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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Gift Ideas for Kids Under $40
Play Tent
I love that this play tent is neutral and decorations can be added to suit your girl or boy. Plus, twinkle lights make everything magical.
Kiwi Crate
These play kits come in ranges for all ages and can be gifted individually or as a subscription for months of creative playtime.
Bluey Play Set
If your kiddo loves all things Bluey, this play set is a lot of fun. (Our family is kind of obsessed.)
Kids’ Smart Watch
Comes with 15 games, an alarm, pedometer, flashlight, music, habit tracker, time teacher, camera, and parental controls. It’s the perfect “training wheels” for a smart watch.
Bob Books Set
Olivia’s kindergarten teacher highly recommended these books to us, and they work! If you want to give a practical gift, this is a great one.
Our Generation Finley
If you love American Girl dolls but can’t stomach the big price tag, this series is a great alternative with so many cute accessories and furnishings to start a play collection.
Kids’ Digital Camera
If your kiddos love taking pictures but don’t have phones just yet, this is a great idea to foster creative play while allowing them to build real photography skills.
Hover Soccer Ball
A great idea for the cold winter months if your soccer-loving kiddo wants to practice dribbling indoors. It’s almost like playing soccer air hockey.
Simple Modern Kids’ Water Bottle
A cute and practical gift idea your kids will actually use constantly.
The Floor is Lava Game
Our girls love playing this! The best part is it gets them up and moving around rather than being glued to a screen.
Warmies
You can warm these stuffies in the microwave for kiddos to cuddle at bedtime. Their lavender scent promotes relaxation and sleep. It’s become our bedtime routine for our kids to microwave their Warmies before hopping into bed.
Pigeon Books Collection
These books are what got Olivia hooked on reading. Before this series, I tried everything to get her excited about reading books on her own and nothing stuck. Now she’s an avid reader all because she learned to love this series.
Dino Stackers
It’s hard to go wrong with anything dinosaur-related. This set hones fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Magnetic Marble Run
Warning: the engineer kid in your life will go crazy for this (and will probably make a mess with all of the track building from this kit). But that’s a price worth paying for endless creativity.
Astronaut Space Projector
Basically the coolest nightlight ever with soothing aurora effects.
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Splurge-Worthy Gift Ideas for Kids
Creative Forts Glowing Building Set
Building a fort is already fun, but making it glow in the dark is next level. I love the possibilities for encouraging imagination and engineering skills using this set.
KiwiCo Science of Cooking
A modern spin that combines a kid’s cookbook and a science kit. Kids can “cook” to learn about chemical reactions and gastronomy.
Vintage Style Bike With Basket
It seems like a rite of passage to get a bike on Christmas morning. The vintage design of this one is adorable, and the woven basket makes it even more functional.
Toniebox Starter Set
A great alternative to screen entertainment. This audio player works for reading stories, playing music, or education. Just add new characters to go on new adventures. And it requires no Wi-Fi.
Anywhere Sofa Lounger
Love this one for kids’ movie nights or sleepovers! Gift it along with comfy pajamas and movie candy.
Adjustable Roller Skates
They’re a classic, but they’re always a hit. Gift it along with a cute helmet.
Calico Critters Town Manor Set
How sweet is this little play house?!
Nex Playground Game System
Contrary to a typical gaming system, this one promotes movement and physical coordination. It has everything from dance, sports, and fitness to math games and brain teasers.
Kitchen Helper Stool
If your preschooler likes helping you in the kitchen, this is a must-have.
Lil Flyer Ride On Suitcase
This suitcase was a lifesaver for us in airports this year! When you’re juggling your own suitcase, it’s hard to also push your kid in a stroller and carry their bag. This keeps them entertained while making them responsible for their own travel bag.
Petite Versailles Play Kitchen
The most adorable play kitchen ever! Plus, it’s great quality and durable to stand up to rough playing kiddos. (And it’s compact if you don’t have a lot of room.)
Ride-On Bumper Car
These things are an absolute blast! Highly recommend if you have more than 1 child so they can bump into each other. Your kiddos can do the steering or you can take control with the remote.
Kick Scooter
The cutest little scooter to trek all over the neighborhood! It has 3 LED light-up wheels, foldable, and 4 height adjustable to grow with your child.
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.
