As a mom of three, I know firsthand how exciting (and tricky) it can be to find the perfect gifts for kids. From doing my own research to talking to other parents, I’ve spent years discovering what truly keeps kids engaged and happy. Nowadays, my tween daughters like to tell me what the cool gifts for kids are!
For me, it’s all about striking a balance between the fun and the practical. I love finding unique kids gifts that spark their creativity and curiosity, bring them joy, and get played with for longer than a few weeks.
I believe that the best gifts are the ones that inspire kids to learn, imagine, and explore. That’s why my home is filled with everything from LEGO pieces scattered across the floor, to stacks of well-loved books, to all kinds of art supplies and craft kits. Whether your little one loves creating, gaming, outdoor adventures, or diving into a good story, I’ve rounded up some gift ideas for kids that cater to a wide range of interests and passions.
This list includes tried-and-true favorites from my own family, as well as new picks that my kids have been eyeing this year.My goal is to help you find great gifts for kids that aren’t just fun for the moment, but are also things your kids will go back to time and time again. Whether you’re shopping for a holiday, birthday, or just looking to surprise your little ones, I hope these ideas make gift-giving a little easier and a whole lot more fun!
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Shopping Tips for Kids’ Gifts
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Make sure it’s right for them. When looking up gift ideas for kids, be sure to check the recommended ages while keeping your kids’ abilities and interests in mind. You can also look at how the toy works and read reviews to get a better sense of whether it’s something your kid will use and enjoy.
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Ask the kid (or the caregivers). There are so many unique kids toys out there! The easiest way to know what your kid would like is to ask them. Or you can show them a toy catalog and have them pick five favorites. If you’re not a parent or main caregiver, you can also ask them for gift ideas.
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Create a wishlist. Set up a wishlist (either online or using your notes app) so all of your gift ideas for kids are in one place. I use this throughout the year to save ideas for each kid — and watch for deals so I can grab them on sale! You can also add items to this wishlist when your kid asks you for things while shopping.
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Focus on quality over quantity. Seeing a bunch of presents under the tree or at a party is super exciting for kids, but how long will that excitement last? The fewer toys that are out, the more likely kids are to play with them for longer and in more imaginative ways. Typically I opt for a few high-quality toys that I know will last over a bunch of smaller, cheaper toys that will break easily or just add to the toy clutter.
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Balance the fun and trendy with the practical and meaningful. While there’s nothing wrong with buying trendy and cool gifts for kids, keep in mind that the classics will always keep their interest. I usually get one popular item for my girls and then stick to gifts they need (like new clothes) and gifts that will benefit them physically and mentally, like books, games, and craft kits.
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Watch for sales — and shop early. A lot of kids’ toys, clothes, and more go on sale between October and November. This is especially helpful when trying to find unique Christmas gifts for kids. While the discounts continue through December, it’s usually better to shop earlier so you can find what you want. Popular gifts, especially, might sell out the closer you get to Christmas.
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Think outside the box (or the toy aisle). Gift-giving doesn’t have to be all about toys! If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all of the stuff your kids have, I highly recommend gifting your kids an activity they already love or a new experience. Experience gifts are so fun — and a great way to create special memories for your entire family.
Stocking Stuffer Ideas
Putting together stocking stuffers for kids ages 6-8 is such a fun way to add extra excitement to Christmas morning! At this age, kids love small surprises that feel like hidden treasures, and a well-curated stocking can make their holiday even more magical. I like to include a mix of playful and practical items that kids can actually use—think cozy socks, colorful pens, and cute toothbrushes alongside small toys, games, or craft supplies that spark creativity. It’s the perfect chance to sneak in a few essentials without sacrificing the fun!
I also love that stocking stuffers can be tailored to each child’s personality and interests. Whether your little one is into building, crafting, reading, or playing games, you can easily find a few small gifts to match. From puzzles and joke books to scented markers and hair accessories, these tiny treats are sure to bring big smiles and keep kids entertained long after the wrapping paper is gone. It’s the little things that often make the biggest memories, and these stocking stuffers are a great way to spread some extra holiday cheer.
Q&A: Kids Gift Ideas
How do you choose gifts for kids?
When researching gift ideas for kids, I always make sure they are age-appropriate or match up with my kids’ abilities and interests. I also check with my daughters to find out what the cool gifts for kids are nowadays. Lastly, I try to balance the fun and the practical. This means I look for gifts that encourage some type of development — whether it’s motor skills, communication, critical thinking, creativity, or other life skills. Anything that inspires family bonding is a bonus!
What do you try to avoid when getting gifts for kids?
I try to avoid toys that are going to get played with for a few weeks and then forgotten about. If this happens, you can try to store it away and then rotate it back in to see if your kid is excited about it again. Obviously certain gifts have a shelf life (like anything crafty), which I’m ok with because they help build a lot of valuable skills. I also avoid a lot of small, inexpensive toys that will just add to the clutter or won’t last long.
How do you balance gifts between siblings?
While you could stick to a specific budget per kid, younger kids typically don’t know how much something costs and might notice the amount of gifts per kid instead. Another idea is to follow a rule, like every kid gets something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read, and something to do or experience. You could also get a gift for siblings to share, especially if they are closer in age.
