Photo by Karola G via pexels
The holidays are the perfect time to spark imagination and fuel creativity, and this year’s Kid’s Picks are all about gifts that inspire open-ended play and joyful discovery. From clever, hands-on activities to meaningful keepsakes, these are the presents kids will be genuinely excited to unwrap—and the ones parents, grandparents, and friends can feel great about gifting. Thoughtful, fun, and built to last, each pick brings a little extra magic to the season.
Alphapals® 11 Inch Rainbow Plush Letter Set
A cheerful rainbow of plush letters ready for learning and play.
There’s something magical about a gift that kids can snuggle, learn with, and grow into—and the Alphapals Rainbow Set checks every box. This oversized, fully lined Alphabag unzips to reveal 26 plush rainbow letters, each perfectly soft, beautifully stitched, and finished with the signature Alphapals smile. It’s one of those toys that feels as joyful as it is educational, making letter recognition, spelling practice, and color learning feel like playtime. My favorite part? Kids treat it like their own cozy reading spot or carry-it-anywhere treasure chest. It’s a learning tool disguised as pure fun—and parents will love how easy it is to toss everything back into the bag at the end of the day. Machine washable, too!
Price: $195
Available: alphapals.com
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Yoto Player
The screen-free storyteller kids adore—and parents trust.
The Yoto Player has been a favorite in our home for years, and for good reason. It brings stories, music, mindfulness, and learning cards to life—all without a screen. Kids simply pop in a card and listen, giving them total independence and a world of imagination at their fingertips. The card library is huge, with everything from Harry Potter and Roald Dahl classics to original Yoto stories, science and language cards, lullabies, and now even the new K-Pop Demon Hunter series—such a fun and unexpected addition that big kids are already obsessed with.
Truly something for every age and personality. And if you’re building your collection, the bundle-and-save options are such a win. Yoto cards also make the best stocking stuffers—small, fun, and endlessly replayable. A must-have for quiet time, travel, and winding down.
Price: $109.99
Available: us.yotoplay.com
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MORI Matching Holiday Family Pajamas
Festive, cozy, and made for matching moments.
There’s just something about matching holiday pajamas that instantly makes the season feel more magical—and MORI does it better than anyone. Their family sets are made from the brand’s signature soft, breathable fabric blend that feels dreamy on the skin (even for little ones with sensitivities). The holiday designs are classic and timeless—think subtle prints, sweet winter motifs, and colors that look beautiful in those Christmas morning photos. With sizes for babies, kids, and adults, the whole family can get in on the fun. Whether you’re baking cookies, opening gifts, or snapping a quick festive photo, these PJs make the sweetest tradition a little cozier.
Price: 10.95+
Available: us.babymori
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Clixo Super Rainbow Pack
Bend, snap, click—endless creations ahead.
Clixo is one of those toys that instantly sparks imagination the moment kids get their hands on it. This multi-sensory magnetic building system is brilliantly flexible—literally. The pieces bend, twist, and snap together to create anything from simple 2D shapes to wild 3D sculptures, bringing together the magic of origami with the satisfying click of magnets. Kids can build creatures, crowns, cars, spinning creations… truly anything their brains dream up. It’s a screen-free favorite that grows with them, boosts creativity, and encourages open-ended play for all ages and abilities. The Super Rainbow Pack is especially fun with its bold, bright colors that feel festive year-round.
Price: $89.99
Available: https://clixo.com/products/super-rainbow
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Build-A-Brush Starter Kits
A toothbrush they build themselves — yes, really.
I love a gift that sneaks a little learning or independence into everyday routines, and Babsy’s Build-A-Brush might be the most clever kid-friendly idea yet. Created by a team of dads and dentists, this starter kit lets kids actually build their own toothbrush using mix-and-match pieces and soft brush heads. It turns brushing from a chore into a “look what I made!” moment—completely screen-free and rooted in smart design. The chunky pieces are perfect for little hands, and the customizable combinations make it collectible and fun. This is one of those gifts parents appreciate just as much as kids, and it fits perfectly into holiday rhythms: stocking stuffers, wellness-minded gifting, or presents that support independence and good habits. A fun, functional win.
Price: $40
Available: brushbabsy.com
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Superspace – The Big Set
Big builds, big imagination, big fun.
The Superspace Big Set is the gift that transforms your living room into a world of forts, castles, hideouts, and whatever else your little dreamers can imagine. With 24 sturdy, lightweight panels, kids ages 3+ can build (and rebuild) endless structures—screen-free, creativity-boosting, energy-burning magic. It’s one of those gifts that keeps kids busy all season long, sparks collaborative play, and becomes part of the daily rotation fast. Perfect for families who love open-ended play and a bit of everyday adventure.
Price: $429
Available: getsuperspace.com
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WeeWander Carry-On Backpack
The chic, kid-friendly carry-on that actually makes travel smoother.
If you’re traveling this holiday season, the WeeWander Carry-On Backpack is such a thoughtful gift for little adventurers. Designed by traveling parents, this bag is beautifully made, functional, and sized just right so kids can confidently carry their own gear. It’s lightweight, organized, and durable—perfect for flights, road trips, or weekend visits to grandparents. And while the carry-on backpack is the standout, WeeWander also makes smart additions like compact travel blankets, snack boxes, and insulated water bottles that keep family travel smooth and stylish. A fun, practical pick for any family with a winter trip on the books.
Price: $124
Available: weewander.com
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Candy Land® Candy Crafting Kit — Cricket’s Candy Creations
A sweet twist on the classic Candy Land adventure.
If you want a holiday gift that earns instant oohs and aaahs, the Candy Land® Candy Crafting Kit from Cricket’s Candy Creations is it. This set takes the beloved board game from our childhoods and turns it into a real, edible candy-making experience—think nostalgia wrapped in sugar and creativity. Kids can build and play inside Candy Land’s iconic worlds, mixing craft time with actual treats, and yes… it’s as adorable as it sounds. I love gifting this alongside the actual Candy Land board game for a double-dose of magic that bridges generations—grandparents remember it, kids get to eat it, and everyone ends up smiling.
Price: $49.99
Available: cricketscandy.com
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Oasis Forage Friend Kit – Bear
A darling, ready-to-go Bear Forage Friend Kit kids can explore and create with.
Oasis Forage has quickly become one of my favorite new kids’ brands — their kits are adorable, beautifully packaged, and designed to spark creative outdoor play. In addition to their character forage kits, the brand also offers charming activity sets, seasonal bundles, and nature-inspired treasures little explorers will love. The Bear Kit includes everything your child needs to forage outside and then come home to craft their own woodland friend — think sweet, simple creativity that encourages kids to notice the magic in nature. It’s an easy, meaningful holiday gift that feels like an experience, not just another toy.
Price: $24.99
Available: oasisforageproducts.com
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Hot Wheels Racing Formula 1 Grand Prix Circuit
A high-speed Formula 1 track kids can race again and again.
If you have a little racer on your hands, this Hot Wheels Formula 1 Grand Prix Circuit is the holiday showstopper. The track features a multi-lane layout, realistic racing details, fast-action loops, and plenty of opportunities for side-by-side competition — making it incredibly fun for both solo play and sibling showdowns.
It includes the full track system plus a race-ready Hot Wheels vehicle, and the setup is big enough to feel exciting without taking over your entire living room. Kids love the speed, the sensory thrill, and the “real race” vibes, and parents love that it’s sturdy and endlessly re-playable.
Price: $80.99
Available: amazon.com
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Melissa & Doug Sort, Stock, Select Wooden Vending Machine Play Set
A wooden vending machine play set packed with imaginative, durable fun.
This Melissa & Doug wooden vending machine is one of those gifts that instantly becomes the playroom favorite. Made with the brand’s signature durability, it lets kids “stock,” “sort,” and “select” wooden snack pieces using a realistic push-button and dispensing system. It’s hands-on, screen-free play at its best — kids practice matching, counting, and problem-solving while feeling like they’re running their own mini shop. The set includes the wooden vending machine, snack pieces, coins, and built-in storage (bless!), and reviews consistently rave about the quality, the creativity it inspires, and how much kids return to it day after day. A perfect holiday pick for pretend-play lovers.
Price: $87.99
Available: melissaanddoug.com
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The Comfy Original Jr
The coziest kid-sized Comfy— perfect for movie nights, playtime, and everything in between.
The famous Comfy, but fun-sized! The Comfy Original Jr.® is designed for kids 10 and under and delivers that same oversized, cloud-like comfort the brand is known for — just in a pint-sized, kid-approved fit. It’s one-size, easy to throw on, and ideal for cozy movie nights, chilly mornings, car rides, sporting events, or just lounging around the house. If your kids are anything like mine, this is the gift they’ll wear nonstop all winter long. Plus, it’s one of those rare gifts that feels practical and exciting for kids, which is a holiday win in my book.
Price: $49.00
Available: thecomfy.com?https://thecomfy.com/products/the-comfy-kids?srsltid=AfmBOoow6MIhtt85oYdCX763O6zqe3K4RgvE5aHbYqKV3_EdPvZlXb7R
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Stomp Sports Stomp N’ Pitch
A stomp-powered pitching machine that keeps kids active, practicing, and totally entertained.
Stomp, swing, hit — repeat! The Stomp N’ Pitch is such a fun way to get kids excited for baseball season while letting them practice totally independently. Designed for ages 6+, this set includes a stomp-powered ball launcher, five balls, and an easy-grip collapsible bat. Kids can work on timing, hand-eye coordination, and confidence, all while burning off that endless kid-energy. Parents will love that it’s durable, easy to set up, easy to store, and requires zero batteries or tools. It’s also incredibly portable, making it perfect for backyards, parks, or taking along on family trips.
Price: $29.99
Available: amazon.com
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Draw Pillows
A custom pillow that transforms your child’s drawing into a huggable keepsake.
Draw Pillows is one of those magical gift ideas that feels personal, thoughtful, and completely unique. Kids upload a favorite drawing, and the brand turns it into a soft, beautifully made pillow — capturing every charming detail of their little masterpiece. It’s a gift that sparks pride, joy, and creativity, and becomes a keepsake families can treasure for years. Whether it’s a preschool doodle or a budding artist’s sketch, seeing their artwork brought to life is truly special. And because each pillow is handcrafted, every design feels one-of-a-kind in the best way.
Price: $49 (one pillow)
Available: drawpillows.com
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Arshiner Clothing
Cozy picks from Arshiner — perfect for play, snuggles, and everything in between.
Arshiner has become one of my go-tos for cute, comfortable, and totally kid-proof clothing. Their site is packed with everything from everyday essentials to seasonal sets, and I always find myself gravitating toward the soft, mix-and-match outfits my kids can actually live in. These cozy two-piece sets caught my eye immediately — the Girls’ Drop-Shoulder Zip-Up Hoodie & Sweatpant Set is equal parts sporty and sweet, and the Boys’ Color-Block Sweatshirt & Sweatpant Outfits are perfect for toddlers who want warmth without the bulk (and moms who just want something easy, washable, and adorable). Whether your littles are lounging, sprinting through the house, or climbing the furniture — these sets keep up.
Price: $24.69+
Available: arshiner.com
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Quarto Kids Finds
Dream books for curious kids.
Quarto always nails it with meaningful, beautifully made kids’ books that double as keepsakes — and this year’s finds are all about creativity, connection, and building little readers. Read to Your Toddler Every Day by Lucy Brownridge is such a sweet collection of classic nursery stories perfect for winding down at bedtime. For the growing bookworm in your life, 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up by Bianca Schulze is essentially a mini literary bucket list for kids, packed with must-reads across genres. And for your budding artist, Draw and Color Everything by Leon Römer is an imagination-sparking activity book filled with fun, approachable prompts that keep little hands busy during quiet time (or long winter breaks!). These make thoughtful stand-alone gifts — or pair them together for a well-rounded, screen-free bundle.
Price: $16.99+
Available: amazon.com
Large as Life Animal Discovery Floor Puzzle
A screen-free animal exploration, kid-sized!
The Large as Life Animal Discovery Floor Puzzle is such a fun, hands-on gift for curious kids who love animals. With oversized pieces and three life-size creatures to build—a king penguin, a koala, and a red panda—this puzzle turns the living room floor into a mini wildlife adventure. Each piece is color-coded to help younger builders, and the back of every puzzle section includes fun facts and questions that spark conversation and learning. It’s one of those rare gifts that blends playtime with discovery, helping build problem-solving skills, patience, and a genuine love for nature.
Price: $30
Available: uncommongoods.com
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Source Book Selections
Keep boredom at bay with this jam-packed activity book full of games, puzzles, and creative prompts—perfect for every holiday road trip.
If you’re curating a smart holiday stack, these Sourcebooks picks strike the ideal balance between fun and learning. Super STEAM Activity Book by Mandisa Watts introduces preschoolers (ages 3–5) to science, tech, engineering, art, and math through mazes, dot-to-dots, search-the-page puzzles, and more. For long car rides or quiet time, Awesome Road Trip Activities for Kids by Jen Tousey is a travel companion full of over 100 creative games, journal prompts, riddles, and scavenger hunts. Little vehicle enthusiasts will love Preschool Activity Book: Trucks, Cars & Airplanes by Valerie Deneen, which offers 80 playful activities to build skills in letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. For toddlers who love dinosaurs (and dragons!), My First Sticker by Numbers: Dinosaurs & Dragons by Hazel Quintanilla delivers over 500 big, peelable stickers and simple number-based sticker pages—great for fine motor development and early number recognition. And for a storytelling bonus, Greek Mythology for Kids by Zachary Hamby retells 20 classic myths in a kid-friendly way, introducing gods, heroes, and mythic beasts with drama and heart.
Price:$7.99+
Available: sourcebooks.com
*Select products were sent for editorial consideration; all opinions are my own. Photos courtesy of the respective brands.
