With the vast selection of gifts for kids on the market, getting started may seem overwhelming. With this guide, we wanted to let our team review some of their favorite gifts for children that have brought many smiles and hours of entertainment to each one.
We’ve got books, games, outdoor activities, and more. In this list, there’s something to suit every child!
The Best Gift Ideas For Kids of All Ages for 2023
1. Magazine Subscription
There are reasons Highlights is the top kids’ magazine in pediatricians’ offices and classrooms. Its stories and activities are designed for ages 6-12 and have fueled generations of children’s imaginations by encouraging them to read more and have fun with word puzzles. Each monthly Highlights issue features games, brainteasers, word searches, crosswords, and more—keeping kids busy and amused for hours.
Sports Illustrated Kids (or SI Kids) is a colorful spin-off from the iconic sports magazine, which entertains and inspires children and teens (especially those who play sports or are interested in athletics). Each subscription includes interviews with sports heroes, comics, nutrition tips, and spotlights on up-and-coming young athletes, plus cool artwork and engaging feature articles. This magazine has also earned recognition from Parent’s Choice and the Educational Press.
In search of the perfect gift for a young adventurer? National Geographic Kids not only covers topics like science discoveries, unique animals, wild vacations, incredible inventions, and geography, this junior version also adds in a bit of pop culture to keep a child’s interest. Each subscription offers ten entertaining issues filled with engaging educational articles, awesome photos, games, and fun facts. This magazine is for children ages six and up.
Girls’ World is a bimonthly magazine that’s been a positive resource for young girls since 2013. Each issue is filled with age-appropriate advice for readers up to 12 years old, plus style tips and fun DIY projects (like glow party ideas and designing hair scrunchies). Other features include quizzes, word games, celebrity interviews, and junior-style life hacks.
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2. Dog Man: Grime and Punishment
From the best-selling author of Captain Underpants, this new book will have your kid laughing out loud. Featuring beautiful illustrations, vocabulary, and humor perfect for children grades 3-5, there’s no wonder Dog Man: Grime and Punishment is as successful as it is. Boys and girls love this book.
3. AP English Literature & Composition Course: Plays
If you have an older, high-school-aged kid, consider giving them the gift of knowledge. EdX has plenty of online courses that run the gambit, from STEM fields to art and literature. Is your kid big on theater? Consider giving them the AP English Literature & Composition course from the University of California Berkeley. This course is all about plays, plays, plays.
Savings Tip: Get edX promo codes when you shop through Giving Assistant.
4. A Bad Case of Stripes
A Bad Case of Stripes tells the story of young Camilla Cream, who, so intent on fitting in with everyone, gets “a bad case of stripes.” It’s a story about trying to figure out who you are and what you value.
This story, packed with stunning drawings and a wonderful message, is excellent for your children grades 1-5 to read on your own. As a picture book, you can also read it to younger children.
5. LEGO Harry Potter™ Hogwarts Castle
If you want to give your child the gift of magic, this LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle may be as close as you’ll get. Featuring the entire castle from the movies replete with spires and towers, the great hall, and even the rocks the whole building sits upon, you can’t go wrong with this perfectly-crafted LEGO set.
6. Razor Party Pop Kick Scooter
Is your child an active one? Give them the Razor Party Pop Kick Scooter. Razor, who has been crafting Razor Scooters forever — really, since people started riding scooters — has come out with this incredibly fun kick scooter. The pink scooter lights up and is, as the name implies, a walking (or scooting) party!
7. Disney The Lion King Over-The-Ear Headphones
Let’s say you’ve got a Disney fan at the house. Let them listen to their favorite soundtracks all they want with the The Lion King Over-The-Ear Headphones. These headphones are beloved by kids for the fun Lion King designs, but they also really work.
If your kid likes to listen to music, you can give them the gift of music while giving yourself the gift of a little bit of peace and quiet. Try these today!
8. Funko – POP! Disney: Frozen II – Young Elsa
Do you have the kind of little girl that likes to run around the house declaring she’s a character from Frozen? Whether that’s your particular case, or you just have a child that really connected with the universal themes in Disney’s evergreen (or ever icy?) film, try getting them the Funko – POP! Young Elsa figurine.
Funko POP figurines are collectible, and this figurine could be great for a growing collection or to help your kid start a new one.
9. The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins’ wildly popular series has only grown in popularity since Jennifer Lawrence starred in the highly-acclaimed films. If your child is a lover of dystopian future fantasies, getting them started on The Hunger Games is a fantastic gift.
This book is also delightful for adults. Get two copies and start a book club with your child!
10. Nintendo-Switch 32 GB Lite
The Nintendo Switch is the much-beloved latest addition to the Nintendo gaming family. Nintendo has made a name for itself in producing child-friendly games throughout its history, games that turn away from realistic violence in pursuit of flights (sometimes literal) of fantasy. The Nintendo Switch follows this incredible legacy in a really nice way.
Great for bonding: play the Switch with the whole family and have hours and hours of lovely togetherness.
Savings Tip: Find the best Best Buy coupon codes for great savings.
11. Baby Shark by Pinkfong Preschool Tablet
Parading as a tablet for preschoolers, this new educational tool by Pinkfong is perfect for your toddler or young child. Children respond positively to the bright colors and pretty beeps of the tablets, and this particular tablet will help them get a head start on their education.
There are various modes you can set, each with different learning goals for your preschooler. Select between learning the alphabet, word-image association, or learning about different musical instruments.
Savings Tip: Get Kohls promo codes for the best deal.
12. Ticket To Ride
Ticket To Ride is a family-night masterpiece: it is highly enjoyable by every member of the family (except, perhaps, very young kids).
Dream of the European vacation you’re going to take someday as you build railroads and try to win domain over the train stations of Europe as your family does the same. This is a gift that gives and gives again.
13. GoPro HERO 8 Black
The GoPro HERO 8 is a perfect first video camera for your son and daughter. GoPro has made its name in high-quality, durable camera equipment, and this one is no different. While being more affordable than some of GoPro’s more premium items, the HERO 8 is still highly portable and easy to use.
Savings Tip: Get GoPro promo codes when you shop using Giving Assistant.
14. Wild Sports Bean Bag Toss Game
Sometimes called cornhole by the people of the great midwest, the Bean Bag Toss Game from Cabela’s is an excellent gift for your outdoors-loving child. This game provides excellent exercise, a reason to be outside, and hours of fun!
Savings Tip: Get Cabela’s promo codes for the best deal.
15. Dear Martin
This bestselling book and its sequel, Dear Justyce, are beautiful and realistic looks at the American justice system from the perspective of the main character, an honor student and generally good kid named Justyce. For your middle-school or high-school reader, this is an excellent book to begin conversations about the real topics concurrent in the American discourse.
Savings Tip: Find AbeBooks promo codes when you shop with Giving Assistant.
16. XBOX Series X
The last selection on our list needs, for the kids at least, no introduction. Likely the most advanced gaming console yet conceived, the XBOX Series X is a high-powered, beautifully rendered system that will be beloved by your son or daughter. All games are rated so you can be sure you’re making the right choice for your son or daughter. Consider the XBOX Series X!