Doodlebark
The best kids’ gifts aren’t always the flashiest ones. They’re the toys kids come back to for months. Here are gift ideas sorted by age, with a focus on open-ended play, things that grow with them and a few cozy extras.
Ages 1 to 2
- Chunky stacking and nesting toys. Simple, and they get used in a dozen ways.
- Push and ride-on toys. Great for new walkers.
- Board books. Lift-the-flap and touch-and-feel books are favorites at this age.
- A soft doll or stuffed animal. A first “buddy” for bedtime.
- Bath toys. Stacking cups and toys with no holes stay clean longest.
Ages 3 to 4
- Magnetic tiles or big blocks. These get played with for years.
- Pretend play sets. A play kitchen, a doctor kit or a tool bench.
- A first art kit. Washable markers, chunky crayons, stickers and a big pad of paper.
- Simple board games. Games with no reading, lots of turn-taking and short play time.
- Dress-up clothes. Capes, crowns and costumes for every day of the year.
Ages 5 to 6
- Building sets. Bigger brick sets and marble runs.
- Early readers and chapter books. A set they can read with you now and on their own soon.
- Outdoor gear. A scooter, a bike with training wheels, or a bug catching kit.
- Craft kits. Bead kits, sewing cards and paint sets.
- Card games. Easy matching and counting games for family game night.
Ages 7 to 8
- Science kits. Crystal growing, slime making and simple circuits.
- Bigger building sets. Ones with instructions to follow.
- A book series to get hooked on.
- Strategy games. Games the whole family can actually enjoy together.
- A journal or comic book kit. For the storytellers.
Gifts that aren’t toys
- A special outing, like the zoo, a movie or ice skating
- A class they’ve wanted to try
- A cozy pair of pajamas and a new bedtime book
- A personalized storybook with their name in it
Speaking of which, our personalized Penny Christmas book puts your child’s name right in the story. It’s a printable, so it’s also a great last-minute gift.
A few tips
- Fewer is fine. One gift kids love beats five they forget about.
- Check the age label. Small parts aren’t safe for kids under 3.
- Think about space. Big gifts need a home after the holidays.
Questions parents ask
What are good gifts for a 2-year-old?
Push and ride-on toys, chunky stacking toys, board books and a soft stuffed animal are all favorites at this age.
What are good gifts for a 4-year-old?
Magnetic tiles, pretend play sets, simple board games, dress-up clothes and a first art kit.
What are good non-toy gifts for kids?
An outing like the zoo or ice skating, a class they’ve wanted to try, cozy pajamas with a new book, or a personalized storybook.