Finding gifts for kids that spark actual joy (and not just five minutes of obsession) is a holiday miracle. You want fun, they want magic, and ideally, nobody ends up crying over missing batteries. Whether your kid is a future scientist, bracelet-making mogul, or full-time goofball, this list is packed with creative, clever, and totally fun ideas that’ll make them the happiest human in the room.
From building sets and coding gadgets to craft kits and collectibles, we’ve rounded up the best of the best—no noisy toys that mysteriously “break” by New Year’s Eve. These picks are all “wow, this is fun!”, but also, isn’t…slime. So whether you’re shopping for a last-minute surprise or getting your gift list in order ASAP, these gifts for kids are guaranteed wins, for them and your seasonal sanity.
We only recommend what we’ve independently researched, selected, and genuinely love. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you).
More Good Stuff to Gift
Because one gift guide is never enough. Check out our other favorites for everyone else on your list. Your cart’s about to get even cuter.
Our Favorite Baby Gift Ideas for 2025
The Best Toddler Gifts of the Season
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If you’re on a mission (and honestly, who isn’t this time of year?), we’ve got you covered:
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Toys & Games
Arts & Crafts
Books & Brain Boosters
Tech & Other Cool Things
Style, Beauty, & Self-Expression
Toys & Games That Seriously Hold Their Attention
Bitzee Hamster Ball
It’s like our old Tamagotchi got a glow-up. A perfect gift for kids who love pets (but maybe can’t keep a fish alive yet). Low effort, high entertainment, and 100% mess-free.
Bitzee Hamster Ball ($43.99)—Buy here!
Pokémon Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box
For the kid who knows 300 Pokémon by heart but forgets to put socks in the hamper. One of the best gifts for kids who live for the next pack pull, and yes, you’re about to learn what “Mega Evolution” means. *This is an extremely popular gift this season, and prices fluctuate in a heartbeat. If you hope to get your hands on it, we highly recommend grabbing it ASAP.
Pokémon Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box ($82.44)—Buy at Walmart
Buy at TCG Player ($85.69)
Buy on Amazon ($99.94)
Buy at Galactic Toys ($99.95)
Jurassic World Primal Hatch Dino
Because every kid deserves to hatch their own prehistoric semi-nightmare (there’s technically “goo” involved). Watch the egg crack open to reveal their new (loud) best friend. Just…maybe hide it before bedtime.
Jurassic World Primal Hatch Dino ($59)—Buy here!
Gabby’s Meow-Mazing Interactive Dollhouse
Seven interactive rooms, animated LCD screen eyes, a working cat-a-vator, a spiral staircase—this is a dream gift. An extremely bright, sparkly dream. Bonus: add on rooms and balconies from the whole collection (sold separately).
Gabby’s Meow-Mazing Interactive Dollhouse ($89)—Buy here!
Hot Wheels Ultimate Dual Dragon Transporter
Part car launcher, part dragon, the Dual Dragon Transporter eats, launches, races, and stores 20+ Hot Wheels. (It’s also the only toy they’ll clean up without being asked.)
Hot Wheels Ultimate Dual Dragon Transporter ($49.99)—Buy here!
Pets Alive Polly the Magic Bird
It talks. It sings. It might sass you. Polly’s the kind of pet that doesn’t need feeding but still demands attention. A gift for kids who love a little main character energy in their lives.
Pets Alive Polly the Magic Bird ($29.97)—Buy here!
Dreamworks How to Train Your Dragon Tame & Train Toothless
Obviously, dragons are notoriously hard to train, but Toothless is open to bonding. With training games that level up his trust and end in unlocking his wings, it’s not for the faint of heart. Which, as far as we know, is how the dragon bonding thing works.
Dreamworks How to Train Your Dragon Tame & Train Toothless ($47.49)—Buy here!
Micro Sprite Kickboard
Lightweight, smooth, and just fast enough to make them feel invincible. Great for kids who’ve outgrown training wheels (but not speed limits). Plus, it’s made for kiddos 6 to teens, so it’s a one-and-done investment.
Micro Sprite Kickboard ($119.99)—Buy here!
Team Sonic Command Truck
Zooming hedgehogs, epic builds, and no batteries required. Perfect for kids who like toys that do something (hello, launch action).
Team Sonic Command Truck ($69.99)—Buy here!
Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza
The vintage gaming energy is bananas. Literally. Great for gifts for kids who want friendly competition and for parents nostalgic for the ‘90s arcade vibe. Available in digital and physical formats.
Nintendo Donkey Kong Bananza ($69)—Buy here!
LEGO Minecraft The Enderman Tower
An excellent compromise between screen time and, well, not-screen time. This is a seriously epic build that can be swapped between two color fortresses. Just expect to hear the word “Enderman” more than you ever wanted.
LEGO Minecraft The Enderman Tower ($99.95)—Buy here!
Tetris: The Board Game
All that stacking satisfaction, none of the screen glare, the board game version of Tetris keeps brains busy while sneakily teaching spatial reasoning, so it’s “educational” if anyone asks.
Tetris: The Board Game ($21.47)—Buy here!
Barbie Dream Camper
It’s a classic for a reason. It’s pink, it’s extra, and it’s got more features than your first car. Whether they’re road-tripping to Barbie Land or just the playroom, this one’s pure nostalgia with major upgrades.
Barbie Dream Camper ($97.19)—Buy here!
Whack Attack Space Mole Game
A bop-it-meets-alien situation that guarantees laughter, screaming, and possibly a sore arm. Single battle, coin mode, lights, sounds, and an LED display. They’ll love it. You’ll wonder why your wrist hurts.
Whack Attack Space Mole Game ($59.99)—Buy here!
Hot Wheels Formula 1 Grand Prix Circuit Track Set
It’s giving “mini Monaco Grand Prix” energy. Loops, ramps, and races that’ll make your living room sound like pit row. Something about it being 5′ long adds to the epic-ness.
Hot Wheels Formula 1 Grand Prix Circuit Track Set ($80.99)—Buy here!
Super Stadium Baseball Game
This mini baseball field is adorable (and has minimal risk of a shattered lamp). A gift for kids who love a little friendly competition with tiny players, launching levers, and miniature contraptions to make it more realistic than you’d think.
Super Stadium Baseball Game ($34.99)—Buy here!
ArmoGear Laser Tag Set
Turns your living room into an instant battle zone with four game modes: Team, Zombie, Dragon, and Capture. We’re not totally sure why you’d play anything other than Zombie Mode, but it’s still easily one of the best gifts for kids who have endless energy and questionable aim.
ArmoGear Laser Tag Set ($80.89)—Buy here!
Nerf Pro Pass Target Net
The safer way to let them practice their spiral without anyone crying. Perfect for the kid who’s convinced they’re one touchdown away from fame…or just likes throwing things at approved targets.
Nerf Pro Pass Target Net ($103.89)—Buy here!
Arts, Crafts, & Creativity Boosters
Hello Blink Temporary Tattoo Maker
Custom tattoos without the “where is the lid to the Sharpie?” conversation make this a big-time popular gift for kids. Design, print, stick, peel, repeat. *This is a definite sell-out risk, so snap it up while you can.
Hello Blink Temporary Tattoo Maker ($32.99)—Buy here!
Cool Maker Stack’d Heishi Bracelet Studio
Friendship bracelets are back, baby. This kit lets them bead, stack, and trade like it’s their full-time job. Bonus: it doubles as fine motor skill practice, and they might make you one.
Cool Maker Stack’d Heishi Bracelet Studio ($19.99)—Buy here!
Janod Space Mosaics
A little STEM with a side of sparkle. They’ll make colorful, geometric space art (while quietly practicing math skills). Sneaky educational gifts for kids are the best kind.
Janod Space Mosaics ($32.99)—Buy here!
Make It Real Mini Pottery Studio
Their inner artist is calling, and it wants clay under its nails. Perfect for kids who love to make a mess in the name of art (or just want to recreate “The Great Pottery Throw Down” in your kitchen—Google it and thank us later).
Make It Real Mini Pottery Studio ($17.99)—Buy here!
Lulu Jr. My Comic Book Making Kit
For the budding storyteller with a wild imagination (and several volumes of fanfic in their head). They write, draw, and publish their very own comic using the guidebook as inspo. Boom—author unlocked. This one is a keepsake, for sure.
Lulu Jr. My Comic Book Making Kit ($29.95)—Buy here!
Pipsticks Kids Sticker Club
Like a monthly good mood, dropped off at your mailbox monthly. Endless sticker sheets, an activity book, zero sticky residue on your dining table…probably.
Pipsticks Kids Sticker Club ($19.95/mo)—Buy here!
Super Smalls Sparkle and Cherish Gemify Frames Kit
Glam crafting activated. They’ll bedazzle their own photo frames until they glow brighter than a disco ball, and we’ll cross our fingers that we can put their school picture in one.
Super Smalls Sparkle and Cherish Gemify Frames Kit ($39)—Buy here!
Cake Party Clay Kits
All the frosting fun, none of the sugar crash. These squishy “cake” air-dry clay kits let kids decorate tiny desserts without you ever needing to preheat an oven. Plus, the individual kits make excellent stocking stuffers.
Cake Party Clay Kits ($24.99)—Buy here!
4M KidzMaker 3D Glow Butterfly Canvas
The Glow Butterfly Canvas is a 3D masterpiece that’s legit art and definitely cute enough to hang—we’re skipping the fridge altogether. Part craft, part wall art, complete serotonin boost.
4M KidzMaker 3D Glow Butterfly Canvas ($33.09)—Buy here!
Magical Unicorn Terrarium Kit
Add a little sparkle, some chia seeds, and poof—instant whimsy. If you have a kid who’d move into a fairy garden if it had Wi-Fi, this is a guaranteed winner.
Magical Unicorn Terrarium Kit ($7.49)—Buy here!
Books & Brain Power Presents
The Smartest Kid in the Universe Series
Witty, fast-paced, and perfect for kids who think reading is boring…until they start this series and suddenly forget about their iPad.
The Smartest Kid in the Universe Series ($29.94)—Buy here!
GiiKER Super Decoder
Part puzzle, mostly brainpower, possible spy gadget. It’s the gift for kids who love cracking codes and pretending they’re saving the world.
GiiKER Super Decoder ($49.99)—Buy here!
Dragon Girls Box Set, Books 1-6
A squad of girls who turn into dragons to protect nature? Yes, please. The Dragon Girls series is the perfect combination of magical, brave, and just a little sassy; ideal for kids who want adventure with a side of girl power.
Dragon Girls Box Set, Books 1-6 ($23.27)—Buy here!
TOSY Magnet Pyramid Glow Cube
It lights up, it spins, it sticks together to create 1 billion shapes; it’s a hypnotic little brain teaser you won’t mind stealing after bedtime.
TOSY Magnet Pyramid Glow Cube ($27.97)—Buy here!
Shut the Box Dice Game
Old-school game night energy, but without arguing over who owns Park Place. They’ll think it’s about luck; you’ll know it’s secretly teaching math.
Shut the Box Dice Game ($20.99)—Buy here!
Architek Activity Build Book
This one’s for your little architect-in-training. Full of build ideas and challenges that keep them busy—with 95 precut cardboard designs and step-by-step instructions to make endless 3-D buildings, no glue required—and make you feel like you’re raising the next Frank Gehry.
Architek Activity Build Book ($24.99)—Buy here!
Pawsome Portraits 500 Piece Family Puzzle
The ultimate rainy-day practice in teamwork, and it’s extremely adorable. Bonus: once it’s finished, you can finally say, “See, we can work together without fighting.”
Pawsome Portraits 500 Piece Family Puzzle ($16.99)—Buy here!
Peaceable Kingdom Shiny Shark Floor Puzzle
This jumbo puzzle is a gift for kids that somehow entertains the whole crew at one time. Miraculous.
Peaceable Kingdom Shiny Shark Floor Puzzle ($18.95)—Buy here!
Tech & Other Cool Things
Instant Print Camera
The new generation’s version of disposable cameras, minus the CVS photo counter wait, this one is perfect for little photographers, friendship photo shoots, and capturing every blurry dog picture ever. It also doubles as a video camera, so get ready for your close-up.
Instant Print Camera ($31.99)—Buy here!
Refasy Piggy Bank ATM
Because learning to save money hits different when you have your own PIN code. Watch them beam with pride every time they “deposit” another $1 bill. (Meanwhile, you’re allowed to just be thrilled they’re not spending it on slime.) Available in lots of colors, too.
Refasy Piggy Bank ATM ($19.14)—Buy here!
Custom Pixelated Block-Style Portrait
Like Minecraft meets fine art. Upload a photo, and voila—a pixel-perfect masterpiece they can build themselves. *This is a digital product, so you’ll receive a digital file with the image to print yourself (so you can customize the size and print as many as you want).
Custom Pixelated Block-Style Portrait ($5.77+)—Buy here!
Kinglucky Mini Karaoke Machine
Sings, sparkles, and looks super cool, this small but mighty karaoke machine is great for family nights or solo performances that end in clapping and possibly confetti. You’ve been warned. Available in 11 colors.
Kinglucky Mini Karaoke Machine ($19.99+)—Buy here!
VTech Spidey & Friends Learning Watch
Their very first smartwatch, complete with games, timers, and “missions.” They’ll feel like a secret agent while they learn. How can you beat that?
VTech Spidey & Friends Learning Watch ($14.94)—Buy here!
Nacho the Cat Mood Light
Soft glow with a big personality. Switches colors faster than your kid’s favorite food and looks adorable doing it. Nightlight, desk décor, emotional support feline…take your pick.
Nacho the Cat Mood Light ($19)—Buy here!
Style, Beauty & Self-Expression
Style, Beauty, & Self-Expression
Lululemon Dual Pouch Wristlet
Technically yours, but they’ve already claimed it. Perfect for holding friendship bracelets, lip gloss, and that random rock collection. Stylish, practical, and totally tween-approved. (Go ahead and pick one up for yourself, too.)
Lululemon Dual Pouch Wristlet ($48)—Buy here!
Swift Forever Peelable Nail Polish Bundle
Non-toxic, peelable, and unapologetically sparkly. A gift for kids who love a mani moment but aren’t quite ready for acetone—it peels right off.
Swift Forever Peelable Nail Polish Bundle ($29.99)—Buy here!
Funko POP! Derpy with Sussie
Yes, this is on *pre-order*, but you just know it’s going to sell out immediately. If you have a KPop Demon Hunter fan, this is an absolute must-have (even if they have to wait until January for it to ship. Trust us.).
Funko Pop! Derpy with Sussie ($14.99)—Pre-order here!
Djeco Secret Garden Treasure Box
So gorgeous and whimsical on the outside, mysterious on the inside…kind of like your kid. Perfect for tiny treasures, friendship bracelets, and definitely a few snacks they swore they didn’t have. Absolutely keepsake-worthy.
Djeco Secret Garden Treasure Box ($50)—Buy here!
YAWN Lip Gloss Duo
These clean ingredient, made-for-kids glosses are like mood rings for the face (and filled with good stuff that actually protects their now very sparkly lips).
Yawn Lip Gloss Duo ($16)—Buy here!
Freestyle Neon Drift Shark Watch
Bright, bold, and waterproof—enough to survive both cannonballs and cereal spills. This is the ultimate cool-kid accessory for playground legends and pool-day pros. There are a ton of 90’s vibe-inspired colors available here.
Freestyle Neon Drift Shark Watch ($70)—Buy here!
Bubble Gems Backpack Keychains
One to keep, one to share. Or, they can just keep both of these sparkly, squishy, super fun backpack keychains they’ll create. We wouldn’t blame them.
Bubble Gems Backpack Keychains ($14.99)—Buy here!
TONYMOLEY X Squishmallows Hydrating Hand Cream Trio
These tiny tubes smell amazing and look adorable, because it’s way easier to teach them good skincare habits when it’s cute.