Best Gifts for Kids in 2024
Gift-giving can be a daunting task when it comes to children. What do they want? What do they already have? Will they like what you buy them? These are common questions among parents and relatives. But the process doesn’t have to be as complicated as it seems.
In this article, we are introducing the latest and greatest gifts for kids in 2024 for every occasion and budget.
We’ll review the latest trends in gift-giving and provide our top picks for the ones we believe will make the most enjoyable gifts for kids of all ages. From the latest tech gadgets to educational toys to books, and even arts and crafts, we’ve got you covered.
Best Gifts for Kids: Buying Guide
Choosing the perfect gift for a child can be challenging and overwhelming. You have to strike an ideal balance between it being fun and a learning experience. To help make the process easier, consider each of the following product features when choosing a present for a child.
Age and Developmental Stage of the Child
Children learn and develop at different rates, so it is vital to choose a gift that is appropriate for their current age and developmental stage. For example, puzzles and building blocks are great options for toddlers, while older kids may appreciate more complex gifts such as board games or video games. It is also essential to take note of any cautions or age recommendations listed on the product packaging.
Interests and Hobbies of the Child
Choosing a gift based on the child’s interests and hobbies will make them more likely to use it and enjoy it. Consider the activities they already enjoy, such as sports, music, art, reading, or tech gadgets. If unsure, bring up the topic subtly with friends or family members who may have more insight into their interests.
Your Budget
When selecting a gift, it is crucial to create a budget that works best for your financial situation. Many stores have sales throughout the year and may offer discounts on certain items at certain times. Additionally, it is possible to find quality gifts within any price range if you look in the right places, so do not be afraid to shop around to find the best deals.
Quality and Durability
Look for durable materials that can withstand typical wear-and-tear, as well as any abuse that may come from younger children playing with them. Avoid products made with easily breakable materials such as paper or plastic. Read reviews from other customers or try to test out the product yourself, if possible, before committing to purchasing it.
Safety/Toxicity Hazards
Make sure that all toys are free from hazardous materials such as lead paint or small plastic pieces that can easily break off and become choking hazards for young children. Additionally, check labels for any toxic compounds that can be potential dangers when exposed over time, such as flame retardants or phthalates used in plastic toys and furniture.
Educational Benefits
Many gifts can be used to help children learn and assist in their cognitive development through playtime activities such as counting blocks, turning letters into words with word puzzles, matching shapes with sorting boards, or piecing together pictures with jigsaw puzzles. Reading books or attending educational classes may also be beneficial in helping the child learn important skills early in life.
Parental Preferences
If buying gifts for someone else’s children or grandchildren, always consider getting advice from their parents prior to purchase in case they have particular wants or needs they would like addressed through gift-giving opportunities. Discuss the age of the child and their interests so that you can choose an appropriate gift that will bring joy without causing any unwanted issues in their home environment.
Portability
Portable items usually make great gifts as they are easy to carry around on trips and vacations while still providing fun entertainment during free time away from home. Consider items like travel board games that fit inside suitcases or handheld electronics like tablets designed specifically for kids with parental control settings built-in.
Sharing gifts among siblings or friends provides an opportunity for social interaction and cooperative playtime activities, which can help improve communication skills by teaching negotiation tactics and problem-solving abilities through teamwork approaches. Look into toys that are designed to be played with multiple participants, such as card games, board games, sandbox play sets, or team sports.
Best Gifts for Kids
National Geographic Stomp & Launch Air Rocket Toy – Best Overall
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Air Rocket Toy takes kid’s playtime to new heights. This fun-packed toy rockets the joy, turning a simple stomp into a thrilling 100-foot-high launch. Designed with durability in mind, this Air Rocket Toy withstands countless launches, maintaining its outstanding performance day after day. The light-up rockets add a dash of spectacle to the play, especially when launched in the twilight, mesmerizing both the kids and the onlookers.
Included in the kit are four foam-tipped rockets, ensuring the safety of the kids while adding an extra layer of durability. And the best part? It’s an outdoor toy, encouraging kids to leave their screens and enjoy the great outdoors. So, if you’re on the hunt for the best gifts for kids, the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Air Rocket Toy stands out as an engaging, durable, and fun-filled option.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and operate
- Provides hours of outdoor fun
- Has light-up feature for night use
Cons
- Can go over fences when played outside
Backyard Discovery Wooden Swing Set – Best for Energetic Kids
Transform your backyard into a thrilling adventure zone with the Backyard Discovery Sterling Point Wooden Swing Set. Crafted with premium cedar wood, this swing set is not only durable but also naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, ensuring years of safe play. The backyard play set features a variety of exciting activities, including a multi-level clubhouse with a canopy roof, a challenging rock climbing wall, a speedy slide, and two belt swings and an acrobat bar for soaring through the air. While it’s definitely on the pricey end, this swing set is perfect for kids of all ages to explore, play, and create lasting memories right in the comfort of their own backyard.
Pros
- High quality, sturdy construction
- Clear, helpful instructions for assembly
- Inspires kids to play outside
Cons
- Assembly requires at least two people
Glowing Snuggles Glow in the Dark Decals – Runner Up
Glowing Snuggles Glow in the Dark Decals are an enchanting solution for those who want to transform their living space into a whimsical wonderland. Bringing a touch of light and magic to any room, these decals are designed to create a dreamy ambiance. They will captivate both kids and adults alike. These decals are a safe and easy way to infuse a touch of enchantment into your living space as well.
Plus, these high-quality decals charge effortlessly in natural or artificial light. From there, they will emit a mesmerizing glow when the lights are off. These decals offer an imaginative and hassle-free way to illuminate your surroundings. Also, with such a vast array of charming designs to choose from, you can let your imagination shine like a luminous haven. Crafted with premium, non-toxic, and eco-friendly materials, these glow-in-the-dark decals are our top choice.
Pros
- High-quality, durable stickers
- Bright, long-lasting glow
- Pleasing aesthetic for kids
Cons
- Some stickers don’t stick well to the wall
- Initial strong plastic smell
Moonlite Storytime Mini Projector – Best Innovative Concept
For more fun and immersive bedtime story sessions, the Moonlite Storytime Mini Projector with 4 Pixar Stories is the ideal gift. This mini projector allows you to create a storyboard theater right in your child’s bedroom with music and sound effects. To use this storybook projector, simply download the MoonLite app to your device, choose the story that matches the discs in your projector and attach and align the projector. You can read the book from your phone while you project the images into a wall, making family togetherness at storytime even more special. This mini projector is very portable, perfect for taking on vacations or sleepovers, and is created for children over 1 year of age.
Pros
- Offers clear image projection
- Easy to use after initial setup
- Provides a fun reading experience
Cons
- Challenging setup and image clarity adjustment
- Difficult to align with flashlight
SMOOSAT Electric Scooter – Best Design
The SMOOSAT Electric Scooter for Kids is an excellent choice for any parent looking to give their child a safe and fun ride. The bright and dynamic rainbow LED lights next to the pedals make for a unique way to light up the night, and the adjustable height handles allow comfort.
The scooter has three different speeds of 5 mph, 8 mph, and 10 mph, making it suitable for children of all ages and skill levels. It also has an LED display that clearly shows battery level, pedal mode, and riding speed so that riders can keep track of the scooter’s status at all times.
It has a rechargeable, long-lasting battery for plenty of use. It’s foldable, providing amazing portability. Overall, the SmooSat E9 PRO Electric Scooter for Kids is an outstanding choice for any parent looking for a safe and durable electric scooter for kids.
Pros
- Fun changeable light settings
- Amazing customer service
- Multiple user settings for convenience
- Easy to use
Cons
- Battery runs out quickly
Dan&Darci Rock Painting Kit – Best for Creative Kids
The Dan&Darci Rock Painting Kit is the perfect way to unleash your child’s creativity! With the deluxe rock painting kit, kids can paint 10 smooth river rocks with six color paints, six metallic paints, two glitter glues, and 39 transfer stickers in both gold and black. This kit provides hours of creative fun for children of all ages.
This rock painting kit is an ideal S.T.E.M. project for kids to explore their creative side and complete a truly unique craft. It will startle children as soon as they open the box and keep them engaged from start to finish. When they’re done, they’ll have created many expressive pieces they’ll be proud of.
Pros
- Great assortment of supplies
- Gives children a lot to do
- Promotes creativity
Cons
- May only appeal to certain kids
Selieve Walkie Talkies – Best for Outdoor Play
The Selieve Toys walkie talkies are an ideal gift for any child, especially those who enjoy outdoor activities, like camping, hiking, and shopping. Not only are these an attractive addition to any Easter basket, but they are also designed with convenience and safety in mind.
The ergonomic design allows the walkie talkies to fit comfortably in the hands of children, while the adjustable sound level and critical lock function ensure that your child’s conversations with friends and family remain private. The modern, compact design is easy to use, and it provides excellent sound quality.
These walkie talkies are also great for keeping tabs on your child while they enjoy outdoor adventures. The walkie talkies come equipped with a three-mile area, which makes it easy to keep your child within communication range. Parents can feel confident knowing their kids will be safe and connected while exploring the outdoors.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Good sound quality and volume control
- Fun for both younger and older kids
Cons
- Buttons may be too complicated for kids
Motoworx Toy Rocket Launcher – Ideal for Younger Kids
The Toy Rocket Launcher for kids is an exciting outdoor toy that is built to withstand hours of jumping, stomping, and playtime. It comes with eight full foam rockets in a variety of fun colors, plus a folding yellow stand. This high-flying toy rocket launcher is durable with a straightforward assembly process.
Kids will be thrilled to watch their rockets soar up to 100 feet in the air with a perfect stomp. The rockets are perfect for backyards, parks, or playgrounds and won’t shoot so far that kids lose track of them. The launcher is easily stored in small spaces as well.
Playing with the Toy Rocket Launcher for kids offers more than hours of energetic fun. Kids can also learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through changing angles, jump force, and flight trajectories. The toy is safe for ages three and up and approved by parents everywhere.
Pros
- Safe for kids of all ages
- Easy to put together and clean up
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Rockets get lost easily
Creativity for Kids Grow ‘N Glow Terrarium – Brain-Stimulating
The Creativity for Kids Terrarium Kit is the perfect combination of art and science for a fun, screen-free activity for kids. This terrarium kit provides everything you need to create and nurture a miniature ecosystem of your own.
The Grow ‘N Glow Terrarium Kit includes a plastic terrarium jar, potting mix, USA-organic chia and wheat grass seeds, glow-in-the-dark forest figurines, and colorful glow-in-the-dark sand and star stickers. With this kit, kids have the opportunity to explore the wonders of nature and science.
This creative experience is not only educational but also tons of fun! As your terrarium starts to grow in just three to four days, you’ll be able to experience the day and night cycles of your creation. By day, your terrarium will flourish with the growth of plants and figurines. At night, your terrarium will come alive as it glows with the bright colors of the glow-in-the-dark sand and stars!
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Fun project that doesn’t take a lot of time
- Promotes mental stimulus
Cons
- Limited interactive capabilities
Backyard Discovery Sterling Point Wooden Swing Set – [‘Best Overall for Sturdy and High Quality Design’, ‘Most Ideal for Creating Outdoor Family Memories’, ‘Best Overall for Customer Service and Delivery Process’]
Key Features
- Clubhouse with wood roof and balcony
- Bridge feature for rock wall access
- Large 40″ disc web swing
- 5-foot climbing wall with rope
- 5-foot rock wall with 12 rocks
- 10ft wave slide with safety side rails
- Set includes 2 belt swings and a trapeze
([‘Best Overall for Sturdy and High Quality Design’, ‘Most Ideal for Creating Outdoor Family Memories’, ‘Best Overall for Customer Service and Delivery Process’])-The Backyard Discovery Sterling Point All Cedar Wooden Swing Set stands out as the best gift for kids in 2024. The swing set’s sturdy and high-quality design captivates the imagination of active children, offering countless hours of outdoor fun. As they explore the raised clubhouse with a protective wood roof or dash down the 10ft wave slide, children experience the joy of play while parents take comfort in knowing that the set exceeds all ASTM safety standards.
The Sterling Point Swing Set transforms your backyard into a hub for creating lasting family memories. The kids can swing on one of the 2 belt swings, climb the 5ft rock wall, or enjoy a spin on the 40in web swing. The set also boasts an oversized front porch and timber bridge, enhancing its appeal as a social space for more friends. Beyond its captivating features, Backyard Discovery sets the bar high in customer service and delivery process, making the journey from purchase to playtime a breeze. So, if you’re shopping for a gift that combines safety, quality, and countless fun for your kids, the Sterling Point swing set emerges as a top-notch choice in 2024.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable design
- Potential for custom additions
- Clear and easy assembly instructions
- Convenient for all age groups
- High quality cedar wood
- Large play area for various activities
- Comes with an interactive app for instructions
- Excellent communication from company
- Provides opportunity for family bonding
- Provides a safe play area at
Cons
- 1. Unit not pre-sealed for moisture
- 2. Assembly requires at least two people
Franklin Sports Mini Basketball Hoop – [‘Best Overall Durable Indoor Basketball Hoop’, ‘Best for Withstanding Rough Play’, ‘Most Loved Basketball Hoop for Multiple Uses’]
Key Features
- Shatter-resistant backboard design
- Basketball set designed for over-the-door use
- 5-inch rubber ball for shooting
- 5-inch metal rim with 8-loop net
- Dual spring rim for strength
- Suitable for all regular sized doors
- Comes with all-steel hardware and tools
([‘Best Overall Durable Indoor Basketball Hoop’, ‘Best for Withstanding Rough Play’, ‘Most Loved Basketball Hoop for Multiple Uses’])-The Franklin Sports 54132X Over The Door Mini Basketball Hoop truly is the top pick when speaking about the Best Gifts for Kids in 2024. Combining functionality with durability, this mini hoop offers an unmatched indoor basketball experience. With its solid construction and shatter-resistant feature, it easily withstands rough play, ensuring a safe and enjoyable game for your child. It’s not confined to one use either. This hoop adapts to multiple uses, from a fun leisure activity to a tool for developing your child’s basketball skills. Its 17.75″ x 12″ size ensures it fits perfectly over most doors, making it easy to set up and play anytime.
Moreover, the Franklin Sports 54132X Over The Door Mini Basketball Hoop isn’t just about durability, it also brings the joy of making slam dunks right at home. This basketball hoop comes with all necessary accessories, allowing for an immediate start to the game once installed. The thrill of a slam dunk is never too far away with this hoop in your house. Whether it’s a gift for a birthday or a surprising reward, you can’t go wrong with this mini hoop. It embodies the term ‘best overall durable indoor basketball hoop’, making it a present that excites, entertains, and endures.
Pros
- Durable and resistant to rough play
- Easy and quick to assemble
- Suitable for both kids and adults
Cons
- Backboard cracks under rough play
- Creates loud noise during use
People Also Asked
A: The best gifts for kids of different ages depending on the interests and developmental level of the child. For younger kids, simple age-appropriate toys, books, puzzles, and games are good options. For older kids, consider tech-related presents such as video games, streaming services, tablets, graphics tablets, or cameras. Educational items like play sets, science kits, and books can also be great presents for any age group.
A: The amount you decide to spend depends on your budget and the age of the child. A general guideline is to spend around $10 to $20 for toys and games for young children, $20 to $50 for older children, and more if you’re shopping for a teenager. However, you could also give something special that costs more or opt for an experience instead.
A: Gifts that make children feel special will make them happy and excited! Consider selecting something personalized with their name on it or something that reflects their interests. Experiences such as a membership to a science center or tickets to a show are great ideas too! Additionally, anything that encourages physical activity is sure to be popular with kids of all ages.
A: Educational gifts can certainly be beneficial for children as they help foster cognitive development and can teach valuable skills like problem-solving and critical thinking. However, it is important to keep in mind that toys can also serve an essential purpose in helping to develop creativity while teaching cause-and-effect relationships and coordination skills.
A: Yes, some gender-specific gifts are popular with kids, such as dolls or cars for girls and action figures or construction sets for boys. However, these categories are not set in stone, and many children enjoy playing with toys regardless of their gender identity or expression.
A: Yes! Gifts such as logic puzzles or board games provide interactive experiences that help cultivate problem-solving as well as strategic thinking skills. Other great options include an action camera that teaches about photography or complex building projects like satellite model kits which call for understanding geometry.
A: Gifts such as dress-up costumes help foster imaginative play while allowing children to express themselves freely in a safe space. Pretend-to-play kitchens promote independent decision-making; puppetry helps build confidence. Art supplies encourage experimentation; musical instruments let children explore sound. Coding tools teach logical thinking; magic sets increase focus and problem-solving skills. Books let children explore stories with complex themes to cultivate self-confidence.
