We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping The Best Gift Ideas of 2024 The 50 Best Gifts for Kids You Can Buy Online Something for every age and interest. By Christine Winder Christine Winder Christine is a commerce writer for Real Simple. She's been a contributing writer to local and national publications since 2019, covering topics such as home, lifestyle, and wellness. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 22, 2024 Photo: Real Simple / David Hattan Keeping up with the latest trends and a child’s changing interests can make it tough to know what to get them for their birthday or the holiday season. After all, you want them to use it—not toss it to the back of their closet to sit untouched forever. So, where to start? “The most important thing is to reflect on the child’s interests and their age,” says Chris Byrne, independent toy analyst, researcher, and consultant. “You’ll see a lot of hot toy lists, but the hot toy is only hot if it’s hot for your child.” Byrne also recommends looking for a gift that pushes the envelope or offers something different: “If your family likes to play games together, find a game that makes your child the star. If your kid is into arts and crafts or making things, find things that are really innovative or immersive. The best gifts are those that aren’t complete without the child.” To find a special gift that your kid (or the kid in your life) will truly love, we took a deep dive into all there is to offer for toys, games, books, art projects, and more. Exploding Kittens Throw Throw Burrito Game PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon $25 at Walmart Orig. $40 $28 at Tractor Supply Co. Game night just got a lot more interesting with this interactive card game by the makers of Exploding Kittens. The object is simple: Collect sets of matching cards to earn points and avoid being hit by an airborne burrito. Yes, you literally get to throw burritos like a dodgeball. The brand also sells expansion kits such as Block Block Burrito to add to the fun. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 7+ years Squishmallows Original Mystery Box PHOTO: Amazon $35 at Amazon $40 at Target $44 at Walmart Squishmallows are wildly popular among children, and there are so many adorable characters to choose from. This mystery box takes the guesswork out of giving and even adds a surprise element—you don’t know which ones you’ll get until you open the box. This box includes five 5-inch Squishmallows, but there’s also an option for three 8-inch plushies. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 3+ years Acadia Kids Camera PHOTO: Amazon $36 at Amazon Budding photographers will enjoy capturing the world around them with their own instant camera. This kit includes three rolls of ink-free paper, a 32-gigabyte memory card, and a lanyard for easy carrying. The shockproof plastic shell protects their new gift from drops, and unlike other cameras, there are games they can play when photography time is over. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 3–12 years Educational Insights Kanoodle 3D Brain Teaser Puzzle Game PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $14 $10 at Amazon $20 at Wayfair Orig. $14 $10 at Walmart Kanoodle is a game of fun and critical thinking. Kids can choose from more than 200 challenges to recreate 2D patterns or 3D shapes using colorful marbles, and when they’re done, everything fits neatly into the carrying case. While it’s recommended for ages seven and up, it’s likely that parents will want to try their hand at the game, as well. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 7+ years Fisher Price Wake Up & Learn Coffee Mug PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $10 $9 at Amazon $9 at Target View on Kohls.com Young minds will enjoy exploring the different features this toy has to offer, including lights and over 20 songs, sounds, and phrases. It can help babies strengthen their motor skills as they grasp the handle, press buttons, and rattle beads, while toddlers will enjoy imaginative play pretending to sip coffee from their very own mug. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 6 months–3 years Let Loose Moose Hover Soccer Ball PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $21 $20 at Amazon $15 at Walmart When rainy days leave kids stuck inside, give them the gift of outdoor play indoors. Unlike traditional soccer balls, this one is made to hover over smooth surfaces when kicked and is surrounded by soft foam bumpers to protect furniture and walls from potential scuffs or damage. What’s more, the flashing LED lights allow for play after dark. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 3+ years MYNT3D Super 3D Pen PHOTO: Amazon $44 at Amazon View on Mynt3d.com Young artists can take their creations to the next level with this 3D printing kit. It comes with three colors of plastic filament, a stylus, and an A/C adapter to get kids designing anything they can imagine. If they need a little extra inspiration, the brand’s website offers tutorials on making animals, game pieces, and action figures. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: Not specified Nugget Foam Couch PHOTO: Nugget View on Nuggetcomfort.com Form meets fun and function with this modular play sofa. It comes with four configurable foam pieces including a base, cushion, and two triangle pillows that can be arranged into seating, forts, obstacle courses, and more for kids to climb or relax on. It comes in 18 colors and three washable fabric types. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 1+ years Risiculis 11-Piece Kid’s Knife Set PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $19 $14 at Amazon If your kid is right beside you watching reruns of Guy’s Grocery Games, this prep set will have them creating culinary creations of their own. The 11-piece collection includes five knives, one crinkle cutter, one Y-shaped peeler, a cutting board, and three sandwich cutouts in the shape of a mushroom, bear, and rabbit. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: Not listed Crazy Forts Original PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $70 $48 at Amazon Orig. $54 $48 at Walmart $55 at Barnesandnoble.com Instead of using dining chairs and couch cushions to make a fort, kids can stretch their imagination and create unique structures such as igloos, castles, and tunnels with this kit. It includes 44 sticks and 25 connector balls to build with, and once the structure is complete, all it needs is a sheet or throw blanket draped over top to create the ultimate hideaway. Kits can also be combined to make even larger structures. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 5+ years Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Easel PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $98 $80 at Amazon $92 at Target View on Melissaanddoug.com For the artist on your list, this easel has everything needed to draw, paint, and create. It comes with a dry-erase board, chalkboard, and locking paper roll holder so children can express themselves in a variety of different mediums. The sturdy wooden frame folds flat for storage and is adjustable, so it can change in height as kids grow. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 3–8 years Boon Building Bath Toys Set PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $30 $27 at Amazon $27 at Target Orig. $49 $46 at Walmart Turn bath time into an entertaining, educational experience with this bundle from Boon. Toddlers will enjoy scooping and pouring water while bigger kids can connect pieces to create a maze for water to flow through. It includes five pipes, three tubes, and five gears made from BPA-free plastic that can be used individually or as a system. They’re also designed to suction to the bath wall to keep water in the tub rather than on the floor. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 1+ years Play Maysie Portable Travel Doll House PHOTO: Play Maysie View on Playmaysie.com From the outside it looks like a lunchbox, but inside is a world of imaginative play. Open up the case and you’ll find two scenes, two interchangeable wood floors with fixed furniture, magnetic accessories, and plush dolls that allow for hours of open-ended play. Everything fits neatly inside the carrying case, which also features a canvas carrying strap so you can take it on the go in the car, on a plane, or to a restaurant. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 3–8 years Making a Difference PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $18 $14 at Amazon Inspire kids to make the world a better place with this nonfiction book from the series “Young Change Makers.” Written by Stacy C. Bauer and illustrated by Emanuela Ntamack, Making a Difference tells the true stories of 12 kids creating change in their communities around the world through their unique passions and talents. It also offers ideas for how readers can make a difference, too. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 7–10 years Random House Books for Young Readers Oh, the Places You’ll Go! PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $19 $9 at Amazon $10 at Target Orig. $19 $18 at Bookshop.org This classic book by Dr. Seuss will remind them of all the potential they possess. Kids will love the author’s signature rhymes and colorful illustrations as the story teaches readers about the ups and downs they can expect in life. If you want to make this gift even more special and personalized, write a message inside for your kid to read and cherish for years to come. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 5–17 years Kinetic Sand Soft Serve Station PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $15 $10 at Amazon $10 at Target View on Spinmaster.com Kids can make creations that look almost as good as the real deal with this Kinetic Sand Soft Serve Station. The kit comes with 14 ounces of the magical sand in blue, pink, and white, as well as two ice cream cones, a scoop, and sprinkle grater for them to play with independently or with friends. Because kinetic sand never dries out, it’s able to be used again and again. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 5+ years Smithsonian Planetarium and Dual Projector Science Kit PHOTO: Amazon $40 at Amazon $30 at Target $44 at Walmart For the science lover or future astronaut on your list, this dual-function projector brings the beauty of outer space right to their bedroom. You can choose from over 24 high-definition space images, including planets, nebulae, asteroids, and more, as well as a rotating image of the stars to create over 50 different image combinations. Not only is it educational, but it also doubles as a night light with automatic shut-off for after they’ve drifted to sleep. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 8+ years Amazon Kindle Kids PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $120 $95 at Amazon Orig. $120 $95 at Target $120 at Best Buy Whether they’re just getting started or already love reading, this Kindle for kids will help them keep up with their growing to-be-read list. It has a lightweight design and glare-free screen, but it doesn’t have any apps, videos, or games. Your purchase comes with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, where children can explore and download thousands of books and listen to hundreds of audiobooks. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 7+ years Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks Set PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $28 $18 at Amazon Orig. $22 $18 at Walmart View on Melissaanddoug.com Building blocks are a classic children’s toy, and for good reason. Kids can practice their shapes, colors, and counting skills while further developing their motor skills as they grasp and stack blocks. This kit comes with 100 solid wood blocks in four different colors and nine shapes to keep little ones entertained for hours. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 2–5 years Watchitude Indoor/Outdoor Pickleball Set PHOTO: Watchitude View on Watchitude.com $30 at Uncommon Goods If your kids haven’t gotten into pickleball yet, now is the time. All you need is an open space and this kit, which includes a net, two indoor-safe silicone pickleballs, and two kids pickleball paddles. If you want to challenge additional players, the brand also sells a Doubles Add-On Set, which includes two additional balls and paddles. After a game, everything fits back into the handheld zip-up bag for storage. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 6+ years Asobu Bestie Water Bottle PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon $30 at Uncommon Goods View on Asobubottle.com Make hydration an enjoyable habit with these adorable character water bottles. Each one is spill proof and holds 16 ounces and features a different animal for kids to choose from, such as a giraffe, penguin, or jellyfish. The double-wall stainless steel will keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12, and the soft silicone coating helps little hands easily grip the bottle. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 4+ years Tonies Toniebox PHOTO: Amazon $100 at Amazon View on Nordstrom View on Tonies.com To keep children engaged without a screen, this audio player has 52 minutes of songs, stories, and educational content. To use, simply place the desired figurine on top of the audio box, and tracks will begin playing automatically. Each figurine—which includes characters from Disney, Dr. Seuss, Pixar, and Paw Patrol—is programmed to play different content. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 3+ years Schwinn Elm Toddler Balance Bike PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $100 $92 at Amazon View on Schwinnbikes.com Adventurous kids can practice their riding skills on this balance bike. They’ll start with their feet on the ground to help push themselves forward until eventually they’re able to balance and ride for longer periods of time. The bike features 12-inch foam tires for a smooth ride, a steering limiter for added stability, and an adjustable seat to ensure the best fit for your child as they grow. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 1-4 years Gathre Packable Ball Pit PHOTO: Maisonette $115 at Nordstrom View on Maisonette.com View on Gathre.com Bring the fun with you wherever you go with this packable ball pit made from double-sided vegan leather. It’s available in eight aesthetic colors and sturdy enough to maintain its shape but padded for safe and comfortable play. Its water-resistant and wipeable material makes it easy to clean before folding up for compact storage. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 1+ years Magna-Tiles 100-Piece Clear Colors Set $120 at Amazon $120 at Walmart View on Maisonette.com A modern take on traditional building blocks, Magna-Tiles are made from food-grade, BPA-free plastic and connect using magnets that are strong enough to stick together but easy enough for little ones to pull apart. This beginner kit includes 32 colorful pieces, including two different size squares and three different triangles. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 3+ years BubbleLick Flavored Edible Bubbles PHOTO: Uncommon Goods $30 at Amazon $30 at Target Orig. $30 $25 at Uncommon Goods Unlike traditional bubbles, these ones are edible. They’re formulated by pediatricians and made from food- and pharmaceutical-grade ingredients in an allergen-free facility. This variety pack includes four flavors for kids to enjoy, including Glazed Cinnamon Roll, Juicy Watermelon Splash, Carnival Cotton Candy, and Milk Chocolate Chip. Each container comes with its own wand to blow bubbles with, but the tasty solution can also be added to bubble machines. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 2+ years Where Did My Dog Go? PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $40 $35 at Amazon View on Bookofus.com $35 at Uncommon Goods This seek-and-find storybook can be customized to feature children’s names and pets. Choose up to two dogs from 20 breeds in multiple colors and up to six family names. The story takes readers on an adventure as they search for their missing dog(s) across seven different scenes to help children hone their reading and identification skills. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 3+ years Gonge River Stones PHOTO: Amazon $69 at Amazon View on Fatbraintoys.com $75 at Macy's Children will develop coordination as they balance and jump from one stone to another. The set includes six stones in assorted colors and are designed to stack together for easy cleanup and storage. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 3–15 years Lalo Play Tent PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $135 $125 at Amazon View on Bloomingdales View on Meetlalo.com This tent can be used as a home for their stuffed animals, a reading nook, or a quiet space to daydream. The frame is made from beechwood, and the covering is made from a machine-washable canvas. It’s big enough for multiple children to play inside but small enough that it won’t take up too much room in their bedroom or playroom. To store, it easily folds flat to fit underneath a couch or bed. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 1+ years National Geographic Dino Dig Kit PHOTO: Walmart Orig. $30 $15 at Walmart View on Academy.com If you have a dino lover on your list, this kit from National Geographic will make them feel like a real paleontologist as they dig to uncover fossils. The set includes a T. rex tooth fossil replica and a genuine dinosaur poop fossil hidden inside a large dirt brick, along with digging tools, a brush, and a learning guide. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 8+ years Buffalo Games Pop It! Pro PHOTO: Walmart Orig. $20 $16 at Amazon $16 at Target Orig. $18 $16 at Walmart With the Pop It! Pro, lights flash in a pattern for players to recreate by popping bubbles before the time runs out. There are 20 levels that progress in difficulty and three play modes including single player, single-player blitz, and multiplayer. A compact toy without any parts and pieces, the Pop It! Pro is easy to take on the go so the fun never has to stop. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 5+ years LeapFrog 100 Animals Book PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $20 $19 at Amazon $19 at Target Orig. $25 $19 at Walmart Infants and toddlers will learn animal identification, English, Spanish, and life science from the LeapFrog 100 Animals Book. Each of the 12 pages features a different habitat, including a rainforest and desert, and showcases the different animals living there. Simply press a button to hear animal names, their sounds, and fun facts about each one. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 18 months–2 years Belkin Soundform Nano Earbuds PHOTO: Belkin Orig. $50 $33 at Amazon $60 at Walmart View on Belkin.com Give the gift of high-quality sound to the kid who’s always listening to music or watching videos on their devices. These earbuds are designed with volume-limiting features to protect their ears, they’re sweat- and water-resistant, and they come with five different size options to achieve the most comfortable fit. The case and earbuds are fully charged after just two hours and provide up to five hours of non-stop listening. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 7+ years Kidzlane Light Up Dance Pad PHOTO: Amazon $75 at Amazon Orig. $65 $55 at Walmart All kids need is open space and some tunes to make the most of this interactive toy. Blinking lights lead the way as players practice their moves in three different dance modes, or they can choose from a Simon-Says-style memory game with five difficulty levels. Unlike other dance mats that only play the tunes loaded in the game, the Kidzlane Electronic Dance Mat allows kids to play their own music through Bluetooth connectivity. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 8-12 years Hot Wheels Race Crate PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $90 $59 at Amazon $50 at Walmart Hot Wheels enthusiasts know that racing the little cars is half the fun of collecting them, and this four-lane track allows kids to create new racing experiences over and over again. When kids are done playing, the track easily folds into the carrying case that also holds up to 19 cars. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 6–10 years Lulu My Comic Book Kit PHOTO: Lakeshore View on Lakeshorelearning.com $30 at Uncommon Goods View on Rainbowresource.com Future authors and illustrators can try their hand at creating their own comic book. This kit comes with markers, pre-formatted blank pages, and an instructional guide with tips and examples. Once complete, parents can send their story in the pre-paid envelope for it to be professionally printed and bound. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 6+ years Little Tikes T-Ball Set PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon $16 at Target Orig. $16 $15 at Walmart Even the best little athletes need practice—this Little Tikes T-ball set will help sharpen their skills in their own backyard. Designed with beginners in mind, it helps kids develop hand-eye coordination as they learn to hit the ball off the adjustable tee with an easy-to-grip oversized bat. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 18+ months Catan Studio Catan PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $60 $44 at Amazon $44 at Target Orig. $49 $44 at Walmart Three to four adults and kids can compete by gathering and trading resources to expand their settlements across the board. Catan is celebrated for its balance of strategy and chance, making it an exciting and stimulating gift that players will enjoy time and time again. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 10+ years Woolbuddy Needle Felting Starter Kit PHOTO: Amazon $27 at Amazon View on Woolbuddy.com Crafty kids can try their hand at felting with this starter kit from Woolbuddy. It comes with colorful wool, felting needles, a foam mat, and thimbles to keep little fingers safe. It also includes an instructional booklet with photos for kids to follow along as they craft six cuddly characters. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 8+ years Hape Pound & Tape Bench PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $33 $29 at Amazon $35 at Walmart View on Dillards.com If you have a musical prodigy on your hands, this toy can help them hone their skills. As children pound the colorful balls on the top level with the wooden hammer, they’ll fall onto the xylophone below making music. Kids can also pull out the xylophone from the base to practice hitting keys by themselves and creating their own tunes. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 1+ years VTech Kidizoom Kids Smartwatch DX2 PHOTO: Walmart Orig. $54 $40 at Walmart This stylish smart watch is available in four colors and features 55 digital and analog faces so they can learn to read a clock. In addition to timekeeping, the watch also has two cameras for kids to take photos and videos, a pedometer for step tracking, and games to keep them entertained. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 4–12 years Zipstring String Rope Launcher PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon Orig. $34 $30 at Walmart View on Zipstring.com Kids will be mesmerized by this gravity-defying toy. Simply load the special string into the rechargeable device, turn it on, and watch as it flies through the air. The ZipString website even has a Trick Library where kids can learn how to manipulate the string to create fun patterns and games. It comes in five colors and three colorful string loops that kids can switch out depending on their mood. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 8+ years Chef'n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker PHOTO: Amazon $55 at Amazon $60 at Sur La Table $65 at Williams-Sonoma They’ll be able to make their own ice cream at home with this easy-to-use maker.The kit comes with a fast-freeze dessert pan, scoop, spade, and recipe book for not only ice cream, but also frozen yogurt, sorbet, and gelato. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: Not listed Star Friends 4-Book Boxed Set PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $28 $26 at Amazon $26 at Target $28 at Barnesandnoble.com “Star Friends” tells the story of four friends who can communicate with mystical animals that teach them how to use their magic powers for good. This boxed set includes the first four books in the eight-book series: “Mirror Magic,” “Wish Trap,” “Secret Spell,” and “Dark Tricks.” Young readers ages six through nine will enjoy getting lost in these tales from the Star World. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 6–9 years LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Magical Unicorn PHOTO: Target $10 at Target $10 at Walmart View on Fatbraintoys.com Most Lego kits only provide children with enough pieces and instructions to create one project, but this three-in-one kit extends playtime with multiple creations, including a unicorn, seahorse, and peacock. Each character is also able to stand on its own, so kids can proudly display their creations when they’re complete. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 7+ years Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope PHOTO: Amazon $35 at Amazon $35 at Walmart View on Belk.com Little scientists and curious minds can get an up-close look at some of their favorite animals, plants, and household items with this talking microscope. There are 20 slides and 60 images to observe, plus more than 100 facts in four different languages voiced by wildlife conservationist Bindi Irwin. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 3+ years ThinkFun Zingo! PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $22 $21 at Amazon $20 at Target Designed for pre-readers or early readers, Zingo is a fun take on the classic game of Bingo. Instead of numbers and letters, players match pictures from the Zinger to the ones on their cards with the goal of filling every space and, of course, yelling “Zingo!” With simple rules and clear instructions, children will be able to get started right away as they play with friends, siblings, or grown ups. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 4+ Sphero Mini Activity Kit PHOTO: Amazon $89 at Amazon View on Sphero.com The possibilities for play are endless with this activity kit. Using the Sphero Play app, kids can control the mini robotic ball as it moves through mazes or knocks down bowling pins. If they’d rather play games within the app, the robotic ball can also be used as a joystick for easy play on the go. Kids can learn coding basics as they program the ball with different commands. Science, technology, engineering, and math concepts combine to make this an educational and engaging toy. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 8+ years Positively Perfect Willow Baby Doll PHOTO: Target $30 at Target $31 at Walmart View on Freshdolls.com Positively Perfect dolls give children the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the toys they play with. These dolls are designed with multicultural features such as custom-blended skin tones and a variety of hair textures, colors, and styles, all as unique as the children who play with them. Each doll is 18 inches tall and comes with an outfit and mix-and-match accessories. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 3+ years Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magic Set PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $50 $28 at Amazon $28 at Target $44 at Walmart This magic set gives them everything they need to mesmerize an audience. The kit includes 52 pieces to perform 10 classic magic tricks, such as the disappearing ball, magic coin box, and secret silks. The kit also comes with easy-to-follow instructions to help young magicians quickly master each trick. When the magic show is over, everything fits back into the wooden box for storage. Manufacturer’s Recommended Age Range: 8+ years Take Our Word for It This article was written by Christine Winder, a contributing writer for Real Simple with years of experience writing lifestyle content and shopping roundups. To compile this list, she spent hours researching popular children’s toys and gifts and reading customer reviews. For tips on how to choose the best gifts for kids, she also spoke with Chris Byrne, independent toy analyst, researcher, and consultant.