Kids are always excited to tear the wrapping paper off a gift, but the best gifts for kids last beyond that initial excitement. To avoid gifts with short-lived joy, choose toys that can be played with multiple ways. The best toys should also be appropriate for the child's age and interests and durable enough to last a few years. Because kids learn through play, toys that encourage creativity, fine motor skills, and other forms of learning are always a big plus.
We rounded up some of the top gifts for kids that they'll love. With input from parents who spend hours researching toys, we're confident that this list is filled with the kind of holiday gifts kids will want to use every day.
Create a custom marble run
Amazon/Business Insider
Thames & Kosmos Gecko Run Marble Run Starter Set, available at Amazon and Target
This elaborate marble run will challenge kids to design the most elaborate course. The 63-piece set attaches to any smooth surface, like glass or window, and expansion sets are available for even grander designs. While fun, the set teaches kids about engineering and how to solve problems.
Recommended ages: 8 years and up
Add a glow to nighttime stories
REI/Business Insider
Goal Zero Chrush Light Chroma, available at Amazon and REI
The Crush Light Chroma is a fun portable lantern for a backyard tent or as a soft bedroom nightlight. You can choose from four different colors to set the mood, and it can be recharged via its solar panel or USB. It packs flat for easy storage.
Recommended ages: 8 years and up
A microscope that can go anywhere
Amazon
Carson Micro Brite Plus 60x-120x LED Lighted Zoom Pocket Microscope, available at Amazon and Walmart
Traditional toy microscopes are limited to objects that fit on a slide, but pocket microscopes can easily magnify both large and small objects. This Carson Micro Brite Plus is a portable microscope that kids can use outdoors or indoors to magnify anything that allows the microscope to sit flat on the surface. It's an affordable gift for kids who love science or the outdoors.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
A slime alternative with less mess
Crayola
Crayola Globbles, available at Amazon
Crayola Globbles offer the fun of slime without the mess. These squishy, moldable balls will stack together, stick on surfaces, and more. Unlike slime, there's no worry about colors mixing together and they peel right off.
Recommended ages: 4 years and up
A super soft stuffy
Amazon
Squishmallows Official Kellytoy Plush 8" Plush Mystery Box (Set of 3), available at Amazon
The soft, squishy stuffing inside of Squishmallows make these collectible stuffed animals a kid favorite. Choose a favorite animal — or go with a popular character like Fifi the fox or a surprise pack. With stitching rather than the potential choking hazard of button eyes, Squishmallows are also appropriate for toddlers as well as older kids.
Recommended ages: Any
A classic building set with a new twist
Amazon
K'nex Imagine Power and Play Motorized Building Set, available at Amazon
K'Nex is a classic building toy that uses rods and connectors to build a variety of different structures. This Imagine Power and Play set levels up the classic fun with a motor, allowing kids to build vehicles, animals, or even a ferris wheel that actually moves.
Recommended ages: 7 years and up
Channel their inner photographer
Walmart
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Bundle, available at Target and Walmart
If your kid is in awe of the printed photos in the family album, have them contribute to it with an instant camera. The Instax continues to be our favorite camera, thanks to the high-quality prints it produces. This bundle comes with a starter pack of film and a book of ideas to inspire them. Like the Polaroid cameras of earlier generations, the camera will be with them into adulthood.
Recommended ages: 6 years and up
A kit for bug catchers
Amazon
National Geographic Bug Catcher Kit, available at Amazon
Made by National Geographic, this kit includes a bug habitat, a bug catcher, a net, and a pair of tweezers. This is a great way for kids to learn more about their local fauna as they catch and observe their favorite creepy crawlies.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
A go-kart that grows with them
Amazon
Radio Flyer Ultimate Go-Kart, available at Amazon and Walmart
Ride-on toys are a favorite in my house but tend to be quickly outgrown. The Radio Flyer Ultimate Go-Kart has an adjustable seat to accommodate ages 3 to 8 and is made from both steel and plastic for a longer lifespan. Parents will also appreciate the three different speed options and easy charging cable.
Recommended ages:3 to 8 years old
An oven that bakes plush toys
Moose Toys
Cookeez Makery Cinnamon Treatz Oven, available at Amazon and Walmart
A take on the Easy-Bake Oven, except instead of cookies you eat, the Cookeez Makery bakes collectible plushies. After mixing the ingredients and shaping the plush, pop it into the oven. In less than two minutes, a soft toy will emerge, complete with the scent of baked goodies.
Recommended ages: 5 years and up
A kid-friendly take on a popular adult board game
Amazon
Ticket to Ride First Journey Board Game, available at Amazon and Walmart
First Journey is the family version of the popular tabletop board game Ticket to Ride. The characters, descriptions, and storyline are geared toward children, making them easy to understand. Once they're older, kids can move up to the adult version of the game and play alongside grownups.
Recommended ages: 6 years and up
A puppy that doesn't leave a mess
Amazon
Little Live Pets My Really Real Puppy, available at Amazon and Walmart
If they aren't ready for a pet, this plush puppy will show them what it's like to take care of a pet. The plush beagle responds to kids through sounds and gestures. It comes with a bottle for feeding and a travel carrier that converts into a bed.
Recommended ages: 4 years and up
Slime with a scientific spin
Amazon
National Geographic Mega Slime Kit & Putty Lab, available at Amazon
Slime never gets old, but instead of making a mess all over the house, this set helps kids develop STEM learning skills. The kit includes eight different types of pre-made slime and putty, and there are also mixes for kids to make their own slime. The included booklet teaches the qualities of each type of slime or putty, and there are experiments kids can try out.
Recommended ages: 8 years and up
An awesome 3D puzzle display
Amazon
Spin Master Transformers 4D Build Optimus Prime, available at Amazon
Challenge their puzzle-building skills with this 321-piece, 3-dimensional replica of Optimus Prime from the Transformers series. No tools are required, as the pieces are designed to join together. Once completed, the LED lights give the towering figure an extra glow.
Recommended ages: 12 years and up
A bottle of catchable virtual fairies
Target
Got2Glow Fairy Finder by WowWee, available at Amazon
The Got2Glow Fairy Finder mixes the fun of geocaching games like Pokemon Go with the fun of virtual pets. With this toy, kids find and catch virtual fairies that light up the jar when captured. Unlike most screen-based games, this one simultaneously encourages physical activity and exploration.
Recommended ages: 5 years and up
A cookbook for budding bakers
Milk Bar
"Milk Bar: Kids Only", available at Milk Bar Store
For the little one who loves lending a helping hand in the kitchen, give them this cookbook to help them sharpen their baking skills. It's filled with 85 easy recipes novice bakers can make and baking basics they will carry with them for years to come. The author, Christina Tosi, was a judge on "MasterChef Junior," so you can be sure the instructions are kid-friendly.
Recommended ages: 7 years and up
A doll for young explorers
Amazon/Business Insider
Lottie Fossil Hunter Doll, available at Amazon
Lottie Dolls highlight diverse interests inspired by real kids. The paleontologist doll comes with fossil hunting tools and ammonites. If this doll isn't quite the right fit, Lottie Dolls include a wide range, from a young inventor to a wildlife photographer.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
A robot companion
Amazon
Miko Mini, available at Amazon and Walmart
The Miko Mini is both a friend and a teaching tool. Designed for ages 5 to 12, it interacts through conversation and provides educational lessons like reading, math, coding, and languages. With facial recognition and other AI attributes, it can also react to a child's emotions. An adult controls what gets downloaded to the robot, and it's never connected to the internet for safety reasons.
Recommended ages: 5 to 12 years old
A play set for imaginary chefs
Amazon
Hape Fun Fan Fryer, available atAmazon
Play kitchens and food are great for imaginative play. This tabletop stove by Hape has a built-in fan, so the included disks actually move around as they "cook" in the pan. Parents love that it's small enough to keep in a cupboard so kids can "cook" in the kitchen right next to them.
Recommended ages:3 years and up
An American Doll reimagining of Moana
American Girl
Disney Moana Doll by American Girl, available at American Girl
For fans of the Disney movie "Moana," this doll is inspired by the title character, including the pendant necklace that's prominently featured in the story. Even without the movie tie-in, it's a beautiful doll that stands on its own.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
Learn about the Moon’s orbit
Lego/Business Insider
Lego Technic Space Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit, available at Amazon and Target
If you're ever stuck explaining how the moon's orbit works to a kid who asks, just have them reference this Lego set. When the crank is activated, you can see how the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun orbit around each other. There are also details about which phase the Moon will be in, based on the time of year. It's a more advanced Lego set, but it's a great one for both adults and kids to build together.
Recommended ages: 10 years and up
A claw machine where kids win every time
Amazon
Hello Kitty and Friends Claw Machine, available at Amazon
This Hello Kitty-themed claw machine introduces kids to the nostalgic arcade fun without losing all your coins. It comes with eight capsules and eight figures featuring Hello Kitty and her friends My Melody, Kuromi, and others. Tip: For a party, purchase extra capsules and fill them with sweets or prizes.
Recommended ages: 6 years and up
A Play-Doh set with all the must-have tools
Amazon
Play-Doh Starter Set, available at Amazon and Walmart
Play-Doh is a classic toy that often keeps my kids occupied for hours. This starter kit comes with kid-safe scissors, a knife, a rotary cutter, a scooper, a roller, and some stencils. Of course, it also includes four cans of Play-Doh and a case to put it all in.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
Teach them to code their own video game
Ovobot
Ovobot Xtron Pro, available at Uncommon Goods
Instead of just playing video games, kids can make their very own. First, they code their game through a web-based app on a computer. When finished, the game is transferred to a portable device they can take and play anywhere — it can also double as a smartwatch. Adult supervision may be required, but it's a fun way for adults and kids to experience the process together, and it's a good introduction to coding and STEM learning.
Recommended ages: 8 years and up
A sensory play set with a rainbow of colors
Amazon
Kinetic Sand, Sandisfactory Set, available at Amazon
Kinetic sand is squishable, moldable sand that sticks together — making it both more fun and less messy than traditional sandbox sand. A toy that promotes both sensory play and creativity, this kit comes with 10 tools for molding and shaping the sand.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
Camp indoors with friends
Amazon/Business Insider
Lego Friends Adventure Camp Cozy Cabins, available at Amazon
Lego's Friends series has become so popular that there is even an animated series on Netflix. Kids can create their own stories about camping without stepping outside. The set includes two cabins, bikes, and marshmallows for campfire s'mores.
Recommended ages: 7 years and up
Nonna would be proud of this toy pizza
Ooni/Business Insider
Casdon Ooni Toy Pizza Oven, available at Amazon and Ooni
With this toy version of a modern home pizza oven, your kids can pretend to work in a pizzeria. It includes a peel, a cutting wheel, and a pizza with removable toppings. If anything, it prepares them for when they can make an actual pizza.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
A Littlest Pet Shop playset
Walmart
Littlest Pet Shop Fun Factory Playground Playset, available at Amazon and Target
Perfect for the animal lover with an active imagination, the Littlest Pet Shop Fun Factory Playground Playset includes bright accessories for a fun play experience. Plus, it comes with super cute Corgi and Hamster pets.
Recommended ages: 3 and up
A tough but classic dump truck
Target
Tonka Steel Classics Mighty Dump Truck, available at Amazon and Walmart
A durable classic, this partial-steel dump truck works well for indoor play or driving around a sandbox. Kids can haul toys around and dump them out again with the working bucket. Parents will appreciate the durable design.
Recommended ages:3 years and up
An action figure and ATV for little hands
Amazon
Paw Patrol Ryder's Rescue ATV, Vehicle and Figure, available on Amazon
Paw Patrol is popular among many young kids, but this four-wheeler and action figure is also a great first action figure. Parents say that the action figure and four-wheeler are easy for young hands to manipulate, and the posable figure works both on and off the ATV.
Recommended ages: 3 to 5 years old
An imaginative Minecraft build
Amazon
Lego Minecraft the Crafting Box 3.0, available at Amazon and Walmart
The video game Minecraft's popularity stems largely from the open-ended way that players can build their own worlds. While there are many different Minecraft Lego sets for fans, the Crafting Box 3.0 has the same open-ended, creativity-fostering play as the game, just without screens. This set allows fans to create a number of different Minecraft-inspired builds.
Recommended ages: 8 years and up
Grow their green thumb
Amazon
Creativity for Kids Plant-a-Pet Kitty, available at Amazon and Camp
Like the classic Chia Pet, this version comes in a cute cat pot (a unicorn, bunny, and puppy are also available). Fill it with potting mix and chia seeds, then watch it grow. This indoor plant adds fun decor to a kid's bedroom and fosters nurturing skills.
Recommended ages: 6 years and up
A classic toy makes a comeback
Amazon/Business Insider
Rubik's Coach Cube, available at Amazon
The popular Rubik's Cube from the 1980s is trending again with a new generation of youngsters. If your child (or yourself) has trouble solving the puzzle, get them this "coaching" version of the original toy. With removable stickers and step-by-step guides, through practice, you'll finally understand why this confounding puzzle is so challenging and fun.
Recommended ages: 8 years and up
A playset with favorite characters
Amazon
Bluey Ultimate Lights and Sounds Playhouse, available at Amazon
The playful characters and family-friendly humor has both kids and parents loving the television series Bluey. The Bluey Ultimate Lights Playhouse is a large playset with two articulated characters, a full set of furniture, and a 17-inch-tall house.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
A kid-friendly book on difficult topics
A Kids Company About
A Kids Book About, available at A Kids Company About
A Kids Book About is a line of books that tackles tough topics in a kid-friendly way. The series covers topics from racism and inclusivity to recognizing emotions like grief and understanding a diagnosis like cancer. Reviewers say that kids love the storylines while parents and caregivers love that they invite conversation on difficult subjects.
Recommended ages:5 years and up
A finger-painting kit
Amazon
Crayola My First Fingerpaint Kit, available at Amazon
Finger-painting is an amazing way to help kids strengthen their motor skills and learn how to express themselves. This set comes with 10 large sheets of paper and three easy-to-squeeze tubes of washable finger-paint because, chances are, your little Picasso probably likes painting outside the lines.
Recommended ages: 1 year and up
A kit to fuel their inner geologist
National Geographic
National Geographic Geode Kit, available at Amazon
Kids can work through their problem-solving skills, learn about science, and have fun with this National Geographic Geode Kit. It comes with 15 geodes, a pair of safety goggles, a magnifying glass, and an educational guide filled with facts about the formations. Note: cracking the geodes may take some strength and should definitely be done under adult supervision.
Recommended ages: 8 years and up
A long-lasting bath toy set
Amazon
Green Toys Eco-Friendly Submarine and Tug Boat Set, available at Amazon and Target
Rough-and-tumble kids will struggle to break any of their Green Toys vehicles. Made from sturdy recycled plastic, this submarine and tug boat set is the most durable bath toy you'll own and doubles as a cup for washing hair. Traditional bath toys like rubber ducks have hiding spots for mold, but these boats open up for easy cleaning.
Recommended ages: 6 months and up
A personalized puzzle just for them
Amazon
Fat Brain Toys Personalized Name Puzzle, available at Amazon and Fat Brain Toys
Personalized gifts are often a big hit, and this name puzzle has the added benefit of helping younger kids learn to spell their names. The puzzle can be customized with names up to nine characters long and can also double as a bedroom decoration.
Recommended ages: 1 year and up
A farm puzzle with sound effects
Amazon
Melissa and Doug Farm Animals Sound Puzzle, available at Amazon
Melissa and Doug's Sound Puzzles were a hit with my kids at the toddler and preschool ages. These tough wooden puzzles make the noise of the farm animal when the piece correctly falls into place, adding another level of play to a classic toy. This option teaches farm animal sounds, but there are also sets for vehicles, zoo animals, and musical instruments.
Recommended ages: 2 years and up
An open-ended building toy
Amazon
Magna-Tiles, 32 pieces, available at Amazon and Walmart
Magna-Tiles are building toys that fuse together creativity, geometry, and problem-solving but just feel like a fun toy. My kids have continued to have fun with Magna-Tiles after the initial build, creating houses for stuffed animals and action figures. These versatile toys are suited for a wide range of ages and interests, making them easily giftable.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
A remote control truck for stunt lovers
Amazon
Monster Jam Grave Digger Freestyle Force RC Car, available at Amazon
Remote control cars are often a kid favorite, but this monster truck is packed with extra tricks. An RC vehicle that will do forward and backward wheelies, spins, and flips, fans of Monster Jam will also appreciate that it's modeled to look like the real Grave Digger.
Recommended ages:4 years and up
A scoop for epic snowball fights
Buy Buy Baby
Hey! Play! Snowball Maker Tool, available at Amazon
This snowball maker has taken my kids' snowball fights up a level. It quickly scoops snow to make nice-sized snowballs for playing.
Recommended ages: 4 years and up
A set of fast-filling water balloons
Amazon
Zuru Bunch O Balloons, available at Amazon
Water balloons are a kid favorite, but these Zuru Bunch O Balloons take away the tediousness of filling and tying balloons for battle. Using a hose attachment, these self-tying water balloon kits fill up 100 balloons at once.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up, ages 3 to 8 with adult supervision
A folding scooter
Walmart
Razor A Kick Scooter, available at Amazon and Walmart
These scooters are durable outdoor toys that feel like a big gift yet retail for under $50. Because these scooters also fold up, they are easier to store and take on the go than a bike.
Recommended ages: 5 years and up
A play set for camping adventures
Amazon
Playmobil Volkswagen T1 Camping Bus, available at Amazon
With a bus, mini action figures, and camping accessories, the Playmobil Volkswagen Camping Bus will appeal to kids with a variety of interests. The top lifts off, so after pushing the bus around, kids can take the play figures on imaginary adventures. The bus works as a stand-alone toy or with other Playmobil sets.
Recommended ages:5 years and up
A stuffed animal craft kit
Amazon
Craftlab Woodland Friends Sewing Kit, available at Amazon
This craft kit allows kids to create their own stuffed animal friends. The sewing kit includes all the materials and instructions for kids to create five woodland animals. Parents will appreciate that it comes in a reusable tote for putting the mess away.
Recommended ages: 7 years and up
A colorful tablet for them to draw to their hearts' content
Amazon
Orsen LCD Writing Tablet, available at Amazon
This LCD writing tablet is perfect for doodling — without the mess or paper waste. The drawings and writings appear in a pretty gradient rainbow, and the tablet is especially great for travel when kids want something to do but can't easily use crayons or markers.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
A fun, educational board game that teaches them real chess
Uncommon Goods
Storytime Chess for kids, available at Amazon and Uncommon Goods
Chess is a timeless game but can be a bit overwhelming for young kids to pick up. This clever board game gives the pieces their own character names and backstories, offering an engaging and simple way for children to gradually learn the rules. There are also expansion packs to keep the game going, making it a genuinely engrossing toy for kids and their parents alike.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
Glow-in-the-dark bath cubes to make bath time their favorite
Uncommon Goods
Glowing Bath Time Cubes, available at Uncommon Goods
These cubes (which last a few weeks, or 72 hours total) automatically start glowing when they come in contact with water — and turn off the moment they're out. Beyond just looking super cool, they can entertain kids for hours as they place the cubes in and out of the water, trying to figure out their magic.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
A custom bear for Harry Potter fans
Build-A-Bear
Build-A-Bear Harry Potter Collection, available at Build-A-Bear
Build-A-Bear's wide range of quality plush and accessories allows you to gift a customized teddy. The Noble Harry Potter collection is a great gift for fans of the series. You can choose a bear — or perhaps Hedwig or a house animal — and deck it out in clothes for one of the four houses.
Recommended ages:3 years and up
A card-filled game for new Pokemon fans
Target
Pokemon Trading Card Game Battle Academy, available at Walmart
Pokemon Battle Academy is a game that teaches kids how to play with those classic trading cards. Because it includes three full decks of cards with 60 cards in each, it's also a better value than purchasing individual packs of cards.
Recommended ages: 6 years and up