Every year feels like the best year for kids’ gifts, but 2024 truly stands out! As a mom of a 9-year-old, a 7-year-old, and a 3-year-old, I have a solid grasp on what toys and gifts genuinely captivate kids and hold their interest. This year’s gift guide is filled with tried-and-true favorites that have stood the test of time in our household, many of which transition seamlessly between age groups as my younger ones grow into older siblings’ toys. The one major category I’ve intentionally kept concise is LEGOs. My older two are Lego-obsessed and constantly building, so while they are a fantastic gift, I’ve only included a few key recommendations here as the possibilities are endless!
To make your gift searching easier, I’ve organized this Best Gifts Of 2024 guide into age-appropriate sections, including fantastic finds for toddlers and preschoolers, perfect presents for little kids, and cool gifts for tweens.
Don’t forget to check out my massive kids’ stocking stuffer guide right here for smaller gift ideas! And as always, you can discover more kid-approved items in my monthly favorites posts.
2024 KIDS GIFT GUIDE: Top Picks by Age
Awesome Gifts for Preschoolers & Toddlers
Toniebox Audio Player: Seriously, the best gift of 2024 for little music lovers! The Toniebox is an intuitive audio player that puts kids in control of their favorite songs and stories. It’s incredibly user-friendly for toddlers and provides hours of entertainment.
Super Smalls Dress Up Shoes: If you’re looking for best gifts of 2024 for imaginative play, Super Smalls is the answer! We are huge fans of everything Super Smalls. Even my 7-year-old still loves their dress-up items, proving their lasting appeal and quality.
Little People Wicked Characters: These adorable Little People Wicked characters were such a fun find! My youngest has been playing with them non-stop since he got them. They’re perfect for sparking imaginative play and storytelling.
Little People Barbie Pet Playset: For Barbie fans, this Little People playset is a winner. It offers all the fun of Barbie in a more toddler-friendly and space-saving size compared to larger Barbie houses. It’s a top contender for best gifts of 2024 for young Barbie enthusiasts.
Hot Chocolate Plush Toy: You can’t go wrong with Jellycat plush toys! They are incredibly soft and cuddly. This hot chocolate plush is just one example, Jellycat offers a huge range of adorable plushies that make fantastic best gifts of 2024 for comfort and snuggles.
The Nugget Play Couch: I can’t recommend the Nugget enough! We actually have three! It’s truly one of the best gifts of 2024 for active kids. The kids use them daily to build forts, obstacle courses, and playsets – the possibilities are endless for creative play.
Nesting Table & Stool Set: These nesting table and stool sets are my absolute favorite for toddlers and preschoolers. They are the perfect size for little ones to eat, play, and create. We’ve loved ours so much, we still use one in the kitchen today! A practical and stylish choice for best gifts of 2024.
Magnatiles Construction Set: Magnatiles are truly one of the best lifetime gifts you can give. Kids of all ages, even adults, are drawn to these magnetic building tiles. They encourage creativity, spatial reasoning, and hours of open-ended play.
Melissa & Doug Take Along Train: This Melissa & Doug Take Along Train was a Christmas gift last year, and it’s still a favorite! It comes out to play almost every day. Its portability makes it a great option for on-the-go fun, securing its spot as one of the best gifts of 2024 for train-loving toddlers.
Zingo: Zingo is hands down the most played game in our house! It’s a fast-paced, engaging bingo game perfect for preschoolers and young children. For family fun, Zingo is definitely one of the best gifts of 2024.
Pogo Foam Jumper: My older kids received pogo foam jumpers around age 3, and they have remained a favorite active toy ever since! It’s a fantastic way for kids to burn energy and develop coordination. A fun and active choice for best gifts of 2024.
Glow in the Dark Rock Painting: For arts and crafts enthusiasts, this glow-in-the-dark rock painting kit is a unique and exciting gift. It combines creativity with a fun, glowing twist, making it one of the best gifts of 2024 for artistic kids.
GeoSafari Kidnoculars: These GeoSafari Kidnoculars are perfect for little explorers! Each of my kids has a pair, and they love taking them on nature walks and backyard adventures. Encourage outdoor exploration with these best gifts of 2024 for curious minds.
Magnatiles Downhill Duo: Expand the Magnatiles fun with this Downhill Duo set! It adds a car element to magnetic tile play, allowing kids to build ramps and race cars. Another great addition to the Magnatiles family and a contender for best gifts of 2024.
Dress Up Play Armoire: This dress-up play armoire is both functional and beautiful. I purchased it for organizing dress-up clothes, and it’s been wonderful for keeping things tidy while encouraging imaginative play. A stylish and practical choice for best gifts of 2024.
Electronic Plush Doggy: If your kids are asking for a dog, but you’re not quite ready for a real pet, this electronic plush doggy is a great compromise. It provides the comfort and companionship of a pet without the full responsibility, making it one of the best gifts of 2024 for animal lovers.
Princess Tent: Princess tents are a classic for a reason! We’ve used them for years, and kids are consistently obsessed. They create a magical space for play and imagination. A timeless and enchanting choice for best gifts of 2024.
Wooden Magnetic Puzzle: This wooden magnetic puzzle is a hit with all three of my kids! It’s surprisingly engaging and satisfying to solve. I keep it in the car for on-the-go entertainment, especially for my youngest. A great travel-friendly option for best gifts of 2024.
Kinetic Sand Ice Cream Set: Kinetic sand is surprisingly less messy than traditional sand, and this ice cream set is a fun and creative way to play with it. It allows for sensory play and imaginative ice cream creations, making it one of the best gifts of 2024 for tactile learners.
Sorel Waterproof Snow Boots: If you live in a cold climate, Sorel snow boots are simply the best! They are durable, warm, and truly waterproof. A practical and essential choice for best gifts of 2024 in colder regions.
Car Road Tape: This car road tape is a repeat recommendation from last year because it’s a lifesaver! On a challenging day, I pull out this tape and create roads all over the house. Kids instantly love creating roads and racetracks. A simple yet brilliant option for best gifts of 2024.
My Big Wimmelbooks: We are a book-loving family, and Wimmelbooks are a standout favorite! These books are packed with detailed scenes and encourage hours of observation and storytelling, similar to a “Where’s Waldo” but with interconnected scenes. They are fantastic for road trips and quiet time, securing their spot as one of the best gifts of 2024 for bookworms.
Doona Liki Trike: The Doona car seat was an amazing purchase, and the Doona Liki Trike is equally impressive! It’s a stylish and foldable trike that’s perfect for toddlers on the go. A splurge, but a worthwhile investment for best gifts of 2024 if you value convenience and design.
Melissa and Doug One Stop Shop: We bought the Melissa & Doug One Stop Shop years ago, and it’s still a beloved toy. It fuels tons of imaginative play in our toy room. A classic and durable toy that offers years of play value, making it one of the best gifts of 2024 for pretend play.
Melissa & Doug Cool Scoops Ice Cream Set: We have older versions of this ice cream set, and it’s always a hit! It’s perfect for pretend play and developing social skills through sharing and role-playing. A sweet treat for best gifts of 2024 pretend play.
Melissa & Doug Grill & Pizza Oven Set: I’m considering this Grill & Pizza Oven set for my youngest this year. All three kids still enjoy playing with play food, and this set offers a fun and interactive cooking experience. Another great addition to the pretend play collection and a contender for best gifts of 2024.
Great Gift Ideas for Little Kids
Yoto Mini Player: The Yoto Mini Player has been a game-changer in our house! My 7-year-old has used hers daily for years. It’s a portable audio player that plays stories, music, and activities with cards. The Yoto Mini is truly one of the best gifts of 2024 for independent listening and learning.
Super Smalls Leopard Gloves: These Super Smalls leopard gloves are just too cute! If you’re looking for stylish and fun accessories, Super Smalls delivers again. A trendy and fun choice for best gifts of 2024.
Glitter Boots: Let’s be honest, anything glitter is a win with this age group! Glitter boots are a fun and fashionable gift that adds sparkle to any outfit. A dazzling choice for best gifts of 2024.
Cozy Winter Socks: Cozy socks are always a welcome gift, especially during colder months. They are practical, comfortable, and perfect for lounging around the house. A cozy and practical option for best gifts of 2024.
Black Sparkle Wool Coat: This black sparkle wool coat is our go-to fancy coat for the second year in a row! It’s warm, excellent quality, and adds a touch of sparkle to winter wardrobes. A stylish and durable choice for best gifts of 2024.
Rainbow Gem Bracelet: This rainbow gem bracelet is super cute and pretty! Jewelry is often a hit with this age group, and this bracelet adds a pop of color and sparkle. A charming and sparkly option for best gifts of 2024.
Iridescent Heart Jewelry Box: I adored trinket boxes as a kid, and this iridescent heart jewelry box is just perfect! It’s a special place to store jewelry and small treasures. A nostalgic and sweet choice for best gifts of 2024.
Crystal Bow Hair Clips: These crystal bow hair clips are even prettier in person! Hair accessories are always a fun gift, and these sparkly clips add a touch of elegance. A beautiful and sparkly choice for best gifts of 2024.
Iridescent Stars Ugg Boots: We get a pair of Uggs every other year, and this year’s iridescent stars Ugg boots are amazing! Uggs are known for their warmth and comfort, and the star design adds a fun twist. A cozy and stylish choice for best gifts of 2024.
Flip Sequin Pin Board: This flip sequin pin board is such a fun addition to a bedroom! It’s interactive and decorative, allowing kids to create designs and personalize their space. A fun and customizable choice for best gifts of 2024.
Labradoodle Critter Pillow: Each of my kids wants one of these labradoodle critter pillows this year! These plush pillows are adorable and cuddly, perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to a room. A cute and cuddly option for best gifts of 2024.
Butterfly Wedge Pillow: This butterfly wedge pillow is a fun and functional reading pillow. It provides comfortable support for reading in bed or on the floor. A cozy and practical choice for best gifts of 2024.
Armoire Jewelry Box: An armoire jewelry box is a classic and timeless gift for a dresser top. It offers ample storage for jewelry and keepsakes. A classic and elegant choice for best gifts of 2024.
Hard Side Kids Luggage: My kids are obsessed with having their own luggage! Hard side kids luggage is durable and easy to maneuver, making travel more exciting for kids. A practical and fun choice for best gifts of 2024 for little travelers.
Rainbow Loom Set: Rainbow Loom sets are still going strong! My older two love making bracelets. It’s a creative and engaging activity that keeps kids entertained for hours. A classic and creative option for best gifts of 2024.
Kids Smart Watch: Both of my older kids have and love these kids’ smart watches. They often include games and basic functionalities, offering a kid-friendly introduction to technology. A tech-savvy choice for best gifts of 2024.
Holiday Barbie: You can’t beat a classic Holiday Barbie! Even though I wasn’t a huge Barbie fan growing up, the holiday editions always felt special. A timeless and collectible choice for best gifts of 2024.
Type Set Co Boards & Letters: The kids received Type Set Co boards and letters last Christmas. The letters are so pretty and versatile for creating messages and decorations. A stylish and creative option for best gifts of 2024.
Illustrated Harry Potter Books: My oldest got these illustrated Harry Potter books years ago, and now my daughter is enjoying them. These beautifully illustrated editions bring the magic of Harry Potter to life for younger readers. A magical and literary choice for best gifts of 2024.
Top Gift Picks for Tweens
Kids Kindle: A Kids Kindle was a Christmas gift last year, and it’s used daily! It’s perfect for tweens who love to read and offers a safe and controlled reading experience. An essential for book-loving tweens and one of the best gifts of 2024.
Polarized Baseball Sunglasses: These polarized baseball sunglasses are a practical and cool gift for active tweens. They offer eye protection during outdoor activities and sports. A sporty and practical choice for best gifts of 2024.
Lego The Globe Set: This Lego The Globe set is rated 18+, but many capable tweens can tackle it! It’s a challenging and rewarding build for Lego enthusiasts, especially those interested in geography. A challenging and impressive choice for best gifts of 2024.
Fuzzy Dog Slippers: Fuzzy dog slippers are the coziest! Slippers are a comfortable and practical gift, and these dog-themed ones add a touch of fun. A cozy and fun choice for best gifts of 2024.
Cake Graphic T-Shirt: This cake graphic t-shirt is a fun and quirky fashion statement. Graphic tees are a popular clothing item for tweens, allowing them to express their personality. A trendy and fun choice for best gifts of 2024.
Dog Graphic Sweatshirt: Following the dog theme, this dog graphic sweatshirt is another cozy and stylish clothing option. Sweatshirts are a wardrobe staple for tweens, perfect for casual wear. A comfortable and stylish choice for best gifts of 2024.
Hooded Fleece Robe: A hooded fleece robe is the ultimate in cozy loungewear. Robes are perfect for relaxing at home, especially during the holidays. A cozy and luxurious choice for best gifts of 2024.
Nike Dunks: Nike Dunks are incredibly cool sneakers that are highly sought after by tweens. Sneakers are a popular fashion item, and Dunks are a trendy and stylish choice. A fashionable and coveted choice for best gifts of 2024.
Light Up Football: We have the baseball bat and soccer ball versions of this light-up sports equipment, and they are fantastic! A light-up football extends playtime into the evening and adds extra fun to outdoor games. A fun and active choice for best gifts of 2024.
Indoor Basketball Hoop: An indoor basketball hoop was another hit gift from last year. It’s perfect for active tweens and provides entertainment indoors, especially during colder months. A fun and active choice for best gifts of 2024.
Brain Bolt: Brain Bolt is an addicting game that challenges reflexes and brainpower. Games are always a great gift, and Brain Bolt offers a fun and engaging mental workout. A fun and brain-boosting choice for best gifts of 2024.
Nerf Bounce and Score Game: This Nerf Bounce and Score game is super fun for both kids and adults! It’s an interactive and active game that’s perfect for family game nights. A fun and family-friendly choice for best gifts of 2024.
Light Up Rollerblades: Both of my older kids have rollerblades and enjoy using them a few times a week! Light-up rollerblades add extra fun and visibility for outdoor skating. A fun and active choice for best gifts of 2024.
Baseball Palm Pals Plush: These baseball palm pals plush toys are our favorite little cuties! Plush toys are still appealing to tweens, especially cute and collectible ones like Palm Pals. A cute and collectible choice for best gifts of 2024.
Wall Neon Name Light: I love these wall neon name lights for kids’ rooms! They personalize a space and add a cool, trendy vibe. A personalized and trendy choice for best gifts of 2024.
Harry Potter Sky Projector: The Harry Potter sky projector is a splurge but will last for years! It creates a magical ambiance in a bedroom with Harry Potter-themed projections. A magical and immersive choice for best gifts of 2024.
Baseball Bean Bag Chair: We have these baseball bean bag chairs, and they are GIANT and incredibly comfortable! Bean bag chairs are perfect for creating a cozy and relaxed space in a tween’s room. A cozy and comfortable choice for best gifts of 2024.
Sorel Waterproof Boots: Similar to the toddler boots, these Sorel waterproof boots are the best of the best for older kids and tweens! They are durable, warm, and essential for winter weather. A practical and high-quality choice for best gifts of 2024 in colder climates.
Bauer Mystery Mini Hockey Sticks: Bauer mystery mini hockey sticks are a favorite with my son! They are collectible and fun for hockey fans. A sporty and collectible choice for best gifts of 2024 for hockey enthusiasts.
[This is not a sponsored post, and items I own were purchased by me. Affiliate links are used where I may earn a commission. Thank you for reading! xo]
