1. LEGO Sets

Kids (and adults!) never seem to tire of LEGOs. From themed sets to classic building bricks, LEGO offers endless opportunities for creativity and imagination.

2. Bicycles or Scooters

A classic bike or scooter is the perfect way to encourage outdoor fun and adventure. It’s a gift that grows with them, both physically and skill-wise, and provides endless hours of playtime outside.

3. Board Games

Board games like Monopoly, Candy Land, Connect Four, and Guess Who? are family classics that bring everyone together. Games develop skills like strategy and critical thinking—and they’re a fun way to bond as a family!

4. Dollhouses or Playsets

A beautifully designed dollhouse or imaginative playset (think farm, kitchen, or dinosaur jungle) can provide years of pretend play. Kids love creating stories with mini-figures and their favorite characters. A great one to start with is the Fisher Price model we all know and love.

5. Art Supplies Kit

A good set of colored pencils, markers, paints, and paper will never go out of style. An art kit gives kids the tools they need to get creative, unwind, and express themselves, no matter their age or skill level. Crayola makes really beautiful twist-up crayon pencils that all ages can use pretty easily. If you’re starting with paint, I recommend watercolor.

6. Stuffed Animals

Whether it’s a classic teddy bear or a soft, cuddly animal from their favorite movie, stuffed animals are beloved by kids of all ages. They’re great for comfort and imaginary play, and they usually end up being cherished for years. I recommend JellyCat or Cuddle and Kind.

7. Books or Book Series

Books are the gift that keeps on giving! Classic book series like Harry Potter, Magic Tree House, The Chronicles of Narnia, or Charlotte’s Web introduce kids to new worlds, characters, and endless adventures.

8. Puzzles

Puzzles are great for solo play or family time. Choose an age-appropriate puzzle featuring a favorite animal, a world map, or a beloved character, and watch them enjoy the challenge. For smaller kids, MudPie brand makes great 12-piece puzzles.

9. Train Sets

Wooden train sets are an absolute classic for kids who love building. With endless configurations, bridges, and expansion pieces, train sets grow with kids, encouraging engineering skills and creativity. Melissa and Doug does this well.

10. Building Blocks

Wooden blocks, Magna-Tiles, and similar building toys are classic staples for a reason. They’re great for open-ended play, help kids develop fine motor skills, and can be enjoyed for years as their creations get more complex.

11. Craft Kits

Craft kits like friendship bracelet makers, jewelry kits, and beginner sewing kits are a fantastic gift for kids who love to work with their hands and make gifts for others.

12. Action Figures or Dolls

Classic action figures or dolls from favorite movies, comic books, or classic toys like Barbie, G.I. Joe, and Hot Wheels have endless appeal. They make fantastic collectibles, and kids love acting out stories with them.

13. Remote-Controlled Cars or Drones

Remote-controlled toys are always exciting! Kids love the thrill of controlling a toy from a distance, whether it’s a fast RC car or a simple, kid-friendly drone.

14. Musical Instruments

A beginner’s keyboard, ukulele, or even a small drum kit can spark a lifelong love of music. Instruments are wonderful for kids who love making noise and learning to play simple tunes. My parents gifted my children with the blessing of piano lessons after we got a piano for free from a friend, and it’s been such a joy to watch them grow in that skill.

15. Play Kitchen

A play kitchen with pretend food and cooking tools never fails to be a hit. It’s perfect for imaginative play and encourages creativity as kids pretend to be chefs, hosts, or even bakers with their own culinary creations. I grabbed a near-pristine wooden play kitchen off facebook marketplace for a steal, and it’s been a hit for years around here.