What to get kids for Christmas? The magical, fairytale holiday of Christmas is just around the corner. This is a time when children wait for miracles and gifts from Santa Claus. Remember how, as a child, you would rush to the Christmas tree at midnight or on the morning of January 1st to see what surprise was waiting for you.
Many children dream that their most cherished wishes will come true during this time. And only parents can delight their child. Choosing a gift is an exciting and fun activity. Do it in advance so that the main night of the year is celebrated ceremoniously and without worry.
How to Choose a Christmas Gift for a Child
Young children believe in Santa Claus and write him letters, telling him about their wishes. Suggest that your little one does this early so you have time to choose and find the gift without stress or rush. With an older child, you can discuss options or buy something together.
Here are a few more tips to help you surprise and delight your child.
- For young children, you can give developmental toys that will encourage them to learn new skills. However, a teenager won’t be interested in such a thing; they would prefer a new gadget or a computer game.
- If the child has a hobby, buy them something related to their interests—a set for drawing, beading, embroidery, knitting, or a book.
- Children involved in sports will appreciate new equipment or a uniform.
- If the child can’t decide on their own, suggest going to the store and choosing a gift together.
- Don’t give everyday items like school supplies, shoes, clothes, or personal hygiene products. If you do decide to give such an item, buy an additional toy or doll.
- Wrap the gift in an original way. Don’t use bright packaging and lush bows. Choose a simple bag with a Christmas print or a box. You can make Santa’s footprints on the floor with flour or arrange a small quest, asking your son or daughter to find the surprise in the house.
TOP-10 Ideas for the Best Christmas Toys for Kids
On the eve of Christmas, parents have already started choosing gifts for their children. We have compiled a top list of ideas that will delight any child.
- Kigurumi. These jumpsuits, made of velour, flannel, or fleece, are designed to look like animals, cartoon characters, or fairytale heroes. Such clothing can be worn for a costume party or used as a warm and comfortable pajama set at home.
- 4D Encyclopedia. This is not just a fascinating book. With unique 4D technology, the child will see three-dimensional, colored illustrations in motion and hear sound effects. They can conduct experiments and learn new facts about the world they live in.
- Dollhouse. For girls, you can choose a multi-story house with rooms, stairs, opening windows and doors, furniture, and appliances. A boy will like a similar toy in the form of a multi-level parking lot, a car service, a store, or a farm.
- Smart Speaker. A device with a built-in voice assistant, speakers, a microphone, and a wireless communication module. The speaker connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
- Hoverboard. This two-wheeled platform can reach speeds of up to 15 km/h. The mini-Segway resembles a skateboard but is equipped with an electric motor. When choosing, consider the maximum weight capacity and the material of the construction. This affects the lifespan and safety of the hoverboard’s operation.
- Lego Set. From individual blocks, you can build a plane, a robot, an animal, or a doll. There are various collections—Minecraft, City, Harry Potter, Disney.
- Quadrocopter. Used for video shooting from a height. Depending on the model, the flight range can reach 100 m, and the height can be from 50 to 150 m. The drone is controlled with a remote.
- Home Planetarium. Projects constellations and galaxies onto the ceiling. This is a spectacular sight. There are models that work autonomously from batteries or an electrical outlet.
- Doll. This gift will delight every girl. You can choose a collectible model or a doll that imitates a baby’s crying or laughing. There are also baby dolls that need to be fed, given drinks, swaddled, and have their diaper changed.
- Toy Car. You can choose a transformer car, a parking garage with ramps, or a race track. A boy will appreciate a radio-controlled model.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids by Age
Choosing a gift for a child requires considering their age and interests. Something developmental is suitable for toddlers, helping them explore the world and develop new skills. Older children already have their own hobbies, interests, and favorite heroes they look up to. Therefore, the Christmas surprise should be chosen with their preferences in mind.
Gifts for Toddlers Under One Year
At the age of 0 to 12 months, newborns are just beginning to discover the world around them. It’s not worth giving toys, photo albums, and other things that won’t be used for Christmas. Choose something practical:
- A blanket for the stroller or crib;
- A personalized birth stats plate, a rattle;
- Bibs;
- Clothes;
- A developmental play mat;
- A teether;
- A certificate for a massage;
- Bath accessories;
- Children’s tableware.
Gifts for Children Aged 1 to 3
At this age, a child’s development is very active. Give a gift that will motivate them for independent play. Children enjoy sorting items by color and size, assembling puzzles, and exploring objects.
You can buy these gifts for children up to three years old:
- A busy board;
- A smart bunny, like Alilo;
- A musical table;
- A dry ball pit;
- A multi-cube;
- A shopping cart with groceries;
- A train set;
- Board games;
- An orthopedic mat;
- A building block set;
- Puzzles;
- Soft blocks;
- Edible finger paints.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Children Aged 3 to 6
During this period, a child’s cognitive and physical abilities develop, and communication with peers is important. Play remains the primary way of learning about the world. Children are passionate about exploring creativity and human relationships. They are preparing for a new stage—school.
How to delight a child at this age? Here are some gift ideas to put under the tree.
- Tablet. There are children’s models with developmental and educational programs. Parents can control the content the child views.
- Video Projector. This surprise will appeal to both boys and girls. With a multimedia projector, you can project their favorite fairytales, movies, and cartoons onto the wall. Such devices often have an integrated audio system. You can watch videos from a flash drive or memory card.
- Indoor Sports Complex. The set includes a pull-up bar, a Swedish wall, parallel bars, an inclined bench, a climbing net, stairs, a swing, and a monkey bar.
- Bicycle. A two-wheeled bike is a good choice. You can install training wheels for safe and comfortable learning. For children who can balance but haven’t learned to pedal yet, a balance bike is a great option.
- Sled. For younger children, choose a model with padding, handles, a reinforced bottom, and high sides for safe sledding.
Christmas Gifts for Elementary School Students – Ages 7-8
The child has become a school student, and their lifestyle has changed. Play is no longer the main focus, as boys and girls are engaged in learning, developing critical thinking, and logic. They develop new interests, hobbies, interact more with peers, and attend various creative and sports clubs.
What to get a child of this age for Christmas that they will love? Here are a few options:
- A smartphone;
- A children’s smartwatch;
- A telescope;
- Board games;
- A microscope;
- A scooter;
- A dance mat;
- An interactive globe;
- An inflatable outdoor pool;
- A synthesizer;
- Roller shoes;
- Rollerblades;
- An instant print camera;
- An electronic building kit;
- A 3D pen for creating three-dimensional figures;
- A machine for making cotton candy or popcorn;
- A face painting kit.
If your child is into sports, you can gift them an accessory, a soccer or basketball, boxing gloves and a punching bag, or new cleats.
If you want to give something for creativity, consider their specific hobbies. A young artist will love stencils for portable drawing.
If your daughter is into dancing or ballet, she will be thrilled with new shoes for dance class or a performance dress.
Gifts for Children Ages 9-12
This is when children transition into their teenage years. The games they used to love no longer hold their interest. They often argue with their parents, try to solve everything on their own, and seek self-expression.
What gift will a child aged 9 to 12 appreciate? For Christmas Eve, you can give them:
- A karaoke microphone;
- A gift box;
- An advent calendar;
- A balance board;
- Air hockey;
- Skis;
- Computer components—a gaming mouse, a keyboard;
- A console;
- A hoodie with an interesting print;
- Wireless headphones;
- A bean bag chair.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Teenagers Ages 12 and Up
Surprising a teenager is quite difficult, as at this age, a gift is not just about pleasant emotions and a wish. It’s also important for the child to show off to their peers.
If you want to pamper your children and give them something unusual and interesting for Christmas, here are the best gift ideas:
- Virtual reality glasses;
- A smartwatch;
- A creative set with epoxy resin;
- A ring light;
- A graphic tablet;
- A trip to a bowling alley;
- Darts;
- A scratch-off map of the world;
- Ring lights;
- A laptop;
- A go-karting certificate;
- A wireless keyboard.
Give memorable but practical gifts that a teenager will use. Ask your son or daughter to make a list of things they want. Knowing your child’s interests and preferences, you can delight them not only at Christmas but also on other holidays.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Girls
On this special holiday, parents want to give their daughter a real miracle and a fairytale. Regardless of age, a girl waits for a gift under the Christmas tree. We offer some interesting ideas.
- Light-up Drawing Tablet. This gift will appeal to a girl no older than 6. The device can be used not only for drawing but also for learning to write and count. The tablet absorbs light and stores it for several hours. It is used in the dark.
- Children’s Makeup. You can choose a ready-made set or assemble a beauty box in a nice cosmetic bag or suitcase yourself. Buy shampoo, lipstick, lip gloss, or body lotion. Choose products that are safe for children’s skin.
- Blogger’s Set. If your daughter loves to make videos and post on social media, she’ll love this gift. The kit includes lenses for a smartphone, headphones, a microphone, a ring light, and a tripod.
- Jewelry-Making Kit. The girl can create an original bracelet, necklace, or ring herself.
- Ant Farm. With this kit, you can raise an entire ant colony and observe their life. The set includes a structure with decorations, food, and a tube for relocating the insects.
If you want to give something symbolic, you can choose an interesting string of lights or a light-up curtain for the window, a Christmas-themed souvenir, unicorn-shaped indoor slippers, or a comfy home outfit.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys
If you have already given your son a toy car or a construction set, and this year you want to surprise and delight him with something special and original, we offer a few interesting ideas.
- Experiment and Science Kit. There are various kits available. Your son can observe a chemical reaction, the miracles of levitation, make a copy of a volcano erupting, stage a magic show, or grow a crystal.
- Indoor Basketball Court. This will appeal to a young man who loves sports. The set includes a hoop on a stand and a basketball. The height of the stand is adjustable, so this set is suitable for a child of any age.
- Train Set. There are radio-controlled models with light and sound effects. You can choose a set of any length with a multi-level track, stations, reservoirs, and a forest. This gift develops motor skills, logic, thinking, and imagination.
- Play Tent. You can choose models with a tunnel inside and a dry ball pit. It’s a convenient place to store toys and hide.
- Smartphone. A new gadget will delight a boy. You can also choose a cool phone case and wireless headphones.
Christmas Sweet Treat Ideas
For many children, this holiday is associated with candy and tangerines. You can buy a pre-made set of sweets. Usually, these sets consist of chocolate and caramel candies and bars. You can also create a sweet gift with:
- Chocolate;
- Candies;
- Marshmallows;
- Pastilles;
- Cookies;
- Gingerbread cookies.
You can add chocolate figures, pastries, or fruits.
Christmas Gifts for Employees’ Children
Many companies have a tradition of giving corporate gifts to employees’ children. Such surprises are always pleasant and evoke only positive emotions. The classic option is a set of chocolate candies.
If you want to delight the little ones, you can choose:
- A soft toy in the form of the symbol of the coming year;
- Educational board games;
- Kits for wood burning, sculpting, applique, soap making, or wooden crafts;
- Colored pencils, markers, a drawing album;
- A functional backpack with school supplies;
- A book;
- Coloring books;
- An advent calendar.
Older children will enjoy tickets to an ice show or a festive Christmas performance. You can organize an interesting quest. It would be fun to participate in such an event together with their parents.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Children in Kindergarten
When choosing gifts for a group of children, you need to cater to the interests and hobbies of each child, so the surprise in kindergarten should be universal and functional.
Kindergartens hold Christmas parties every year. And on this day, children receive gifts from Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden. If you don’t know what to buy for the little ones in the junior, middle, or senior group, here are a few options.
- Magnetic Building Set. This set will appeal to both girls and boys. From multi-colored shapes that connect with magnets, you can build a house, an animal figure, and even a rocket.
- Magnetic Drawing Board. Suitable for both creativity and learning. The set includes special markers and an eraser.
- Puzzles. Choose a set with fairytale or cartoon characters. Consider the size of the pieces depending on the children’s age. This toy develops patience and creative thinking.
- Dish Set. Each child will have their own mug and plate with an interesting print. You can add a photo or names to prevent the children from mixing up their dishes.
- Play-Doh Set. It’s often used for creative activities. A child can sculpt any figure, delighting both the teacher and parents with their creative successes.
- Career-Themed Toy Sets. At this age, a child begins to dream about what they will be when they grow up. You can buy a doctor’s, teacher’s, driver’s, police officer’s, or chef’s set.
- Applique Kit. The set includes colored paper pieces, cardboard, a frame, glue, and safe scissors. The child can create an individual picture. These can be used to decorate the group room or given to parents.
Christmas Gift Options for Children in School
Parents start thinking about Christmas gifts for the entire class as early as autumn. We offer several options that will appeal to students in elementary and middle school.
- Anxiety Toy. This gift will impress elementary school students. They are already school kids, but they still love toys. This item can be taken to school. An anti-stress toy in the form of a figure or a ball will help them relax and switch their attention after a lesson.
- Socks. You can choose soft, fluffy models with a Christmas print. Pack the gift in a nice box and include a small card with well wishes.
- Personalized Christmas Tree Ornament. You can choose an interesting ball and put a photo of the child and their name on it.
- Mug Painting Kit. This allows them to make a unique mug with patterns and drawings. Boys and girls will have a fun time with this activity and receive a unique gift that will be remembered for a long time.
- Glow-in-the-dark Markers. A special fluorescent component in the ink makes the image bright and glowing under the influence of ultraviolet rays.
Original Christmas Gift Ideas for a Child
If your child has everything and you want to give a symbolic but original gift, you can buy:
- A diary for secrets with a code lock or key;
- A selfie stick;
- A light-up globe;
- Bedding with their favorite characters;
- A thermos mug with a personalized inscription;
- Sweaters;
- A puzzle;
- A wall clock with a print;
- An LED belt buckle;
- A chocolate box;
- An interactive piggy bank;
- A hanging chair;
- A snow scooter;
- A personalized pencil case;
- A dreamcatcher;
- Sports bags.
During the Christmas holidays, organize joint activities—a trip to the cinema, a water park, or a concert. Christmas is a time for children’s wishes to come true. Take care of choosing a gift in advance and delight your child by giving them an unforgettable and long-awaited surprise.
Author: S. Quill
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