51 Birthday Gift Ideas for Kids
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51 Birthday Gift Ideas for Kids

Annie Schlecter
By Monique Valeris and Tali Yahalom

If you're running out of clever and affordable ideas, then check out these 50+ thrilling gifts that will delight everyone on your shopping list.

1 of 51 crayonrocks.net

Crayon Rocks

For those who refuse to stay within the lines: nontoxic crayons (made from soybeans!) in super-saturated colors. Bag available in muslin cotton or red velvet.

To buy: $10 for a bag of 16 colors, amazon.com.

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2 of 51 melissaanddoug.com

Car Carrier & Cars Wooden Toy Set

This wooden rig’s lowering ramp is wheely cool.

To buy: $17 for a carrier and four cars, amazon.com.

3 of 51 urbanoutfitters.com

Mustache Bandages

Perfect for boo-boos. And secret agents.

To buy: For a similar product, $6 for 15, go to amazon.com.

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4 of 51 toysrus.com

Backyard Safari Binoculars

Waterproof adjustable-focus binoculars with grown-up magnifying power.

To buy: For a similar product, $16, go to toysrus.com.

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5 of 51 incrediblescience.com

Space Phone

Channel signals from outer space by strumming fingers along the connecting coil to create otherworldly sounds.

To buy: $9, incrediblescience.com.

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6 of 51 weegallery.com

Dino Tattoos

Ink—with a wink. These dinosaurs are endearingly cartoonish.

To buy: $9 for 12, amazon.com.

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7 of 51 geniusbabies.com

Crepe-Paper Flower Kit

Ridiculously easy, ridiculously gorgeous. Sure to brighten any birthday girl’s day.

To buy: This item is currently sold out. A similar product can be found here.

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8 of 51 paper-source.com

Photo Props Kit

For their next Instagram session: 22 disguises-on-a-stick, including everything from nerd glasses to fancy red lips.

To buy: $15, paper-source.com.

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9 of 51 landofnod.com

Cretaceous Collection

The included booklet of fun facts makes these hand-painted figurines roar to life.

To buy: Unfortunately, this product is no longer available, but for a similar item visit nothingbutdinosaurs.com.

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10 of 51 etsy.com

Personalized Vintage-Style Bookplates

So no one will ever again swipe her copy of Ramona Quimby, Age 8.

To buy: $18 for 24, oiseaux.etsy.com.

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11 of 51 amazon.com

Pirate Sword and Shield

This menacing set is made of soft foam, so even an epic sea battle won’t have him saying arrr to the ER.

To buy: For a similar product: $13; amazon.com.

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12 of 51 target.com

Kid Made Modern Block Party Kit

Todd Oldham turns design over to the kids with this set of 15 blank wooden blocks, 20 paints, and two brushes.

To buy: For a similar product: $20; amazon.com.

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13 of 51 barnesandnoble.com

Popville

With each page turn, this impressive pop-up shows how a field grows into a glittering city skyline.


To buy: This item is currently sold out. A similar product can be found here.

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14 of 51 yoyo.com

Balloon Powered Vehicle Set

Ready to blow and go: This set includes two balloon helicopters, two balloon racers, and 31 rocket balloons, plus a pump.

To buy: $14, amazon.com.

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15 of 51 Gentl & Hyers

Surprise Balls

Here’s how it will all unfold: She’ll unwrap the ball piece by crepe-paper piece, then squeal when she finds the tiny toys inside.

To buy: $5 each (includes seven to nine trinkets), etsy.com.

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16 of 51 rei.com

Mirrycle Incredibell Jellibell

The Incredibell Jellibell gives kids a gee-whiz view of its inner workings. Five colors available.

To buy: $10, amazon.com.

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17 of 51 thechalkshop.etsy.com

Ice-Pop Sidewalk Chalk

A sweet treat ideal for scribbling driveway notes: ICE CREAM MAN, STOP HERE.

To buy: This item is currently sold out. A similar product can be found here.

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18 of 51 blueribbongeneralstore.com

Classic-Lit Board Books

Little Master Shakespeare, Little Miss Brontë, and Little Miss Austen in charming, drool-resistant editions.

To buy: $9, amazon.com.

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19 of 51 fatbraintoys.com

Free Play Magnatab

The Etch A Sketch for Generation Z: Kids use the magnetic stylus to pick up beads and create pictures.

To buy: $22, uncommongoods.com.

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20 of 51 dickblick.com

Faber-Castell Red Line Air Dry Modeling Clay

This sparkly, air-dry “glitter dough” feels as if it’s been sprinkled with fairy dust.

To buy: Unfortunately, this item is no longer available.

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21 of 51 landofnod.com

Pick-Up Sticks

A game that, if played until the end, will leave nothing left for clean up.

To buy: $10, amazon.com.

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22 of 51 giggle.com

Zoo Lunchbag

New face at the lunch table? This dinosaur-inspired bag will guard your little one’s favorite snacks.

To buy: Unfortunately, this item is no longer available, but please see buybuybaby.com for similar lunch bags.

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23 of 51 dwellstudio.com

DwellStudio Playtime Party Picnic Set

Pack up the essentials (placemats, punch out food, stickers, napkins) and head to the carpet.

To buy: $15, barnesandnoble.com.

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24 of 51 jcp.com

Classic Alphabets With Cart

Once she knows her ABC's, it’ll be time to take her routine on the road.

To buy: $12, amazon.com.

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25 of 51 momastore.org

Eni Puzzle

For those who grew up loving Rubix, this should be your go-to gift. A stimulating orb that challenges little fingers to line up coordinating colors.

To buy: $17, amazon.com.

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26 of 51 momastore.org

Monster Cubes

Arts and crafts without the glue or tape? Meet the monster—and the modern box-folding techniques—that make this possible.


To buy: Unfortunately, this item is no longer available.

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27 of 51 etsy.com

Pick a Pencil

More than two weeks worth of pencils in bright hues with unpredictable sayings to match your youngster's changing moods. Choose from Oh Happy Day, I’m Kind of a Big Deal, Adventure Awaits, and more.

To buy: $15 for 12, etsy.com.

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28 of 51 apartment48.com

Tin Globe Bank

For the saver who is dreaming of traveling (or taking on) the world.

To buy: For a similar product: $25; amazon.com.

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29 of 51 landsend.com

Girls’ Bow Belt

This belt/bow combo will make for cheery accessorizing on any day of the week.

To buy: For a similar product, $3; amazon.com.

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30 of 51 garnethill.com

Personalized Notebook

Taking notes with supplies he can really call his own.

To buy: For a similar product: $5; potterybarnkids.com.

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31 of 51 ikea.com

EKORRE

New walker in the house? Steady those wobbly feet with a push toy that’s made for little legs.

To buy: For a similar product: $25; ikea.com.

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32 of 51 moolka.com

Captain Charlie Hat and Beard

Beware: There’s a pirate in your playroom. It needn’t be Halloween for kids to dress in creative diguises.

To buy: For a similar product: $17; amazon.com.

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33 of 51 booninc.com

Bubbles

The best part about this set of bathtime bubbles? They'll stick around. A colorful assortment of suction cup toys for popping on tub edges—or bathing buddies.


To buy: For a similar product: $13; amazon.com.

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34 of 51 fatbraintoys.com

Sensory Balance Toy

Assorted shapes and an arc-like base makes this the ultimate balancing act.

To buy: Unfortunately, this product is no longer available.

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35 of 51 oompa.com

Dancing Alligator

An eco-friendly traveling companion for the little guy who started taking those first few steps.

To buy: $18; amazon.com.

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36 of 51 babyearth.com

Draw and Splash Crayons

This set of six non-toxic crayons arrives nestled inside a sponge-like fish so Picasso can create while getting a rub-a-dub-dub.

To buy: $15, amazon.com.

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37 of 51 babyscholars.com

Nest and Stack Buckets

Multicolored buckets that can stack up to three feet tall.

To buy: $31, amazon.com.

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38 of 51 greentoys.com

Green Toys Planting Kit

Let her watch her garden grow: A starter kit for the kid with the green thumb, which includes a recycled plastic pot, organic sunflower seeds, and easy to follow planting instructions.

To buy: For a similar product: $13; amazon.com.

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39 of 51 amazon.com

Fish Stix

Every good fisherman has a foolproof strategy. This family-friendly game involves matching colors, moving spaces, and counting fish.

To buy: $16, amazon.com.

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40 of 51 jcrew.com

Boys’ Double Stripe Bow Tie

Just like Dad's stylish duds: Add tangerine and turquoise stripes to the little man's ensemble.

To buy: For a similar product, $15, go to macys.com.

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41 of 51 rompstore.com

Adventure Raft

Made of real tree branches, this raft can handle rolling on roads and floating down rivers (or in soapy bath waters).

To buy: $18, rompstore.com.

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42 of 51 buildingblockstoys.com

Assorted Hexbug Nano

Spotted: Unexpected creatures crawling around the sandbox. Little diggers will be delighted to find this colorful assortment of battery operated bugs that respond to both touch and sound.

To buy: $8, buildingblockstoys.com.

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43 of 51 yoyo.com

John Deere Fishing Pole

Go fishing without heading outdoors. This set comes with magnetic fish and an extendable rod that has sound effects of water splashing.

To buy: $18, amazon.com.

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44 of 51 mannyandsimon.com

Manny and Simon Monkey Hat

Let your little monkey show off his nickname on his forehead. This adorable hand-screened printed cap comes in assorted animal designs.

To buy: Unfortunately, this product is no longer available.

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45 of 51 pureplaykids.com

Felt Mail Letters to Grandparents Set

This soft and fuzzy set includes the ingredients (envelopes, stamps, address labels, messages) for teaching littles ones the importance of staying in touch.

To buy: For a similar product: $40; uncommongoods.com.

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46 of 51 jcrew.com

Girls’ Moon-Dot Knee Highs

Cruise into school with just-to-the-knee-high socks sprinkled with bold and bright oversized dots.

To buy: For a similar product, $13, go to jcrew.com.

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47 of 51 landofnod.com

All the Colors of the Markers

If ROYGBIV is a common term in your home, then this carryall, complete with 60 washable drawing tools, is exactly what your budding artist needs.

To buy: For a similar product: $12; target.com.

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48 of 51 store.americangirl.com

Starry Styling Kit

For the little lady who loves to give her doll a new 'do, this easy-to-tote pouch comes with all of the necessary primping tools claw clips, hairbands, elastics, and more.

 

To buy: $16, amazon.com.

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49 of 51 blueribbongeneralstore.net

Friendship Bracelet Kit

This kit, which includes 12 colored yarns, colored safety pins, and instruction booklet for creating five designs, will keep her fingers busy for hours. Proof will be on her well-accessorized wrists.

 

To buy: $10, amazon.com.

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50 of 51 shopkitson.com

Shaving in the Tub

He may not have Dad's facial hair, but he'll have his grooming tools (comb, shaving brush, play razor) for starting a regular morning routine.

 

To buy: $18, amazon.com.

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51 of 51 etsy.com

Custom Initial Superhero Cape

Move over, Batman and Robin. There's a superhero in your home and he finally has the cape to prove it.

 

To buy: For a similar product, $13, go to etsy.com.

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