Looking for the perfect gift for a little one this year? I’ve got you covered. Part 2 of our annual Family Gift Guide is here!
Check out Part 1: for Him & Her
After seven years of buying toys and gifts for my own kids, I’ve learned to be pretty picky about what comes into our home. With an active three and seven-year-old, this year’s guide is full of their current favorites and things I know they’d love, with plenty of options for kids a little younger or older.
Let’s kick things off with the littles!
Gifts for Little Kids
Personalized Seek & Find Book
For kids who love I Spy books, this personalized version is a clever twist. They get to search for their own character in different cities, learning about the world as they go. We’re gifting this one to Luca since he’s been asking for a book like his sister’s.
Jelly Blox
Part building toy, part sensory activity, these Jelly Blox are a different take on traditional blocks. They’re soft, washable, and easy for little hands to squeeze, stack, and explore.
Heirloom Memory Trunk
I love the idea of gifting a child something they can use and appreciate for a lifetime. These gorgeous keepsake trunks come in several sizes and prints, with custom embroidery to make them extra special. Perfect for collecting all those little memories along the way.
Air Toobz
We picked this out for Luca’s Christmas gift this year, and I have a feeling it’s going to be his favorite. Connect the tubes in endless combinations, then watch air-powered balls zoom through.
Holiday Flannel PJs
There’s something about a classic pair of flannel pajamas that makes Christmas morning feel extra special. Hanna Andersson is one of our favorite brands for kids, and I especially love their matching holiday prints.
Gingerbread Cardboard Playhouse
This cardboard play house makes my gift list every year because it provides the most entertainment for best value, hands down. We get a new one for the kids every Christmas (and they played with last year’s until August!)
Flexible Race Track Set
This flexible race track has been such a hit with Luca, who will happily play with it for hours. It’s easy to set up in all kinds of configurations, and I love that it rolls up neatly for storage.
4-in-1 Tricycle
This little tricycle is designed to grow with your toddler, converting between multiple riding modes as they gain confidence and coordination. I love the vintage-inspired look and neutral colors!
Steam Train Set
The holiday tradition Luca looks forward to most every year? Setting up the train under the tree. It has brought so much joy over the years, and watching his excitement every time we bring it out never gets old.
Sing-Along Light Up Boombox
A little karaoke machine for the aspiring performer in your family. Kids can sing along to built-in songs or turn down the original vocals to take center stage. The colorful pixel display gives it a fun retro feel.
Scalloped Bath Robe
A cozy bathrobe is one of those gifts kids can use every day, and this one is especially sweet. I love the scalloped trim and classic design, and the option to add a personalized monogram so it’s made just for them.
Toy Story Dough Sensory Kit
If your littles love Toy Story as much as mine do, this themed dough kit is such a fun gift idea. It comes with colorful dough, their favorite characters, and little accessories for creating their own scenes and stories.
Dog Moccasin Slippers
The sweetest moccasins to keep little toes warm all winter long. They have a soft, plush lining with grippy soles for running around the house.
Electric Wiggle Car
Wiggle cars are everywhere right now, and I can see why they’re so popular with kids. This electric version has light-up wheels, two speed settings, and even a Bluetooth speaker for music. A fun gift for little ones who are always on the move.
Light Up Library Gift Set
A little magic for storytime. Kids can use the discovery wand to illuminate hidden lights throughout the stories, making them feel like part of the adventure.
Gathre Toddler Trampoline
For the little ones with endless energy! This mini trampoline is such a fun way to get the wiggles out indoors, and the removable handle gives them a little extra stability. Bonus points for the design that actually looks pretty in a playroom.
Puzzle Track Set
This interactive puzzle track combines building, problem-solving, and car play in one. Kids can rearrange the pieces into different layouts, then send the little cars through their creations. It’s a favorite of our kids and nieces!
Interactive Plush Cat
I saw this on Instagram and immediately added it to my gift list. This interactive cat reacts to your touch—wiggling, purring, voice repeating and even blinking (check out the review videos!) It feels very lifelike and would be adored by any animal lover.
Nap Buddies Sleep Sack
Esmé has one of these cozy nap mats and still uses it all the time. It’s a sleeping bag and pillow in one, with a cute character design that makes it feel like their own little space. Great for sleepovers, movie nights, or lounging around the house.
Pushpeel Sensory Board
The perfect little activity for quiet time, restaurants, and travel days. This sensory board keeps them occupied for a long time, and it’s a favorite of Luca and my 3-year old niece. Screen-free, mess-free, and easy to toss in a bag.
Gifts for Big Kids
Boppo Tablet
We bought this for my niece, and after spending hours playing with it, both of my kids are now begging for their own. It’s a screen-free tablet with interactive lights, buttons, and over 40 games, stories, and learning activities (and a headphone jack for travel!)
Interactive Anatomy Book
For curious kids who are always asking how things work, this interactive anatomy book is a great find. The lift-the-flap illustrations make it easy to explore different organs and body systems. We have it at home, and it’s been a hit with both kids.
Motorized Pottery Wheel
A mini pottery studio right at home. This motorized wheel comes with air-dry clay, sculpting tools, paints, and decorations so kids can make their own bowls, pots, and other creations. A great gift for little artists who enjoy working with their hands.
Build & Grow Kits
One of our favorite activities with the kids last year was building these wooden toy kits. They loved practicing their building skills, and still play with the toys today. There are lots of different projects to choose from under $11!
Glow in the Dark Marble Run
This marble run has been one of our kids’ most-used toys this past year, and they both love it equally. The pieces can be rearranged into endless configurations, with glow-in-the-dark marbles that make it even more fun to watch.
LEGO Home Alone Set
The ultimate LEGO collector’s holiday kit, complete with swinging paint cans, a basement furnace that lights up, and a lever to push Kevin down the stairs on his sledge. This would make a great winter break activity with the family!
Voice Sticker Printer
A smart sticker-making machine that lets kids create and print their own designs using voice commands! It has a built-in screen, different art modes, and uses ink-free thermal printing.
BaubleBar Bead Kit
Of all the craft kits Esmé owns, her BaubleBar bead kit has been one of her favorites. She got it for Christmas last year and is still making bracelets with it. I love that there are so many different kits and styles to choose from.
3D Doodle Pen
Think of it as drawing, but in 3D. This kid-friendly pen lets little artists create everything from simple shapes to miniature sculptures, using colorful plastic that cools and hardens as they draw (no hot parts to worry about!)
Holiday Flannel Robe
A cozy little layer for Christmas morning and beyond. These brushed flannel robes come in fun holiday prints, with a classic tie waist and pockets.
Bitzee Aquarium
Bitzee has been a favorite in our house, and Esmé has this aquarium on her wishlist this year. It’s a virtual fish tank where kids can collect and care for different fish, customize the lighting, and interact with their pets through touch.
Wall Climbing Gecko
Not your average remote control toy. This little gecko can crawl across floors and climb up walls, with colorful LED lights that make it even more fun to watch.
Borescope Camera
A fun little gadget for curious kids who love exploring. This flexible camera lets them peek into small spaces, under furniture, or around corners, with a built-in light and screen to see what they discover. Great for indoor adventures or outdoor nature walks.
Air Rocket Launcher
Esmé picked this out for Christmas, and I think it’ll be a hit with both kids. It’s an air-powered rocket launcher that sends foam-tipped rockets soaring up to 100 feet, with LED lights so they can watch them fly after dark.
TinCan Landline Phone
Remember having a landline to call your friends after school? This clever little phone brings that experience back for kids, without the screens, apps, or distractions of a smartphone. Parents control who they can call, so kids can stay connected with friends and family safely.
talkBAK Voice Recorder
Anyone else remember these from the 90s? This modern version of the classic voice recorder lets kids record themselves, play it back, and experiment with funny voice effects. Such a fun little throwback to the toys we grew up with.
Big Life Journal
Esmé has been obsessed with this journal lately, and working through it together has become one of my favorite things we do. It’s filled with thoughtful prompts and activities that encourage confidence, gratitude, and a growth mindset.
Air Dry Bakery Clay Kit
For the little baker who also loves arts and crafts. This kit lets kids sculpt their own miniature cakes and desserts out of air-dry clay, with all the tools and instructions included. We’re putting this under the tree for Esmé this year.
Video Walkie Talkies
We gifted video walkie talkies to our kids last Christmas, and they’ve been a hit ever since. They have built-in screens so they can actually see each other while they talk. Perfect for backyard adventures and playing in different rooms around the house.
Zip String Rope Launcher
I’m pretty sure the adults will want a turn with this one, too. ZipString sends a continuous loop of string flying through the air, and the challenge is learning to control it and master different tricks. Simple concept, but surprisingly entertaining.
Highlights Magazine Subscription
For the kid who has too much stuff, this monthly magazine subscription is a gift they can look forward to all year long. Each issue is packed with stories, puzzles, games, and activities that encourage curiosity and creativity.
Maze Balance Board
One of those toys that’s just as entertaining for adults as it is for kids. We have this balance board, and navigating the ball through the maze is harder than it looks! A fun way to keep kids moving and entertained indoors.
Planning a trip for the holidays? Check out our family’s tried + tested essentials that help our travel days run smoothly and (mostly) stress-free.
Stay tuned for Part 3 tomorrow: Parents and in-laws!
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