Joyful Gift Ideas for Kids: Our Curated Guide for 2025

Pro tip: if you’re an editor picking out gifts for kids this year, do it when your children arrive home from school. My daughter’s excitement was palpable when she entered my office to see a screen full of toy tabs. She promptly claimed her role as temporary editor-in-chief—approving and rejecting every suggestion on this guide. You could say she’s following in the family tradition.

Here’s the truth: kids excel at choosing gifts. They should be part of the selection process from start to finish. I’ve attended birthday parties where parents skip the gift unwrapping to prevent envy, but I’ve found that kids adore watching their friends open something special—shouting, “That one’s from me!” or “I have that too!” with pure delight.

If you’re planning to gift a child this year (and have one of your own), consider this your cue to involve them. It’s better to give, after all.

Below, you’ll find our specially curated gift guide for kids, showcasing the best presents for every age group—from infants to tweens. Mom and daughter approved!

Explore All 2025 Gift Guides

Gifts for Infants

Bartholomew Bear

You'll be the hero by introducing them to a new cuddly companion. This bear is soft, adorable, and always ready for adventures or naps. With its timeless charm and huggable fur, it’s a teddy they’ll cherish well beyond bedtime.

“When You Were Born” Personalized Book

This charming custom story incorporates the letters of their name into a magical tale featuring friendly animals and big dreams. A keepsake they’ll cherish for years, it’s the perfect addition to their growing library.

Baby Bixbee Hat and Mitten Set

For the tiniest fashionista. This cozy set includes beloved Bixbee booties, matching mittens, and a faux-shearling trapper hat to keep little ones warm from head to toe. Soft, snuggly, and machine-washable, it’s both cute and practical—ideal for a baby’s first winter.

Baby’s First Christmas Gift Set

This handmade keepsake set includes a Liberty-print Christmas bodysuit, a red velvet crown, and a matching stocking—crafted in the English countryside. Beautifully boxed, it makes a baby’s first Christmas truly memorable.

Baby’s Tummy Time Book Set

Designed to aid visual development from day one, this three-book set features high-contrast watercolor art that evolves with your baby—starting from simple shapes to colorful imagery. Created by artist and speech pathologist Tabitha Paige, the accordion-style pages unfold beautifully for tummy time, sparking curiosity.

Gifts for Toddlers

Cottage Play Tent

Perfect for the child who transforms their living room into a magical world. This delightful cottage-style tent serves as an ideal hideaway for reading, daydreaming, or embarking on imaginative adventures. With a lightweight pine frame and simple setup, it’s both a cozy retreat and an imagination station—perfect for hours of play.

Barbarossa Pirate Ship

This beautifully crafted wooden ship includes working sails, a firing cannon, and a trapdoor deck—ideal for high-seas storytelling. Sized to accommodate Budkins and 10cm figures, it’s perfect for endless imaginative play—whether they’re hunting treasure or making someone walk the plank.

FAO Schwarz Bluey Toy Vending Machine

This mini vending machine dispenses 12 collectible capsules, each containing a different Bluey character, including rare finds. Twist the knob, reveal the surprise, and reuse the capsules for trading or hiding treasures. It’s endless fun, one turn at a time.

Hape: Scoot Around Ride-On Wood Balance Bike

This bright green, four-wheeled wooden ride-on is perfect for helping toddlers build balance and confidence while zipping around the house or park. With rubberized wheels that protect floors and glide smoothly, it’s a classic favorite that turns everyday play into mini adventures.

Kids’ Beach Towel Bundle

These lightweight, ultra-absorbent towels are ideal for beach days, pool parties, and summer camp fun. With extra length, reversible stripes, and personalization options, they’re as enjoyable as they are practical—because even drying off should feel like part of the adventure.

Gifts for Preschoolers

Meri Meri Magical Dress Up Collection

This enchanting dress-up collection features everything from shimmering mermaid tails to royal crowns—perfect for imaginative adventures, costume parties, or adding a sprinkle of magic to an ordinary afternoon.

Hairstyle Hero Salon Kit

For the kid who runs a “salon” at home. This all-in-one kit has all they need to play hairdresser—from a working blow dryer to sparkly clips and rainbow elastics. It’s the perfect setup for big imaginations and plenty of giggles (appointments by request only).

MAGNA-TILES Travel Set

This travel-sized MAGNA-TILES set features 55 mini magnetic tiles packed into a portable case—ideal for road trips or dining out. With pieces 75% smaller than the original and fully compatible with all other sets, it’s creativity made compact. Adventure shouldn’t mean leaving the fun behind.

Kids Bathbox Set

This playful French-made set includes a fizzy bath bomb, blue foaming salts, and pink crackling salts—gentle enough for sensitive skin and enriched with soothing chamomile. It’s a splash of clean fun that turns bath time into a magical experience.

Princess Musical Jewelry Box

This enchanting jewelry box, adorned with princesses and glittery gardens, opens to reveal a twirling princess dancing to “It’s a Small World.” Perfect for storing tiny treasures and everyday wonders, it comes beautifully boxed for an extra touch of charm.

Gifts for 5-10 Year Olds

“Mini Masterpieces My Painting Set Kids Craft Kit”

This portable craft kit contains everything they need to paint, create, and showcase their masterpieces—no mess required. With pre-printed designs and a handy tin for travel, it’s creativity that fits right in their backpack.

Chemistry Play Lab

This hands-on lab kit lets them mix and pour through colorful chemical reactions—complete with kid-safe ingredients and an easy-to-clean workstation. It’s science, mess, and magic all rolled into one fun experiment.

“LEGO Classic Cool Creative Box Building Toy Set”

With over 500 colorful pieces, this set allows them to create anything from dinosaurs in sunglasses to monster trucks. The best part? They can mix and match for endless fun—because in their world, anything is possible.

YumYum! Real Baking Oven

This gift is perfect for the aspiring chef. Built with safety in mind, young chefs will enjoy getting creative and experimenting in the kitchen.

Tin Can Phone

This all-in-one kit includes everything they need to mix, bake, and slice their own pizzas—complete with stainless-steel tools and a wooden peel. It’s hands-on fun that leads to delicious homemade pizza night.

“Williams Sonoma Kids Bake and Create Pizza Set”

This comprehensive kit equips them to mix, bake, and slice their own pizzas—complete with stainless-steel tools and their own apron. It’s a hands-on experience ending with a tasty reward: pizza night!

Happy Icons Duckling Umbrella

If there’s one thing I know about kids this age, it’s that they love having their own personal items. And what better way than with a whimsical umbrella to brighten rainy days?

Gifts for Tweens

5 Pocket Open Top Canvas Tote Bag

This sturdy tote stands upright, thanks to reinforced seams and durable canvas, making it ideal for everything from library books to beach treasures. Built to last, it’s a timeless favorite.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera

This colorful, easy-to-use camera captures and prints instant photos in seconds—no filters or phone needed. With a built-in selfie mirror and twist-to-shoot design, it’s perfect for capturing everyday magic.

Schwinn Ranger Mountain Bike

Lightweight and equipped with front suspension, this bike is ideal for those who love exploring trails. With sturdy tires built for adventure, it’s the ultimate ride for curious kids.

“Nintendo Switch 2 Console + Mario Kart World Bundle”

For the kid (or let’s be honest—grown-up) counting down the days. The new Nintendo Switch 2 offers upgraded graphics and the new Mario Kart World—where every course connects in one big adventure.

Crunch Labs Build Box Subscription

This monthly subscription, created by former NASA engineer Mark Rober, delivers new hands-on projects that teach engineering and physics concepts through fun. From chain-reaction machines to mini launchers, it inspires curious minds to think big.