49 Best Christmas Gifts for Kids
It’s that time of year again—holiday shopping season! (Ho, ho, ho.) At this stage, you most likely have some experience sourcing the best holiday gifts for baby—but shopping for tots and little kids is a whole different ball game. Between the ages of 1 and 3, toddlers hit some major developmental milestones and begin to form a strong sense of likes and dislikes (phew, no pressure!). Overwhelmed by endless toy options? To keep the holiday cheer afloat, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you, and curated the latest and greatest toddler Christmas gifts for girls and boys. But if you have an older child, don’t worry: Big kids will have no problem telling you what they want to see under the tree on December 25. Of course, it’s always handy to have some extra options in your back pocket. That’s why we’ve selected the very best Christmas gifts for kids over the age of 3 too.
Now, finding the perfect holiday presents won’t call for making a list and checking it twice. Get ready to call your holiday shopping a wrap, so you can finally relax and be your jolly, festive self again. Shopping for the whole family? Check out our holiday gift guides for parents and grandparents to find the best grownup presents to give this year.
Your little angel isn’t a baby anymore, but isn’t exactly a big kid either. Wondering what Christmas toys are best for this early stage of toddlerhood? At 12 months old, children can typically sit and may even start to take their first tottering steps. They’re also fine-tuning other senses, and like to look and listen simultaneously. With this in mind, musical instruments, sensory toys and baby walkers make great gifts for newly minted toddlers. Need some shopping inspiration? Here are the top Christmas gifts for kids that have hit the one-year mark.
Personalized book
How about a personalized Christmas tale starring your tot? With Wonderbly you can customize the classic tale 'Twas the Night Before Christmas with your child’s name and avatar. And for an extra-special touch why not write a dedication message that’ll appear inside the front cover.
Age range: 12 months to 6 years | Batteries required: No
Macrame swing
If you want a break from the deluge of plastic Christmas toys for toddlers, consider this chic, bohemian swing. Handcrafted by artisans in India, the macrame swing can be used indoors or outdoors, and is suitable for babies and toddlers up to 40 pounds.
Age range: 12+ months | Batteries required: No
Suction cup bath toys
This year, toddler Christmas toys are headed to the bath! These translucent jellyfish suction to the tile, tub and even each other. ‘Nuff said.
Age range: 12+ months | Batteries required: No
Wobble board
This seemingly simple piece of wood can be a surfboard, a bridge, a slide or a mountain—there’s no limit to your little one’s imagination. When standing, sitting or sliding on the board, toddlers will improve their balance and strength too, making this one of the best Christmas gift ideas for kids working on their gross motor skills.
Age range: 12 months to 6 years | Batteries required: No
Building block set
These may look like traditional blocks, but small magnets are safely hidden inside, so they click together seamlessly. This 42-piece set has columns, short and long planks, cubes, parallelograms and even wheels. It’s age-graded for the youngest of toddlers, but is sure to be played with for years to come, making it one of the best Christmas gift ideas for kids of all ages.
Age range: 12+ months | Batteries required: No
Educational toy robot
Composed of four individual bots that can be combined to create one big robot, this toy has multiple play options for every stage of development. Young toddlers will love the ball-popper and spinning arms, while slightly older children can sing along with over 120 songs, practice their ABC’s and refine their building skills.
Age range: 6 months to 5 years | Batteries required: Yes
Plush ball pit
If you’re stuck inside and searching for Christmas gifts for kids they’ll play with daily, look no further than a ball pit. We love the soft, organic fabric and neutral color scheme of this one (you can choose the ball colors!), so that it doesn’t look completely out of place in your living room.
Age range: 7+ months | Batteries required: No
Red wagon
Imagine your child’s excitement when they find this shiny red wagon parked under the Christmas tree. The push toy acts as the perfect support for early walkers. Plus, built-in bumpers protect your furniture from scrapes and scratches. Fill it up with smaller presents or top it off with a big red bow—either way it’ll be a gift they’ll never forget.
Age range: 12 months to 4 years | Batteries required: No
Xylophone toy
Compose some festive bangers with this musical toy set by KiwiCo. It includes a xylophone with easy-to-press piano keys and two egg shakers that add percussion sounds to your kid’s melody of choice. Bonus: Get 50 percent off any KiwiCo crate when you subscribe using code THEBUMP.
Age range: 7+ months | Batteries required: No
Busy 2-year-olds are vocal about their likes and dislikes—but these temperamental tots can change their mind at the drop of a hat. Avoid a meltdown on Christmas morning with gifts that help them practice their motor skills and engage in open-ended play. The best Christmas presents for kids age 2 and up include crayons, blocks and plush toys that encourage creativity.
Christmas book and stuffed animal
This personalized storybook is a lyrical lullaby that features a magical sugarplum fairy who waves her wand to spread festive cheer. Better yet, this set includes a cute, plush polar bear for your kiddo to cuddle.
Age range: 0 to 6 years | Batteries required: No
Toddler-friendly crayons
Most kids are happy to scribble away, but classic crayons can be hard to grip. That’s why we’re so excited about Crayola’s Palm Grasp Crayons. These egg-shaped colors are perfectly sized for little hands, meaning kiddos can let the creativity flow. Better yet, these long-lasting crayons have a washable formula, so parents don’t need to stress if their little one goes off-page.
Age range: 12+ months | Batteries required: No
CoComelon plush doll
It’s JJ! CoComelon mega-fans will be delighted to receive this interactive doll from the hit children’s show. Tots can press JJ’s tummy to hear him sing or tend to his boo boos with the included medical bag. This trendy Christmas gift for toddlers is sure to sell out fast—so don’t miss out.
Age range: 2+ years | Batteries required: No
Vehicle building set
Sure, kids love playing with cars, boats and planes. But it’s even better when they can build the vehicles themselves. These toddler Christmas toys are perfect for budding engineers, who can mix and match the pieces with the help of an included play screwdriver.
Age range: 2+ years | Batteries required: No
Ice cream truck playset
All the kids will be screaming for ice cream this holiday season, thanks to this sweet play cart. Toddlers can use the soft-serve machine and scooping station to create tasty make-believe sundaes, before topping them off with the sprinkle maker. Built-in sound effects and a toy cash register add to the fun. Hooray for creative Christmas toys for toddlers!
Age range: 2 to 5 years | Batteries required: Yes
Interactive book
Learning new words has never been more fun. Guided by pals Turtle, Tiger and Monkey, kids can broaden their vocabulary by touching the words on the pages to hear them spoken aloud, along with exciting sound effects and fun facts. Bonus: The words and songs can be heard in both English and Spanish, making it one of the best toddler Christmas gifts for bilingual families.
Age range: 18 months to 4 years | Batteries required: Yes
Musical instrument set
Toddler Christmas gifts that are music to their ears? Found! Your little one’s first music class is in session. This all-in-one crocodile instrument includes a drum, metallophone, guiro wooden block and bell. It comes with two mallets, making it perfect for play date duets.
Age range: 2+ years | Batteries required: No
LEGO block set
When it comes to choosing the perfect Christmas gifts for toddler boys or girls, you can’t go wrong with a classic block set. Designed specifically for tiny hands, this building kit from LEGO lets little ones build to their heart’s content. They’ll have so much fun building, they won’t suspect they’re honing their motor skills and critical thinking while they’re at it.
Age range: 18+ months | Batteries required: No
Toddler bike
Every child remembers the day they got their first bike, especially if it coincides with Christmas day! This bright red balance bike is perfect for little riders as it teaches them the fundamentals of steering without the added complication of pedals. Just make sure you pick up a helmet to go with it!
Age range: 18+ months | Batteries required: No
Plush doll
One of the sweetest Christmas gifts for a toddler: these classic baby dolls sport chenille hair, embroidered features and clothing that’s easy to take on and off. The durable dolls have a weighted bottom, allowing them to sit on their own and withstand rough play. The best part? They’re machine-washable.
Age range: 18+ months | Batteries required: No
At 3 years old your little one is a fully-fledged toddler and is likely starting to voice plenty of ideas (read: opinions) about the Christmas toys that show up under the tree. No worries, we’ve put together a list of good Christmas gifts for kids that won’t disappoint your little elf. From dress-up outfits and plushies to interactive toys that’ll keep your kiddo entertained during the festivities.
Kid’s guitar
With this rockstar of Christmas toys, children will be super-keen to practice their guitar skills. The electric guitar has a built-in amp, and the accompanying app helps kids learn to play songs—not just scales or exercises—in as little as one day. Wow!
Age range: 3+ years | Batteries required: No
Wooden train set
Take a ride through a mountain trail with this toy by Tender Leaf Toys. Crafted from sustainable rubber wood, the train set comes with interlocking tracks, two carriages, animal figurines, fir trees and a cozy alpine chalet. Your little one will have a blast as they load and unload the carriages and disconnect and re-build the track pieces, building fine motor skills and encouraging imaginative play along the way!
Age range: 3+ years | Batteries required: No
Color-in pajamas
Cute pajamas are one of the best Christmas gift ideas for kids (and adults!). But this set is extra-special because children get to color in the Christmas-themed design themselves. Fabric markers are sold separately, but, believe it or not, the marker ink will withstand the washing machine so kids can wear their artwork over and over again.
Age range: 2 to 6 years | Batteries required: No
Croquet set
Another wooden stunner, this well-made Christmas gift for kids teaches them a simplified version of croquet. Get the whole family involved and take turns knocking balls through each holiday-themed hoop. This classic game encourages hand-eye coordination and helps children blow off a little steam.
Age range: 3+ years | Batteries required: No
World globe
When it comes to good Christmas gifts for kids, you’ll want to pick things that are both fun and educational. That’s where this puzzle globe comes in. It’ll teach your child to identify continents, oceans and some famous landmarks, but makes learning fun with an engaging puzzle concept.
Age range: 3+ years | Batteries required: No
Festive magna-tiles set
These nifty magnetic tiles let your kid’s imagination run wild—there’s an endless combination of things to create and build. Bonus: They’re also surprisingly chic. Pick up a classic Magna-Tiles set, or opt for a seasonal building kit like this jolly gingerbread house. The tiles reverse between multiple floors, roofs and walls, allowing children to build infinite creations.
Age range: 3+ years | Batteries required: No
Dinosaur playset
Dinosaur toys usually make good Christmas gifts for boys and girls. We love this prehistoric playset that’ll transport your child to the land that time forgot. It comes with eight figurines, a waterfall, a freestanding tree and a nest complete with dinosaur eggs. Simply slot the wooden pieces together, and get ready for some serious roar-some play!
Age range: 3+ years | Batteries required: No
Color-change pets
Take kids on a colorful adventure with Crayola’s Arctic Snow Explorer set. Budding artists can scribble all over the cute polar bear, walrus and snowy owl—then brush them clean and start all over again. Better yet, these pets change color in the cold! Simply stick them in the freezer, or take them outside on a cold winter day, and watch them transform. How cool is that?
Age range: 3+ years | Batteries required: No
Play tent
This play tent is the perfect place for your little one to retreat to if they need a little downtime amid family festivities. During the day, it boasts a cool constellation pattern, but when you turn out the lights the stars emit a soft, twinkling glow. How magical!
Age range: 3+ years | Batteries required: No
Engineer kit
For Christmas gifts for kids who are into robots, pick up this engineering kit that comes with a companion storybook. First, read the funny tale of two kids on an adventure in a candy factory, and then build the robot models.
Age range: 3 to 10 years | Batteries required: No
Shopping for preschoolers? At this age, children will have no problem telling you what they want for the holidays. But if you’re not privy to their wishlist or need a helping hand sourcing some surprise presents, we’ve gathered the best Christmas gifts for kids ages 4 and up.
Mr. Potato Head
This retro toy is sure to bring a smile to the faces of kids and adults alike. Kids can get creative and come up with new, wacky ways to accessorize the Potato Head family, while parents will enjoy the trip down memory lane as they get in on the playtime fun. (Plus, mini-fans of the classic movie Toy Story will be delighted to see their favorite characters come to life!)
Age range: 2+ years | Batteries required: No
Convertible jacket
Looking for unique Christmas gift ideas for kids? This pick is actually two presents in one—a cute character hoodie and a cuddly plush toy. The lightweight jacket folds up into a zippered pouch to form a fuzzy friend they’re sure to love long after they outgrow the sweatshirt.
Age range: 2 to 5 years | Batteries required: No
Toy camera
Let your child capture precious memories with this cool camera by VTech. The kid-friendly camera snaps and prints pictures as quick as a flash. Plus, the print-outs can be turned into stickers or drawings that your little one can color in. Talk about clever Christmas gifts for kids!
Age range: 4+ years | Batteries required: Yes
Light-up scooter
If you put this on your little one’s list, be prepared for the grandparents to duke it out over who gets to buy your kiddo’s first scooter. The three-wheel scooter has a colorful glow-stick column that lights up as kids ride faster and rewards them with a special light show when they reach maximum speed. Plus, the lean-to-turn steering helps kids develop their motor skills, and the lightweight frame makes it easy to carry and store.
Age range: 2 to 5 years | Batteries required: No
Play kitchen
Children love to imitate their parents, which is why play kitchens make such great Christmas gifts for kids. This model is perfectly sized and has a cool retro vibe thanks to the subway tile backsplash, gold fittings and farmhouse sink. Trust us, little chefs will go wild for this kitchen play set.
Age range: 3+ years | Batteries required: No
Audio player
Another must-have taking the world by storm is the Toniebox. Designed with kids in mind, this audio system plays stories, songs and more. Simply turn it on, pop a Tonie character on top and let the listening adventure begin! The starter set includes the device and a song compilation to get the story started.
Age range: 3 to 6 years | Batteries required: No
Dollhouse
Dollhouses make great Christmas gifts for girls and boys, as they encourage imaginative play and emotional intelligence. This stylish wood design has three floors and an open front, making it a great gift for siblings who love playing make-believe together. Plus, it comes fully furnished, so your kids’ dolls or figurines are ready to move right in.
Age range: 3 to 8 years | Batteries required: No
Card game
Family board games can help keep kids (and adults) occupied during the no man's land between Christmas and New Year. And this toddler-friendly card game is our pick of the bunch. The rules are incredibly simple, making it perfect for toddlers and preteens alike, and the fast-paced game is sure to get the whole family giggling.
Age range: 3 to 8 years | Batteries required: No
Christmas tree costume
Thought dressing up was just for Halloween? Think again. This adorably festive Christmas tree cape will make your little one’s eyes light up in delight. Crafted from layers of soft tulle and embellished with candy canes, baubles and stars, this Christmas gift for kids is sure to be the highlight of your holiday season.
Age range: 3 to 6 years | Batteries required: No
Rocket ship toy
Three, two, one…blast off! This awesome rocket ship toy is perfect for aspiring astronauts. Crafted from durable wood, this space station is set over four levels and can be assembled multiple ways. It comes with three poseable figures and has tons of moving parts including a grabbing crane, rotating switches, radar screens and best of all: an elevator that can be raised or lowered through the center of the ship.
Age range: 3 to 12 years | Batteries required: No
Let’s round out our list of the best Christmas gifts for kids with a few options for 5-year-olds. At this age, children are honing their problem-solving skills and looking for creative outlets. With this in mind, we’ve gathered a collection of books, games and toys that are age-appropriate and endlessly fun.
Board game
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: nothing beats a board game for family fun. We like this penguin-themed pick by eeBoo. Based on the nesting habits of Gentoo penguins, kids and adults take turns collecting stones and building a comfortable nest for the baby chicks.
Age range: 5+ years | Batteries required: No
Magical crystal ball
Add a sprinkle of fairy dust to Christmas morning with Magic Mixies Crystal Ball. Simply wave the wand, say the magic words and watch as the mist clears and your kid's new furry friend appears quicker than you can say “abracadabra!” This super-trendy Christmas gift for girls and boys sold out last year so get it now before it’s gone.
Age range: 5+ years | Batteries required: Yes
Play makeup
Let kids express their individuality with this play makeup set by Klee. It’s made from child-safe ingredients and is free from artificial dyes, fragrances, heavy mineral oils and other petrochemical ingredients. Plus, this set has a holiday theme, making it a perfect Christmas gift for kids.
Age range: 3+ years | Batteries required: No
Ride-on buggy
Mini motor-heads will adore this Christmas toy. The battery operated ride-on toy looks just like a real dune buggy and fits two passengers. Plus, it drives on hard surfaces, wet grass and rough terrain for “off road” adventures.
Age range: 3 to 7 years | Batteries required: Rechargable
Penguin activity kit
Looking for a crafty Christmas gift for kids? Following a simple set of photo instructions, your little one will learn how to sew a penguin puppet and build a stage to put on impromptu shows. The kit also includes a wind-up penguin toy and an educational book to teach them all about these arctic birds.
Age range: 5+ years | Batteries required: No
Easel
For emerging artists, this multi-use easel is a must-have among our picks of Christmas gifts for kids. It includes a chalkboard, a dry erase board, paper roll holder and four easy grip clips to secure your kiddo’s masterpiece. All that’s left is for you to stand back and watch your little painter get to work!
Age range: 3 to 8 years | Batteries required: No
Karaoke machine
Looking for Christmas gift ideas for kids with a penchant for performance? Look no further than this stand-up karaoke machine and microphone. Your child can take center stage (with you as their rapt audience, of course) and sing along to eight original songs. They can also record their own musical masterpieces for up to five minutes.
Age range: 5 to 9 years | Batteries required: Yes
Pokemon game
The Pokemon Trainer Mission Game will keep kids entertained long after the festivities wrap up. The handheld device is screen-free and encourages kids to run, jump, crawl and hop in their pursuit of rare pokemon.
Age range: 5+ years | Batteries required: Yes
STEM activity set
Trying to keep kids occupied over the holidays can be tricky. That’s why we love this holiday bundle by KiwiCo. It includes three festive STEAM projects designed to teach kids about engineering, mechanics and science. Watch in awe as they build a spinning Christmas candle carousel before constructing Santa’s workshop and sleigh.
Age range: 5+ years | Batteries required: No
Fluffy headphones
Looking for a Christmas gift for kids that are too cool for school? This fluffy pair of unicorn-themed headphones might just do the trick. Your child can rock out to their favorite tunes or watch YouTube without disturbing the rest of the family. Anything for a bit of peace and quiet!
Age range: 5+ years | Batteries required: No
We get it—holiday shopping can feel like a chore, especially when your child has a wishlist as long as their arm. To help you find the perfect Christmas gifts for kids our goal is to do the bulk of the research, so you don’t have to spend hours searching online. We do this by considering a list of criteria when sourcing toys and gifts, including age appropriateness, durability, price, entertainment value and, last but definitely not least, safety.
To decide which products are the best options on the market, we leverage our familiarity with leading baby brands to make sure items are from reliable manufacturers. We read user reviews to get the low-down on how these products work for families, and typically don’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. And since many of us are also parents, we rely on our writers’ and editors’ experience using these items with their own kids.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
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