Gifts for babies and kids

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  2. Gifts for babies and kids
The best gifts for kids help them experience the world in new, exciting ways—and get lots of play over time. We've interviewed a dozen experts and spent hundreds of hours researching and testing toys, games, and other gear to find the best gifts for babies and kids. From building toys for toddlers to bikes and kits for older kids, you’ll find gift recommendations here to fit nearly any budget.
  • Several of our favorite items to include in Easter baskets, including jellybeans, a jump rope, chalk, and a stuffed lamb.

    49 Easter Basket Ideas We Love

    by Jackie Reeve

    Easter falls on March 31 this year. We’ve searched for good-quality gifts to fill a basket, including art supplies, classic toys, spring-themed books, and—of course—the best candy.

  • A selection of the best gifts for families, including a family board games, a cheese making kit, and more.

    The 30 Best Gifts for Families

    by Samantha Schoech

    These thoughtful and engaging gifts for all ages encourage intergenerational bonding—and kick-start loads of fun.

  • An assortment of the best Valentine's Day gifts for kids, including a pink stuffed rabbit, a heart-shaped cookie cutter, and a festive box of chocolates.

    The 30 Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Kids

    by Ellen Lee, Caitlin Giddings, and Wirecutter Staff

    Whether you’re looking for one special gift or a project to complete together, we’ve gathered ideas to help spread the love this Valentine’s Day.

  • A view of the SmartLab Smart Circuits

    The Best Electronics Kits for Kids and Beginners

    by Signe Brewster

    We tested electronics kits with kids ages 7 to 12 and got feedback from parents and makers to find the most engaging ways for kids to learn about electronics.

  • A selection of our favorite stocking stuffers for kids, including an orange, lip balm, chalk, a headlamp, and the SushiGo! card game, arranged on a blue background.

    The 30 Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids

    by Ingrid Skjong and Wirecutter Staff

    Stocking stuffers can be small but meaningful presents. Whether they’re traditional, whimsical, or practical, they add a final touch to gift giving.

  • The 32 Best Gifts for 6-Year-Olds

    by Kelly Glass and Wirecutter Staff

    DIY kits, craft activities, and board games make great gifts for 6-year-olds who are ready to tackle projects and follow more-complicated instructions.

  • Two polaroid cameras resting amongst several scattered Polaroid prints.

    The 22 Best Gifts for 10-Year-Olds

    by Ellen Lee and Wirecutter Staff

    Many 10-year-olds are on the brink of teenage-dom, and value their friendships, independence, and personal passions.

  • Magna-tiles shown assembled in various structures against a blue background.

    The 30 Best Gifts for 4-Year-Olds

    by Kelly Glass, Caitlin Giddings, and Wirecutter Staff

    Toys that encourage building, puzzling, role-playing, and creating will engage curious 4-year-olds.

  • The Learning Resources Smart Snacks Shape-Sorting Cupcakes shown against a pink background.

    The 33 Best Gifts for 3-Year-Olds

    by Caitlin Giddings and Wirecutter Staff

    Open-ended toys that inspire role-playing and beginner board games that encourage cooperation make great gifts for 3-year-olds.

  • A few of our picks for best gifts for two-year-olds, including xylophone blocks, a number train and alphabet cards.

    The 35 Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds

    by Caitlin Giddings and Wirecutter Staff

    Many 2-year-olds are learning to manipulate objects in more-precise ways, so look for toys and gifts that challenge their fine motor skills.

  • A pair of Puro children's over-ear headphones, on a pink background.

    The 32 Best Gifts for 8-Year-Olds

    by Ellen Lee and Wirecutter Staff

    Many 8-year-olds are starting to discover their passions, from sports to STEM activities to the arts.

  • A Lego house with a Lego treehouse beside it.

    The Best Lego Sets for Kids

    by Signe Brewster and Joshua Lyon

    Our kid testers, and their parents, loved these Lego sets.

  • a collection of acrylic paint tubes scattered over a lilac backdrop.

    The 25 Best Gifts for 9-Year-Olds

    by Ellen Lee and Wirecutter Staff

    Many 9-year-olds can take on grown-up activities—like baking and sewing—and use grown-up tools.

  • An assortment of gifts for teens on a blue background.

    The 27 Best Gifts for Teens

    by Ellen Lee and Wirecutter Staff

    As teens near adulthood, they are ready for more-grownup gifts. But they may also appreciate items that help them relax and still feel like a kid.

  • Three kids scooters in blue, green, and black standing next to each other near a wooden step stool with a kids water bottle on it.

    The Best Kids Scooters

    by Katharine Gammon

    We’ve compared 16 kids scooters over the past five years, and we are confident that the popular Micro Maxi Deluxe is a worthwhile investment in longtime fun.

  • A Loog Mini Acoustic Guitar, shown on a blue paper background.

    The 31 Best Gifts for 5-Year-Olds

    by Kelly Glass, Caitlin Giddings, and Wirecutter Staff

    Gifts that tap into art, science, sports, or construction are often great choices for 5-year-olds, since many of them are developing personal interests.

  • A pair of kids playing a board game, smiling at a stack of cards.

    Board Games We Love for Kids and Families

    by Courtney Schley and James Austin

    These games can introduce kids to new genres, help them build skills, and offer provocative and age-appropriate challenges, engaging themes, and distinctive designs.

  • The Grimm’s Spiel und Holz Small Rainbow, shown with its various nesting pieces.

    The 28 Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds

    by Caitlin Giddings and Wirecutter Staff

    Some of the best gifts for 1-year-olds are those that engage kids’ rapidly developing motor skills, sensory exploration, and boundless curiosity.

  • A selection of geodes, cut open and arranged on a bright green background.

    The 28 Best Gifts for 7-Year-Olds

    by Ellen Lee and Wirecutter Staff

    Many 7-year-olds are ready for more challenging games and toys, including puzzles and STEM-related activities.

  • A few of our picks for best gifts for tweens, including ice cream pints, a pineapple neon sign and a pair of sunglasses.

    The 23 Best Gifts for Tweens

    by Ellen Lee and Wirecutter Staff

    Tweens are quickly transforming into young adults, but they can still appreciate gifts that are silly and fun.

  • a child's hands doing a craft involving rubber bands on a blue frame with books on a wooden surface

    The Best Kids Craft Subscription Boxes

    by Jackie Reeve

    After testing 14 craft subscription boxes with nine kids, we recommend the Koala Crate for preschoolers and the Kiwi Crate for early elementary students.

  • Colorful STEM toys on a grey surface.

    Learning Toys and STEM Toys We Love

    by Courtney Schley

    We spent more than 30 hours trying 35 recommendations from experts, educators, and parents to pick the best learning and STEM toys. Here's what we found.

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