14 Kid Gift Ideas: Every Age, Interest and Budget
The magic of the holidays is here! Or it will be as soon as you can somehow magically summon up ideas for yet. another. list. of gifts for kids.
Ho-ho-hold up! This year, your work is DONE. We made a handy rundown of the best holiday and Christmas gift ideas for kids of all ages with recommendations to fit nearly any budget.
Holiday Gifts Under $50: Premium Magazine Subscriptions
Every great gift pile needs a centerpiece. Something substantial that becomes their go-to source of "I can't wait to try this!" excitement.
Educational Magazine Subscriptions: Gifts That Keep Giving
A magazine subscription delights kids with months of engaging activities, stories and fun they can enjoy again and again. From nonfiction articles to interactive quizzes and crafts, magazines create an experience kids look forward to all year.
- Hello Magazine (Ages 0-2): First giggles and gentle learning for tiny explorers.
- High Five Magazine (Ages 2-6): Perfect for "I can do it myself!" moments.
- Highlights Magazine (Ages 6-12): The classic treasure chest of Hidden Pictures, stories and brain-bending challenges.
- brainPLAY Magazine (Ages 7+): A quarterly magazine subscription for the ultimate puzzlers.
Think of it as creating a year-long treasure hunt where the prize is always curiosity, creativity and that special feeling of "this is just for me!"
Holiday Gifts Under $40: Thoughtful Mid-Range Options
These carefully selected gifts offer premium quality without the premium price point—perfect for extended family gifting or when you're shopping for multiple kids.
Art and Drawing Gifts for Creative Kids
- Book of Things to Draw Gift Set isn't just another how-to-draw book—it's what ever young artist needs to let their creativity run wild. Every page sparks creative thinking and encourages imagination. With 175+ drawing activities and lessons, plus coloring and sketching pencils included, it's ready for action right out of the box.
Glitter and Rainbows Book Set is is bursting with rainbow activities for kids, including puzzles, stickers and neon coloring fun. Developed for creative expression, this book set makes the perfect gift for young art enthusiasts. For either independent play or an activity with the whole family, this set will keep kids busy for hours of fun.
Reading Gifts for Young Storytellers
- I Can Read! Subscription is a year-long adventure that builds confident readers one story at a time. Each month brings carefully selected age-appropriate books that match your child's reading level, creating excitement around the mailbox and fostering a love of reading. With engaging characters and captivating stories, it's the perfect addition to story time.
- Book of How to Write Gift Set is a comprehensive resource that teaches kids the fundamentals of creative writing through fun exercises, helpful prompts and step-by-step guidance that makes the writing process feel like play. Perfect for independent exploration or family writing projects, this book empowers children to discover their unique voice and turn their wildest ideas into stories they'll be proud to share.
Affordable Holiday Gifts Under $20: Stocking Stuffers and Small Presents
The little gifts that make big impressions? Here’s some small but mighty ideas.
Hidden Pictures Puzzle Books: Classic Fun That Never Gets Old
- The Hardest Hidden Pictures Book Ever puts young minds to the ultimate test with 80+ mind-bending challenges that will have them searching every corner. This isn’t your typical puzzle book, it’s a serious brain workout that builds concentration and visual perception skills. Perfect for ages 8-12 who've mastered the basics and are ready to prove they can spot even the most cleverly disguised treasures
- Jumbo Book of My First Hidden Pictures introduces the youngest puzzlers to this beloved tradition. Designed specifically for ages 3-6, our biggest collection of beginner-friendly puzzles uses simpler scenes to build confidence and visual scanning skills one delightful discovery at a time. Perfect for quiet moments when little hands need something engaging to do.
Brain-Building Activity Books
- brainPLAY Super Hard Christmas Puzzles delivers the ultimate holiday brain workout with over 75 festive challenges that will have puzzle pros jingling with excitement. From tangled Christmas light mazes to hidden objects at a yeti sweater party, these aren't your average holiday puzzles—they're designed to unleash kids' inner genius while building confidence and critical thinking skills. Perfect for keeping minds sharp during winter break and creating screen-free holiday magic.
- The Highlights Big Book of Activities for Little Kids transforms everyday household items into 200+ adventures that match preschoolers' boundless energy. With 288 pages of games, crafts, recipes, and stories expertly designed by early childhood specialists, it's like having a creativity coach right at your fingertips. Kids develop fine motor skills, critical thinking and social-emotional growth—all disguised as the best kind of family fun time.
Holiday Shopping Tips: How to Choose the Best Christmas Gifts for Kids
Start with their spark. What makes their eyes light up? Science experiments? Art projects? Stories about faraway places? Choose a gift related to their favorite hobby and you’ll get a delightful smile.
Think beyond the moment. The best gifts keep giving long after wrapping paper is recycled. Monthly subscriptions, comprehensive activity books and open-ended creative tools provide months of engagement.
Mix learning with joy. Kids don't want to feel like they're doing homework during playtime. Find a gift that blends education with fun so that kids ask for more.
Consider the whole family. Find activities or toys that invite family participation. These gifts are perfect for creating precious bonding moments during busy holiday seasons.
