When it comes to Christmas gifts for kids, it's a smart move to shop early. Not only will you be able to skip the last-minute stress of realizing the holiday season's most popular toy is out of stock, you'll be able to fully enjoy the Christmas festivities knowing you've secured the presents that will truly impress all the children in your life.
So what's the secret to finding a toy that they'll love to play with? For starters, factor in the child's age, but be aware that while you should absolutely use age ranges on products as a guide, it's important to remember not all kids develop the same way and at the same time. Next, consider their interests and hobbies. Is he into Bluey? Does she love science? Are they a budding artist? Finally, decide if you want to go with a classic — like a tried-and-true board game to add to the family library — or one of the hottest new toys of the season, like a DIY craft kit, an educational STEM toy, or a gift inspired by one of 2023's most popular movies, like Barbie or the Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Our editors did the research to find all the toys, games and more that kids are guaranteed to be adding to their wish lists this year — here, find our top picks for the best Christmas gifts for kids in 2023. And if you're on the hunt for gifts and toys for specific age groups, be sure to explore our gift and toy guides for 1-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, and 8-year-olds, plus our guide to the best gifts for teens.
Kids 7 and up will get a kick out of this brain teaser. They pick a challenge card, follow the setup, then solve it with the remaining pieces. Once they've mastered the 2D challenges, they can move on to the harder 3D ones.
This toy is a great way to distract and calm a fussy toddler. Inside are various objects that kids can find by pushing around the beads inside. An included card helps them focus on finding every last one!
That's right, Furby is back! The popular '90s toy has received a 21st century update, including brighter, fluffier fur and five voice-activated modes and over 600 responses.
Inspired by the recent film, this Hot Wheels Jungle Kingdom race track lets kids launch their car into several stunts, including a broken loop and a waterfall jump!
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For the Aspiring Fashion Designer
Barbie Fashion Plates All-in-One Studio Sketch Design Activity Set
7
For the Aspiring Fashion Designer
Barbie Fashion Plates All-in-One Studio Sketch Design Activity Set
It's officially the Year of Barbie, thanks to the blockbuster movie, which means there's tons of merch options for the Barbie fan in your life. We recommend this updated take on the classic '90s fashion plates for kids that love clothes and drawing.
These days, you can't turn without meeting a kid who's obsessed with Pokemon. As the child in your life collects and trades cards, this binder — which comes with 400 pockets — will come in handy. And if they've already got one, no worries — they can always use another as they grow their collection.
This little robot isn't just cute. He'll help kids learn all about coding! As they input the code, Artie will draw the lines to create a unique piece of art. "I love that it combines art with code to use both the left side (problem solving and math) and right side (art and design) of their brains," one Amazon reviewer wrote.
It's pricey, but it's also one of the most realistic ride-on toys out there. Kids can be just like their favorite mail carrier with this truck that features a mail slot, opening rear door, working headlights, horn, and radio.
In this box set, you'll find eight books on the following "ninja types:" Angry, Inventor, Positive, Lazy, Helpful, Earth, Grumpy, and Kind. Each one is meant to help kids process their feelings. With a growth mindset approach, these books will help little ones ages 4 to 8 solve problems while honing their sense of self.
Created by an actual kid, Kicks by Sammy blankets can be personalized with your child's name. In addition to the Rainbows & Unicorns blanket pictured here, there are dozens of other awesome designs to choose from.
In the latest edition of Rainbocorns, kids can discover over 25 collectible goodies as they help their furry friend feel better. There are three unicorns to collect, and each one comes in an adorable surprise egg.
This craft combines education, entertainment, and creativity. Each kit highlights a woman trailblazer; this one showcases Maria Montessori who was the first woman in Italy to attend medical school. She is perhaps most known for developing the Montessori Method still used in schools across the globe.
This 2-in-1 toy can flip between red and blue cars for double the fun. And parents will rest easy knowing that the soft tires ensure the floors won't be harmed during playtime.
The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute created this book that is filled with 83 hands-on experiments that encourage learning science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun and unique way.
Michelle is the deputy director of the Hearst Lifestyle Group, where she helps oversee multiple brand's strategy efforts on digital. Previously, she was the deputy editor and managing digital editor for Good Housekeeping. She has over 10 years of experience writing and editing lifestyle content.
Ysolt Usigan is a lifestyle writer and editor with 15+ years of experience working in digital media. She has created share-worthy content for publishers Shape, What To Expect, Cafe Mom, TODAY, CBS News, HuffPo, The Bump, Health, Ask Men, and Best Gifts. A working mom of two, her editorial expertise in parenting, shopping, and home are rooted in her everyday life.