With the holidays fast approaching, parents are now getting their shopping lists organized and preparing to start Christmas gift shopping for their kids. Maybe you’ve already started, and you’ve picked up a few items, or perhaps you’re more of a last-minute shopper. Either way, you want to be sure that whatever gifts you pick up for the kids, they love. Here’s a look at eight must-have kids’ gifts that are sure to put a smile on their faces on Christmas morning.
Mr. Potato Head Never Gets Old
Some toys are huge at launch and cause all kinds of commotion but then die off just as quickly. Then some toys are classics yet manage to change with the times and stay relevant. Mr. Potato Head fits into the latter category as it has done a wonderful job at adapting to the current market and offering kids way more choices.
The latest version features a fun makeover in which the potato has a pattern and allows kids to stack pieces. After making the stack then they can have fun adding all kinds of fun and crazy accessories. There are themed Mr. Potato Heads, full families of Potato Heads, and more.
A Set of Walkie-Talkies Can Provide Hours’ Worth of Fun
Looking for a gift that keeps kids entertained? Do you have more than one child? If so, a set of walkie-talkies is a must-have. This is a gift that never grows old, as there is just something so wildly fun for kids as they use these communication devices. Be sure to look for ones with a decent range that are also durable so they can stand up to being dropped. Make sure they can be used indoors and outdoors and are user-friendly.
There’s Just Something So Special About Barbie’s Dreamhouse
If you have a child or children in the house who love playing with Barbie, then the ultimate Christmas morning thrill would be waking up to see Barbie’s Dreamhouse Playset all set up and ready to enjoy. These houses can be almost as tall as the kids, which will thrill them. Look for one with plenty of accessories and working features to add even more thrills.
What Kid Doesn’t Love Lego?
If you’re looking for a universally appealing gift you really can’t go wrong with Lego. This is a toy that spans a wide array of ages and is loved by boys and girls. Lego isn’t just a basic toy, it’s amazing for building imagination, creativity, problem-solving, fine and gross motor skills, and more. Just be sure to purchase sets that are age-appropriate, so they don’t get frustrated by the skill level.
And in case you’re wondering what’s new, trending and popular in the world of Lego, Lego CON is where you’ll find all the details. This is a massive Lego conference that attracts visitors from all over the world.
The conference features vendors, displays, activities, events, meet-ups, build challenges and trivia contests. It could even be something you do with the kids if they are Lego collectors, as you’re bound to make memories and get some great gift ideas. You can check out this blog from Mike Savage New Canaan, CT resident who delves into all the cool features of the conference including the most popular sets.
Speaking of the most popular sets, some of the trending ones for 2022 include:
- Lego Ninjago: Lloyd’s Golden Ultra Dragon
- Lego City: Lego Express Passenger Train
- Lego Harry Potter: Hogwarts Clock Tower
- Lego Disney: Mickey & Friends Castle Defenders
- Lego Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi Jedi Starfighter
Ultimately it comes down to what the child you are purchasing the set for is into, their age and their skill level.
Board Games Are Toys the Whole Family Can Enjoy
While it’s great to give kids toys they can play with, it’s also nice to think in terms of family activities. Board games are something everyone can take part in, and it may even inspire you to set up a weekly game night. This acts as a great excuse to spend time together, have some laughs and try a variety of games.
There are plenty of classic must-play board games, but many have been infused with fun and modern twists. Themed classics are all the rage, such as themed Monopoly, Operation, Guess Who and more. It takes everything you know and love about the board game and infuses a fresh new take into the mix.
Tap into Their Creative Side with Crafting Sets
A hugely popular gift idea for kids is crafting sets. These are convenient in that they come with all the supplies and pieces necessary to complete the crafts, plus kid-friendly instructions. It means you don’t have to search all over town to find the exact right pieces to complete the project. There are crafting sets for just about every category imaginable such as beading, embroidery, making markers, clothing and so forth.
Maybe you love the idea of a project kit, but the traditional crafts wouldn’t appeal to your child. If that’s the case, there are also STEM-themed kits that focus on science and technology where kids are building cool electronics and doing science projects.
Plenty of Cool New Releases in the World of Video Games
Now maybe the kid in your life is a gamer and that’s their “toy” of choice. If that’s the case, a new release or a hot game for 2022 is perfect. The game you pick will largely be based on their age and interests, as well as the console they will be playing on.
Here’s a look at some of the popular video games in 2022, all of which could make a great Christmas gift idea:
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Nintendo Switch
- Horizon Forbidden West: PlayStation 4 and 5
- Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga: PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X
- Rainbow 6 Extraction: PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series S/X and Xbox One
- Elden Ring: PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
- Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves, PlayStation 5
You could actually take the video game idea and make a whole theme out of it, also purchasing trending accessories for gaming. These would be especially popular with teens who tend to do a lot of online gaming. A wireless headset with a microphone could be perfect for their online sessions.
Add to Their Book Collection with Fun New Titles
Whether you’re reading to a young child, or they are old enough to read on their own, building a book collection is very beneficial to kids. Books are perfect stocking stuffers or gifts on their own.
Unsure of what books to purchase? Here are some of the most notable and popular books for kids of a variety of ages:
- The Harry Potter Series
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
- Love You Forever
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
- The Snowy Day
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 1
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- The Cat in the Hat
There are also reading accessories such as a reading light, bookmarks, cute bookends, a reading tent, a reading log, and a comfy reading chair to name a few.
If you’re feeling stressed or stuck on what to buy the kids for Christmas this year, this guide provides you with all kinds of fabulous and fun ideas for kids of all ages. The hardest part will be narrowing down your list and picking just a few. So, there’s nothing holding you back from getting a jumpstart on your shopping now.
