The Only Christmas Gifts for Kids’ Guide You'll Need This Holiday Season

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We all love getting ahead of the game when it comes to Valentine's Day shopping. If you're looking to do some early Valentine's Day shopping, just choose a few of these winners from our carefully curated list of Valentine's Day gifts for kids.

I spoke with people on the ground (kids) about what's new, what's wanted, and what's popular, and the answers are telling. Kids are more into role-playing games than ever, thanks to the Dungeons and Dragons movie. And because of the release of the new Barbie movie, Barbie toys continue to be a favorite in all its many iterations. Crafting is seeing a big tick up, with kids wanting tie-dye kits and fun coloring sets. And when it comes to teens, things like Nike Air Force Ones are a hot item they're sure to love.

From imaginative-play toys like the Ada Twist kit that encourage your kids to step away from their screens and get immersed into a new, magical world to classic throwback toys created with an all-new audience in mind, we found all of the toys and games that your kid will want to get their hands on this year. Here are the best Valentine's Day gifts for kids in 2024 that we guarantee they'll love to play with (and will make you wish you were a kid again!).

Ice and Snow Cone Machine

Help your kiddos make shaved ice, snow cones, snowballs, slushies — and margaritas for the parents — with this Hawaiian Shaved Ice machine! It's easy to clean, small enough to fit under your kitchen cabinet and makes the most delicious cold desserts.

More: Kids Want Their Stockings Stuffed With the Coolest Toys

Artie 3000 The Coding Robot

Artie 3000 is a friendly little robot that allows your kids to draw program-specific design patterns using intuitive drag-and-drop software. This gift for kids doesn’t even require Wi-Fi to create super cool designs.

Ultimate Light Board

Make your artwork magical with this light board from Crayola. Your kids will use the markers on this large board to trace and draw, and with the lights, bring their drawings to life.

It comes with six gel markers, and it’s wipe-clean. It does require three AA batteries, which are thankfully included in the box, just in case you forget.

Dreamhouse

Of course this is going to be one of the hottest toys of the year. This Dream House is just like the Dream House/Mojo Dojo Casa House from the movie, with spiral slide, pool, and more.

Premium Basketball

This floral patterned basketball offers a retro twist on the classic basketball. Whether your kid loves playing hoops outside or inside, this is a fun way to spice up a simple gift.

Stealth Strike Big Cat Beast Creato

Moose Toys makes some of the most innovative toys every year — and their unique cauldrons, genie bottles, and crystal balls have all been huge hits. This year, they're getting into a more monstrous angle with the beast lab creator. With this gift, your kids can pour in the ingredients, follow the directions, and then poof! The liquid swirls, lights up, and the beast magically appears — but there's more! That beast goes into beast mode, and you'll have to work to calm him. The best part? You can do it over and over again.

Large Truck Engine Toy

There's something really cool about having the ability to take apart and put an engine back together again, and iPlay, iLearn has figured out how to distill that into the easiest-to-use toy with this truck engine. It comes with the front end of a truck, engine parts, and tools — and kids absolutely love getting to work on it!

Water Marbling Paint for Kids

Even if you've never heard of water marbling, I guarantee your kids have seen videos of people marbling everything from iPhone cases to Nikes. It's a popular art form online, and kids are aching to learn how to do it. Indulge that desire with this all-inclusive kit from CooDo.

Rainbow Set

If you want to have the time of your life with your children and provide hours of indoor active play for everyone, you'll want to get the Stapelstein balance set. Picture playing a game where you get to leap like a frog on a lilypad to a soft foam disk (with a nearly 300-pound weight limit) in any configuration you want.

Words cannot describe how much our testers loved this set. It's fun for playing and jumping, it's fun for stacking, and it's kind of just nice to look at. This is an heirloom-quality toy for sure.

Dollhouse Bath Balm Set

Make bath time magical with this adorable Doll House Bath Balm Set. Aside from providing bubbles and fresh scents, each of the four bath bombs include a tiny doll friend that they can play with in their new dollhouse.

Color & Create Fashion DIY Doll

Get your little fashion-lover's creative juices flowing with the Rainbow High Color and Create doll. Your child can use the washable markers to color the doll's hair, shoes, and clothes, and all that's needed to do it again is to rinse it. It hits all the right spots for little expressives.

12 Pack 84Ft Artificial Ivy Garland with Lights

If you have a near tween, tween, or teen, you've probably already been asked for these. They're lighted ivy garland pieces that kids hang like a curtain.

Every generation has their version of this. Boomers had bead curtains, millennials had inflatable furniture, and Gen Z has a lot of LED.

Space Projector

Planetarium projectors are not all equal. Discovery Mindblown proves that with their Space Projector. On top, it's a space projector, similar to many others. But what makes it stand out is that on the bottom is a viewer with three different sets of slides that project images like planets, the moon, and nebula. This gift for kids doubles as an interactive STEAM experience and a nightlight.

My Art Book of Happiness

My Art Book of Happiness pairs 35 famous pieces of art with read-aloud text so parents can bond with little ones while learning about emotions, feelings, and a bit of art history!

Plush Ultra Soft Bean Bags Chairs for Kids

A right of childhood should be the ability to fling oneself angrily or happily into a bean bag chair and gossip with your friends. I did it, you likely did it, and both of my kids have done it. It's the perfect place to land as a kid in need of a good game or chat sesh.

Search Party: Chaos at the Park

Want to get a little cutthroat on your average school night but in a good way? Buy this game for your kid for Valentine's Day. It's a search game (in 3D!) that has you on missions, working cooperatively through sets of clues to determine what it is exactly that's causing all the chaos.

Classic Bike, Green

Is there any gift more classic than a new bicycle? I don't think so. Strider is one of our favorite bicycles for kids, and this balance model works especially well for new riders who are just learning the ropes of staying on the bike. It's a durable, lightweight balance bike kids love.

Pottery Wheel for Kids

The delight that this brings to children is straight up off the charts. It's a real pottery wheel set that even young children can use and understand. It comes with everything they need to start throwing pots and bowls. And I wouldn't be lying if I told you that I am as into this toy as the kids.

Portable Speaker with Bluetooth

Portable speakers are always a great option for kids. The JBL Go 3 is a great choice for a waterproof, affordable speaker that has a lot of oomph and comes in a bevvy of fun colors.

Goaldozer Electronic Soccer Game

If you want your child to get active indoors, have a ton of fun, and not damage your house, let me introduce you to Goaldozer. The Goal (Dozer) moves around, pushing the ball back to your child and keeps score. It spins around and lights up, making goal noises and encouraging your little one. Best for ages 2 to 5.

Celebration Slime Kit

I've made a ton of slime in the past few years, and this kit is the easiest, best, most-exciting slime kit. It's also the easiest to clean up, as it's reasonably water soluble. Anyone who has tried to get slime out of fabric knows how important that is. Plus, look at all those sparkles that are already contained and not all over your floor!

Magic Tears Talent Babies

Blind and surprise toys are still huge, and they are not all created equally. This one from Cry Babies? Our testers (kids aged 5 through 7) adored them. It's an affordable crying baby doll that cries real tears and comes with six or more surprises.

Big Adventures Metal Detector Mining Truck

This is one of the coolest truck toys I've seen in recent memory. It comes with two different real metal detectors, a rock tumbler, and the truck itself. I couldn't pry this away from my testers.

43-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV with Roku TV

When I polled the teens in my kids' friend groups, smart televisions were one of the gifts that came up over and over again. Alas, they can be cost prohibitive. Thankfully, TCL has several models that are much more affordable but have all the options of pricier models.

My Figures: Rescue Mission

Playmobil is a classic toy, and all the sets are top notch, but this totally customizable rescuer set is special. There's over 1000 customizations kids can make with the pieces given, and of course they all go with the rest of the line.

Space Astronaut Pop Up Tent

Far and away, one of the best-received gifts I've given in the past year, this rocket ship play tunnel is a blast for the kids and a boon for the parents who need a little bit of time to chill out on their own.

It has survived not only the toddlers who play with it, but also their two gigantic Leonberger dog companions (and, TBH, it's hard to tell if the kids or the dogs have more fun on this pop-up tunnel and tent).

RipRider 360 Caster Trike

Imagine the Big Wheels of your childhood, but make it a lot more durable and give it the ability to drift. Great for kids aged 5 and up, this is one of the most-fun ride-on toys you've ever seen. It gives kids so much control over their ride but still gives that element of surprise — just don't forget to grab a helmet to go with it!

Fashion Plates All in One Studio Sketch Design Set

Barbie and all her friends are huge this year with the blockbuster movie's release — but there's more Barbie merch than anyone could handle picking through.

These fashion plates are one of my favorites and one of the best gifts for kids. They’re just like the fashion plates of the ’90s, but updated for Barbie of the twenty-first century. Plus, the pencils are more pigmented, the paper is better, and the outfits are updated.

Weighted Plush Toy

Some days, you just really need a warm hug, but you're all touched out. This happens to kids as well as parents. Bumpas are weighted toys wherein the arms have the weight, and they can cradle you gently and comfortably, giving kids physical, tangible comfort.

Volcano Bean Bag Toss Game for Kids

I got to play this game just last week, and I can tell you that it is really fun. Imagine if you could make cornhole less like a chore and into an actual game you and your kids will want to play — that's this game. Similar properties, 100% more volcanic eruptions of laughter.

CYNC Dynamic Effects LED Smart Light Strip

Believe it or not, kids as young as 5 are obsessed with LED light strips. Having tested several of them, I can tell you Cync by GE is the best by a mile. They're easy to hang with self-stick strips, they're app-controlled, and they have the most light options of any of the LED strips.

Air Force 1 Low

My daughter, my son, and four of their friends ranging in age from 10 to 16, requested these shoes. Admittedly, I also asked for these shoes. They’re trendy, super comfortable, and their classic style helps them never go out of style — proving they’re as popular as they are for good reason.

White Gaming Desk with LED Lights

How do you take something pretty practical that most kids need and make it utterly giftable? It’s simple — just add LED lights. Trust me; you’ll have never seen kids as excited about a new desk as you will if you get them this really cool version. It’s inexpensive, but it isn’t cheap. It has a monitor lift, plenty of space for a keyboard, a headphone hook, and it’s adjustable.

Long Cat Plush Black Body Pillow

Axolotl amphibians are really having a moment right now — kids are super clued into their cuteness and darling personalities. However, not everyone has the space or patience to take care of one. The solution? Axolotl accessories for the win, like this adorable 28-inch long axolotl body pillow. All the cuteness of the animal, none of the risk of it dying.

Spider-Man Miles Morales Big Boys Zip-Up Hoodie

Into the Spiderverse featuring Miles Morales was one of the biggest hits of the summer. My kids went to see it twice! This hoodie is just about as cute as it comes, mirroring Miles’ costume. It's warm and cozy and should be a huge hit for any kid who loves the films.

Heroes and Villains Optimus Prime and Megatron

With the new show coming out, we once again find ourselves in a world awash in all things Transformer. And while the series is woefully Shia LaBeouf-free, it is predicted to be a gigantic hit for kids. This two-toy set is one of the most entertaining gifts I've played with lately!

Mutant Mayhem Pizza Fire Delivery Van by Playmates Toys

Turtle Power! If there’s one thing that’s true about every iteration of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is that the turtles love pizza. The pizza van is a constant in the world, and the kids at toy fairs have been clamoring over it.

Wooden Cool Scoops Ice Creamery Play Food Toy

When I first saw this before it came out, I was smitten. It's one of the highest-quality toys I've seen in a very long time. There are a ton of pieces to this ice cream pretend play toy, and each one more detailed than the last. This is an heirloom-quality toy.

Paint by Numbers Kits for Kids

This gift lets kids their creativity shine with this paint-by-numbers kit. Each area is marked and numbered to match the paint with the coordinating number.

Women’s koola Short Fashion Boot

So a little one in your life wants Uggs, but their feet are still growing, and $200 boots don't make sense? Introducing Koolaburra by Ugg. They're a third the cost, and every bit as comfortable. They're cute, cozy, and they make a great gift for kids.

The Casa Azul Set

I wasn't sure how this toy was going to be received when I first saw it, because it looks a little complicated. Apparently, that was silly of me because the kids who tested this toy out didn't even need instructions — they figured out the flat-pack giant play pieces all on their own.

They used the 25 pieces and joiners to make huts, towers, homes, and even a tunnel that they threaded colored lights through. Translation? It's a win.

OLED Model w/ White Joy-Con

This is the gift that will be just as much for yourself as for your kids. Why, you ask? Because the Nintendo Switch makes for very quiet play, and when your kids go to bed, you can get on there and play Animal Crossing with your friends.

Yes, Tom Nook will try to absolutely con you out of your best produce, but it's worth it.

Tobi Robot Smartwatch

They may not be old enough to get an Apple Watch just yet, but this age-appropriate smartwatch is an educational gift for kids that they'll be thrilled to receive.

It'll help them learn how to tell time and features plenty of games to keep them entertained: a calendar, stopwatch, timer, reminder list, alarm clock, and two built-in cameras for taking funny photos and videos with friends.

Mama Surprise

Quite possibly one of the most ridiculous toys you’ve ever seen, but also one of the most fun. The Little Live Pets Mama Surprise is a guinea pig toy that gives birth three separate times.

This gift for kids has over 20 reactions and sounds that are equally as silly as the actual toy. She comes in her own little enclosure. And you can even brush her hair with her little hairbrush.

As someone who has given birth a few times, I can tell you I’d have loved it if someone would have brushed my hair when I was in labor. It’s just so soothing.

Volcano Expedition Base Camp

This set sells out quickly, and there's no doubt as to why. It takes the genuinely gorgeous and sturdy figurines from Schleich and combines them with an action-packed base camp. It has glowing lava rocks, explosive eruptions that make the ground quake with tremors, and very cool vapors.

On-The-Go Lab, Kids Toys for Ages 3 Up

Wildly popular show and book Ada Twist, Scientist comes alive with her very own science on-the-go kit that looks just like the one from the series.

The carrying case carries the perfect gift for a budding scientist including the case itself, goggles, a beaker, a flask, three test tubes, a removable ruler, a working scale, an eye dropper, a funnel, a double-sided measuring spoon, six experiment cards, and three sticker sheets!! Encouraging STEM learning has never been easier!

Giant Snakes & Ladders Game

Honestly, we don't understand why chutes and ladders didn't have snakes to begin with — I mean, why not snakes?

All kidding aside, playing family board games with your children is a fun way to bond where no one is looking down at a device, and this updated version of the classic game is tons of fun for everyone. It's quick-playing and easy for even really little kids, making it a huge win.

DJ Mix & Spin Studio Musical Toy

Do it for Biz — teach your kids your scratch that board and mix that music! This fun gift will teach your kid the power of being a DJ. Who knows, maybe you'll wake up one day and your kid has overtaken Marshmello, and they're doing a TikTok remix.

Mega Bundle Home

We admit we love this show almost as much as our kids do. It’s actually funny, not just “kid” funny. The characters are so genuine and real, even if they are a family of blue heeler dogs who barbecue. This is a full set with barbecue and their home for under $60.

Don’t Step In It Game — Unicorn Edition

Do your best to avoid the pile of number two (while blindfolded!), and you might be number one. Roll out the game mat and use the spinner to determine how many piles of magic unicorn poo will be placed on the mat. You can laugh, talk, jump, walk, or run as you make your way — but whatever you do, don't step in it.

P.S. This toy's availability fluctuates, so do your best to snag it when you can!

Amazing Science Book

Embrace your child's inner Hank Green with this book from Good Housekeeping. This gift gives instructions for 83 different hands-on S.T.E.A.M.-based science experiments for maximum enjoyment, learning, and discovery for kids ages 8 to 12.

The directions are easy to follow, and most can be done with stuff you already have around the house.

Watch Ya’ Mouth

Get ready to laugh until it hurts this Valentine's Day with Watch Ya’ Mouth.

It’s simple: Do your best to speak out phrases while wearing a cheek retractor. Trust us, you’ve never experienced something so hilarious in your life. Oh, and the kids will love it, too.

And FYI, the mouthpieces are dishwasher-safe.

Paper Mario: The Origami King

If your kid is a self-professed Nintendo Switch expert, it's time to upgrade their gaming with Paper Mario: The Origami King. Evil has unfolded all over the kingdom, and Mario — along with his brand-new partner Olivia — has to battle villains while trying to restore order and save Princess Peach. Is your little gamer up to the challenge?

Rift Rally — Mixed Reality Driving Game

You’ll be interested to know that I tripped over this toy just this morning as my kid was inexplicably playing with it before 7 a.m. — that’s how popular it is in my house. It’s a race car that’s operated through an app that combines reality and virtual reality play.

I get that it’s on the higher end for toys, but given the fact that my kids have been playing with this nonstop for 6 months, I can assure you that it’s worth every penny.

Cookeez Makery Baked Treatz Oven

Have you ever wanted to bake up a new BFF? Moose Toys lets you do just that with the Cookeez Makery. Just mix up the batter, put it in the oven, watch the oven work, and out pops a new, plush best friend. It's simply magical.

Ombré Hair FX Kit

Has your tween been begging you to let her color her hair? Surprise her this Valentine's Day with the Alex Ombré Hair FX kit. To apply, sandwich her hair tips between the pink, purple, or teal clamp, and drag down to color.

And don't worry, Mom — the color washes out the next day.

Lite-Brite Ultimate Classic Retro Toy

Parents, raise your hand if you owned a Lite-Brite or wanted to as a kid. This classic toy will bring back all of the feels when you watch your kiddo play with it.

This throwback toy has gotten a few major upgrades. With a bigger and brighter screen and more pegs, your kiddo will spend hours creating different sparkling designs.

Adventure Rocket

One of the best toys to come out recently from Little Tikes, the Adventure rocket is a true joy for children. Pushing 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, this gift option is completely interactive. It has a telescope, command center, you can look out the porthole and see shooting stars, play with the control panel.

There's just so much to do. Our testers have been wilding out over this one for weeks now — with the 2-year-old practically making camp in it.

Quantum 910X Wireless

In the words of my 15-year-old gamer, "This headset is the best one I've ever had, and I have had so many." (He's not kidding, he's not easy on his equipment.) He says that "The sound is crystal clear, and the mic is loud but doesn't make it sound like I'm breathing into it like Darth Vader." Wise words.

Kids Crayola Clogs

I love Crocs, you love Crocs (probably, I don't know you personally, only that you probably have kids and have therefore jumped on this bandwagon), and kids especially love Crocs. This special edition pair has jibbitz included and is emblazoned with all sorts of Crayola fun on a black background.

City Ultimate Hauler

The Hot Wheels City Ultimate Hauler is a garage and toy all in one. It has toy storage for 20, but when you work the tail, it spits those cars out of the dinosaur's mouth. The dinosaur garage can also sit up and back for more dino fun.

I watched a trio of little boys go hog wild on this toy a few months ago, and I think the squeals are permanently marked on my brain for all eternity — so trust me when I say your kiddo will have a ball with this one.

Classic Creative Building Set

Give the gift of imagination with this Lego set that's loaded with 583 pieces in all different colors. The set includes special pieces like wheels, eyes, windows, and more for the ultimate building experience! Let your little creator's imagination soar by building animals, buildings, vehicles, and other objects with ease.

Bacon and Eggs Long Sleeve Pajamas

Your kids deserve the sweetest, softest pajamas, and those are from Posh Peanut. I have several pairs, and my daughter also has a few — and to be honest, we've come to adore them above all others. They're breathable yet cozy, and the patterns are always a bright and bold choice.

Barbie Barbiecore Bedding

Even if your littles are too little to see the movie, they’re not going to miss the hype! Frankly, I’m a grown woman and it’s appealing to me. This bedding by Franco is affordable, soft, and leans into the Barbiecore vibes with the comforter and sham set.

Kids Portable Screen-Free Bluetooth Travel Speaker

This kid-friendly “smart” speaker is controlled by physical cards that they can scan to play music, audiobooks, podcasts, and even educational activities.

Plus, unlike the Echo Dot Kids Edition, it doesn't have a camera, microphone, or any ads for total safety and security.

Silly Scents Inspiration Art Case

If there's ever a gift for kids that you might want to hijack just for fun, this might be it. The Crayola silly scents smells like nostalgia to us, to our kids, they're new and fun. It's a full 80 pieces in a sturdy carrying case. Literally every child that has played with these has loved them.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: 5-Book Paperback Boxed Set by Rick Riordan

There is no book series quite so beloved in our household, and thus, we have started gifting it to everyone. This set comes with the books and a poster.

This is also one of the more affordable box sets of books out there. Riordan is actually really great at keeping the prices of his and his imprint's books pretty low-priced.

Mini World Magic Mare Stream

Kids who tested this were so amped over all the surprises unveiled in this activity set. The camper van itself is broken up into multiple rooms and comes with a ton of accessories. The whole thing is stored within itself, and overall, there's just a lot of fun packed into a small package.

Kids Portable Screen-Free Bluetooth Travel Speaker

This kid-friendly “smart” speaker is controlled by physical cards that they can scan to play music, audiobooks, podcasts, and even educational activities.

Plus, unlike the Echo Dot Kids Edition, it doesn't have a camera, microphone, or any ads for total safety and security.

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