Tag: Holiday Gift Guide

Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

There’s no shortage of options for presents, but we’ve curated a list of our favorite toys that help kids learn and grow while they’re having fun. Everything in this collection has overwhelmingly positive reviews and wholesome objectives. Enjoy!

1. Inspire future architects and construction workers with an endlessly fascinating set.

These Mega Bloks can be built and rebuilt as a child grows and changes interests. The set comes with 80 blocks in five different colors.

The set encourages creativity and hands-on exploration as kids choose what they want to build (and figure out how to build it). The best part is that it’s compatible with any other Mega Bloks sets, so collections can grow and masterpieces can become more intricate.

2. Help the toddler in your life take one of their most important steps (literally).

The VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker coaxes children onto their feet with tons of fun features. As toddlers push along with this handy walker, they’ll have all sorts of musical and educational games to play on the way to their next destination.

The walker has two colorful spinning rollers, three shape sorters, and three light-up buttons. A telephone offers a fun way to learn important communication skills, and there are over 70 sing-along songs and sound effects. And for all the exhausted parents out there—this product comes in easy-to-open, frustration-free packaging.

3. For a slightly different take on sit-to-stand toys, here’s another option from VTech.

The Sit-To-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train grows alongside your child. Younger children can play with the train or ride on the seat; when they begin to walk, the seat transforms into a wagon for hauling toys around the house.

The side of the engine features 10 interactive activities that teach letters, numbers, colors, and more. The set includes 13 double-sided letter blocks that the train counts as you drop them down the chute. Have fun role playing with the walkie talkie and get inspired with over 100 songs and melodies.

4. It’s never too early to start training for the Olympics (or maybe just high school track and field).

This activity gym from Bright Starts offers a multitude of activities in one cute, contained area. If you know parents with a tiny-home mentality, this is the perfect gift.

The walls can go up or down depending on the activity, meaning the gym works great as a tummy-time mat or a ball pit. Speaking of which, the set comes with 35 colorful balls, a bead chaser, a musical elephant, a baby-safe mirror, and interactive crinkle fabrics. And with all the time baby’s going to spend in this gym, parents will be glad to know it’s machine washable.

5. Sometimes you can’t beat a classic.

The Sit ‘n Spin from Playskool is as old school as you can get. Children twirl themselves in circles as fast or slowly as they choose on this absorbing toy.

The look and style is the same as the ones from your childhood, but Playskool has improved the mechanics so this incarnation spins more smoothly. This fun and nostalgic toy promotes good balance and coordination as well as an active lifestyle from the earliest stages.

6. After an action-packed day, little ones need a whole lot of sleep.

This Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother plays 10 classical melodies as well as gentle ocean sounds. Motion and light effects help little ones slowly nod off for naps or bedtime.

This handy machine has four soothing modes and volume control to achieve the perfect ambiance for every baby. It fits onto crib rails with a universal crib attachment.

7. Babies and toddlers love making noise and getting into a rhythm.

These Rattle ‘n Rock maracas are the perfect catalyst for waking up a child’s inner drummer. Toddlers will have no trouble gripping and shaking these musical toys with soft pom-pom bottoms.

The maracas are filled with colorful beads that make a gentle rattling sounds as baby shakes them. These toys are easy to clean and promote sensory and gross motor skills.

8. Let baby experience the thrill of a swing in the safest way possible.

Little Tikes Snug ‘n Secure swing has redundant safety features to keep children safe. With an easy-in T-bar and stay-put shoulder straps, you can be confident that baby is safe as they experience flight for the first time.

This classic toy is made in America and can be installed inside or outdoors. As children grow, the T-bar and straps can be removed, increasing its lifespan as a child’s favorite toy.

9. Just because they’re too young to ride rides at an amusement park doesn’t mean they can’t build one of their own.

The Loops and Swoops amusement park playset gives children the power to create an exhilarating theme park. As children send the two roller coaster carts around the park, a variety of fun interactive features are triggered.

Lift a ramp at the end to send coaster cars flying when they reach the bottom. This set encourages creativity and helps strengthen dexterity and hand-eye coordination. It’s also a heck of a lot of fun.

10. Kids won’t get bored anytime soon with this awesome variety pack.

The Roarin’ and Rollin’ Oball gift set has four unique toys to fascinate babies. The toys are designed so that even the tiniest of hands can easily grasp and explore them.

These toys are perfect for teething and traveling. The set includes a rattle and roll car, the Oball classic, a roar-o-rattle, and the clickity twist.

11. Let’s not forget how much a good toy can improve bath time.

This floating octopus comes with three rings that can be tossed onto the tentacles for a fun and stimulating game. It’ll improve hand-eye coordination and distract from the not-so-fun aspects of bath time.

Having a trusty friend in the bath can help kids look forward to baths instead of dreading them. This BPA-free product is irresistible to kids and makes a fun pool toy as well.

12. Kids still love tea time, but the toys have improved dramatically.

A musical rainbow tea set from LeapFrog makes tea time an even more joyous occasion. The set lights up in six fun colors and plays seven different tea-time songs.

As kids pretend to prepare tea, the pot makes realistic gurgling sounds. The sing-along songs teach manners and greetings and encourage children to share. Find out for yourself why this awesome set won the 2013 Practical Pre-School Award.

Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Get bodies moving and the thinking gears going by giving these great gifts. Best of all, you can bond with your special buddy as you both master new skills.

1. Inspire young photographers to explore and create with this awesome blend of retro and new.

The FujiFilm Instax teaches beginners how to take great photos with easy-to-understand settings. Photos print out immediately so friends can share instant keepsakes.

Kids can use the macro lens attachment for extreme close ups of pets, flowers, or whatever else deserves a closer look. The selfie mirror helps capture the perfect pose without any wasted film. This camera is as fun as any toy, but also teaches photography skills and creates unforgettable photos.

2. Put your favorite flight-enthusiast in the pilot seat of a drone.

The Sky Viper is one of the easiest-to-control and most versatile drones on the market. It can perform barrel rolls and flips with the touch of a button. However, the most innovative feature is the headset that holds a smartphone and allows the operator to see from the drone’s point of view.

The drone’s camera can capture and stream video in 720p high definition. This state-of-the-art gadget is worth the price for its unique first-person-view function alone. Its HD camera makes it even more of a bargain.

The Make Your Own Nail Polish Kit comes with eight colors that can be combined to make any shade you can imagine. The set comes with funnels and blending tools, along with simple instructions for making the custom polish.

All polishes are free of toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, and camphor, making them safe for everyone. DIY nail polish is a perfect accessory for a girls’ night in that blends fashion and creativity.

The Grow N’ Glow Terrarium comes with everything a young botanist needs to create a whole new world on their desktop. The set includes a mason jar, potting mix, organic chia and wheatgrass seeds, sand, river stones, and garden figurines.

Kids can grow two full life cycles of plants in their own tiny ecosystem. Seeds start growing in as little as three to four days and glow-in-the-dark stickers make the terrarium look magical at night.

Telestrations mixes the telephone game (you know, where one person whispers a phrase to the next person, and little misinterpretations stack up, changing the meaning of the original message entirely) with Pictionary. The first drawer reads a card and illustrates the phrase. The next person looks at that drawing and tries to guess the original phrase.

The next player gets to illustrate the new phrase, and so on. When all of the drawings and phrases have been passed around, it’s time to look at how the original phrase has morphed in the course of the round. The creativity and absurdity involved in this spin on a classic will keep the whole family laughing hysterically.

These Double Shot Arcade Hoops let future Steph Currys and Maya Moores practice rain or shine. Face off against friends or siblings and see who can rack up the most points.

The rims are adjustable from 82 to 90 inches, and an infrared optical sensor keeps score so there are no disputes over who got what. The set comes with seven basketballs, a pump, and a needle to ensure young athletes can get their game on any time.

The It’s My Life Scrapbook Kit from Creativity for Kids has everything someone needs to create a one-of-a-kind scrapbook. A 9-inch square, spiral-bound notebook with 16 pages allows young archivists to preserve memorable moments in style.

The set comes with over 200 stickers, rhinestones, a stencil, and other decorative materials. With over 32 layouts, there’s plenty of room for photos, letters, and drawings to document a young person’s life.

The GoPro HERO5 takes 4K video and 10 megapixel photos in just about any environment. Users can take it underwater or down a mountain, and this little gadget will just keep filming.

The HERO5 is ideal for young users because of its limited menu options. After briefly learning the settings, novice photographers can begin exploring and creating with stunning results.

Water Dancing speakers from SoundSOUL provide a mesmerizing visual while pumping out crisp audio. Colored LED lights look dazzling as fountains of water bubble across them.

Speakers plug into a computer or phone via a standard 3.5 mm connection port. The relaxing and meditative visual will provide the perfect accompaniment to their favorite playlist.

10. Gift a fun experience and an adorable finished product in one.

This bracelet kit from Melissa & Doug provides a fun activity to do while spending quality, screen-free time with a young relative or friend. The instructions are easy-to-complete, kid-friendly, and result in elegant jewelry.

Have fun making design choices while you craft unique bracelets for yourself or others. This kit is great for creative young fashion or art lovers.

11. In a similar vein, here’s another option for future fashion designers.

The Fashion Studio from Creativity for Kids comes with everything that a future Donatella Versace needs to get started. The set has a dress mannequin, fabric, sketchbook, trims, ribbons, and much more.

Like a real designer, kids will create sketches and bring them to life with a real sewing kit. Start a young designer on the path to Project Runway with this educational and entertaining pick.

12. Toys have become incredibly sophisticated since we were kids.

The Razor Hovertrax 2.0 is the smartest self-balancing electric scooter on the market. This little contraption can maintain speeds up to 8 miles per hour for up to 60 minutes.

With a weight limit of 220 pounds, even adults can try this addictive toy. New features on the Hovertrax 2.0 include an LED light-bar display, fender bumpers, a battery-power indicator, and a special riding mode for training.

Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

These toys don’t just entertain, they encourage children to build relationships and learn together. See if there’s something on the list that might appeal to your favorite little person.

1. You can’t go wrong with a STEM toy that’s as educational as it is fun.

Snap Circuits teach the basics of electricity in a safe and easy way. The set requires no tools and has instructions for over 100 unique projects.

Amateur or professional electricians can use the set to teach the next generation. Those who don’t know the first thing about electricity can learn together with the recipient of this fun gift. Find out why Snap Circuits have won a laundry list of awards and accolades.

2. You don’t have to understand a craze to know that it’ll be a big hit.

This Shopkins Super Mall will provide endless hours of playtime for your favorite Shopkins superfan. The mall comes with four exclusive Shopkins and a wide variety of accessories.

Throw in an additional dozen Shopkins to make the mall really bustle. This affordable pack will keep kids entertained with creative scenarios and fun roleplaying.

3. It’s never too early to have a taste of the good life.

A spa playset will provide a realistic spa experience at a much more reasonable price than the real thing. Users can soak their feet in the cool, cascading waterfall as LED lights create a soothing show.

After a proper soak with the included bath salts, kids can use real nail polish or stickers to decorate their toes. The foot massager requires three C batteries, which are not included.

4. Inspire a sense of adventure with this one-of-a-kind gadget.

Drones are a great way to learn about aviation, and this unique glove-controlled model makes the process easy. Kids will feel like superheroes as they control a drone’s flight with simple movements of their hands.

This sophisticated drone has auto takeoff, auto landing, and auto hover features, making it great for beginners. Use it right out of the box—the safety frame protects the flying device from inadvertent collisions or falls. The drone can be used indoors or out by its operator—no flight experience necessary.

5. One of the best party toys of all time has gotten even better.

The Bop It! is a universally loved and irresistible group game. The newest incarnation of the Bop It! has even more fun moves to keep you on your toes.

“Cradle it,” “Whip it,” and “Sing it” are just a smattering of the new moves that Bop It! demands. Of course, “Selfie it” is another. Kids can play solo or in a group. This toy gets your blood moving and your brain working overtime.

6. Start grooming the next generation of stars for The Voice.

Forget about renting—now you can buy a karaoke machine for a reasonable price. This stylish toy comes with a microphone, an 8GB Singing Machine flash drive, and a code for 10 downloadable HD karaoke videos.

Use Bluetooth or the USB port to download your favorite songs and videos. Record performances and have unforgettable parties with this crowd-pleasing and easy-to-operate gift.

7. Sometimes the simpler the game, the more fun it is to play.

HedBanz is a guessing game with some silly accessories. Contestants put a card on their forehead with a headband so only their competitors can see it.

Next, everyone takes turns asking yes or no questions until they figure out what image is on their card. The set comes with 74 cards, 24 chips, six headbands, and a sand-clock timer. Kids learn the power of asking the right questions and employing deduction in an entertaining way.

8. You can’t go wrong with a beautiful classic.

This art kit from Art 101 has everything future illustrators need to create their own masterpieces. With 142 pieces, these supplies will last as young artists hone their skills and gain confidence.

The gorgeous wood case protects the pencils, crayons, pastels, and watercolors that will provide hours of creative fun. There’s never been so much potential packed into one case.

9. Get the only ship that made the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs.

The Millennium Falcon is one of the most iconic vehicles in cinematic history. Now, you can let the young Star Wars fan in your life build it out of Legos.

The beloved ship comes with six Lego characters: Han Solo, Chewbacca, Rey, Finn, Tasu Leech, and a Kanjiklub gang member. The interior of the ship has a hyperdrive, a holochess board, a secret compartment, and extra boxes and cables.

10. Give a set that can be constructed into infinite shapes and designs.

Aquabeads Beginners Studio comes with 840 jewel and solid beads in 16 colors. Kids can create animals, flowers, or anything else they can imagine and design.

Designs can be sprayed with water, causing bonds to form and adhering the beads in place. This allows young designers to keep their masterpieces and share them with friends and family.

11. Bridge the generation gap with a timeless tile game.

Rummikub is one of the most popular games in the world. Its simplicity and engaging gameplay has kept it relevant for decades.

Players try to group tiles according to the simple rules, and joker tiles keep things interesting and allow for a little creativity and problem solving. This simple game reinforces STEM skills and keeps players of all ages entertained.

12. As gadgets get more and more sophisticated, it can be hard to keep up with what kids want.

A Dash robot is perfect for kids 6 and up who have access to a smartphone. Just download the Wonder or Blockly app and tutorials will guide children on how to program this lovable robot.

This awesome product from Wonder Workshop comes fully assembled, so recipients can get started on the fun right away. Make the robot dance, light up, make sounds, avoid obstacles, and respond to voices while learning important skills about coding.

Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

1. Get a million dollar property for a reasonable price.

The new Barbie Dreamhouse comes with all the classic rooms updated for modern sensibilities. There are so many awesome details, kids will spend countless hours dreaming up stories and scenarios.

The modern house comes with “smart” accessories that involve sounds, light, and motion. For instance, an aquarium has moving fish and bubbling sounds for an ultra-realistic vibe. Kids can even slide a smartphone into Barbie’s flatscreen TV to get her caught up on her favorite shows.

2. Get your favorite little person in on the green revolution.

The Original PlasmaCar uses no batteries, gears, or pedals—kids simply wiggle the steering wheel back and forth to generate their own clean energy. You won’t find a healthier, greener form of transportation.

The PlasmaCar supports up to 220 pounds, so even adults can get in on the fun.  When you see this toy in action, you’ll understand why it has over 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

3. For future gymnasts, here’s a safe and fun training toy.

This 3-foot trampoline from Little Tikes allows bouncy kiddos to burn off energy in a safe and healthy way. It’s easy to assemble and move around the house.

 
The large jumping surface and balance bar make it easy for kids to experience the thrill of a trampoline while they’re still working on coordination. Parents will be thrilled with this quiet and controlled way for kids to have fun while being active.

4. This is the droid you are looking for.

Teach ‘N Tag Movi is a cute little robot that helps kids learn how to follow directions and become more comfortable with movement. With over 60 facial expressions, Movi asks questions and gives simple instructions.

Movi has 360 degrees of mobility and two lighted buttons on top of his head. He’ll get kids excited about learning and exercise as they follow their new friend’s directions and answer questions.

5. Provide the missing link between walking and pedaling a bike.

The Strider Balance Bike teaches children how to ride a bike without the added complexity of pedals. They’ll figure out how to steer and balance with no training wheels, making the transition to a real bike simple and easy.
 
This starter bike is a great way to teach important skills without overwhelming a child. Don’t forget a colorful, Consumer Product Safety Commission–certified helmet to protect their noggin and instill good bike habits early.

6. Gifts that encourage creativity can be the most impactful ones.

This art easel has a magnetic whiteboard on one side and a chalkboard on the other. There are also three paint pots and a replaceable paper roll for more permanent masterpieces.

This stylish, height-adjustable easel looks great and provides hours of productive fun for aspiring artists. Get this for the special little one in your life and maybe you’ll receive a personalized piece of art in return.

7. Young kids aren’t allowed to slice and serve pizza, but they’re still enamored with the process.

This pizza chef playset lets children carry out adult duties with a pizza roller and serving spatula. The six-slice pie comes with tons of toppings and shakers that contain parm and pepper flake lookalikes.

 
The pretend pie teaches kids how to carry out chores like making and serving food as well as cleaning up. Let the littles enjoy the fun of pizza night without the risk of getting sauce on their cutest clothes.

8. Toy cars are an enduring gift because they jumpstart kids’ imaginations.

The Sto and Go Playset from Hot Wheels provides multiple levels, garages, and ramps for a kid’s favorite vehicles. The retro-style design will make parents feel nostalgic while kids enter a whole new world.

The Sto and Go folds up into an easily transportable and storable case. Make the gift even cooler by adding a stash of 20 more Hot Wheels.

9. Inspire the next Ansel Adams or Annie Leibovitz with a real digital camera.

The Kidizoom is a functioning camera that can withstand the beating that kids will inevitably give it. The camera takes selfies, portraits, landscapes, and even has a video and voice recorder.

The Kidizoom attaches to your computer via a micro USB or micro SD card (sold separately). Apply more than 35 fun effects to photos using four creative apps. The camera runs on four AA batteries that are included.

10. Finally, an infamous gift receives a much-needed update.

A KidiBeats drum set makes kids and parents happy. Three AA batteries power the speakers, and when parents have had enough noise, the drums can be turned off to make it a much quieter toy.

The set has three drum pads and a cymbal, allowing children to experience the feel of an actual drum kit. Young drummers can play along with nine different melodies or drum to their own beat.

11. If you’ve got a future doctor in the family, get them started early with the tools of the trade.

This doctor kit from Kidzlane has 12 different pieces of medical equipment. The tools make realistic sound effects and come with a carrying case.

These sturdy toys are built to last and easy to clean. The set will provide hours of fun and an awesome photo op once it’s unwrapped.

12. If you’re looking to keep a child occupied, here’s the solution.

This stencil kit has 14 colored pencils, a pencil sharpener, and 54 sheets of stencils. In all, there are over 280 different shapes to guide young artists.

This set provides hours of fun and training for future art students. Everything packs neatly and securely into a travel case, making it perfect for traveling or overnight stays.

13. If you want to keep the holidays simple, get one gift for the whole family.

The Pallina Dropping Ball Game is fun for a wide variety of ages. It’s simple enough for young children to play and strategic enough for parents to enjoy.

Players choose a color and try to keep the balls of that color balanced on the bamboo sticks. It’s simple, strategic, and fun for everyone.

Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

We’ve assembled a list of some of our favorite toys that keep kids active—both physically and mentally. We also like to focus on gifts that encourage social skills and spending quality time together. Here’s what we’ve come up with.

1. Combine technology and sports with this exciting invention.

The futuristic Hover Ball glides over smooth surfaces on a cushion of air as kids kick it back and forth. LED lights make playing with the Hover Ball even more exciting at night.

The sides of the ball have non-marking foam pads that make the toy easy on feet and on walls. This awesome contraption is great for team competitions or solo use.

2. Gift a wide variety of athletic options for a very reasonable price.

The Pro-Ball Set has a soccer ball, a football, and a basketball that can be used inside or out for hours of fun and exercise. All three balls are designed for small hands and are made of soft but durable plastic.

Get kids moving and playing at a young age to instill healthy habits and good coordination. This variety pack gives plenty of options to keep kids occupied in a positive way. This set is perfect for a sunny day, but works just as well inside.

3. Let kids show their nurturing side with this fun new pet.

A Hatchimal is a fun new pet that starts its life inside an egg. Owners can hear its heartbeat and feel it kicking when they tap on the shell.

 
Once it’s time to hatch, the Hatchimal pecks itself out of its egg. Then it’s time to teach him or her to walk, talk, and dance. Kids will learn important responsibilities as they raise their Hatchimal and the Hatchimal’s interactive games mean they won’t get bored anytime soon.

4. For those kids who have more energy than they know what to do with, here’s a suggestion.

A Pogo-It from Little Tikes provides hours of challenging and exciting exercise. Pogoing improves balancing skills, endurance, and strength.

It’s similar to an old-fashioned pogo stick, but has a few updates, like allowing kids to earn points based on how long they can jump. For extra safety, don’t forget a helmet.

5. For a more traditional pogo experience, Kidoozie has you covered.

The Pogo Jumper helps young children develop their hand-eye coordination, balance, and dexterity. They’ll gain confidence as they master this classic toy over time.

The handles and base are cushioned to prevent accidental bumps and bruises. The bottom is specially designed to not leave scuff marks on floors. The Pogo Jumper has a weight limit of 250 pounds, so everyone can get in on the fun and competition.

6. Washing the dog isn’t always the most enjoyable task, but this board game makes it a lot more exciting.

Soggy Doggy is one of the most unique new games around. Players try to race around a miniature bathtub where a very wet dog threatens to shake himself dry at any moment.

 
If a player makes it around the loop before getting soaked, they win. But every time someone gets splashed, they have to start over. This cute game is equal parts suspenseful and hilarious.

7. Here’s a colorful, healthy, and eco-friendly way to get around.

Razor has been making wildly popular scooters since 2000, but the Party Pop Kick Scooter takes the phenomenon to a whole new level. The deck features 12 multi-color LED lights that pulsate in a mesmerizing way.

This scooter is designed for children 6 and up and comes with a six-month limited warranty. A safety pack with a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads will protect your little daredevil from any accidental tumbles.

8. This is what would happen if you combined a trampoline with a Frisbee.

The Mezo OGODisk Set from OGOSport is an addictive multi-functional toy. You can throw it like a traditional frisbee, but that’s just the start.

You can also bounce tennis balls off it to launch them far into the air. The set comes with two OGODisks and a ball, so you can create and play badminton-style games by using the disks to bounce the ball back and forth.
This water-friendly product floats, so they’re great for pools or the ocean. The OGODisks even work as a great way to bounce water balloons high into the sky.

9. Doing makeup together can be a great way to bond.

This washable makeup set has everything you and a young friend need to play dress up. The set has four blush powders, two glitter lip glosses, three eyeshadow powders, two lipsticks, and two nail polishes.

 
It all fits snugly in a glittery silver cosmetic bag, so it’s easy to take for sleepovers or vacations. All included products are safety-tested and wash off easily.

10. Give a gift the whole family will love.

The Hot Potato Passing Game from Ideal is designed for two to six players. The spud plays a musical tune as it’s passed from hand to hand.

When the music stops, whoever’s holding the tater gets a potato chip card. Get three cards and you’re out. It’s as simple as games get, but you’ll have tons of fun as you pass the hot potato as quickly as possible.

11. If you know a budding magician, here’s a great set to get them started.

The My First Magic Set has 20 easy-to-learn magic tricks to dazzle audiences. An included DVD and instruction book guide young tricksters through the necessary steps to become master illusionists.

 
The set comes with a variety of props, including the necessities for a ball and vase trick, a drawer box, and a magic paint can. And, of course, a magic wand is included.

12. Give a unique way to communicate with friends and family.

These walkie talkies from Little Pretender have a two-mile range with crystal-clear sound. Users can choose from three channels, and a child-friendly design makes them easy to operate.

These high-quality walkie talkies have a durable but lightweight build. They’ll improve communication skills and kickstart imaginations in ways no smartphone can.