Gift Ideas for Kids by Age: 3 to 12 Years Old

The best gift for a child is not the loudest one on the shelf. It is the one they are still playing with a month later.

This guide is organized by age, because a gift that delights a four-year-old bores a ten-year-old. Every section mixes a few classics with something a little unexpected, plus experiences for families who are tired of plastic.

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A Quick Note on Safety

Toys go into mouths, sit next to faces and get played with for hours. For anything with paint, slime, batteries or small parts, buy from sellers who state safety certification for your country (CE in Europe, ASTM in the US) and check the age label. That is why the shop buttons for toys in this guide point to Amazon or local stores rather than bargain marketplaces.

Ages 3 to 5: Build, Pretend, Move

Ages 6 to 9: Curious and Creative

Ages 10 to 12: Almost Teens

Experiences Instead of More Stuff

How to Choose for a Child You Do Not Know Well

• Ask the parents. It is not cheating. They know what the child already has and what is banned in the house.
• Check the age label and the space. A giant toy for a small apartment is a gift for the child and a problem for the parents.
• Avoid noisy toys without an off switch unless you are the parent.
• Books are always safe. Add a note inside the cover.

For the whole family’s list, see our Christmas gift guide. Teens have their own guide: gift ideas for teens.

Parents can create a WishlyBox wishlist for their child, so grandparents, aunts and friends can see what the child really wants and reserve a gift without duplicates. More ideas in our gift guides.