Skip to content

Top Navigation

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Food
  • Home
  • Life
  • Health
  • Money
  • Style and Beauty
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Real Simple

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Explore

    Explore

    • How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      Try one of these three easy methods to make sure your ring fits perfectly, every time. Read More
    • Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Keeping foods chilled properly helps them last longer and stay fresher. Sticking to the ideal refrigerator temps can help you avoid potential foodborne illnesses, too. Read More
    • 34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      This list has you covered, no matter how you're feeling. Read More
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    Not all dairy is created equal.
    • Recipes
    • Real Simple Cooking School
    • Cooking Tips & Techniques
    • Shopping and Storing
    • Kitchen Tools and Products
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
    • Decorating
    • Gardening
    • Home Improvement
    • Green Living
    • New Uses for Old Things at Home
    • Quick Fix
    • Real Simple Home
  • Life

    Life

    See All Life
    • Family
    • Entertainment
    • Technology
    • Travel Ideas
    • Career
    • Get It Done
  • Health

    Health

    See All Health
    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Mental health experts explain anhedonia and how you can bounce back from this joyless state of mind.
    • Preventive Health
    • Mental Health
    • Health Coach
    • Crisis Coping
    • Fitness & Exercise
    • Sleep
    • Healthy Eating
    • Well Fed
  • Money

    Money

    See All Money
    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Putting money in the bank is smart, but too much cash savings can actually be a poor use of that money.
    • Money Confidential Podcast
    • Saving Money
    • Money Planning
    • Money Confidential
    • Spending
    • Money Etiquette
    • Invest Better
  • Style and Beauty

    Style and Beauty

    See All Style and Beauty
    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    All you need is a tape measure and a little free time.
    • Clothing
    • Skincare
    • Shoes
    • Hair
    • Clothing Care
    • Makeup
    • Hair Body Face
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining
    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint nights are the new fun way to party together—even when you're far apart.
    • All Holidays
    • Gifts
    • Father's Day
    • Passover
    • Entertaining
    • Home for the Holidays
    • Come Together
    • Hanukkah
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Real Simple
  2. Holidays & Entertaining
  3. Gifts
  4. 30 Creative, Cool Gifts for Kids They're Sure to Love

30 Creative, Cool Gifts for Kids They're Sure to Love

Real Simple Author
By Real Simple Editors Updated July 06, 2022
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
FB Tweet
Best gifts and present ideas for kids - tea set on pink background
Credit: store.moma.org

Looking for something wonderful for your favorite kiddo? Whether your gift recipient has a passion for dinosaurs or adores a good tea party,  these wow-worthy (and kid-approved) gifts for kids will make you the hit of the next holiday, birthday, or other gift-giving occasion.

RELATED: 30 Great Gifts for Teens and Tweens That They're Sure to Appreciate

Start Slideshow

1 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Kids With a Competitive Streak: Lustigt Tag Game

<p>Think paintball at home, but without the mess. The combatants don velcro vests and toss fuzzy balls at each other&mdash;and the first competitor to get all their balls on their competitor's vest wins. (At this price, you might even be able to grab a few more to make it a whole-family activity.) </p>
Credit: Orange and green velcro vests with fuzzy balls to throw at them
$20, ikea.com

Think paintball at home, but without the mess. The combatants don velcro vests and toss fuzzy balls at each other—and the first competitor to get all their balls on their competitor's vest wins. (At this price, you might even be able to grab a few more to make it a whole-family activity.) 

1 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Temporary Tattoo Devotee: Tattly Butterfly Frenzy Tattoos

Brightly colored array of temporary butterfly tattoos
Credit: Urban Outfitters
$10, urbanoutfitters.com

Skip the barely-there basic temporary tats for these artsy (and elegant) picks—the brightly colored butterflies will be the perfect addition to their summer or back-to-school looks. 

2 of 30

3 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Rube Goldberg Machine Maker: Trestle Tracks

Rainbow-hued marble-run building set
From $15, fatbraintoys.com

Get them started on DIY-ing their own fanciful marble run with this clever construction set, which comes with instructions for building a few clever runs before they let loose and build their own. 

3 of 30

Advertisement

4 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Fairy-Tale Fan: Forgotten Fairy Tales of Brave and Brilliant Girls

Image of the cover of forgotten fairy tales of brave and brilliant girls, with illustrations of women
Credit: Maisonette
$20, maisonette.com

Move beyond the Disney princesses yearning for the day their prince will come with these long-forgotten tales of bold heroines who saved the day. 

4 of 30

5 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Bath Aficionado: Jackson the Whale Bath Sponge Box

Jackson the Whale Bath Sponge
Credit: Target.com
$10, target.com

Who says a bath toy can't be cuddly? This super-cute sponge whale is perfect for snuggling in the bath or shower. Put liquid or bar soap in the mouth to start the sudsing fun, and after bath time is done, you can run it through the washing machine and dryer to keep mold and mildew away. 

5 of 30

6 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the World Explorer: Orboot Earth Interactive Globe

Orboot Interactive Globe
Credit: Best Buy
$55, bestbuy.com

An interactive globe lets your kid explore more about the world from home. The globe's companion app lets your child scan the planet and learn fun facts about the cultures and ecosystems on the planet, and play games and go on scavenger hunts around the globe.  

6 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Budding Sculptor: Hey Clay Animal Sculpting Set

Six Colorful Sculpted Animals From Hey Clay
Credit: Fat Brain Toys
$20, fatbraintoys.com

Help your favorite artist-in-training learn the basics of clay work with a Hey Clay set, which includes 3D, simple step-by-step video directions via app to help them make adorable creatures—and then launch out on their own to get creative. The kit includes 18 cans of nontoxic, wheat- and nut-free clay in a rainbow of hues, along with access to the apps for guidance. 

(If animals aren't their thing, there are kits for bugs, birds, dinosaurs, monsters, and aliens, too!)

7 of 30

8 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Paleontologist in Training: T-Rex Play Cape

Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur cape
Credit: Maisonette
$35, maisonette.com

Help a T-Rex fan channel their inner dinosaur with this adorable cozy cape they can pop on to get the fearsome face and teeth. (They also have triceratops, dragons, and dilophosaurus capes, if they favor a different dino.)

8 of 30

9 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For Your Favorite Acrobats: Foamnasium Tumblers

Foamnasium Tumblers
Credit: West Elm
$235, westelm.com

These soft, vinyl-shelled cushions can be repositioned in a number of ways for play—pushed together as a cozy stool for reading, turned with curves up for a climbing surface, or with the curves down to be a rocking chair. There are other pieces and shapes in the collection, so kids can get creative and build forts, obstacle courses, and more. 

9 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Kid Who's Moved Beyond Cranes: Origami: Inspired by Japanese Prints from The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Origami Paper Art Book from the Met Museum
Credit: MetMuseum.org
$20, store.metmuseum.org

This clever book contains 45 colorful origami papers folded into the cover—and instructions for 36 origami pieces, with information and gorgeous photos of the artworks that inspire them. 

10 of 30

11 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Future Pop Star: Hip-Hop Robot Vidiyo Beat Box

Hip Hop Robot LEGO Vidiyo Beat Box
Credit: LEGO.com
$20, lego.com

LEGO's Vidiyo mini-figures let kids create and star in music videos—with their favorite mini-figs in action by their side. The included BeatBits create cool augmented reality effects on their videos, which they can save and share in the safe, kid-friendly app. 

You can add more characters—and elaborate stages—with additional sets, whether they like "K-Pawp" or Punk Pirates. 

11 of 30

12 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Kid Who's Wild About Animals: Elephant Plushie

Elephant Project Kiki Stuffed Animal
Credit: Elephant Project
$45, theelephantproject.com

These sweet elephant plushies are not only fun for kids to play —the proceeds from their purchase go toward supporting elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. 

12 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Kid Who Wants to Have a Ball: DiPP!T Inflatable Ball Pit

Minnidip Inflatable Ball Pit
Credit: Minnidip.com
$199, Minnidip.com

This soft velvet inflatable ball pit is perfect for two to three kids (or one or two adults) to have a ball (500 of them, in fact).  It inflates quickly with a blow dryer set to cool, so you can easily inflate (and then deflate) as the mood strikes. 

13 of 30

14 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Budding Sculptor: Sculpd Pottery Kit

Sculpd Pottery Kit
Credit: Sculpd.com
$65, sculpd.com

Get all the tools you need (including the clay) to create an array of pottery creations—including a sealant to make the air-dried clay waterproof. 

14 of 30

15 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Cutest Little Dumpling: Little Dumpling Booties

Little Dumpling Booties in a Red Box
Credit: Uncommon Goods
$28, uncommongoods.com

For your teeny-tiniest gift recipient, these adorable dumpling-shaped booties will help keep their toes warm and cozy—and the cute red felt steamer box can be a part of their future play kitchen.

15 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Kids Who Always Ask "Are We There Yet?": Chalkboard Laptop

Crate and Kids Chalkboard Laptop
Credit: Crate and Kids
$35, crateandkids.com

This slim-packing wooden chalkboard laptop is the perfect road trip companion. It comes with an indent to hold chalk—and could also be used as a tray to hold snacks or other toys. 

16 of 30

17 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Kid With a Lot of Different Interests: KiwiCrate

Kiwi Crate fish decoration
Credit: KiwiCrate
From $19/month, kiwico.com

Kiwi Crate's monthly subscription boxes work for every age range—from babies to teens—and offer fun ways to work on STEAM skills via crafts, experiments, and other activities. The subscriptions are easily shifted from one interest to another—so they can start out with a Yummy Crate, focused on the science of cooking, and move over to the Atlas Crate, which explores different cultures with crafts. 

17 of 30

18 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Kid Who Dreads Baths: Lush Rainbow

LUSH Rainbow Moldable Soap
Credit: Lush
$15, lushusa.com

This soft, sculptable soap in a rainbow of colors is meant to be played with—and can make bath time a lot more fun for a reluctant bather.

18 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Pre Pre-Med Student: Little Patient

Little Patient Medical Doll
Credit: Uncommon Goods
$55, uncommongoods.com

This cuddly little doll zips open to show the liver, heart and other key organs in their places—along with a model of the skeletal system beneath. It's a great way to show what's inside in a more warm and fuzzy way. 

19 of 30

20 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For a Kid Who Literally Climbs the Walls: Climbing Monkey Rock Climbing Set

Climbing Monkey Climbing Holds
Credit: Amazon.com
$45, amazon.com

Yep, this will take a lot of assembly on the part of Santa, but as long as you have the wall space, setting up a climbing wall at home may just be the most epic kids' gift ever.

20 of 30

21 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Kid Who Wants a Wow-Worthy Place to Make Fake Food: PB Kids Farmhouse Kitchen

PB Kids Farmhouse Kitchen
Credit: PB Kids
$499, pbkids.com

This vintage-inspired play kitchen, crafted of sustainably sourced wood, is built to last, so it'll stand up to whatever your budding chef can dish out.

21 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Kid Who Always Leaves the Play-Doh Out to Dry: Mad Mattr Super-Soft Modelling Dough Compound

Mad Mattr Green Modeling Compound
Credit: Walmart
From $10, walmart.com

Finding a fun molding compound that doesn't dry out or leave a giant mess (we're looking at you, Moon Sand) has been a big challenge. But Mad Mattr might be the perfect compromise—it can be left out without drying, and doesn't crumble or leave a big mess behind.

22 of 30

23 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Future Chef: Melissa + Doug's Cutting Fruit Set

Chopped Fruit Set from Melissa + Doug
Credit: Amazon.com
$21, amazon.com

Upgrade their play kitchen skills with this cool set, featuring an array of fruits and a dull wooden knife they can use to slice and dice between the velcroed pieces. 

23 of 30

24 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For a Lovey Lover: Kind Culture Co. Shine Doll

Best gifts for kids - Kind Culture Co. Shine Doll
Credit: kindcultureco.com
$70, kindcultureco.com

This soft, 18-inch doll has a good message for kids: Be kind. Each Kind Culture Co. doll comes with a kindness kit, packed with tokens for kids to pass around reminding themselves and others to be kind, show gratitude, share love, and more. The doll itself is cute and cuddly, sure, but it's also a sweet reminder to be fair to others.

24 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Kid With a Lot of Questions: Britannica All New Kids' Encyclopedia by Britannica Group

Best gifts and present ideas for kids - Britannica All New Kids’ Encyclopedia by Britannica Group
Credit: amazon.com
$20, amazon.com

This 424-page tome is the perfect gift for any curious kids. Teeming with specially commissioned illustrations and gorgeous photography, the encyclopedia will allow them to explore science, history, and more all from the comfort of home.

25 of 30

26 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Tea Party Host: Birdie Afternoon Tea Stand Set

Best gifts and present ideas for kids - Birdie Afternoon Tea Stand Set
Credit: store.moma.org
$50, store.moma.org

With this adorable playset, kids will be enjoying high tea with the best of them. Encourage them to plan and host tea parties, serve their guests, and sample new treats (perhaps with a little culinary support from their parents), all with a beautiful toy that's more decor than eyesore.

26 of 30

27 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Pint-Sized Gardener: Gardenuity My First Garden

Cool gifts for kids - Gardenuity My First Garden
Credit: thetot.com
$98, thetot.com

Filled with everything little ones need to develop little green thumbs, this kit lets kids nurture vegetables and herbs, even if they don't have a yard to work in. The growbag lets them work on a patio or balcony (or a larger space), and the fully rooted starter plants sets them up for success.

27 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Kid That's Growing Fast: The Play Kit

Gifts for Kids: The Play Kit
Credit: Brian Henn
From $36, lovevery.com

Give a gift that grows with them. Each box of educational books and playthings is tailored to a baby's or toddler's cognitive growth stage.

28 of 30

29 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Future Architect: Areaware Blockitecture Big Apple Building Blocks

Cool gifts for kids - Areaware Blockitecture Big Apple Building Blocks
Credit: gretelhome.com
$150, gretelhome.com

Made from pine wood, this bright building block kit has 74 painted pieces that can be nested and stacked to build towers, homes, parks, and more inspired by the New York City skyline. 

29 of 30

30 of 30

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Street Artist: Rainbow Unicorn Horn Sidewalk Chalk

Rainbow Unicorn Sidewalk Chalk
Credit: tweemade.etsy.com
$17, etsy.com

A whimsical writing instrument for your artistic kid and their creative pals to take to the streets. This trio includes two rainbow horns and one wrapped in gold (but writes white).

30 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Real Simple Editors

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 30 For the Kids With a Competitive Streak: Lustigt Tag Game
    2 of 30 For the Temporary Tattoo Devotee: Tattly Butterfly Frenzy Tattoos
    3 of 30 For the Rube Goldberg Machine Maker: Trestle Tracks
    4 of 30 For the Fairy-Tale Fan: Forgotten Fairy Tales of Brave and Brilliant Girls
    5 of 30 For the Bath Aficionado: Jackson the Whale Bath Sponge Box
    6 of 30 For the World Explorer: Orboot Earth Interactive Globe
    7 of 30 For the Budding Sculptor: Hey Clay Animal Sculpting Set
    8 of 30 For the Paleontologist in Training: T-Rex Play Cape
    9 of 30 For Your Favorite Acrobats: Foamnasium Tumblers
    10 of 30 For the Kid Who's Moved Beyond Cranes: Origami: Inspired by Japanese Prints from The Metropolitan Museum of Art
    11 of 30 For the Future Pop Star: Hip-Hop Robot Vidiyo Beat Box
    12 of 30 For the Kid Who's Wild About Animals: Elephant Plushie
    13 of 30 For the Kid Who Wants to Have a Ball: DiPP!T Inflatable Ball Pit
    14 of 30 For the Budding Sculptor: Sculpd Pottery Kit
    15 of 30 For the Cutest Little Dumpling: Little Dumpling Booties
    16 of 30 For the Kids Who Always Ask "Are We There Yet?": Chalkboard Laptop
    17 of 30 For the Kid With a Lot of Different Interests: KiwiCrate
    18 of 30 For the Kid Who Dreads Baths: Lush Rainbow
    19 of 30 For the Pre Pre-Med Student: Little Patient
    20 of 30 For a Kid Who Literally Climbs the Walls: Climbing Monkey Rock Climbing Set
    21 of 30 For the Kid Who Wants a Wow-Worthy Place to Make Fake Food: PB Kids Farmhouse Kitchen
    22 of 30 For the Kid Who Always Leaves the Play-Doh Out to Dry: Mad Mattr Super-Soft Modelling Dough Compound
    23 of 30 For the Future Chef: Melissa + Doug's Cutting Fruit Set
    24 of 30 For a Lovey Lover: Kind Culture Co. Shine Doll
    25 of 30 For the Kid With a Lot of Questions: Britannica All New Kids' Encyclopedia by Britannica Group
    26 of 30 For the Tea Party Host: Birdie Afternoon Tea Stand Set
    27 of 30 For the Pint-Sized Gardener: Gardenuity My First Garden
    28 of 30 For the Kid That's Growing Fast: The Play Kit
    29 of 30 For the Future Architect: Areaware Blockitecture Big Apple Building Blocks
    30 of 30 For the Street Artist: Rainbow Unicorn Horn Sidewalk Chalk

    Share & More

    Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Real Simple Logo

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithAll products and services featured are selected by our editors. Real Simple may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Real Simple is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Real Simple. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.realsimple.com

    Sign in

    View image

    30 Creative, Cool Gifts for Kids They're Sure to Love
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.