Master the Holidays With Gifts Curated For Every Type of Kid on Your List

Need a present for a little one who feels right at home on any field, rink, court, or green she sees? Think about gifts that work on the field, as well as off. A perfectly-sized basketball is easier for her to grip, so she'll make the lay-up every time, while a t-ball set will help her learn to make contact with the ball. But bats and balls aren't the only gifts for your little sports enthusiast. Bikes and scooters they can ride to the game are always a hit, not to mention pajamas and robes they can change into when they're ready to kick up their feet after a big win.

If the kids on your list love to draw, build, or create some tunes, capture that creative spirit in the form of a gift that encourages their inventive ways. For toddlers and pre-schoolers, you can't go wrong with a classic Play-Doh set or a suitcase full of LEGO bricks. Both strengthen little ones' fine motor skills and inspire them to play. For more advanced artists and builders, consider a wooden easel, a jewelry making kit, or a bowl painting kit, which can all spark some creativity in kids of every age.

The little foodie in your life will flip for colorful cooking utensils and play kitchens that look just as good, if not better, than the real thing. But it never hurts to spice things up a bit (pun intended!) and think beyond the classics. A food-inspired science kit will have kids concocting tasty scientific treats, while the Cooking Hacks cook book will teach them kitchen shortcuts that they can then show off to mom and dad. And to really step your budding chef's game up a notch, consider a Google Home Voice-Activated Speaker, which also happens to make a great gift for parents. Not only can it provide a playlist to accompany a recipe, it can set a timer to ensure everything comes out of the oven on time, and even read a recipe aloud.

There's no shortage of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) toys designed to encourage children to develop their skills in everything from logic and coding to engineering and math. For the curious learner on your list, you can keep it classic with a telescope or an exploding volcano, or you can hop on the latest fads with a slime-making kit or a glowing terrarium. The ultra-popular Hatichmals have expanded their line to include Hatchimals CollEGGtibles, which allow little ones to "hatch" their babies and then care for them, while a magic science kit encourages kids to become their own wizards while creating magic potions. Whichever path you choose, you're sure to help flex the kids on your list's skills.

For the youngster who loves dressing up, has a knack for design, and is a bonafide social butterfly, treat him or her to stylish gifts that encourage their creativity and vibrant spirit. An instant camera will be an immediate favorite, as they'll love taking photos of their friends, family, and unique outfit creations. Crafts such as a tie dye kit, nail art kit, and spa day beauty set, will allow self expression while leaving them with a fun, tangible item they can proudly wear. And while not all kids enjoy receiving clothing for the holidays, this type of tyke will go nuts over a playful pair of new boots or a colorful pajama set. Of course you can't go wrong with classic favorites like Barbies and LEGOs, and a modern laptop toy will help up their tech skills while entertaining them for hours on end.