Gift guide · For kids
Gifts for Kids by Age, Tested on My Own Tiny Critics
I have bought the toy that was played with for four minutes and the box that was played with for four months. I have learned things.
These are the gifts that held up in my house: building sets, games that get the whole family around the table, and a few books worth reading again. Grouped by age as a guide. Always check the age on the box, because you know your kid (and whether they still eat crayons).
Little ones (about 3 to 5)
VTech Drill and Learn Toolbox
For the tiny helper who follows you around “fixing” things. Now they have their own drill. Yours is safe.
Shop this on Amazon VTech Drill and Learn Toolbox on Amazon (opens in a new tab)PicassoTiles 100-piece magnetic tiles
Castles, rockets, a garage for the dog. Hours of quiet building. Hours.
Shop this on Amazon PicassoTiles 100-piece magnetic tiles on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Magna-Tiles 32-piece starter set
The original, and a great first set. Add more every birthday. They’ll use them for years.
Shop this on Amazon Magna-Tiles 32-piece starter set on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Candy Land
No reading required, lots of cheering. A true rite of passage (and a lesson in losing gracefully).
Shop this on Amazon Candy Land on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Big kids (about 6 to 8)
GeoSafari Kidnoculars
Bird watching, neighbor watching, backyard safari. Built for small hands and big curiosity.
Shop this on Amazon GeoSafari Kidnoculars on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Glow-in-the-dark rock painting kit
Crafty, a little messy, and your garden gets a gallery. Put a towel down. Thank me later.
Shop this on Amazon Glow-in-the-dark rock painting kit on Amazon (opens in a new tab)LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Flatbed Truck
Three builds in one box. That’s three rainy afternoons handled.
Shop this on Amazon LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Flatbed Truck on Amazon (opens in a new tab)How to Draw Everything
Step-by-step cute stuff, animals and food. The kid who says “I can’t draw” suddenly can.
Shop this on Amazon How to Draw Everything on Amazon (opens in a new tab)The Polar Express
Read it on Christmas Eve with cocoa. Ring the bell. Cry a little. Every year.
Shop this on Amazon The Polar Express on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Tweens (about 9 to 12)
ThinkFun Gravity Maze
Marble-run logic puzzles that make them think. They won’t notice. Don’t tell them.
Shop this on Amazon ThinkFun Gravity Maze on Amazon (opens in a new tab)SCRIB3D 3D printing pen
They draw in the air and it becomes a thing. Magic, with some grown-up supervision.
Shop this on Amazon SCRIB3D 3D printing pen on Amazon (opens in a new tab)The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs
They cook dinner. You pour the wine. Everybody wins.
Shop this on Amazon The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs on Amazon (opens in a new tab)National Geographic Kids Why?
For the kid who asks 400 questions a day. Now the book answers them. You rest.
Shop this on Amazon National Geographic Kids Why? on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Phase 10 card game
Game night for the whole family. Grandma will win. Grandma always wins.
Shop this on Amazon Phase 10 card game on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Photos are for vibes, not the exact products. Buttons are for buying.
More deals & gift guides
Different person, different budget. I’ve got a list for that.
- DealsPrime Big Deal DaysChristmas shopping in October. Smug, but earned.Take a look →
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- Gift guideFor her, under $50Moms, sisters, besties. Cozy, pretty, under $50.Take a look →
- Gift guideFor him, under $50For the man who says he wants nothing. He lies.Take a look →
- Gift guideTeacher gifts under $25The anti-mug list. Teachers will thank you.Take a look →
- Gift guideHostess & in-law giftsThe gifts that get you invited back.Take a look →
- Gift guideStocking stuffers under $15Small, cheap, and actually used. Every stocking.Take a look →
Still hunting? My whole storefront is open.
Every list I’ve made, in one place.
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