Reviews Gifts
Written by Remi Rosmarin; edited by Lisa Sabatini
Updated
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Kids are always excited to tear the wrapping paper off a gift, but the best toys for kids last beyond that initial excitement. To avoid gifts with short-lived joy, choose toys that can be played with multiple ways. Gifts should also be appropriate for the child's age and interests and durable enough to last a few years. Because kids learn through play, toys that encourage creativity, fine motor skills, and other forms of learning are always a big plus.
Whether they're a toddler or 10-year-old, we rounded up some of the top toys and gifts that kids will love. With input from moms who spend hours researching toys for their kids, we're confident that this list is filled with the kind of gifts your little one will want to use every day.
A kit for bug catchers
National Geographic Bug Catcher Kit, available at Amazon from $19.99
Made by National Geographic, this kit includes a bug habitat, a bug catcher, a net, and a pair of tweezers. This is a great way for kids to learn more about their local fauna as they catch and observe their favorite creepy crawlies.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
A high-tech marble run
Gravitrax Starter Set Marble Run, available on Walmart and Amazon from $69.99
The GraviTrax Starter Set lets kids design their own marble run while teaching them about physics. If the starter set is a hit, GraviTrax offers plenty of expansions, too.
Recommended ages: 8 years and up
A Littlest Pet Shop playset
Littlest Pet Shop Fun Factory Playground Playset, available on Target and Walmart, starting at $29.99
Perfect for the animal lover with an active imagination, the Littlest Pet Shop Fun Factory Playground Playset includes bright accessories for a fun play experience. Plus, it comes with super cute Corgi and Hamster pets.
Recommended ages: 3 and up
A classic building set with a new twist
K'nex Imagine Power and Play Motorized Building Set, available at Amazon
K'Nex is a classic building toy that uses rods and connectors to build a variety of different structures. This Imagine Power and Play set levels up the classic fun with a motor, allowing kids to build vehicles, animals, or even a ferris wheel that actually moves.
Recommended ages: 7 years and up
A playset with favorite characters
Bluey Ultimate Lights and Sounds Playhouse, available at Amazon
The playful characters and family-friendly humor has both kids and parents loving the television series Bluey. The Bluey Ultimate Lights Playhouse is a large playset with two articulated characters, a full set of furniture, and a 17-inch-tall house.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
A super soft stuffy
Squishmallows Official Kellytoy Plush 8" Plush Mystery Box (Set of 3), available at Amazon
The soft, squishy stuffing inside of Squishmallows make these collectible stuffed animals a kid favorite. Choose a favorite animal — or go with a popular character like Fifi the fox or a surprise pack. With stitching rather than the potential choking hazard of button eyes, Squishmallows are also appropriate for toddlers as well as older kids.
Recommended ages: 0 and up
An imaginative Minecraft build
Lego Minecraft the Crafting Box 3.0, available at Amazon and Walmart
The video game Minecraft's popularity stems largely from the open-ended way that players can build their own worlds. While there are many different Minecraft Lego sets for fans, the Crafting Box 3.0 has the same open-ended, creativity-fostering play as the game, just without screens. This set allows fans to create a number of different Minecraft-inspired builds.
Recommended ages: 8 years and up
A set of fast-filling water balloons
Zuru Bunch O Balloons, available at Amazon
Water balloons are a kid favorite, but these Zuru Bunch O Balloons take away the tediousness of filling and tying balloons for battle. Using a hose attachment, these self-tying water balloon kits fill up 100 balloons at once.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up, ages 3 to 8 with adult supervision
A finger-painting kit
Crayola My First Fingerpaint Kit, available at Amazon
Finger-painting is an amazing way to help kids strengthen their motor skills and learn how to express themselves. This set comes with 10 large sheets of paper and three easy-to-squeeze tubes of washable finger-paint because, chances are, your little Picasso probably likes painting outside the lines.
Recommended ages: 1 year and up
A cookbook for budding bakers
"Milk Bar: Kids Only", available at Milk Bar Store
For the little one who loves lending a helping hand in the kitchen, give them this cookbook to help them sharpen their baking skills. It's filled with 85 easy recipes novice bakers can make and baking basics they will carry with them for years to come. The author, Christina Tosi, was a judge on "MasterChef Junior," so you can be sure the instructions are kid-friendly.
Recommended ages: 7 years and up
A kit to fuel their inner geologist
National Geographic Geode Kit, available at Amazon
Kids can work through their problem-solving skills, learn about science, and have fun with this National Geographic Geode Kit. It comes with 15 geodes, a pair of safety goggles, a magnifying glass, and an educational guide filled with facts about the formations. Note: cracking the geodes may take some strength and should definitely be done under adult supervision.
Recommended ages: 8 years and up
A long-lasting bath toy set
Green Toys Eco-Friendly Submarine and Tug Boat Set, available at Amazon and Target
Rough-and-tumble kids will struggle to break any of their Green Toys vehicles. Made from sturdy recycled plastic, this submarine and tug boat set is the most durable bath toy you'll own and doubles as a cup for washing hair. Traditional bath toys like rubber ducks have hiding spots for mold, but these boats open up for easy cleaning.
Recommended ages: 6 months and up
A personalized puzzle just for them
Fat Brain Toys Personalized Name Puzzle, available at Amazon and Fat Brain Toys
Personalized gifts are often a big hit, and this name puzzle has the added benefit of helping younger kids learn to spell their names. The puzzle can be customized with names up to nine characters long and can also double as a bedroom decoration.
Recommended ages: 1 year and up
A custom bear for Harry Potter fans
Build-A-Bear Harry Potter Collection, available at Build-A-Bear
Build-A-Bear's wide range of quality plush and accessories allows you to gift a customized teddy. The Noble Harry Potter collection is a great gift for fans of the series. You can choose a bear — or perhaps Hedwig or a house animal — and deck it out in clothes for one of the four houses.
Recommended ages:3 years and up
A farm puzzle with sound effects
Melissa and Doug Farm Animals Sound Puzzle, available at Amazon
Melissa and Doug's Sound Puzzles were a hit with my kids at the toddler and preschool ages. These tough wooden puzzles make the noise of the farm animal when the piece correctly falls into place, adding another level of play to a classic toy. This option teaches farm animal sounds, but there are also sets for vehicles, zoo animals, and musical instruments.
Recommended ages: 2 years and up
An action figure and ATV for little hands
Paw Patrol Ryder's Rescue ATV, Vehicle and Figure, available on Amazon
Paw Patrol is popular among many young kids, but this four-wheeler and action figure is also a great first action figure. Parents say that the action figure and four-wheeler are easy for young hands to manipulate, and the posable figure works both on and off the ATV.
Recommended ages: 3 to 5 years old
A tough but classic dump truck
Tonka Steel Classics Mighty Dump Truck, available at Target, Walmart and Barnes & Noble
A durable classic, this partial-steel dump truck works well for indoor play or driving around a sandbox. Kids can haul toys around and dump them out again with the working bucket. Parents will appreciate the durable design.
Recommended ages:3 years and up
A sensory play set with a rainbow of colors
Kinetic Sand, Sandisfactory Set, available at Amazon
Kinetic sand is squishable, moldable sand that sticks together — making it both more fun and less messy than traditional sandbox sand. A toy that promotes both sensory play and creativity, this kit comes with 10 tools for molding and shaping the sand.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
An inclusive doll inspired by real kids
Lottie Doll Mia Wildlife Photographer, available at Amazon
Lottie Dolls forgo the usual princess outfits for a diverse range of clothes, interests, and physical differences inspired by real kids. Mia is a wildlife photographer doll that comes with a camera and a cochlear implant. If Mia isn't quite the right fit, Lottie Dolls include a wide range, from paleontologist to activist.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
A go-kart that grows with them
Radio Flyer Ultimate Go-Kart, available at Amazon and Walmart
Ride-on toys are a favorite in my house but tend to be quickly outgrown. The Radio Flyer Ultimate Go-Kart has an adjustable seat to accommodate ages 3 to 8 and is made from both steel and plastic for a longer lifespan. Parents will also appreciate the three different speed options and easy charging cable.
Recommended ages:3 to 8 years old
A fidget toy with all the fun of bubble wrap
Chuckle & Roar Pop It! XL, available at Amazon
Pop Its are like reusable bubble wrap for kids to pop over and over. Besides having the irresistible draw of popping bubble wrap, fidget toys can also help build fine motor skills. Parents love this XL size Pop It because it's large enough for two kids to play together but still small enough to play with in the car.
Recommended ages:3 years and up
A Play-Doh set with all the must-have tools
Play-Doh Starter Set, available at Walmart, Target, and Amazon
Play-Doh is a classic toy that often keeps my kids occupied for hours. This starter kit comes with kid-safe scissors, a knife, a rotary cutter, a scooper, a roller, and some stencils. Of course, it also includes four cans of Play-Doh and a case to put it all in.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
A play set for imaginary chefs
Hape Fun Fan Fryer, available atAmazon
Play kitchens and food are great for imaginative play. This tabletop stove by Hape has a built-in fan, so the included disks actually move around as they "cook" in the pan. Parents love that it's small enough to keep in a cupboard so kids can "cook" in the kitchen right next to them.
Recommended ages:3 years and up
An open-ended building toy
Magna-Tiles, 32 pieces, available at Amazon, Walmart, and Fat Brain Toys
Magna-Tiles are building toys that fuse together creativity, geometry, and problem-solving but just feel like a fun toy. My kids have continued to have fun with Magna-Tiles after the initial build, creating houses for stuffed animals and action figures. These versatile toys are suited for a wide range of ages and interests, making them easily giftable.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
A slime alternative with less mess
Crayola Globbles, available at Amazon
Crayola Globbles offer the fun of slime without the mess. These squishy, moldable balls will stack together, stick on surfaces, and more. Unlike slime, there's no worry about colors mixing together and they peel right off.
Recommended ages: 4 years and up
A remote control truck for stunt lovers
Monster Jam Grave Digger Freestyle Force RC Car, available at Amazon
Remote control cars are often a kid favorite, but this monster truck is packed with extra tricks. An RC vehicle that will do forward and backward wheelies, spins, and flips, fans of Monster Jam will also appreciate that it's modeled to look like the real Grave Digger.
Recommended ages:4 years and up
A Baby Yoda character that talks and moves
Star Wars The Child Animatronic Edition, available at Amazon and Walmart
The Child — often referred to as Baby Yoda — is a beloved figure from "The Mandalorian." This toy mixes that character with animatronics that will probably remind '90s kids of Furbies. The Child Animatronic Edition, the 2021 Toy of the Year award winner, has 25 different sounds and motions inspired by the Disney+ series.
Recommended ages: 4 years and up
A scoop for epic snowball fights
Hey! Play! Snowball Maker Tool, available at Amazon
This snowball maker has taken my kids' snowball fights up a level. It quickly scoops snow to make nice-sized snowballs for playing. Retailing for about $10 with two included, it's an affordable gift for kids who live in snowy climates.
Recommended ages: 4 years and up
A basketball legend in action figure form
Moose Toys Space Jam: A New Legacy Lebron James Ultimate Tune Squad 12" Action Figure, available at Amazon and Walmart
This large action figure makes a great gift for both basketball fans and kids who love Warner's "Space Jam: A New Legacy" movie. The 12-inch tall Lebron James action figure includes four accessories to play out scenes from the movie or to just pretend to play basketball. The figure's limbs are articulated for a wider range of play options.
Recommended ages: 4 years and up
A folding scooter
Razor A Kick Scooter, available at Amazon, Target and Walmart
These scooters are durable outdoor toys that feel like a big gift yet retail for under $30. Because these scooters also fold up, they are easier to store and take on the go than a bike.
Recommended ages: 5 years and up
A play set for camping adventures
Playmobil Volkswagen T1 Camping Bus, available at Amazon, Walmart and Barnes & Noble
With a bus, mini action figures, and camping accessories, the Playmobil Volkswagen Camping Bus will appeal to kids with a variety of interests. The top lifts off, so after pushing the bus around, kids can take the play figures on imaginary adventures. The bus works as a stand-alone toy or with other Playmobil sets.
Recommended ages:5 years and up
A bottle of catchable virtual fairies
Got2Glow Fairy Finder by WowWee, available at Amazon and Walmart
The Got2Glow Fairy Finder mixes the fun of geocaching games like Pokemon Go with the fun of virtual pets. With this toy, kids find and catch virtual fairies that light up the jar when captured. Unlike most screen-based games, this one simultaneously encourages physical activity and exploration.
Recommended ages: 5 years and up
A kid-friendly book on difficult topics
A Kids Book About, available at A Kids Company About
A Kids Book About is a line of books that tackles tough topics in a kid-friendly way. The series covers topics from racism and inclusivity to recognizing emotions like grief and understanding a diagnosis like cancer. Reviewers say that kids love the storylines while parents and caregivers love that they invite conversation on difficult subjects.
Recommended ages:5 years and up
A card-filled game for new Pokemon fans
Pokemon Trading Card Game Battle Academy, available at Walmart
A 2021 Toy of the Year Award recipient, Pokemon Battle Academy is a game that teaches kids how to play with those classic trading cards. Because it includes three full decks of cards with 60 cards in each, it's also a better value than purchasing individual packs of cards.
Recommended ages: 6 years and up
A building kit with endless play for Marvel fans
Lego Marvel Avengers Iron Man Hall of Armor, available at Amazon
Lego makes great gifts, especially when choosing a set based on the child's top interests. This set, ideal for Marvel fans, allows kids to build Iron Man's Hall of Armor. Once built, kids can play with the rotating platform that switches up the Iron Man mini-figure's suit.
Recommended ages:7 years and up
A stuffed animal craft kit
Craftlab Woodland Friends Sewing Kit, available at Amazon
This craft kit allows kids to create their own stuffed animal friends. The sewing kit includes all the materials and instructions for kids to create five woodland animals. Parents will appreciate that it comes in a reusable tote for putting the mess away.
Recommended ages: 7 years old and up
A microscope that can go anywhere
Carson Micro Brite Plus 60x-120x LED Lighted Zoom Pocket Microscope, available at Amazon, Walmart and Office Depot
Traditional toy microscopes are limited to objects that fit on a slide, but pocket microscopes can easily magnify both large and small objects. This Carson Micro Brite Plus is a portable microscope that kids can use outdoors or indoors to magnify anything that allows the microscope to sit flat on the surface. It's an affordable gift for kids who love science or the outdoors.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
A colorful tablet for them to draw to their hearts' content
Orsen LCD Writing Tablet, available at Amazon
This LCD writing tablet is perfect for doodling — without the mess or paper waste. The drawings and writings appear in a pretty gradient rainbow, and the tablet is especially great for travel when kids want something to do but can't easily use crayons or markers.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
A fun, educational board game that teaches them real chess
Storytime Chess for kids, available at Amazon and Uncommon Goods
Chess is a timeless game but can be a bit overwhelming for young kids to pick up. This clever board game gives the pieces their own character names and backstories, offering an engaging and simple way for children to gradually learn the rules. There are also expansion packs to keep the game going, making it a genuinely engrossing toy for kids and their parents alike.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
Glow-in-the-dark bath cubes to make bath time their favorite
Glowing Bath Time Cubes, available at Uncommon Goods
These cubes (which last a few weeks, or 72 hours total) automatically start glowing when they come in contact with water — and turn off the moment they're out. Beyond just looking super cool, they can entertain kids for hours as they place the cubes in and out of the water, trying to figure out their magic.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
Commerce Reporter
Remi is a former reporter for Business Insider's affiliate commerce team, Insider Reviews. After graduating from Colgate University with a degree in Creative Writing and Political Science, Remi joined Business Insider to help readers find the best products worth buying. Since joining the team in 2018, Remi has reviewed hundreds of products and interviewed founders of industry disruptors, such as direct-to-consumer startups Koio and Absolut Art. She specializes in women's lifestyle, but loves to learn about any and all products that add value and excitement to our everyday lives. Say hello at rrosmarin@businessinsider.com. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.
You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
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