Raising Kids Celebrations The 27 Best Christmas Gifts for Kids of 2022 From walkie talkies to shooting hoops, these gifts bring the holiday magic home By Maya Polton Maya Polton LinkedIn Maya has more than 15 years of experience in digital media and communications and specializes in writing about family, food, and lifestyles. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 26, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Family articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and family healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Laura Anderson Kirby, PhD Medically reviewed by Laura Anderson Kirby, PhD Laura Anderson Kirby, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist at a private practice in Chapel Hill, N.C., with years of experience providing evaluations and therapy for children and adolescents. She has broad training in child clinical psychology. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Family content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim LinkedIn Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. Reviewed & Approved The Fat Brain Toys Dimpl Baby Toy features five vibrantly colored silicone bubbles of varying sizes for pushing and popping fun. If you want to splurge, we recommend the VTech Touch and Learn Activity Desk. 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. Our Top Picks Fat Brain Toys Dimpl Baby Toy at Amazon Jump to Review Fisher-Price 4-In-1 Ultimate Learning Bot at Amazon Jump to Review LeapFrog Choppin' Fun Learning Pot at Amazon Jump to Review LeapFrog 100 Animals Book at Amazon Jump to Review VTech Touch and Learn Activity Desk at Amazon Jump to Review Flybar My First Flybar Pogo Stick at Amazon Jump to Review Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit at Amazon Jump to Review Selieve Walkie Talkies for Kids at Amazon Jump to Review OgoSport Glove A Bubble Family Pack at Walmart Jump to Review Barbie Dreamhouse Playset at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Family Fat Brain Toys Dimpl Baby Toy Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Fatbraintoys.com 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. Fisher-Price 4-In-1 Ultimate Learning Bot Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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. LeapFrog Choppin' Fun Learning Pot Walmart View On Amazon View On 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). LeapFrog 100 Animals Book Courtesy of Amazon View On 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. VTech Touch and Learn Activity Desk VTech / Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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. Flybar My First Flybar Pogo Stick Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Buybuy BABY 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. Are Your Child’s Motor Skills on Track? Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit Amazon View On Amazon View On Best Buy 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. The Best Family Board Games Selieve Walkie Talkies for Kids Courtesy of Amazon View On 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. We Researched the Best Gifts for 12-year-old Boys—Here Are Our Top Picks OgoSport Glove A Bubble Family Pack Courtesy of Walmart View On 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. Barbie Dreamhouse Playset Amazon View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond 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. Mr. Potato Head Figures 5-Pack Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On 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. Fisher-Price B.B. Hoopster Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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. Good Sports for Preschoolers Paw Patrol Mighty Lookout Tower Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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. DC Comics Bat-Tech Batcave Amazon View On 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. Tenzi Buildzi Building Block Game Courtesy of Amazon View On 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. The 9 Best Educational Toys for Toddlers of 2022 Squishmallow Ultrasoft Plush Toy Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Sears.com 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. Operation Game: Operation Star Wars The Mandalorian Edition Game Courtesy of Walmart View On 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. Tamagotchi Pix Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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. Educational Insights T-Rex Rumble Challenge Game Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Kohls.com 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. Educational Insights Spindoodle Game Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Kohls.com Another choice that's spot on for 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. We Found the Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys WINNING MOVES Double Trouble Game Courtesy of Amazon View On 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. Cra-Z-Art Be Inspired Twist & Color DIY Tie Dye Studio Activity Set Courtesy of Walmart View On 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. Disney Princess Mulan Warrior Bow Courtesy of Amazon View On 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. Ravensburger Gravitrax Starter Set Marble Run Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Fatbraintoys.com 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. Czech Games Codenames 4 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Kohls.com 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. Shashibo Shape Shifting Box Courtesy of Amazon View On 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. The 8 Best Puzzles for Kids of 2022 LEGO Flower Bouquet Building Kit Amazon View On Amazon View On Lego.com 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. 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 on 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get expert tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 1 Source Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to practice gratitude and improve your family's mental health.