Gift Ideas for Kids

Gift ideas for kids ages 3-9 in STEM toys, pretend play, and creative fun.

One day, I know I’m going to miss Christmas shopping for all of the fun kid things. I’m already seeing this phase slowly slipping past me now that Olivia has become “Santa’s Helper” to keep the magic alive for Regan. (She really enjoys the “eating Santa’s cookies” part of the job.)

Savor all of those giddy Christmas morning squeals while they last, friend, because they really are so special and so fleeting. If you have a kiddo in your life age 3-9 that you feel a little stumped about what to give them, here are a few of my kids’ favorites with a bunch of great finds sprinkled in.

Gift Ideas for Kids Ages 3-9

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Free or Almost Free Gift Ideas for Kids

Make DIY slime or homemade play-dough
Make a coupon book with redemptions like: Good for staying up 30 minutes past bedtime, Good for having breakfast for dinner, Good for getting out of doing chores for a day, Good for one movie night, etc.
Gift day passes to somewhere inexpensive: the park, zoo, bowling alley, mini-golf course, museum, etc.
Visit the thrift store or look through your own closet to create a “Dress Up Trunk” filled with costume items
Make a DIY play tent using painter’s drop cloth and sticks or dowel rods.

See more DIY gift ideas here and cheap gift ideas here.