Some of the coolest and most exciting presents for your kiddos are officially here! From clothes and games to tech gadgets and positive reinforcements – we found it all!
Whether you’re gifting your favorite little pal something for a special birthday, the upcoming Christmas holiday, or just a special event, it can be nearly impossible to figure out what you should gift them! If you’re looking for some ideas that aren’t just a list of the latest toys, we’ve come up with a nice mix for your kids that consist of fun ideas that are totally unique, perfect for boys or girls (why label?), will hopefully get them off their electronics (although there are some cool tech options), and get their minds working (yep, even some learning options).
Since everything is always expensive, especially these days, we wanted to help provide some direction on what the average spend is for a gift. Recent research shows that, on average, most people are spending up to $30 on a gift if you’re heading out to a birthday party (and it’s not your son or daughter). If you’re the parent, the average spend recently averages around $100. If we’re talking Christmas basically throw that entire average out the window.
But, look, don’t stress about the amount. Just find something you think they’ll love. Let’s be honest, they’re not even going to remember what you got them 6-months 3-months from now.
Overall most of these presents have age-ranges from 3 years old to about 9 years old. If you’re looking for ideas for ages 10+, check out our tween to teen gift guide here! Oh, and if you’re looking for tech gift ideas for your little ones, we got that too!
We’ve rounded up some truly unique gifts for girls and boys they’ll actually love as much as you enjoy gifting them. Shop some of our favorite gifts for kids (so far) this year.
BEST FOR LAUGHS
1. The ‘Not Parent Approved’ Game for Kids
Not Parent Approved
Everyone is obsessed over this one! It’s like ‘Cards Against Humanity’ but for children and 100% family friendly. You’ll have have fun using the different cards to come up with some truly funny answers that will appear a little naughty, but still within normal parent boundaries. At last look it even has more than 12,000 reviews on Amazon. That’s major.
FOR THE TECHIES
2. The Fire HD Tablet Specifically for Kids
Amazon
This is the tablet your kids need this season. It’s a top seller from Amazon and comes with a super protective case in either blue, pink, or purple and has 32 GB of storage. Keep in mind this isn’t a toy, it’s the real-deal. It also has easy to use parental controls, a kid-safe browser, and over 20,000 games, books, shows, educational apps, movies and more to choose from. The best part is their return policy. If within the first two years it breaks, just send it back, and they’ll replace it.
FOR ANTI-BULLYING KIDS
3. The ‘Choose Kindness’ T-Shirt
Amazon
What a great way to send a positive message out into the world. Instead of being a bully, you can simply choose kindness. This t-shirt also comes in other color options like slate grey, baby blue, pale pink, kelly green, and more. It’s recommended to buy a size up as these are a bit on the more fitted side.
FOR THE ZEN
4. The Meditation Mouse
Fisher-Price
You know we love all things mindfulness and meditation around here, so we had to include the popular Meditation Mouse that provides calming sounds and even guided meditations that are simple enough for 2 – 5 year olds to follow along with. This cute little mouse has a tummy that lights up to help calm and comfort your little one. Plus, there are three different options to choose from so you can decide if they need some extra relaxation during the day, something to help them wind down and get ready for bed, or nighttime soothing sounds.
FOR THE ACTIVE KIDS
5. The Throw Burrito Game
Exploding Kittens
From the makers of one of the best selling (and most fun) games on Amazon, Exploding Kittens, comes their next viral hit, Throw Throw Burrito. The only way we can describe this is that it’s basically a dodgeball card game all while throwing and dodging these squishy burritos. This one is perfect for 10 year old boys too! Awesome!
FOR THE RETRO GIFTER
6. The Glow in the Dark Rock Painting Kit
Creativity For Kids
When you’re ready for them to get off their electronics, get calm, and get back to basics you’ll both love these super fun glow in the dark rocks they can paint and decorate. Don’t worry, this kit even comes with 10 rocks to paint (that are totally water resistant). It’s a great way for them to use their creativity, imagination, and really just veg out especially when everyday life can get a bit stressful.
FOR THE VR OBSESSED
7. The Meta Quest 2 VR Headset
Meta
We all want to escape our actual reality and head out into the virtual reality world, even if it’s just for a bit. The Meta Quest 2 comes with everything you need to enter into the VR-scape with the headset and controllers. There are even more than 250 titles (and counting) to choose from in the VR world of fitness, gaming, social, entertainment, and more. Overall it’s pretty lightweight, making it easy for you (or your kids) to take with you just about wherever you go.
FOR THE WORDEES
8. The Wordle Party Board Game
Hasbro
Ages: 12+
Uh, you may have heard of the online viral game, Wordle, that basically took over the world this year. You get 6 chances to guess the 5-letter “secret” word. Well, now Hasbro has teamed up with Wordle to make a “real life” party board game that can be played with anywhere from 2-4 people where you have to guess the word – but with this board game you can also play “beat the clock” or play as teams.
FOR THE SPEEDSTERS
9. The Flipslide Game of Speed
Moose Racing
It’s like the Rubix Cube of 2022! This time around you gotta quickly flip to find the color and slide to match the lights. This will help them keep their mind sharp and they’ll have a blast trying to beat the clock.
FOR THE BEDROOM
10. The Unicorn Duvet & Pillowcase Set
Uncommon Goods
It’s the popular bedding set that’ll actually get your kiddos to want to get into bed at night! This magical unicorn set comes with the cozy duvet cover and pillowcase. It’s totally whimsical, comfy, and makes bedtime magical. There are other designs to choose from like the dinosaur and shark too.
FOR THE BOOKWORM
11. The New Kindle For Kids
Amazon
Perfect for the little reading machines that they are, this is the newest Kindle that’s specifically just for your kiddos! They can read and download all the books they’re looking to read, the battery life lasts weeks, and they even have a 2-year worry-free guarantee. Plus, it even comes with a really cute cover!
FOR THE SLEEPERS
12. Clocky the Rolling Jumping Alarm Clock
Clocky
Because you’re totally over trying to wake them up each morning. Now it’s in Clocky’s hands. It won’t stop jumping and rolling around their room until they get out of bed and shut it off. Good luck.
FOR SELF ACCEPTANCE
13. The “You Matter” Book
Christian Robinson
One of the most important messages a child can learn (and any adult, really) is that you matter. This book is that friendly reminder they need and one that you’ll be proud to teach them and remind them. Perfect for anyone, really, but geared towards kids of preschool age up to about 4 years old.
FOR THE DIY’ER
14. The Grow-n-Glow Terrarium Kit
Amazon
A great way for them to learn a bit about science and have fun all at the same time. This kit comes with everything they need to grow their very own terrarium and, even cooler, it will even glow in the dark. This kit includes everything they’ll need and all you have to do is add the water.
FOR THE CREATIVE READER
15. The ‘Finish This Book’ Mystery
Keri Smith
They’ll love finishing this book themselves by solving a mystery and becoming totally involved. Not only will they have to put on their detective hat, but they’ll use their creativity too. There are no wrong answers with this creative mystery book, only fun ones!
More Gift Ideas:
Genius gifts for her this Christmas season
What to get that special man in your life
The most popular gift ideas for your parents
FOR POSITIVE REINFORCEMENTS
16. The “You Are Loved” or “You Are Enough” Tee
Amazon
Simply stated, but a totally needed reminder that, no matter what, they really are loved and enough. This super comfy tee comes in a variety of colors and styles for boys and girls like navy blue, light yellow, light blue, black, light pink, heather grey, and more!
FOR THE SPORTS STAR
17. The Tangle NightBall Light-Up Basketball
Tangle
The Tangle Nightball Basketball is a unique and innovative basketball that lights up when in use. The ball itself is made of durable rubber and has a textured surface for improved grip. It also comes in a bright, eye-catching color that makes it easy to see in low light conditions.
One of the best features is its built-in LED lighting system. This not only makes the ball easy to see at night, but also makes it easier to track its movements. The ball will stay lit for up to 50 hours (with batteries) making it perfect for long games or practices.
FOR THE BUILDERS
18. The Large Colorful Jenga-Like Blocks
Pidoko
The kiddos will have a blast trying to carefully take out each of these colorful blocks without toppling the entire thing over! It includes 48-pieces, the dice, and tons of fun.
FOR THE UNICORN LOVER
19. The Unicorn Cereal Bowl
Uncommon Goods
What a great way to get them to actually want to eat their cereal in the morning (or after school). But don’t just stop there! This unicorn bowl can be used for things like cereal, ice cream, soup, and more. Plus, it’s microwave and dishwasher safe.
FOR THE GAMER ON THE GO
20. The Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo
Yes, just about every kid is obsessed with the latest Nintendo Switch Lite. And, you know what? This is a top pick for the teenage boy on your list who’s obsessed with all things video-games. They can play all their favorite Nintendo Switch games on it, but this one is handheld so they can play just about anywhere and everywhere. Perfect for car trips, in their room, or anywhere really. Plus, Super Mario Brothers is officially back and, well, we can’t wait to play too.
BEST FOR PERSONALIZATION
21. ‘My Very Own’ Personalized Fairy Tale
I See Me
This is such a cute way to personalize their very own fairy tale! You can add their name to the story and turn them into a real fairy princess by entering into this magical world. Of course this can be for boys too, but if they’re into pirates more than princesses, they have that option too.
BEST FOR ORGANIZATION
22. The Bedside Essential Pocket
Uncommon Goods
Because how many more times are they going to lose their phone, tablet, earbuds, books and the like in their bed overnight?! This is a great way for them to keep things organized and, hopefully, out of their bed!
FOR LIFE-SIZE GAMES
23. The Giant (2-Feet Tall) Connect Four-Like Game
GoSports
Now this isn’t the official Connect Four game we used to play when we were little, but similar concept. And, even better, it’s huge! This one is actually 2-feet tall by 2-feet wide. Plus, it comes with a handy carrying case so you can bring it with you on the go whether you’re heading to a friends house, the beach, camping or wherever. It’s perfect for indoors too.
BEST FOR MEMORY
24. The Flashing Cube Electronic Memory & Brain Game
Winning Fingers
Does your kiddo have what it takes to be a champion at the Winning Fingers Flashing Cube Electronic Memory & Brain Game? At least they’ll have a blast trying! This fast-paced game is perfect for kids of all ages (and even us adults too) who love a challenge. The object of the game is to remember where the flashing lights are and then replicate the pattern. The faster you can do it, the better your score will be. So put your memory and reflexes to the test and see if you can become the next champion!
BEST FOR STRESS RELIEF
25. The Unicorn Snot ‘Stress Relief’ Putty
Gears Out
They already love stress putty and all things unicorns so why not combine the best of both worlds and give them this funny Unicorn Snot!?
BEST FOR BUILDERS
26. Magna-Tiles Building Tiles
V-Tech
If you want the kiddos to be able to learn a bit while they’re playing, this is the STEM option for them! This award winning building set comes with 32 colorful tiles that will help them work their creative and problem-solving muscles and build something really cool.
PATRICK VARONE – Editor in Chief / Product Editor
Patrick has been covering all the hottest must-have products for more than 10 years at IBBB. His main focus is toys, tech, gifting, and men’s fashion & style. He’s previously written for publishers like Harper’s BAZAAR, Cosmopolitan, and Esquire.
More Ideas to Consider:
All the Stocking Stuffers for Everyone Who Made Your List
Genius Ideas of What to Get Your Best Friend This Season
Cheap White Elephant Gift Ideas For Your Party!