Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s rushed into the store on her way to a kids’ birthday party, frantically looking for a last-minute gift. Those quick trips aren’t just stressful; they often end up being expensive, leaving me wondering why I didn’t plan ahead.
Confession time: I’m writing this article just as much for my own benefit as yours! This year, I’m resolving to keep a few birthday presents ready to go, so that I’m prepared when my kids’ backpacks come home stuffed with party invitations!
About the List: Gifts for Every Age, Gender, and Budget
I’ve broken the list down into 3 categories, covering ages 1-9. There are a few items that could definitely go in multiple categories, so use your best judgment!
Once kids hit double digits, I’ve found that the thrill of opening an actual gift is replaced by the thrill of going shopping, so I recommend gift cards for the older kids on your list.
For ultimate ease and planning ahead, every gift on the list can work for either girls or boys! Some come in multiple colors, so be sure to click on the items to see.
Most gifts are around the $20 mark or less, but I’ve put a few bigger ticket items on there for your child’s BFF. And a few of the gifts come in multipacks, meaning you can break them up and give multiple gifts!
Even if you don’t have a birthday party on the calendar yet, go ahead and “add to cart” now–you’ll save yourself a last-minute trip to the store!
And if your little one has a birthday coming up, you might even consider adding a few of these gifts to their birthday registry–your guests will be so grateful.
Babies and Toddlers (ages 1-3)
Nuby Splish Splash Cups and Wacky Waterworks Pipes Bath Toys
Even bathtime can be a fun learning experience for little ones! These bright bath toys encourage color recognition, hone fine motor skills, and help develop hand-eye coordination. This gift is sure to make a splash!
Hide-and-Go-Moo Farm
Another hands-on activity, the Hide-and-Go-Moo farm is more than a playset: it’s a fun “feel and find” activity — kids reach through the vinyl flaps of the barn, identify animals by touch, and match the momma and baby animals.
Duplo Train
Families have been “all aboard” the iconic LEGO brand for decades. The train design and numbered cars make this the perfect gift for tiny toddler hands and minds!
Balance Bike
Increase balance, coordination, and strength from a young age! My little ones exclusively used balance bikes during the toddler years and skipped training wheels all together. They seamlessly transitioned to a “big kids” bike around age 5!
Montessori Dinosaur
This cute little dino is perfect for counting, sorting, and learning colors. My favorite part: all the pieces fit inside for simple storage!
Melissa and Doug Chunky Safari Puzzle
The perfect “first’ puzzle for littles, these chunky pieces can stand on their own, making them perfect for play!
Poke-A-Dot Book
This book is the definition of a “page-turner” for toddlers! The satisfying “pop” on each page creates smiles everytime, and helps with counting and learning.
Land’s End Tote
This classic tote might be more of a gift for parents! Perfect for weekends away and sleepovers with grandparents, they’ll love the classic styling, long handles, interior and exterior pockets, and zip top. It’s become my go-to gift for my nieces and nephews.
Melissa and Doug Cookie Set
My now 9 year old received this cookie set for her first Christmas, and we are STILL playing with it! Kids can “slice” the roll of cookies and arrange on the pan, working on their fine motor, sorting, and serving skills.
Bubble Mower
There’s something magical about bubbles, and toddlers everywhere will love creating their own with this “mower!” It also comes in pink.
Preschool (ages 4-6)
Dinosaur Excavation Kit
Kids will feel like real paleontologists as they chisel away to find a tiny dinosaur model inside each egg. After brushing away the dust, they’ll use cards to identify which dino they’ve discovered–fun and educational!
Writing tablet
Perfect for the parent who’s not ready for true screen time, these writing tablets are a non-electronic, mess-free way to practice writing and drawing over and over again–simply press the button to erase! These come in a two-pack, so you can shop once and gift twice!
How to Draw 101 Things
Speaking of drawing, little artists will love this simple guide to creating their very own masterpieces–and parents will never have to hear, “How do I draw this?” again! Add a box of colored pencils for the perfect gift boys and girls will enjoy time and time again.
Melissa and Doug Reusable Sticker Pads
The reusable vinyl “stickers” in this four-pad library affix securely to the sturdy pages, then peel up easily when you’re ready to make a change. Each sticker activity pad includes more than 150 cling-style stickers, plus five glossy, full-color background pages that are specially designed for its theme. If animals are more your thing, check out this pack. Together, they make an engaging, enjoyable way for kids to explore style and storytelling as fine motor skills grow! Give all 4, or separate the pack to give 4 separate gifts!
Melissa and Doug Doctor Kit
Is there a doctor in the house? Preschoolers can confidently say, “yes!” with this 25-piece medical kit. I’ve found that playing doctor alleviates stress for my kids heading into their own check-ups, and who knows–it could inspire a future career!
Color Wonder Mess-Free Coloring Books
For any parent who has scrubbed markers off of clothing, furniture, and carpets, this gift will be a godsend! These mess-free markers only work on the “magic” paper, making the big reveal fun for kids and stress-free for mom and dad. I love taking these on trips because I know we won’t damage someone else’s stuff!
Camera
Speaking of travel, this digital camera is the perfect gift for kids on the go! They’ll love snapping selfies and taking pictures of friends and family. When they’re done for the day, you can transfer the pictures to your computer and send them off to print!
Zingo
The perfect game for pre-readers, Zingo is fast-paced, fun, and easy to learn! I love how sturdy the cards and pieces are!
Surprising Science Kit
With over 100 ideas for fun experiments, this science kit includes all the tools kids will need to make their discoveries: droppers, sample spoon, beaker, measuring cups, test tubes, googles, gloves, experiment tray and plate, and more!
Ocean Bingo
Beautiful illustrations and craftsmanship elevate this bingo game above the rest! As they fill their cards, kids can check out a fun facts page to learn more about the sea creatures!
Elementary (7-9)
Light Up Terrarium Kit
This STEM-authenticated tabletop garden allows kids to create their own little ecosystem. The kit comes with an LED light, sand, rocks, soil, seeds, stickers, and miniature figurines so kids can customize their terrarium and watch it grow!
Mini basketball hoop
Turn any room into a home gym with this easy-to-hang basketball hoop–no drills required! Kids will love staging their own dunk contests and shoot-outs, and parents will love that they’re actually playing something instead of staring at a screen!
Cobra Paw
Hands-down (or should I say, “paws down?”) Cobra Paw is my family’s favorite game! Roll the dice and quickly try to find the matching tile before anyone else does–it sounds simple, but this game brings out tons of laughter and competition around the table!
Guess in 10 Games
Another fun gift for game night, these trivia games keep kids guessing and testing out their knowledge of anything and everything from Marvel characters, animals, and geography!
Karaoke Microphone
Aspiring singers will love belting out their favorite songs with this colorful microphone! My daughters love the voice-changing features, too.
Electronic Money Bank
With the ability to create their own unique PIN, this electronic money bank will encourage smart saving and spending habits!
Lego Gear Bots
Lego is so much more than bricks! With this kit, kids can build 8 physics-driven kinetic creatures! Aspiring engineers will learn all about axles, cams, cranks, and engineering in everyday machines. Perfect for the STEM lovers on your list!
Bop It
The classic game we all grew up playing gets an upgrade with 4 different modes of play: solo, pass it, party, and one-on-one! These rapid-fire challenges make it fun for one or a large group!
Squishmallows
What is it about these squishy toys that make them such a craze with kids? I don’t know, but as a member of the Beanie Baby generation, I’m on board with it! Guys and girls seem to love collecting these cuddly creatures. Give all 3 to one lucky birthday boy or girl, or break up the pack and give as 3 separate gifts–and I won’t tell if you keep one for yourself!
Sleeping Queens
This card game caught my attention when I learned it was invented by a 6 year old and brought to life by her siblings and parents. And having played about a million rounds with my own family, I can confidently say it’s a winner! As you immerse yourself in the whimsical world of sleeping queens, knights, potions, and dragons, you will find a game that helps develop memory, strategy, and elementary arithmetic skills. One of our teenage babysitters loves it too!
Ready to Get Gifting?
I hope you found a few gifts to keep on hand for your next party! And if your little one has a birthday coming up, consider creating a birthday registry for them with a few of the items on this list. It makes gift-giving easy and organized for everyone!
