The 30+ Best Gifts for Kids, From Movie Merch to Cool STEAM Toys

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When you’re shopping for the best gifts for kids, a stroll down any big-box toy department will deliver no shortage of movie-franchise action figures and character-powered playsets. While those are always a hit, finding one-of-a-kind presents (that still manage to pique kids’ interest beyond unboxing) doesn’t have to be a scavenger hunt. There are plenty of STEAM gifts for the curious kiddos, screen-free playthings to keep children and kids at heart entertained, stylish surprises for the budding design dilettante and cool gadgets that will power young giftees’ imaginations year-round.

If you’re shopping for a kid’s birthday, graduation, the holidays (it’s never too early!) or another occasion, we’ve rounded up some of the best gifts for kids — yes, including picks starring this year’s big and small screen characters. Check out our top picks below (which we’ve organized by age group, including gifts for everyone, toddlers and little and big kids), and get more gifting ideas here.

The Best Gifts for Kids of All Ages

Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 5 by Mo Willems

Elephant and Piggie are back in best-selling author Mo Willems’ newest five-story collection. Out Oct. 18, the fifth book in his bind-up series includes I Am Invited to a Party!, I Will Surprise My Friend!, Happy Pig Day!, Waiting Is Not Easy! and The Thank You Book.

TeeTurtle Reversible Octopus Plushie

Also a perfect stocking stuffer, TeeTurtle’s reversible octopus plushie is so cute (and therapeutic), you might just want to stock up on a ton as last-minute holiday gifts — the gifting season will be here before you know it.

Throw Throw Burrito Game

You say throw, I say burrito: This fun Throw Throw Burrito game is the “world’s first dodgeball card game” that kids and grownups alike will love.

KiwiCo Crate Membership

There’s a crate for every age and interest from KiwiCo., which offers gift subscriptions ($23to $230) for its STEAM-themed activity boxes (from $28 each) for a range of ages. From the Panda Crate that encourages babies to explore, to kits focused on art, engineering, science, cooking, geography and culture for ages 5 to 100, recipients will love keeping their minds and hands busy. Monthly deliveries come in one, three, six and 12-month options and free shipping is included. The AAPI-founded company also offers fun (and buildable) seasonal kits, such as Halloween costumes, a light-up Menorah, Advent calendars, and more in its online store for those who prefer to buy individual boxes.

Star Wars Cuutopia Grogu Plush

If they can’t get enough of The Mandalorian and that Baby Yoda song (you know the one!) this 10-inch stuffed toy of Grogu is one of the best gifts for Star Wars fans of all ages.

The Best Gifts for Babies

Milton & Goose Almond Butter and Jelly Play Food Set

Spotted in the playrooms of Jessica Alba’s and Kim Kardashian’s tots, Milton & Goose’s wooden play food set includes pretend jars of almond and sunflower oil butters and jelly (sorry, nothing edible here), all made from solid maple with water-based paints.

Lalo The Play Gym

Forget the noisy light-up play stations — Lalo’s Play Gym offers a more stylish (and quieter) alternative that stimulates baby’s mind. The non-toxic set is made of FSC-certified beechwood and eco-friendly Lyocell, and comes with a machine-washable mat, mirror prism, silicone teether and soft sensory ball. (The company’s stylish high chairs have been seen in the homes of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, Ayesha and Steph Curry, Khloe Kardashian and other Hollywood parents.)

The Best Gifts for Toddlers (Ages 1 to 3)

Cassaro Waldorf Climbing Tower and Slide Set

Your giftee (or their caregivers) don’t need to be Waldorf-education devotees to appreciate Cassaro’s multi-purpose climbing play tower, which can be used as a step stool for budding chefs, an art station with the detachable chalkboard or an indoor/outdoor slide. (Famous Waldorf alumni include Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Bullock and Anna Paquin, among others.)

Fisher-Price DC League of Super-Pets Figure Multi-Pack

For fans of the superstar-voiced animated film DC League of Super-Pets, this six-figurine playset lets tots create their own superhero scenes with Krypto the Superdog, Ace the Hound, Pigasus, PB, Chip and Lulu.

Jurassic World x Accompany Fierce Creature Towel

Jurassic World superfans can wear their dino devotion after the bath or pool with this playful fair-trade towel from Accompany’s collaboration with the blockbuster franchise. The artisan-made collection also includes home goods, serveware and other goods that support the livelihood of craftspeople across India.

Best Gifts for Preschoolers and Older (Ages 3 and up)

Bluey Ultimate Caravan Adventures Playset

Bluey buffs (like Eva Mendes and Natalie Portman) can vacation like the adorable Australian Blue Heeler pup and her family with this 12-piece caravan adventures play set.

Wikki Stix Reusable Molding and Sculpting Sticks

Trust us when we say that this sensory-friendly set of Wikki Stix will be the attention-consuming gift that keeps on giving to kids and caregivers alike.

Tovla Jr. Cooking and Baking Gift Set

Little chefs and bakers can safely whip up their favorite meals and treats with Tovla Jr.’s cooking and baking gift set, which includes three nylon knives, tongs, cookie cutters, measuring spoons and cups, a spatula, a whisk, a cutting board, an apron and recipe cards in a portable storage box.

Ooly Switch-Eroo Color-Changing Markers

Aspiring artists will have a blast doodling with Ooly’s fun color-changing markers, which come in a set of 12 (but they’re really getting double the rainbow).

Turning Red 18-Inch Mei Panda Plush

If they’ve got 4*Town on repeat, this adorable plush of Turning Red‘s preteen protagonist Mei Lee is the perfect gift for kids who are superfans of Pixar’s latest hit film.

Yoto Player with Disney Audio Cards

One of the coolest screen-free toys for kids, Yoto’s cool storytelling speaker (best for ages 3 to 8) reads aloud stories and plays music without the need for tapping or swiping (though you can use your phone to play audio using the Yoto app). It comes with two five-minute Disney story cards (or choose from other options), and the device can be used as a clock, night light or sleep trainer. Other card packs are available, including recordable ones.

PlayShifu Plugo STEM Pack

Guilt-free screen time awaits with PlayShifu’s interactive Plugo learning toys, which turn iPads and Amazon Fire and Samsung tablets into mobile classrooms. Sync the educational accessories with the brand’s apps for hands-on games that teach kids how to count, add, subtract, spell and build their problem-solving skills. (The tech toy brand has plenty of other kits for dinosaur lovers, young globe-trotters and more.)

Little Tokyobike

Stylish pedalers will be happy to zoom around the block in Tokyobike’s pint-sized bicycle (grown-ups can match with their own set of wheels, too), which comes with removable training wheels and is available in other chic colorways.

Hearth and Hand Kids Market Cart

Their summer lemonade stand just got an upgrade with this stylish market cart from Chip and Joanna Gaines‘ Hearth & Hand with Magnolia. It features the Magnolia brand founders’ signature rustic-modern aesthetic and has working wheels, storage shelves, charming metal bells and a front chalkboard.

Best Gifts for Kids Ages 6 and Up

Pura Vida x Harry Potter Gryffindor Half N Half Bracelet

House Gryffindor witches and wizards and show off their pride with Pura Vida’s new Harry Potter jewelry collection, which includes this beaded and chain link bracelet (other styles available).

Lego City 2022 Advent Calendar

If you’re already counting down to the holidays, you’re in luck: Lego’s 2022 Advent calendars have arrived online (including at Amazon, Target and Walmart). This 287-piece City set (for ages 5 and up) includes characters from the toy brand’s City Adventures TV series, including Billy, Maddy, Mr. Produce, Tippy and Raze as well as Santa himself.

Waffles + Mochi Cookbook

Got a future Michelin chef or Waffles + Mochi fan? The Neflix show’s 112-page cookbook will take 6- to 8-year-olds on a hands-on culinary journey around the world as they whip up onigiri from Japan, delicioso stew inspired by Peru, kimchi grilled cheese and cloud meringues, to name a few.

Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron

Now might be a good time to snag last year’s top sold-out toy. The Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron (ages 5 and up) lets kiddos whip up a whimsical potion to reveal an adorable furry friend.

Lego Disney Frozen Elsa’s Magical Ice Palace

One of the best gifts for kids who love Legos and Frozen, this 701-piece building set of Elsa’s Ice Palace will let them relive the movie’s magic — and inspire them to whip up their own creations that will never melt.

Best Gifts for Kids Ages 8 and Up

Tamagotchi Star Wars R2-D2

This R2-D2 Tamagotchi digital pet is two nostalgic toys in one.

Petite ‘n Pretty At First Glow Makeup Starter Kit

For future makeup artists, pediatrician-approved beauty brand Petite ‘n Pretty’s Glow Basics starter set includes non-toxic mascara, lip gloss, eyeshadow and blush with a kid-sized dual-ended synthetic brush and a handy carrying case. The products are vegan, cruelty-free and formulated without parabens and phthalates, so recipients (and their caregivers) won’t need to worry about any harmful ingredients in their beauty kit. The kit is suggested for ages 9 and up and safety tested for ages 5 and up.

Educational Insights Artie Max Coding and Drawing Robot

Designed for ages 8 and up, Artie Max teaches kids how to code in C++, Blockly, JavaScript, Python and Snap! (as well as in his own easy coding language) through creativity. The robot uses a fun learning program (a Wi-Fi-enabled tablet or computer is required) that translates kids’ code into colorful art.

SmooStat E9 Pro Electric Kids Scooter

Lead-footed kiddos can zip around in SmooStat’s E9 Pro electric kids scooter, which has fun flashing rainbow LED lights to brighten kids’ rides. An LED display shows the riding speed (the scooter can go 5, 8 or 10 miles per hour), battery level and scooting mode, and the 14-pound device easily folds and unfolds in two steps.