How do I pick the right gift for a child?

Consider your child's age, interests, and hobbies when picking out their gift. You can also pick from what is trending. Some of the hottest toys for Christmas include Pop Its, the Nintendo Switch, Spider-Man Web Quarters Playset, Magical Minis Deluxe Hogwarts Castle, Disney Princess Mulan Warrior Bow, and Beyblades.

How do you choose a toy that a child would like?

Generally, kids tend to like anything new that aligns with their passions and/or items that are popular among other kids their age. For example, if they love sports, a team jersey or new sports equipment will likely be well-received. Buying them the new toy that everyone is talking about is also a good bet.

How do you teach a child gratitude?

Gratitude is a trait that develops over time. You can encourage gratitude by talking about what you are thankful for as a family, modeling this behavior, and engaging in regular acts of kindness and generosity.

The 40 Best Christmas Gifts for Kids of 2022

There's something special about watching children open presents with excitement on Christmas morning. Whether you need presents for babies or are shopping for teens, indoor or outdoor gifts, there’s something out there for every little one on your nice list.

Check for toys in your child's age range to ensure it's being played with safely, and pick gifts that offer long-lasting fun or several ways to use them. We carefully considered toy safety, design, ease of cleaning, value, and any age recommendations when reviewing products.

Here are the best and most trendy, fun, and entertaining Christmas gifts for kids.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.9

Fat Brain Toys

The Fat Brain Toys Dimpl Baby Toy ranks high on our list because it's a simple yet brilliant toy that's great for on the go. This toy is designed for children from 10 months to 3 years old, so kiddos can keep it around for years. Five vibrantly colored silicone bubbles of varying sizes are built into a plastic frame. Kids (and adults) will have tons of fun pushing them through and hearing a popping sound, teaching them cause and effect.

Price at time of publication: $13

Amazon

With more than 120 songs, sounds, and phrases, the Fisher-Price Ultimate Learning Bot is sure to be a favorite toy. Made for children as young as 6 months old and up to 5 years old, the bot can move forward, has gears, and is interactive. The bot even separates into different toys to keep kids busy longer.

Price at time of publication: $54

Walmart

It's no secret little ones love to help out in the kitchen, so why not make it educational? Children ages 12 months and up can learn step-by-step recipes and prepare a meal by pretending to chop veggies that actually snap apart. Learn vocabulary words, numbers, colors, and more (requires 2 AA batteries).

Price at time of publication: $22

Courtesy of Amazon

Mix some learning into playtime with this LeapFrog Animal Book. With six double-sided pages, this interactive book teaches toddlers about different animals from around the world. The three play modes offer your little one different ways to learn, while the bilingual settings allow kids to sing along in Spanish. This toy is ideal for toddlers 18 months old and up.

Price at time of publication: $20

VTech / Amazon

If little kids want to get in on the work-from-home action, this activity desk gives them the perfect space to work, play, and learn. The interactive desktop has a light-up writing pad to practice writing and tracing letters, numbers, and shapes. For even more fun, the desk transforms into an easel and chalkboard with lots of storage space for art supplies, so it’s ideal for kids 2 to 5 years old.

Price at time of publication: $48

Courtesy of Amazon

Give your kids an energy outlet that they won't get tired of with this foam pogo jumper. Made of durable foam, this pogo jumper is great for indoor and outdoor use and makes a satisfying squeaking sound with each jump. As they're playing and jumping, your kiddos will learn how to perfect their balance, improve their hand-eye coordination, and sharpen their gross motor skills. This toy is designed for kids 3 years old and up.

Price at time of publication: $20

Courtesy of Amazon

Designed for children ages 3 to 5 years old, this award-winning game is perfect for hands-on learning. With more than 50 pieces included, children can explore shapes and colors, practice counting, learn letter formation, and more. An iPad (sold separately) is needed for this kit to work.

Price at time of publication: $100

Courtesy of Amazon

Whether your kid's bestie is their sibling or their next-door neighbor, they will love communicating with each other with these walkie-talkies. Perfect for indoor and outdoor use, the walkie-talkies feature a key lock function so that kids don't stumble into outside channels. The simple push-to-talk system makes these the ideal gift for kids between 3 and 12 years old.

Price at time of publication: $27

Courtesy of Walmart

Bubble fans will appreciate this awesome way to send bubbles out into the world. Simply put on the glove, dip the glove into the bubble solution, and wave around your hand to create tons of bubbles. The pack contains five Glove A Bubble characters, a bubble solution, and a tray. A great gift for kids 3 and up.

Price at time of publication: $15

Amazon

At about 3.5 feet tall and 3.5 feet wide, this Barbie Dreamhouse comes fully furnished with 10 indoor and outdoor play areas and more than 75 pieces to play with. Kids can use their imagination to customize the house, which even has a real working elevator. Designed for children ages 3 and up, the Barbie Dreamhouse also features lights and songs for kids to jam to with Barbie and her friends.

Price at time of publication: $340

Courtesy of Walmart

Mr. Potato Head got a makeover and a new exciting play pattern for kids. Simply stack the plastic chip pieces and then insert the accessories into the slots to create a Mr. Potato Head Chips character. Perfect for kids 3 and up, the pieces are all interchangeable and come in their own resealable bags.

Price at time of publication: $27

Amazon

This may be designed for children ages 3 and up, but this moving basketball goal is fun for the whole family. With four interactive modes and a motorized base, your mini-athlete will love the challenge of trying to get the ball in the hoop. When they score, they'll hear an arena-style announcer, see lights, and additional celebratory sounds.

Price at time of publication: $67

Amazon

Get ready for lots of action with Ryder and the pups from Paw Patrol! Kids will love looking through a realistic telescope to spot any trouble that may be lurking around Adventure Bay. Buttons can be found around the tower to activate lights and sounds so the Paw Patrol pups can save the day. Four figures and one vehicle are included with the tower, which features a working elevator, zipline, and working vehicle launcher, too.

Price at time of publication: $146

Amazon

Children ages 4 years old and up can head home to Gotham with this life-sized Batman that transforms into the Batcave. At nearly three feet tall, Batman opens up and reveals the inside of the Batcave. A miniature Batman inside can go up and down the elevator to reach the garage, jail, and more.

Price at time of publication: $120

Courtesy of Amazon

An award-winning building block game that rewards creativity and quick problem-solving skills, Buildzi is fun for kids ages 6 on up. The set includes seven different building games that can easily be adapted for two to four players and party games that work with up to eight players. Kids will develop and reinforce many STEM skills while having fun.

Price at time of publication: $30

Amazon

This squeezable, TikTok-famous plush toy is adorable, soft, and has endless unique designs to collect. There are more than 1,000 Squishmallow characters to choose from, like a unicorn, corgi, and frog, and they all have their own names. These adorable friends are budget-friendly, detailed, and made with high-quality materials.

Price at time of publication: $20

Courtesy of Walmart

The game for kids ages 6 and up would make a great addition for any Star Wars fan. This twist on the classic version is perfect for solo play or playing with the family. Players are challenged to use the tweezers to remove the objects from places in the game unit, but if they touch the side of an opening, it'll set off the buzzer, and they'll lose their turn.

Price at time of publication: $27

Amazon

Say hello again to one of the biggest toy fads from the 1990s and early 2000s. It's an interactive virtual pet that children take care of themselves. Connect to friends' devices and search for other friends so characters can go on playdates. Recommended for children ages 6 and up, this toy is travel-friendly and includes more than 17 games for kids to enjoy.

Price at time of publication: $60

Courtesy of Amazon

Prepare to laugh as you are challenged with strapping on tiny dinosaur arms while trying to complete hilarious challenges like drawing, charades, and more. Perfect for family game night, this game is recommended for kids 7 and up.

Price at time of publication: $24

Courtesy of Amazon

Another choice that's spot on for a family game night, teams are challenged to guess what you’re drawing while writing on a spinning board. If your family is a fan of Pictionary, this game takes the idea to the next level and gets lots of positive reviews. The manufacturer says it is best for ages 8 and up, but younger kids who can read the game cards should be fine to play, as well.

Price at time of publication: $28

Courtesy of Amazon

A classic game with a new twist, Double Trouble doubles the challenges and the fun. Race to finish the game in this mad-cap dice-popping game that now has two Pop-o-Matics! Double Trouble is recommended for kiddos ages 8 and up and is fun for two to four players.

Price at time of publication: $39

Courtesy of Walmart

Tie-dying is a blast, but who wants to clean up the mess? Thankfully, with this tie-dye set, there is no mess. Everything you need to customize your own headwrap and bandana is included, like squeeze bottles, rubber bands, strings, and more. Suitable for children ages 8 years old and up, this set can be used over and over again for more tie-dye fun.

Price at time of publication: $20

Courtesy of Amazon

Kids get their chance to be courageous heroes with this fun and safe warrior bow. Pull back, take aim, and watch as the NERF darts fly up to 75 feet. A great gift for kids 8 and up, the set comes with eight darts and works with all NERF darts.

Price at time of publication: $30

Courtesy of Amazon

If you've ever watched a video of a marble run online, you know how mesmerizing it is. Bring the magic of marble runs to your home this season with the Gravitrax Starter Set. The 122-piece set is the perfect introduction to the STEM-based activity. Once your kiddo falls in love with creating their own marble runs, you can purchase expansion packs in the future. This set is ideal for kids 8 years old and up.

Price at time of publication: $70

4.2

Amazon

Rival spymasters, assassins, secret identities, and more are involved in this fast-moving, simple, yet challenging game. Teams compete to see who can make contact with their agents first, all while avoiding an assassin. Recommended for ages 14 and up, the game is best played with a group of four to eight players, so it is perfect for family game night.

Price at time of publication: $20

Amazon

A perfect gift for people of all ages, this is an award-winning magnetic puzzle that transforms into over 70 shapes. Fun with just one or with a few, these magnetic cubes are perfect for fidgeting, stress management, spatial thinking, or just having fun.

Price at time of publication: $27

Amazon

For a creative and fun project, teens and adults will enjoy building a flower bouquet out of LEGOs. The stems and some flower petals are adjustable, so the bouquet can be customized to their liking. Designed for teens ages 17 years old and up, this set was created from plant-based plastic and sustainably sourced sugarcane.

Price at time of publication: $60

Amazon

Keep the holiday spirit going all winter long in these cozy, adorable pajamas. Since they are 100 percent cotton, they are also solid picks for little ones with sensitive skin.

Price at time of publication: $21

Amazon

If your little one is a fan of Baby Shark's Big Show, this is for them. Four mini-characters are included with the playset version of The Wreck from the show. Kids can also let their creativity shine with moldable shark sand.

Price at time of publication: $50

Pottery Barn Kids

You may wish your family holiday card featured bathtime fun in this photo-ready hooded towel. The 100-percent cotton towel features an adorable Rudolph the Reindeer hood. It can also be monogrammed to feature your child's initials or name on the back.

Price at time of publication: $49

Fisher-Price

This sweet set is a take on the classic Barbie dreamhouse, but with Fisher-Price's Little People. It's very interactive for your toddler with a moving elevator, rotating closet, a light-up pool with slide, and lights, music, and sounds.

Price at time of publication: $53

Amazon

The classic toy is back for a new generation. This Lite Brite set is great for your creative young teen. They can create three different designs included in the set, or create their own piece of art for their room.

Price at time of publication: $100

Walmart

Your toddlers can decorate their own kid-size festive Christmas tree. It comes with eight colorful ornaments to choose from and a train track that runs around the base of the tree.

Price at time of publication: $69

Super Smalls

It might be a gift for a kid, but you'll want to display this chic ceramic menorah in your home! It comes with stickers, paint, a paintbrush, and an activity booklet to inspire your kid to decorate the menorah. It will be a special activity for the whole family that leaves you with a functional piece you can use all eight nights and in years to come—and the perfect gift for a family that observes multiple different holidays this time of year.

Price at time of publication: $36

Target

This gadget will help your tween or teen practice for the big game. The robotic QB can "throw" the ball up to 25 yards. It's actually programmed to mimic the skill, timing, and accuracy of a quarterback. Your child can play by themselves or with friends.

Price at time of publication: $50

Amazon

Most kids know the sounds of an ice cream truck. Now your child can have their own Play Doh Ice Cream Truck! They can use the soft serve machine, decorate their treats, and serve their friends. It comes with 27 tools, but parents, don't worry—there is storage for it all!

Price at time of publication: $130

Nordstrom

This buttery-soft jersey blanket features two unique sides: one with a tartan print and the other with holiday trains. Your little one can snuggle up with it when watching holiday movies as a family or when traveling to see loved ones over the break.

Price at time of publication: $58

Pottery Barn Kids

If your child is a Star Wars fan, this sheet set is perfection. It features all of their favorite characters ready for Christmas including Darth Vader, Yoda and even Chewbacca wearing holiday lights. The flannel also will make for a comfy winter.

Price at time of publication: Starting at $23

Amazon

Kids can host their very own Disney sing-along with the Encanto Karaoke Machine. It comes with an app that gives kids access to their favorite Disney songs. The speaker is Bluetooth-enabled and comes with a wired microphone. There is a jack to add a second microphone so friends can join in.

Price at time of publication: $60

Amazon

This is expected to be one of the hottest holiday toys this year. Kids can create their own mystical pet by waving their magic wand around the crystal ball. Once your child's "mixie" is created, they can play interactive games with it. As an added bonus, the crystal ball can be used as a night light!

Price at time of publication: $85

What to Look for in Christmas Toys for Kids

Fun

This may go without saying, but a gift that centers on just plain fun is almost always going to be a hit. Kids of all ages tend to gravitate to toys that are silly, kooky, cool, popular, and make them laugh. Items that move, sparkle, light up, make noises, are unusual, or otherwise wow are big winners, too. Additionally, you can't go wrong if you buy a toy that relates to the child's specific interests and what they think is the most fun.

Age-Specific

For the most part, the age range on a certain toy is there for a reason. Often, it is because kids younger than the intended age may have trouble using the toy, as in it's too challenging, and/or it's not safe for them. So, it's usually best to stick to toys that are geared to the age of the gift recipient. Also, tweens and teens will likely be happiest if their toy is intended for their age and up. Many of them may bristle if given something suitable for kids younger than them.

Longevity

While buying the latest fad or a splashy but poorly made toy may get an enthusiastic reception when it's opened, these toys often fall flat. Better gifts are able to capture attention for extended periods and are made well enough to last. So, read reviews on durability before buying. Also, consider what a child might do with a toy. Pick those that offer long-lasting fun or several ways to use them, such as games or toys with multiple features that keep the playing going.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pick the right gift for a child?

Consider your child's age, interests, and hobbies when picking out their gift. You can also pick from what is trending. Some of the hottest toys for Christmas include Pop Its, the Nintendo Switch, Spider-Man Web Quarters Playset, Magical Minis Deluxe Hogwarts Castle, Disney Princess Mulan Warrior Bow, and Beyblades.
How do you choose a toy that a child would like?

Generally, kids tend to like anything new that aligns with their passions and/or items that are popular among other kids their age. For example, if they love sports, a team jersey or new sports equipment will likely be well-received. Buying them the new toy that everyone is talking about is also a good bet.
How do you teach a child gratitude?

Gratitude is a trait that develops over time. You can encourage gratitude by talking about what you are thankful for as a family, modeling this behavior, and engaging in regular acts of kindness and generosity.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, a 7-year-old son, and a 3-year-old daughter. A holiday wish list feels far away, but she knows it’s not. She’s loving the family game ideas and may give gifts that spruce up her kids’ school desks (at home), although all they will want are toys, toys, and more toys.

More Toys and Gifts for Kids

When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here: