The 51 best gifts for kids of all ages

A kid-friendly tablet

Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet, available on Amazon

The Amazon Fire tablet will be their new best friend on long car rides. The purchase includes one year of access to Amazon Kids+, offering ad-free books, interactive games, videos, and apps. With parental controls, though, you'll always know they're consuming safe content.

Recommended ages: 3 years and up

A screen-free entertainment system

Toniebox 2 Audio Player Starter Set, available on Amazon

They'll forget all about screentime when they have the Toniebox2. It tells stories, plays songs, and encourages games with Tonies they can swap out themselves. There are dozens of different Tonies, including Disney characters, so they'll explore their favorite movies and shows in a new way.

Recommended ages: 1 year and up

A balance bike for learning to ride on two wheels

Woom Go 1, available on Woom

Balancing is the hardest part of learning how to ride a bike. Starting your kid on a two-wheel balance bike rather than a bike with training wheels will build their confidence and skill. The Woom Go is super lightweight and easy to control.

Recommended ages: 18 months and up

A cookbook for budding bakers

"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 personalized puzzle just for them

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 folding scooter

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 faster way to get around

Razor E100 Glow Electric Scooter, available on Amazon

They'll be cruising all over town on this Razor electric scooter. It can get up to 10 miles per hour, and the hand brake keeps them in control. When it's not in use, they can use the kickstand to keep it upright and ready for the next ride.

Recommended ages: 8 years and up

Teach them to code their own video game

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 tough but classic dump truck

Tonka Steel Classics Mighty Dump Truck, available at Amazon

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

A kid-friendly book on difficult topics

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 kit to fuel their inner geologist

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 farm puzzle with sound effects

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

A remote control truck for stunt lovers

Monster Jam Official Smash and Bash Grave Digge 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 smash on impact, 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 fun, educational board game that teaches them real chess

Storytime Chess for kids, available at Amazon

Chess is a timeless game, but it 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

A camera that prints photos

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera, available on Amazon

Not only will they get to snap pictures with their best friends and pets, but they'll be able to print them out on the spot. It features a built-in selfie mirror and flash, so they'll always got an A+ shot. This starter kit comes with 40 sheets to kick off the picture-taking right away.

Recommended ages: 8 years and up

A STEM project

Teach Tech Hydrobot Arm Kit, available on Amazon

Allow them to build something to be proud of with this STEM hydraulic kit. They'll become a mechanical engineer when they assemble this arm kit, which features six different axes and can rotate up to 270 degrees. Once it's complete, they don't need batteries to move and grab things.

Recommended ages: 12 years and up

A puzzle to tease their brain

Kanoodle 3D Brain Teaser Puzzle, available on Amazon

Once they start these 2D and 3D puzzles, they won't be able to stop. There are over 200 puzzles ranging from beginner to difficult, but each one only has one correct answer. Their brains will be bent in all the right ways.

Recommended ages: 7 years and up

A sound-filled way to learn words

LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book, available on Amazon

They're soaking up every piece of knowledge thrown at them, and this LeapFrog book provides 100 must-know ones. Allow your little one to explore the words on each page with sound effects to keep them engaged. Everything is available in English and Spanish for a well-rounded experience.

Recommended ages: 1.5 years and up

A backyard obstacle course

Slackers Ninjaline 36' Intro Kit with Obstacles, available on Amazon

Turn their backyard into an obstacle course with rope, monkey bars, gymnastic rings, and more. They'll just need two healthy trees or posts to bring it to life. Since it holds up to 250 pounds, even adults can get in on the fun.

Recommended ages: 6 years and up

A karaoke machine for singers

CYY Karaoke Machine with 2 Wireless Microphones, available on Amazon

Whether they're belting out Taylor Swift or "Wicked" soundtrack songs, they can do it for all to hear. This karaoke machine comes with two microphones and colored lights so they can really put on a show. The system is completely portable, too, so there will be a party wherever they go.

Recommended ages: 7 years and up

A buildable Hot Wheels car

Mattel Brick Shop Hot Wheels Audi Avant RS2, available on Amazon

This 253-piece set allows them to build and customize the iconic Audi Avant RS2. In addition to the challenge of building the car, the kit also includes a smaller diecast model of the car.

Recommended ages: 10 years and up

A twist on a classic kids' game

The Floor is Lava! Game, available on Amazon

We all played that game where we can't touch the floor or we'll get "burned" as kids. Now, let the next generation get in on the fun with The Floor is Lava! Game that comes with safe stepping stones. It's ideal for two to six players.

Recommended ages: 5 years and up

An accessory-filled beauty salon

Melissa & Doug Wooden Beauty Salon, available on Amazon

Maybe they watch Mom get ready in the morning and want to get in on the fun. This 18-piece vanity set includes pretend makeup and hair products. Better yet, it has built-in storage, so it's always neatly displayed between play times.

Recommended ages: 3 years and up

A future pilot's dream

4DRC V32 Foam Remote Control Airplane, available on Amazon

This foam airplane will perform 360-degree rolls and other impressive tricks, as long as it has a skilled pilot in control. It can get up to 164 feet in the air and even has light-emitting diode (LED) lights, so it'll illuminate through the night sky. The remote control is ready to go right out of the box for instant fun.

Recommended ages: 8 years and up

A fun way to get competitive

Flooyes Skip Ball, available on Amazon

A light-up skip ball keeps them active and puts them in a competitive spirit, even if it's just against themselves. They'll place the toy around their ankle and swing it, so they'll have to jump to keep it going. The built-in counter and timer will let them work to beat their high score.

Recommended ages: 6 years and up

A pottery kit for DIYers

Aujazyble Pottery Wheel and Painting DIY Kit, available on Amazon

First, they'll create their own pot, and then, they'll be able to paint it. This kit comes with everything they need to get started, including an apron, clay, tools, and more. It might be a totally new activity for them, but that's what makes it exciting.

Recommended ages: 8 years and up

A wicked-fun playset

Mattel Universal Pictures' "Wicked" Emerald City Playset, available on Amazon

They already have Barbies, but do they have Elphaba and Glinda? This Emerald City playset has five play spaces and 15 accessories to bring the movie to life. It's sure to be a "popular" toy among their many others.

Recommended ages: 4 years and up

A DIY jewelry kit

Choose Friendship My Friendship Bracelet Maker, available on Amazon

With 20 pre-cut threads and 10 colors to choose from, they'll be making friendship bracelets for their entire group. This is a relaxing activity that allows them to share their work with loved ones. Plus, you can always throw in extra thread in more colors for even more creativity!

Recommended ages: 8 years and up

A 4-in-1 playset

Fisher-Price Baby Playmat, available on Amazon

As babies go through different physical stages, this playmat will grow with them. Featuring the iconic Fisher-Price song "Maybe" about purple monkeys, they'll kick their feet and use their arms to reach the different hanging toys. There are three stages and more than 65 songs to keep them entertained.

Recommended ages: 3 months and up

A cool way to encourage reading

Amazon Kindle Kids, available on Amazon

Let them get lost in the world of literature with an Amazon Kindle. The handheld device is small enough to bring with them and can hold up to six weeks of battery life. With a Kindle Unlimited subscription, they'll get access to four million titles, as well as audiobooks and more.

Recommended ages: 8 years and up

A farm with built-in storage

Melissa & Doug Take-Along Wooden Toy Barn, available on Amazon

The best gifts for kids are those that have built-in storage, like this Melissa & Doug barn. This wooden toy features farm animals and a barn with cutouts, so they'll learn to match the animals to their spots. There's a handle on top, too, making it a portable option to bring to the grandparents' house.

Recommended ages: 2 years and up

A no-fail painting kit

Wings Giant Paint by Numbers Kit, available on Amazon

Painting doesn't have to be complicated, especially when they have a kit that walks them through each stage. With three canvases, five paintbrushes, and 30 paint colors, they'll be on their way to creating masterpieces. Just follow the numbers that coordinate with paint colors for a no-stress experience.

Recommended ages: 8 years and up

An indoor playset for climbing

BlueWood 8-in-1 Pikler Triangle Climbing Set, available on Amazon

When all they want to do is climb on everything, make it a toy instead of the furniture by giving them a Pikler triangle. There are various pieces to set up as you wish, so they'll always have something new to explore. It's made of sturdy beech wood, so it'll last for years to come.

Recommended ages: 1.5 years and up

A bow and arrow set to take aim

Joyin LED Bow and Arrow Set, available on Amazon

Aim, set, fun! This archery set comes with a bow, nine suction cup arrows, a target, an arrow case, and three foam cans to knock down. It's designed for indoor and outdoor use and, with two AA batteries, the bow lights up with LED lights. Let's see how good their hand-eye coordination is!

Recommended ages: 6 years and up

A living room-friendly bounce house

Intex Inflatable Jump-O-Lene, available on Amazon

Measuring in at about 5.7 by 5.7 feet, this compact inflatable bounce house ensures hours of fun. It has a crawl-through door and an all-around net to keep kids and toys inside. It just requires a separate air pump for inflation, and the fun can begin.

Recommended ages: 3 years and up

A lamp, speaker, and alarm clock in one

Hetyre Night Light Bluetooth Speaker, available on Amazon

Ensure they get up on time with this alarm clock that's also a bedside lamp and Bluetooth speaker. It has 48 LED lights with three levels of brightness and different colors to choose from. They'll appreciate being able to listen to music in the comfort of their own room.

Recommended ages: 10 years and up

An indoor setup for sports fans

Treywell Indoor Basketball Hoop, available on Amazon

This isn't your typical indoor basketball hoop — this one is easy to install, is only 17 inches wide, and comes with three mini basketballs. It features a built-in counter so they can track their high score. They can even do a gentle slam dunk, thanks to the rim that's flexible up to 45 degrees.

Recommended ages: 8 years and up

A royal dress-up kit

Disney Princess Dress-Up Trunk, available on Amazon

Officially licensed by Disney, this princess trunk includes tops, skirts, and accessories for Belle, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White. There are 21 pieces in total, so let their imagination run wild as they recreate their favorite characters. It comes in a keepsake storage trunk, which keeps things nicely packed away.

Recommended ages: 4 years and up

A cushioned way to get competitive

Banzai Bump N' Bounce Body Bumpers, available on Amazon

Give them the chance to rough-house safely with the Banzai body bumpers. The inflatable toys allow kids to bump into each other to see who's the last one standing. Although they're meant for kids, adults have been known to get in on the fun, too.

Recommended ages: 4 years and up

Create a custom marble run

Thames & Kosmos Gecko Run Marble Run Starter Set, available at Amazon

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

A slime alternative with less mess

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 microscope that can go anywhere

Carson Micro Brite Plus 60x-120x LED Lighted Zoom Pocket Microscope, available at Amazon

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 classic building set with a new twist

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

A kit for bug catchers

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

Radio Flyer Ultimate Go-Kart, available at Walmart

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 awesome 3D puzzle display

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 claw machine where kids win every time

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 finger-painting kit

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 Play-Doh set with all the must-have tools

Play-Doh Starter Set, available at Amazon

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

An open-ended building toy

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

Slime with a scientific spin

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