We Surveyed 875 Parents to Find the Best Christmas Gifts for Kids, Starting at $12 (2024)

• Our Picks

• How We Selected and Tested

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust Verywell Family

The Playmobil 1.2.3 Disney Winnie’s and Piglet’s Tree House is as sweet as honey with its charming design and beloved Disney characters. One of our editors received a free sample of the toy and says the toy set is even prettier in person. The set includes Winnie the Pooh and Piglet figurines, one tree house, two chairs, a honey pot, and more adorable accessories. We love how the two chairs and honey pot double as shape sorting toys that drop down their respective openings in the top of the treehouse.

Tiny hands will enjoy opening and closing the door to the treehouse, turning the small group of leaves to hear a sound, and exploring more fun features (all while working on their fine motor skills). Playmobil recommends the Winnie and Piglet Tree House for kids ages 1 to 4 years old.

Bitzee is the latest toy that takes technology to a whole new level with its 3D design. Kids can pet, feed, play, and rock their virtual Bitzee pets (15 total in one pod) via touch, swipes, and tilts. Moreover, they help them grow up into adult Bitzees and “Super Bitzee,” so kids can play games with them.

Ever wonder how Santa Claus is able to deliver toys to kids all over the world in one night? Noorah, his arctic fox friend, may be the answer. The brand sent one of our editors a sample of Noorah and her story just in time for the holidays. Noorah got her magic powers in the North Pole when she followed a falling star that first Christmas night many years ago. The star made her tail glow and change colors—but that was just the beginning of her extraordinary adventure. With a swish of her tail, Noorah could now spark the northern lights, make it snow, and pause time! She soon befriended the elves and a little boy who would grow up to become Santa Claus. Noorah now rides with Santa and makes it snow over rooftops so his sleigh can land smoothly. She also pauses time to make the night long enough to deliver presents and spread Christmas cheer around the world.

The soft plush is part of the Elf on the Shelf family, but unlike the scout elf, who may lose his magic if touched, Noorah is made for snuggling. Families will love reading her story (Extraordinary Noorah, sold separately or as a bundle with the plush) as they welcome their elf and the Christmas season.

The Melissa & Doug Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter is a hit among kids for its pretend play options, multiple accessories, and durable quality. This toy was a repeat recommendation among many parents we surveyed, with caregivers saying their children love creating various ice cream combinations to share with the whole family. The 28-piece set includes a wooden ice cream counter, a wooden spoon, a scooper, eight ice cream flavors (or scoops), six toppings, and more accessories.

The L.O.L. Surprise Magic Flyers Doll puts kids in charge (and keeps them busy) as they use only their hands to guide their new magical flying friend. We tested this new toy on the market after one of our editors received a free sample from the brand. We appreciate the doll’s rechargeable battery that arrives charged, so it’s ready to go right out of the box.

To reveal the doll, kids tap her magical bottle three times (or one time if you alter the switch on the base). Tap it once, and the bottle comes to life with vibrant colors. After the second tap, the bottle lights up and rocks back and forth. The third time you tap it, it rocks, lights up, spins, and the bottle opens. Pull the lid back and wait a few seconds, and the doll flies out of her bottle for about 90 seconds. There’s also the option to launch the doll without the unboxing process: Just place it back in the bottle and push the button on the back of her head (we don't recommend that kids launch it by just holding it because there's a risk it may fly into their face).

Kids use their hands to guide the doll as she flies. There’s a bit of a learning curve to control the L.O.L. Surprise Magic Flyer Doll, although we’ve learned through our own experience to keep hands about a foot and a half away to make the doll hover in place. Moreover, we recommend having enough space so the fairy doesn’t bump or hit things as she flies (it is an indoor toy).

Meet Mr. Frizz—the coolest chicken in town who’s also an impressive hair (and feather) stylist with a big heart. He doesn’t care if you have short, long, or no feathers; he’s ready to help all his friends look eggcellent. Written and illustrated by Jacquelyn Smith, an Oklahoma-based elementary school art teacher, this 35-page book will have kids giggling at Mr. Frizz as he trims a horse’s mane and helps out fellow chicken Miss Suzie.

Combine standard UNO and Connect 4, and you get UNO Quatro. One of our editors received a free sample of the game from the brand, and she’s been playing it with her family. The rules are straightforward: The tiles must match the color or number with an adjacent tile, whether vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Look out for action tiles, which let you swap two trays, push a tile out of a tray, or cause another player to take their turn with two fewer tiles.

One of our favorite features of the game is the little shapes on the tiles, so colorblind children can play, too. Moreover, we like that the game is quick; you can finish a few rounds in just a few minutes. Play UNO Quatro with two to four people, ages 7 and up.

Kids are the power and battery of the Razor Crazy Cart Shuffle. This kid-powered go-kart drives, drifts, and spins as riders shuffle their feet to go faster. Lift the handlebar to drift and spin the Crazy Cart Shuffle with ease for an even more exciting experience. We love the adjustable length frame, which allows you to tailor the seat for kids ages 4 and up, up to 150 pounds, and of various heights.

The Skillmatics Foil Fun is a mess-free activity kids and parents will love. This craft activity set is a 2023 Toy of the Year Finalist, and it’s easy to see why after the brand sent us a free sample to try for ourselves with our kids. The kit includes 100 colorful foil sheets, over 100 foam stickers, and 10 picture canvases that come in various exciting themes, like animals, dress-up, space, and more.

Simply peel back a foam sticker’s top layer (to reveal the sticky side) and press a foil sheet on top. Next, peel the foil sheet back, and voila—kids have created a customized sticker to put on the canvas of their choice. According to our writer, her 4-year-old son had zero issues peeling stickers, pressing the foil, and placing stickers where he saw fit.

On your mark, get set, color! Playmobil and Crayola came together to create this fun motorbike toy that’s safe for kids ages 5 and up to draw on over and over again. One of our editors received a free sample of the Playmobil Color Motorbike from the brand and personally tested the toy by coloring on it with the two included washable markers (but any other Crayola washable markers you have at home work, too). Be sure to let your kiddo’s creation dry before playing, or the marker will rub off immediately after application.

In addition to two markers and a motorbike, the Playmobil Color includes one rider figurine, a ramp, and other accessories for pretend play. Use the included sponge with a little water (or a damp paper towel) to erase the marker and create new designs before the next race.

The LEGO NASA Mars Rover Perseverance will make kids ages 10 and up feel like they’re helping with a real mission to the Red Planet. Use 1,132 pieces to build a replica of the Mars rover and utilize its realistic functions, like 360-degree steering, movable arms, and more. Download the AR app, and kids can learn more about NASA’s mission to Mars.

The Fisher-Price Goaldozer is the exception when it comes to kicking a ball indoors—and for a good reason. One of our writers received a free sample of the toy from the brand and has used it with her 4-year-old son for several months. We love how the electronic soccer net toy spins 360 degrees to challenge kids to try and score goals as it moves around.

Goaldozer is interactive through all four game modes (warm-ups, spin shots, kickoffs, and trick shots), with light-up eyes, encouraging phrases, and fun sounds. While the Fisher-Price toy works on any indoor surface (including carpet, according to our writer), the brand recommends a hard surface for best use. The Goaldozer includes a kid-sized soccer ball, but you’ll need to purchase four C batteries to start the game.

It’s important to note that you’ll need a good amount of space to play due to the spinning feature. Otherwise, you may need to reposition the toy every now and then.

The Fat Brain Toys Dimpl Baby Toy is a simple yet brilliant toy that's great for on the go. This toy is designed for children from10 monthsto3 years old, so kiddos can keep it around for years. Five vibrant 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.

With 12 hours of playtime and a powerful sound, the JBL Flip 6 is the ultimate gift for kids who love to blast their music and jam. This JBL speaker is dustproof and waterproof, so kids can set it by the pool, and parents don’t have to worry about the elements. Connect the speaker to Bluetooth and control music from your phone, tablet, or other device, or with the easy-to-use buttons on the speaker. The JBL Flip 6 comes in various colors, like blue, pink, and green, and stands vertically or lies horizontally.

Pictionary Air 2 is a modern take on the traditional game, according to our editor, who received a free sample from the brand. It comes with a large electronic pencil and two phone stands, so you’ll need two devices to play. One device will be your drawing screen, and the other will display clues rather than standard cards.

To play, you need to download the Pictionary Air app, which is quick to download and intuitive to use. The game comes with five kid-friendly clue packs: animal kingdom, food and entertaining, easy kid clues, mega pack (all categories), and sports and activities. Once you’re all set up, draw in the air with the provided pencil, and the image displays on the screen. You can erase the image by pressing the eraser on the pencil. Add points by simply pushing the “+” button, and you’re good to go.

Our favorite part of the game is that you can connect to AirPlay or another smart TV for easier visibility. If you play like this, we recommend placing the phone you use for drawing in front of the TV and standing approximately 3 to 4 feet away so the drawing is more accurate.

Whether you’re looking for a stocking stuffer, a new nightlight, or a unique gift for kids, the BioLite Alpenglow Mini delivers with its impressive and versatile design. One of our writers continues to use this mini lantern in various ways after receiving a free sample from the brand. Our writer says she uses the Alpenglow Mini as a travel nightlight for her 4-year-old son, as a fun addition to family dance parties, and as a source of light for reading in a massive fort in the living room on rainy days.

This mini lantern is small but mighty at 3 x 3 x 2 inches, fitting in the palm of an adult’s hand (and nearly taking up the whole hand of a 4-year-old). It features four lighting modes: warm white (dimmable), single color, one-color cycling, and horizon, and can withstand splashing and light rain with its IPX4 waterproof rating. The rechargeable (USB-C cable included) battery lasts 40 hours on low and 5 hours on high. Kids who love camping and the outdoors will appreciate the built-in bungee attachment on the base to hook to tent poles, branches, and more spots.

Sallyrose offers affordable and beautiful jewelry for anyone in the family. The brand collaborates with iconic brands, like Star Wars, Disney, Hello Kitty, Harry Potter, and more, and sent one of our writers free samples, like this adorable Disney Chip Trinket Dish and these stunning Disney Minne Mouse Hoop and Stud Earrings Set. In addition to jewelry holders and earrings, Sallyrose also offers necklaces, lanyards, badge reels, sleep masks, bracelets, rings, and much more.

The company’s beautiful jewelry pieces come in silver, sterling silver, and 10K gold, with many offering personalization options, such as nameplates, engraving, birthstones, or initial charms. We love that the company also offers mom jewelry and men’s jewelry for anyone else on your Christmas shopping list.

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, a rotating closet, a light-up pool with a slide, lights, music, and sounds.

Little ones love to help 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).

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.

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.

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!

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.

Versatile, colorful, and simple, the Stapelstein Stepping Stones are fun for all ages. One of our writers received a free sample from the brand, and her 4-year-old son loves using the stones in various ways. Kids can stack the stones, balance on them, use them as drums, spin in them, and use them in more ways for endless play.

Parents will appreciate the lack of sharp corners and edges and the 396-pound weight limit (so they can get in on the fun, too). Regardless of whether you use them indoors or outdoors, the stones are water- and UV-resistant, making them durable to withstand rough play. The cherry on top? The expandable polypropylene material is eco-friendly and available in classic rainbow or pastel colors.

If little kids want to participate in thework-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 to5 years old.

Create four adorable friends with this beginner crochet kit from The Woobles. Meet Pierre the penguin, Felix the fox, Jojo the bunny, and Kiki the chick, all of which kids crochet themselves thanks to thorough video tutorials for both lefties and righties and with included materials like yarn, a crochet hook, and more. The company also includes a bag to hold everything when kids take a break.

You can buy The Woobles friends as a set or individually.

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.

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.

Whether your kid's bestie is their sibling or 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.

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.

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, and see lights, and additional celebratory sounds.

Another choice that's spot on for a family game night, teams are challenged toguess what you’re drawingwhile 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.

Get ready for lots of action with Ryder and the pups from Paw Patrol! Kids will enjoy 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.

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.

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 play and jump, 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

A great gift for people of all ages, this award-winning magnetic puzzle 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.

For a creative and fun project, teens and adults will enjoy building a LEGO flower bouquet. The stems and some flower petals are adjustable, so the bouquet can be customized to their liking. Designed for teens ages 18 years old and up, this set was created from plant-based plastic and sustainably sourced sugarcane.

Rival spymasters, assassins, secret identities, and more are involved in this fast-moving, simple, yet challenging game. Teams compete to see who can contact 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.

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.

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.

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 or their own piece of art for their room using the more than 6,000 pieces.

Your toddlers can decorate their own kid-size festive Christmas tree. The Step2 My First Christmas Tree comes with eight colorful ornaments to choose from and a train track that runs around the tree's base.

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.

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.

Welcome Cutetitos as the cutest trend in stuffed animals. Packaged in a toy peanut butter jar, the gift contains two 5-inch stuffed animals (Peanut Butter and Jelly) wrapped in a soft, heart-shaped wrap, each with a pet collector card. There are eight Cutetitos in all, so they’re perfect for collectors from ages 3 and up.

A fun gift, especially for kids attending school virtually or who are homeschooled and would love to personalize their desk space, LEGO Dots are just the thing. Made to be easily and quickly assembled, the DIY set lets kids create and decorate their very own mini picture holders. The open-ended creative toy comes as a set of three and is suitable for kids 6 years old and up.

Delight any little kiddo with their very own Baby shark. The super-soft plush is super cuddly and comes in three characters: Baby Shark, Mommy Shark, and Daddy Shark. Squeeze Baby Shark’s belly, and you’ll hear four verses of the famously catchy "Baby Shark" song.

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 Bitzee, LEGO Mars Rover Perseverance, and the Melissa and Doug Wooden Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter.

• 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.