2023 Gift Guide: For the Kids
Welcome to day two of the 2023 gift guide! This particular guide is probably my favorite one to put together each year because I love finding really unique and fun gifts for the kids!
In our house, the kids always write short lists of things they really want – typically, it consists mostly of LEGO sets and some trendy toys that are popular that year. But, I always like to add in a few different gifts outside of their list! That’s where this comes in. When I’m shopping for gifts for the kids, I always focus less on toys and more on things like craft and science kits, STEM toys, and things that will keep them busy for a while. So, on this list you’ll find a lot of games, craft supplies, and things that really encourage creative and independent play!
Let’s get right to it, shall we?
2023 Gift Guide: For the Kids
1. Yoto Mini
These are a really fun gift for younger kids – you can grab cards that will read stories to them! It can be used as an “ok to wake” clock, too!
2. Kid-Friendly Camera
Kids LOVE to take photos! Why not get them a little digital camera that can also print their photos for them?!
3. Walkie Talkies
Another thing kids love? Walkie Talkies. It’s a super affordable gift that will keep them busy for hours on end.
4. Paint by Sticker Book
These are such a fun way to keep kids busy in the car or anywhere. It’s a great calming activity, and I have fun with it, too!
5. Cat’s Cradle
I think I include this every single year because it’s SUCH a classic, and it’s so so fun! It’s almost always one of the top-selling gifts I share because it’s such a crowd-pleaser.
6. Rapid Rumble Game
I love giving small, unique games that kids may not have tried before. Dice games are always a ton of fun, and games make the perfect holiday gifts.
7. Surprising Science Kit
These types of kits are always a win in our house. The kids have so much fun with it, and I love that they’re happy and busy with something that isn’t a screen!
8. Read to Me Storybooks
These are one of Grant’s very favorite things – I think he has three different sets! He loves to read these in bed at night, and I think they’re great for any kid!
9. Air Dry Clay
Jackson loves air dry clay and will play with it for hours and hours. There are so many tiny creations all over our house, and we love to keep him stocked. It’s a GREAT gift!
10. Clue Escape Room Game
This makes for such a fun family night with your kids – we played it and had the best time!
11. Erasable Doodle Book
This is SUCH a great “take on the go” gift idea for kids. It’s so much fun to play with and it doesn’t make a mess, at all. Win win!
12. Bead Pets
Arts and crafts are a great gift 100% of the time. My kids love making these little bead pets, and I remember making them when I was a kid, too!
13. Hidden Picture Book
Hidden picture books are a blast, and this specific one was one of the most-gifted items from last year’s gift guide!
14. Paper Airplane Kit
Paper airplanes are SO FUN for kids, and I love that this little kit comes with fun paper and directions for how to make different types.
15. Karaoke Set
I don’t think there’s a kid on the planet that wouldn’t absolutely love to play with a karaoke set, especially on Christmas morning!
16. Spinner Art Kit
There’s nothing like a fun art set that makes just a little bit of mess (but not too much!) that’ll keep them happy for a long time!
17. Kanoodle Game
Puzzle games are always so much fun, and I love that this one has a ton of different challenges. Would make a great road trip game!
18. Domino Train
This thing is SO COOL and I have a feeling it’s the kind of toy that would be such a huge hit for most kids.
19. Origami Set
Jackson has gotten really into origami over the last few months and I love watching him try new creations! This would make such a great gift.
20. Mouse Trap Game
My kids LOVE this classic. It is so much fun for kids of just about any age, and it never gets old.
21. Bath Bomb Kit
What kid doesn’t love a bath bomb? Getting to make your own makes things even more exciting.
22. Fort Kit
I don’t know about your kids but mine are constantly building forts all over my house. I love that this encourages that creativity and doesn’t require the use of any of the chairs from my dining room.
23. Optical Illusion Cards
Another really fun puzzle-style set of cards that is sure to keep your kids busy for a long time. I think I’m gonna grab this for Jackson this year!
24. Punching Bag
Perfect for the kid with a lot of extra energy! This is a great way to encourage some exercise, and your kid will have a ton of fun with it.
25. Marbling Paint Kit
I love the look of the art this creates! It’s a great set that younger kids could have fun with, as well as older kids.
26. Dinosaur Egg Bath Bombs
There isn’t anything more exciting to my kids than a bath bomb with a toy inside. Make it a dinosaur and they’re over the mood!
27. Found It Game
This cute little card game is great for younger kids and it’s the perfect cold or rainy day activity that will keep them busy for a nice, long time.
28. LEGO Chain Reactions
This immediately went on my “must buy” list for Jackson when I saw it. I love anything that encourages more creative play with LEGO, and he’ll have a blast with this!
29. Talking Microscope
Perfect for any science-loving kid who likes to explore and has a ton of curiosity. It comes with 60 cards that they can inspect and play with!
30. Nano Bug
This little robotic bug is adorable and you can create tracks and obstacles for it! I think my kids would play with this for hours on end.
31. Mini Projector
What kid doesn’t want a mini projector for the backyard, their bedroom, or that fort they’ve been working so hard on?!
32. Flashlight
And finally, maybe the simplest and most classic of all, but also the one that’s the BIGGEST guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Every kid on earth loves a flashlight, promise.