toy is filled with gentle weights, which can feel soothing to small ones. It’s perfect for children who love cuddly toys and like to feel hugged and have physical contact. The koala is also super cute, and who wouldn’t love a precious face like it has?
34. Gutter Games Beat That!
Gutter Games Beat That! is a challenge game for people of all ages. It has 160 unique challenges that test skills, coordination, and luck. Players compete to complete wacky tasks using common household items, which helps to encourage creativity, teamwork, and (friendly) competition. It’s a perfect way to get everyone together at parties, gatherings, or game nights. It’s intended for up to 8 players and is best suited for those who are 9 years old and up.
35. Cell Phone TV Remote & Car Key Playset
I don’t know about you, but it seems like the favorite toy among babies and toddlers is often a tie between keys and a smartphone. Whether it’s because of the jingle or the light-up screen, kids tend to reach for their parents’ essential items. Get your kid a set of their own phone and keys with the play set. They can have their own keys to jingle while grocery shopping or playing, and you can have pretend calls. There’s also a play remote, which keeps them busy without actually changing the channel on what you’re watching.
36. LED Bike Wheel Lights
If your kid loves their bike, help them make it even more special with LED lights. The multi-colored wheel lights make it look like they’re sparkling or flying as they ride. And though the lights look cool, they also provide added visibility and safety when riding at dusk or after dark. With long-lasting batteries, a lifetime warranty, and easy installation, these will upgrade even a hand-me-down bike into the coolest on the block.
37. Instant Camera for Kids
An instant camera for kids lets them capture moments they feel are important without bogging down your camera roll. It’s designed to be easy to use, with simple controls and a durable, child-friendly construction. With a 32GB storage card, they can take endless high-resolution photos and record videos. Thanks to a 180° rotating lens, they can even snap selfies! The camera is made with a silicone case to protect it from drops, as well as a lanyard to make it easy to carry. And lastly, the camera comes with 5 rolls of paper that can print up to 1500 photos.
38. Marble Run Maze Track
You might recognize this iconic Marble Run toy. The towers are customizable and interlocking, so your kids can create their own mazes and obstacles over and over again. With 150 pieces, they’ll be entertained for hours making race tracks for the marbles that are creative and captivating. Kids (and adults) of all ages can enjoy this nostalgic toy, but you may want to supervise any little ones who might try to put the marbles in their mouth.
39. Electronic Boxing Set
This boxing set is not just for kids; adults and parents will also want to join the action. With 3 modes to choose from—Boxing Mode, Training Mode, and Advanced Mode—it’s like having a punching bag but with LED target lights that challenge your reflexes and skills. The set includes 2 adjustable vests suitable for kids aged 8+ and adults, along with 2 pairs of boxing gloves. Featuring protective padding and soft gloves, it ensures play is safe, even though you’ll be throwing punches. The gloves and vest make playtime feel like a real boxing match thanks to sound effects and a voice recording that guides players.
40. Hover Soccer Ball for Kids
If you have soccer lovers in your family but you don’t want a ball in the house, this hover ball is the perfect compromise. The battery-operated ball lights up with LED lights and protects your home with its foam bumpers. You won’t have to worry about damaging furniture or walls while your kids play indoors. The plastic has been tested to international safety standards too. Just pop in 4 AA batteries and you’re ready to start the match.
41. Fort Building Kit
A fort-building kit makes playtime expansive, both physically and imaginatively. The kit includes various rods and connectors that allow kids to build their own forts, tunnels, and playhouses. The pieces are easy to assemble and disassemble, so your kids can build and play without your help during solo playtime. You can use the fort inside or outside. Plus, you could create a more private play space by adding sheets or blankets on top of the rods for a secret fort area underneath.
42. Cosmic Shimmer Slime Kit
Finally, what would a gift guide for kids be without something messy and glittery? This slime kit is a DIY project for kids to unleash their mess. They can combine colors, scents, and decorations to make their own slime. Then, they can shape their slime into unicorn molds. Sure, this kit might be a bit of a hassle, but it’s sure to keep your kids busy and inspired.