There’s something about the holidays with kids that adds a little extra sparkle to the celebrations. Their joy and enthusiasm are just so fun, and seeing their excitement over a new toy is hard to beat. But straddling the line with toys that a kid will enjoy and a parent will appreciate is tough! That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the best gift ideas for kids. It may feel good to get everything on their wishlist, but I’ve found that gift-giving is just as special with a couple of thoughtfully chosen gifts.
My husband and I are still new to the kid game, but our intention is to focus on quality, thoughtfully made toys—the kind that encourages open-ended play. We are also choosy when it comes to plastic, loud, and flashy toys that will find their way to the bottom of the toy basket in just a month or two. A friend of mine has four kids, and every year before the holiday season they do a toy overhaul. They clear out and donate anything that is no longer being used to a local women’s shelter and hospitals. As an aspiring minimalist, I love that it not only makes room for the new goodies (and keeps your playroom from being overrun with stuff) but it also teaches your kids how to edit and pare down, and most importantly, valuable lessons on giving.
So, in that vein, we’ve broken down the best gift ideas for kids into age groups. Baby (up to two years old), little kid (three to five years old), and bigger kid (six to ten years old). But of course, feel free to mix and match according to your child’s interests! There’s a little something for everyone.
Scroll on for the best gift ideas for kids, it might just be the inspiration you were looking for!
BABY (0-2 years)
LITTLE KID (3-5 YRS)
BIGGER KID (6-10 YRS)
This post was originally published on November 24, 2020, and has since been updated.
