Finding the perfect present for kids can be tricky, whether you're shopping for a 4-year-old [1] or your favorite teens [2]. You want it to be special and something that resonates with their hobbies. More importantly, you want them to actually use it — which puts some added pressure on you as the gift buyer.
Another obstacle? Shopping for kids who seemingly have everything. What do you get them? In this case, finding an uber-unique gift that will knock their socks off is key. Being thoughtful is what matters most — and having an eye for the uncommon won't hurt. Sometimes, nostalgia and integrating in gifts that you loved as a kid is a great place to start. (And this list has lots of that!)
An added bonus: there are tons of affordable options. Most of the gifts on this list are under $100. We found a range of tech gifts [3], crafts, decor finds, and so much more. These unique gifts will bring a smile to any kid's face — even if you think they already have everything. Keep reading to shop our top gifts for kids ahead.
Best Gifts for Kids
- Best gift for candy-lovers: [3] Thames & Kosmos Rainbow Gummy Candy Lab [4] at $10, originally $20
- Best gift for decorating enthusiasts: [4] Butterfly LED Lights [5] at $14, originally $16
- Best subscription box gift: [5] KiwiCo Kiwi Crate [6] at $24
- Best slime kit gift: [6] Stationery Ice Cream Slime Kit [7] at $27
- Best gift for budding photographers: [7] Anchioo Instant Camera [8] at $30, originally $40
- Best night light gift: [8] Jambo Magma Lamp [9] at $32
- Best gift for LEGO beginners: [10] LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box 10698 Building Set [11] at $34, originally $60
- Best gift for movement-seeking kids: [12] Gotrax KS1 Kids Kick Scooter [13] at $38
- Best gift for aspiring skaters: [13] Metroller Roller Skates [14] at $38, originally $40
- Best gift for future geologists: [15] National Geographic Break Open 5 Jumbo Geodes Earth Science Kit [16] at $40
- Best gift for the kid who likes to be cozy: [16] The Comfy Original Jr for Kids Oversized Sherpa Fleece Wearable Blanket [17] at $43
- Best tasty gift to support healthy growth: [17] Grüns Kids Superfood Gummies [18] at $57
- Best gift for Marvel fans: [19] Echo Dot with Limited Edition Marvel Iron Man Stand [20] at $63, originally $90
- Best gift for crafty kids: [21] Sculpd Home Pottery Kit with Paints [22] at $65
- Best gift for fort-builders: [22] National Geographic Creative Indoor Fort Building Kit [23] at $70
- Best gift for future engineers: [23] MAGNA-TILES Classic 100-Piece Magnetic Construction Set [24] at $84, originally $120
- Best gift for gamers: [24] Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard [25] at $95, originally $200
- Best splurge gift for gamers: [25] PlayStation 5 Console [26] at $630
Thames & Kosmos Rainbow Gummy Candy Lab [27] ($10, originally $20)
This gift is the perfect find for the sweet-toothed little one in your life. The gummy candy lab will provide them with all the necessary ingredients to make their own delicious a rainbow-, unicorn-, and cloud-shaped gummies! Plus, they'll get a scientific lesson on the side as they learn what it takes to work with natural polymers.
Butterfly LED Lights [28] ($14, originally $16)
Kids will love to decorate their room or play area with these colorful Butterfly LED Lights. This set includes 40 PVC butterflies that come with adhesive, so you can stick them anywhere. The colorful LED lights also have blinking modes that you can change to make your butterflies really flutter.
KiwiCo Kiwi Crate [29] ($24)
For kids who love STEM, KiwiCo's Kiwi Crates allow them to build their own interactive projects. You can purchase a monthly subscription for as little as $24 a month or choose to purchase projects a la carte in KiwiCo's store. Our editor tested it out with her 6-year-old and he especially loved the brand's archery set. For more details, read this KiwiCo Kiwi Crate review [30].
Editor Quote: "It turns out that the activities and projects you create are a genuine good time for kids and adults. Our first Kiwi Crate was the archery set, which I built with my 6-year-old. As you can imagine, it was a huge hit. We were delighted with ourselves when we saw that the bow we built functioned seamlessly. Instead of arrows, it comes with balls wrapped in Velcro (phew!), and its accompanying felt board is double-sided. We switched back and forth between playing for points and feeding the googly-eyed monster by shooting into its mouth, which my 6-year-old loved. The thoughtful details that come with the crates — like the handy archery tips, archer glossary, and cut-out prize ribbons that celebrate milestones such as making your first bull's-eye or pulling off an impressive trick shot — make the whole experience feel extra special." — Angela Elias, former contributing shopping editor
Stationery Ice Cream Slime Kit [31] ($27)
Slime has been all the rage for the little ones in our lives and if you want to truly give them a treat, this Stationery Ice Cream Slime Kit is the way to go. Perfect for ages eight to 12, this present comes with everything they need to make colorful butter slime, cloud slime and foam slimes. Plus, the ice cream theme just adds extra fun to the activity.
Anchioo Instant Camera [32] ($30, originally $40)
Kids can start learning photography skills early with this fun Anchioo Instant Camera. It uses thermal paper to print out black-and-white photos instantly. Plus, there are stickers, filters and mirror effects included to expand their creativity. Besides taking pics, it has an MP3 music player and can also print out puzzles and games to keep any kid entertained. It comes with SD storage, so you can also add photos to any digital device.
Jambo Magma Lamp [33] ($32)
You can't get more groovy than a "lava" lamp. This Jambo Magma Lamp is 16 inches tall and spews a colorful "magma" within the lamp that will give any kids room a colorful glow and far-out vibes. It comes in a ton of different fun colorways like red and yellow, purple and orange, green and blue, and more.
LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box 10698 Building Set [34] ($34, originally $60)
For ages four and up, this LEGO set includes eight different types of toy windows and toy doors, two green baseplates, and six toy tires and toy wheel rims, so they can really get creative. There are 790 pieces total in 33 different colors. The possibilities really are endless.
Gotrax KS1 Kids Kick Scooter [35] ($38)
If you're looking for a fun gift for the kid who loves to be outdoors, the Gotrax KS1 Kids Kick Scooter will impress. Available in several different colors, this scooter has LED light-up wheels and adjustable height handlebars so they can continue to use it as they grow. It also has a wide, anti-slip deck, and it's perfect for kids ages two to eight.
Metroller Roller Skates [36] ($38, originally $40)
Roller skating is another activity making a serious comeback with kids, so make sure your little one is on trend with these adjustable roller skates. These are designed for ages 4 and up to adult — so feel free to grab yourself a matching pair. The best part? The wheels light up for style and safety.
National Geographic Break Open 5 Jumbo Geodes Earth Science Kit [37] ($40)
If you're shopping for the kiddo who's showing interest in collecting rocks, this earth science kit will be an incredible treat. With this set, they'll be able to get hands on experience with breaking geodes and uncovering crystals. Plus, the set comes with display stands too so they can proudly showcase their discoveries.
The Comfy Original Jr for Kids Oversized Sherpa Fleece Wearable Blanket [38] ($43)
For the kid who's always parked next to the heater, this ridiculously cozy blanket hoodie will become their weekend uniform. It's oversized, but the ribbed cuffs keep hands comfortably exposed so that it's practical. There's also a huge pocket to keep hands warm.
Grüns Kids Superfood Gummies [39] ($57)
Gifting the kid who has everything vitamins doesn't sound so fun, but when they have a taste of Strawberry Burst, it'll feel like a delicious snack. Just like the adult version, these gummies are packed with 21 essential vitamins and minerals your little ones need for healthy growth. In addition, they help with immune support thanks to zinc and vitamins C and D. It's hard to believe that your children are munching on whole fruits and veggies, antioxidants, and prebiotics when they're happily enjoying these packs, but rest assured, it's true.
Echo Dot with Limited Edition Marvel Iron Man Stand [40] ($63, originally $90)
Marvel fans will freak out by having their very own Jarvis in their room, and this limited edition Echo Dot bundle will do just that. Your little one can ask Amazon's Alexa questions about school work, ask it to set timers and reminders, and so much more.
Sculpd Home Pottery Kit with Paints [41] ($65)
Your kid will love to use their hands and create unique ceramic pottery with this pottery kit. The air-dry clay also comes with a varnish to make it look shiny, as if it actually spent some time in the kiln. In addition, you also get access to pottery video tutorials if you (or your kid) are beginners.
National Geographic Creative Indoor Fort Building Kit [42] ($70)
With this fort-building kit, your kid can use bendable poles, connectors, and clips to create the ultimate hideaway without taking over your dining chairs and couches. The 135-piece kit has everything they need to create a foundation for tents, castles, dome-shaped forts, and whatever their heart desires. Just be sure to supply them with extra blankets and cushions, too.
MAGNA-TILES Classic 100-Piece Magnetic Construction Set [43] ($84, originally $120)
If you have a budding engineer on your hands, nothing will delight them more than a set of MAGNA-TILES. The magnetic shapes can be used as building blocks to form everything from elaborate marble runs to rocket ships and buildings. Our editor purchased this set for her kids and says it's "the most-used gift I've ever bought my kids." For more details, read this MAGNA-TILES Classic 100-Piece Magnetic Construction Set review [44].
Editor Quote: "Depending on his mood, my 4-year-old might surround his wooden barn with a Magna-Tiles gate filled with farm animals or line up Hot Wheels cars on a Magna-Tiles ramp he's built — the possibilities really are endless.
It's so cool to see his own wheels turning as he realizes he can create more of the square shapes he might need by sticking two triangles together or construct a bridge that seems to defy gravity, as long as he builds in beam supports. He recently placed a yellow tile over a blue tile, gleefully discovering that it gave him more green tiles for the dinosaur he was constructing." — Angela Elias, former contributing shopping editor
Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard [45] ($95, originally $200)
Got some gamers in your house? This Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini Gaming Keyboard is a fun gift to make their gaming experience even better thanks to its compact design and gamer-friendly customization features. The best thing about it? The individually backlit keys, which give it more color and pizzazz.
PlayStation 5 Console [46] ($630)
The kid in your life may have everything, but maybe not the PlayStation 5 Console. If they are super into gaming, and have been asking for the coveted PS5 for months, now's your chance to snag one as the ultimate splurge gift. It's got vivid graphics, speedy reaction and processing times, and offers an immersive gaming experience.
— Additional reporting by Angela Elias and Adelaide Giesey
Emily Shiffer [47] is a freelance writer living in Pennsylvania. She is a former online staffer at Men's Health and Prevention magazines who currently contributes content to PS; Women's Health; Runner's World; Shape; Health; Reader's Digest; Eat This, Not That!; Parents; and more.
Angela Elias [48] (she/her) is a former contributing editor for PS Shopping, where she reviewed everything from beauty products to kitchen gadgets, curated can't-miss sales, and created "best of" shopping roundups. Previously, she led the relaunch of Popsugar's Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.
Adelaide Giesey [49] (she/her) is a shopping writer at Popsugar. With over seven years of industry experience, she is an expert in all things beauty and enjoys writing across fashion and lifestyle categories. Prior to PS, she helped shape the beauty verticals at Byrdie, Coveteur, and InStyle.