Buying gifts for your own child can be hard enough but buying gifts for other children can be a difficult task. This handy gift guide aims to help out with some ideas for any growing child. Whilst the ideas might be applicable to children of many ages, we have aimed this particular gift guide for children aged 5 to 10 years old.
Gift Boards
This article is coupled with one of our new gift idea boards which you can access here. The young child gift guide board, as with all our other gift idea boards, is a great way to get quick inspiration for ideas which you can easily add to your own wish lists.
There are numerous options out there for gift giving and although for some people the best part of buying gift is the choosing, for others it can seem like a daunting task. However, don't worry because we have put together a selection of ideas for the best gifts for young children that are sure to be a hit, ranging from a simple stuffed animal, or stem toys to promote learning and development through play, right through to a play tent for imaginative play. While we strive to cover a broad spectrum of interests, do let us know if you have any other brilliant gift ideas to share. After all, the more options, the merrier!
What are some popular gift choices for young children?
Popular gift choices for young children include books, cars, dolls, games and jigsaw puzzles. Board games often lead to lots of family fun (or arguments!) and activity books can help promote independent activities, with lots of options for kids of all ages. Some age appropriate tech gadgets like a child's smartwatch or a games console such as a Nintendo switch will find their way onto lots of children's wish lists. A subscription box can make a great gift and also provides excitement of receiving a personal mail delivery just for the lucky child.
Have fun choosing because they will be so excited to receive your gift
Young children are at a great age to buy a gift for. They usually already have a number of their own interests but they are also excited and willing to receive surprises, especially because there is so much they just don't know about! Therefore, to put it simply, it's hard to go wrong - that advice should at least put you at ease! Your hardest job is probably going to be selecting something to give or put on their wish list from the vast number of options available.
When choosing a gift, consider items that could compliment other toys or interests they already have. Whether they enjoy reading a particular type of book, or building or playing with a particular toy range, there's possibly something that could add to an existing set that they already have. It maybe that they are enjoying a particular subject at nursery or school, in which case you might be able to find a science kit, stem toy or creative DIY kits, that nurtures their growing interest.
You may remember something from your own childhood that you found particularly fun and that can add a lovely personal touch to the gift as well. Whether you are looking to create a complete wish list for your young child or just choosing a single gift to give, have a browse of the suggestions in the rest of this article and have fun picking out the best gifts - just don't expect the wrapping to stay on for long once you have handed it over because the excitement will be sure to take over!
Why believe what we say?
As well as being wish list experts and creators, within the team we are also parents to children for a range of ages, and so we've experienced birthdays of all ages. With the passing of time we have become very aware of what gifts are currently popular, as well as identifying the classic games and toys are that never go out of fashion. That experience is invaluable when discussing a young children gift guide.
Arts and Craft
Most children love to get involved in some type of craft activity, and there are plenty of options to choose from for different interests (UK based or US based). Craft kits can be a great gift for any child, and they can range in difficulty depending on the age and skill level of the child.
For younger children, simple kits like those for making and decorating a money box or a jewellery box can be perfect. These kits typically come with all the necessary supplies and easy-to-follow instructions, allowing kids to create a functional and personalized item that they can use and cherish.
For those with an interest in visual art, kits that involve making shiny, colourful pictures out of sequins or creating a paint-by-numbers masterpiece are excellent choices. These projects not only engage children creatively but also help develop fine motor skills and concentration. Sequin art kits, for example, can be particularly mesmerizing as children see their artwork come to life with each added sequin.
Older children or those with more advanced skills might enjoy more complex projects like model building, advanced origami kits, or even DIY science and art fusion kits where they can create their own slime or soap. These kits often require more precision and patience, providing a satisfying challenge and a sense of accomplishment upon completion.
In addition to specific craft kits, another great gift idea is to give craft equipment or materials that can be used to top up a child's craft supplies at home. Items such as tissue paper, glue, googly eyes, glitter, and a variety of coloured markers and paints are invaluable for open-ended creative play. These supplies give children the freedom to invent their own projects and masterpieces, fostering their imagination and creativity.
For the eco-conscious, consider kits and materials that emphasize sustainability, such as those that use recycled materials or eco-friendly products. Kits for making recycled paper, creating crafts from natural materials, or upcycling household items into art can teach valuable lessons about sustainability and creativity.
Crafting gifts for young children, whether they are structured kits or loose materials, encourage children to explore their artistic side, develop fine motor skills, and enjoy the process of making something unique with their own hands. These gifts can provide hours of entertainment and the joy of seeing their creative ideas come to life.
Personalised and Custom Gifts for Children
For a unique touch, consider personalised and custom gifts for children. These items add a special flair to traditional presents and show thoughtful consideration. Personalised storybooks with the child as the protagonist or custom-made puzzles with their name can engage them in a fun and interactive way. Customised clothing, such as t-shirts with their favourite characters or personalised jewellery, can make them feel extra special. These one-of-a-kind gifts create lasting memories and are sure to be treasured by the young recipients.
Construction toys and kits
At this young age, a child's knowledge is growing exponentially with all that they are being taught and experiencing around them. Construction toys and kits are excellent tools for harnessing this burgeoning curiosity and intellectual growth. They offer a hands-on approach to learning that can significantly enhance a child's development.
Some long-standing, family-favourite toys such as Lego, K'nex, or Meccano sets encourage a much greater level of control and concentration than the building blocks a child might have experienced as a toddler. These advanced construction toys are designed to challenge children, requiring them to follow more complex instructions and think critically about how pieces fit together. This process helps to develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and problem-solving abilities.
Lego sets, for instance, come in a variety of themes and difficulty levels, from simple starter sets to intricate models of famous landmarks, vehicles, and fictional worlds. Children can start with basic sets and gradually move on to more sophisticated builds as their skills improve. The modular nature of Lego means that sets can be combined, allowing for endless creative possibilities. Children can follow the provided instructions to build the intended models or use their imagination to create unique structures and scenes.
K'nex sets are another fantastic option, known for their versatility and the engineering principles they introduce. These sets often include rods and connectors that can be assembled to create moving parts and complex three-dimensional structures. K'nex can be particularly engaging for children who enjoy building things that move, such as roller coasters, vehicles, and robots. This type of construction play not only entertains but also lays the groundwork for an understanding of basic engineering and mechanics.
Meccano sets, with their metal parts and realistic nuts and bolts, offer a more authentic construction experience. These sets are ideal for older children who are ready to take on more challenging projects. Building with Meccano can teach kids about the principles of mechanics and physics, as they construct working models like cranes, cars, and other machines. The sense of accomplishment that comes from building a functional model is immense and can inspire a lifelong interest in engineering and technology.
Construction toys also help encourage creative ideas and collaborative play. Many sets are designed to be built upon and expanded with additional sets in the future, providing ongoing challenges and opportunities for creativity. For instance, a child might start with a basic Lego City set and later expand their collection with themed sets from Lego Ninjago, Lego Friends, or Lego Technic, each adding new elements and complexities to their play.
Moreover, construction toys foster teamwork and social skills when children build together. They learn to share ideas, negotiate roles, and work towards a common goal, enhancing their communication and cooperation skills.
For parents and caregivers, construction toys offer the added benefit of being educational while keeping children engaged for hours. They are a wonderful way to integrate play with learning, making them an ideal gift choice.
In summary, construction toys like Lego, K'nex, and Meccano are not only fun but also highly beneficial for development and another great addition for a young children gift guide. They provide a platform for creativity, improve fine motor skills, teach problem-solving and engineering principles, and can be continually expanded to keep pace with a child's growing abilities and interests.
Stem and educational toys
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and educational toys are excellent choices for young children aged 5-10, fostering curiosity and a love for learning through engaging and hands-on activities.
Children often love getting messy, and science kits that involve making their own slime or crystals can provide endless fun without requiring too much help from parents. These kits typically include all the necessary ingredients and instructions, allowing kids to safely explore chemical reactions and the properties of different materials. Watching their slime stretch or crystals grow can be both fascinating and educational, introducing basic scientific concepts in a playful and memorable way.
For slightly more advanced projects, kits that enable children to make items such as a potato-powered clock or an exploding volcano are fantastic. These projects often come with all the basic equipment and step-by-step guides, making them accessible even to young children. The amazement and joy that come from seeing a clock powered by a potato or a baking soda volcano erupt are moments of discovery that can ignite a lifelong interest in science and experimentation.
STEM kits also encourage learning in engineering through hands-on experiments and projects. For example, children can build robots or create simple circuits using kits designed to introduce them to the fundamentals of robotics and electronics. Building a robot from scratch or assembling a circuit that lights up a bulb can provide a profound sense of achievement and a deeper understanding of how things work. These activities develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and an understanding of cause and effect.
Puzzles are another excellent tool for enhancing cognitive development and problem-solving skills. Options range from simple wooden puzzles with large pieces for younger children to more complex jigsaw puzzles featuring favourite characters or intricate scenes. Puzzles help improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. Completing a puzzle also teaches patience and perseverance, rewarding children with a sense of accomplishment when they place the final piece.
Interactive globes are a wonderful way to make learning about the world engaging and fun. These globes often come with audio and visual features that provide information about different countries, cultures, and geography. By touching different parts of the globe, children can hear interesting facts and stories about various regions, enhancing their global awareness and curiosity about the world. Interactive globes can also introduce languages, landmarks, and wildlife, making geography an interactive adventure.
What are some educational ideas for gifts for young children?
Educational gift ideas for young children include interactive STEM kits, puzzles, books, building blocks, art supplies, and musical instruments. These gifts not only entertain but also enhance cognitive skills, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and overall development in a fun and engaging way.
Other educational toys that can be incredibly beneficial include:
Math and Coding Games:
Games that teach basic math skills or introductory coding principles through play. These can range from board games that incorporate math challenges to electronic toys that help children learn to code through simple programming tasks.
Microscopes and Telescopes:
Child-friendly microscopes and telescopes can open up the microscopic world and the night sky for young explorers. These tools can spark an interest in biology and astronomy, encouraging children to ask questions and seek answers about the natural world.
Engineering and Construction Sets:
Beyond basic building blocks, sets that allow for more sophisticated engineering tasks, such as constructing bridges, towers, or working models of machines, can be incredibly engaging. Brands like Snap Circuits offer kits that teach electrical engineering concepts in a hands-on manner.
Nature Exploration Kits:
Kits that include tools like magnifying glasses, bug catchers, and plant presses encourage children to explore and learn from the natural environment around them. These kits can promote a love of nature and an understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity.
STEM and educational toys are not only entertaining but also provide significant developmental benefits. They encourage critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world. By making learning interactive and fun, these toys can help lay the foundation for future academic success and a lifelong love of learning. Whether through messy science experiments, intricate puzzles, or interactive globes, these gifts can provide young children with endless opportunities for discovery and growth.
Sensory Toys
Sensory toys are excellent gift options for children aged 5-10 as they provide engaging and stimulating experiences that appeal to the senses, both for little hands and older kids. These toys come in various forms and a range of colors, including squishy toys, fidget spinners, textured balls, and kinetic sand. Sensory toys offer tactile feedback, encouraging children to explore different textures, shapes, and sensations. They can help children develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory processing abilities. Sensory toys also provide a calming effect for children who may be experiencing anxiety or sensory overload. For children with sensory processing differences or special needs, these toys can be particularly beneficial, providing a soothing and therapeutic outlet for sensory exploration and self-regulation. Whether it's squeezing a stress ball, playing with textured fabrics, or moulding kinetic sand, sensory toys offer endless opportunities for discovery, relaxation, and sensory enrichment.
Games
Games are a fantastic gift option for young children aged 5-10, as they combine fun with learning and development, as well as giving the option for the whole family to play together. Classic board games, card games, logic and strategy games, and memory games all offer unique benefits that can enhance a child’s cognitive abilities, social skills, and strategic thinking.
Classic Board Games
Classic board games such as Clue (often marketed as Cluedo outside North America), Monopoly, or Connect 4 are great for family fun and teach strategic thinking and turn-taking. Many of these board games have junior versions available, which are simplified to suit younger players while retaining the core elements that make the original games engaging. For instance, Monopoly Junior features simpler rules and a faster pace, making it easier for young children to grasp and enjoy. Clue Junior provides a more straightforward mystery to solve, with colorful and engaging visuals. These games help children develop critical thinking, planning, and decision-making skills as they navigate the game’s objectives.
Card Games
Card games such as Uno, Go Fish, and Skyjo are easy to learn and play, making them ideal for younger children. These games enhance strategic thinking and number recognition in a competitive and fun way. Uno, for example, teaches children about matching colors and numbers, as well as the importance of anticipating opponents' moves. Go Fish encourages memory and recognition skills as players seek out matching pairs. Skyjo, a newer card game, involves strategic thinking and counting skills as players aim to have the lowest score by the end of the game. These games are portable, making them perfect for travel or quick family game sessions during road trips.
Logic and Strategy Games
Logic and strategy games like Rush Hour and Gravity Maze challenge kids to think critically and solve problems through engaging gameplay. Rush Hour, a traffic-themed puzzle game, requires players to move cars in a specific sequence to free a trapped vehicle, enhancing spatial reasoning and planning skills. Gravity Maze combines a marble run with logic puzzles, where players must strategically place towers to create a path for the marble to reach a target. These games provide a fun and rewarding way to develop logical thinking, perseverance, and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, they often come with multiple difficulty levels, allowing the game to grow with the child’s skills.
Memory Games
Memory games boost cognitive skills by encouraging kids to recall and match pairs. Games like Memory Match, where players flip over cards to find matching pairs, help improve short-term memory and concentration. Another variation is Simon, an electronic game that tests memory and sequencing skills by requiring players to repeat increasingly complex patterns of lights and sounds. These games are not only fun but also crucial for developing attention to detail and improving cognitive functions. They are excellent for solo play or as a quiet group activity, especially for young kids.
Interactive and Educational Board Games
Interactive and educational board games, such as those that incorporate technology or teach specific subjects, are also excellent choices. Games like Osmo use tablets to combine digital and physical play, teaching subjects like math, spelling, and coding through interactive play. Other educational games like Scrabble Junior introduce children to spelling and vocabulary in an enjoyable and competitive setting.
Cooperative Games
Cooperative games, where players work together towards a common goal, can also be a valuable addition to a child’s game collection. Games like Pandemic or Forbidden Island (available in simplified versions for younger kids) teach teamwork, communication, and collective problem-solving. These games emphasize the importance of working together and can help children learn to appreciate the benefits of collaboration over competition.
Overall, games are a versatile and enriching gift choice for young children. They provide entertainment while supporting the development of essential skills such as strategic thinking, memory, logic, and cooperation. Whether through the timeless appeal of classic board games, the quick and engaging nature of card games, the mental challenge of logic and strategy games, or the cognitive boost from memory games, there’s a game for every child’s interest and developmental stage.
Creative Play
Creative play is a vital aspect of childhood development, allowing young children to explore their imaginations and express themselves in various ways.
Musical Instruments
Instruments like keyboards or ukuleles can spark a lifelong love of music, helping kids learn about rhythm, melody, and coordination. Playing a musical instrument enhances fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while fostering an understanding of musical concepts. Keyboards, with their wide range of sounds and notes, teach children about different musical scales and harmony. Ukuleles, being small and manageable, are perfect for young hands and serve as an excellent introduction to string instruments. Learning to play an instrument also boosts memory, concentration, and emotional expression, providing a creative outlet that can be both enjoyable and educational.
Dress-Up Sets
Dress-up sets let kids explore different characters and roles, enhancing their imagination and social skills through role-play. Whether donning a superhero cape, a doctor’s coat, or a princess dress, children can step into various personas and invent scenarios that stimulate their creativity. This type of play supports cognitive development by encouraging problem-solving and storytelling. It also fosters empathy and understanding as children imagine themselves in different situations and roles. Role-playing with peers or family members further enhances social skills, cooperation, and language development, as kids negotiate roles, share ideas, and create dialogues.
Overall, creative play through musical instruments and dress-up sets not only entertains children but also supports their developmental growth, making these gifts both fun and beneficial.
Books and stationery
Books and stationery are timeless gift ideas that cater to young children's growing curiosity and creative minds. As children aged 5-10 develop their reading skills, they can become engrossed in larger books, exploring new worlds and ideas.
Books
Books are a fantastic gift for children of all ages. As a child's reading ability grows, they naturally gravitate towards more complex and engaging stories. Many children develop a fondness for particular book series or authors, making it easy to add to their collection. Series books, such as Harry Potter, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, or Magic Tree House, engage young readers with ongoing stories and familiar characters, fostering a love of reading and anticipation for the next installment.
Books with interactive elements, like flaps to lift, sound buttons to press, or augmented reality features, make reading an immersive experience. These interactive books can captivate children's attention and make the act of reading more engaging and enjoyable. Customisable storybooks, where the child’s name and likeness appear in the story, offer a unique and personal reading experience that can be particularly enchanting for young readers. These personalised books can make children feel special and more connected to the narrative.
Audiobooks are another excellent option, especially for car rides or bedtime. Audiobooks provide engaging storytelling that can enhance listening skills, vocabulary, and imagination. They also allow children to enjoy stories independently, even if they are not yet confident readers.
Stationery
In addition to books, stationery items can be a delightful and practical gift. A set of colorful notebooks, pens, pencils, and art supplies can inspire creativity and support a child's educational journey. Many children enjoy having their own stationery to use for drawing, writing stories, or keeping a journal. Stationery sets that feature popular characters or themes can make writing and drawing even more appealing.
Journals or diaries can encourage children to practice writing and reflect on their day, helping to develop writing skills and emotional expression. Sketchbooks and high-quality art supplies like colored pencils, markers, or watercolor sets can unleash their artistic potential, providing endless hours of creative fun.
Book Tokens
If you are unsure about which specific books a child already has, a book token is a wonderful alternative. There is something particularly special about giving a child the opportunity to choose their own books. A book token allows them to browse through a bookstore and select something that truly captures their interest. This experience can be empowering and can help nurture a lifelong love of reading and exploration.
In summary, books and stationery are versatile and enriching gifts that can significantly contribute to a child's intellectual and creative growth. Whether through the joy of getting lost in a gripping story, the thrill of interactive and personalized books, the convenience of audiobooks, or the creative possibilities offered by a well-stocked stationery set, these gifts can provide children with endless opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
Tech Gadgets
Tablets designed for kids, like the Amazon Fire Kids Edition, come with educational apps, games, and e-books that make learning fun and interactive. Child-friendly smart watches often come with games, cameras, and learning apps, as well as basic functions like telling time and alarms, and in the same vain kids cameras are often durable, easy-to-use cameras designed for children to capture their world, fostering creativity and observation skills.
Remote control cars and other vehicles are exciting and interactive, teaching kids about remote control technology and enhancing hand-eye coordination - but let's be honest, they're are just really fun whatever your age! Robots that kids can program and control (such as Botley or Cozmo) introduce them to the basics of coding and robotics in a playful way.
Comfort and decor
Themed bedding sets featuring popular characters or themes can make bedtime more enjoyable and personalize a child's room as can personalised name decorations which help add a personal touch to their room and make them kids feel special.
Night lights with fun designs or projector features can help children feel comfortable at bedtime and add a decorative touch to their room whilst soft and cuddly plush toys provide comfort and companionship, often becoming cherished bedtime buddies.
Fun and cozy sleeping bags are perfect for sleepovers or camping trips, often featuring favourite characters or fun designs, with a large range of colours and different sizes to suit all tastes and ages.
Outdoor play
Similar to the above theme, you could also consider outdoor toy gifts for young children. Some of these might depend on the time of year for the event you are buying for but all of the ideas are bound to be fun. How about a new football, a swing ball set or possibly a pair of roller-skates Or if it happens to be a warmer time of year, some water-based outdoor toys could be a fun choice, such as a water pistol or some simple water bombs. The obvious other benefit of these gifts is that it encourages your loved ones to be active. If you happen to be away for their birthday these can also double up as great holiday gifts that will get used straight away.
Sporting equipment promotes physical activity and teamwork, whether it's a soccer ball for kicking around the yard or a basketball hoop for practicing shots. Perfect for outdoor fun and exercise, scooters and bicycles help improve balance and coordination while encouraging active play. Flying kites is a delightful way to spend time outdoors, teaching kids about wind and aerodynamics.
Subscription Boxes
Monthly subscription boxes tailored to children’s interests provide new and engaging activities regularly as well as giving them something to look forward to when it gets delivered. There are a wide variety of different subscription boxes available, including arts and crafts, science and engineering kits, book clubs and cookery kits. Kits like these can help little kids build up independence in the tasks they are completing - who knows, maybe they will be making their very own cake pop display for their next party!
Similar to subscription boxes, a subscription to magazines like Highlights or National Geographic Kids can provide ongoing educational entertainment delivered to their door, as well as the excitement of a gift that lasts a long time into the future.
Experiences
Our last suggestion in this guide would be for a ticket to an experience or event. Live entertainment can often be expensive and so a special treat to see a film, a theatre show, a circus or a musical is likely to be really exciting treat for a child. Clearly, make sure you pick something age appropriate and it may even be useful to talk about what you are going to see beforehand, or read the story if that is appropriate, as it can sometimes help relax a child, and be easier for them to follow if they know what is coming up!
Summary: View our curated young children gift guide
To go along with this list we have our next guide in our new feature of dynamic gift guides. The young children gift guide, and all the other gift guides, allow you to get quick inspiration for ideas and you can easily add any of showcased items directly to your own wish lists.
Whatever you decide to give, we're sure that it will be well-loved coming from you. And don't forget to see if they have a Giftwhale list to consult for any specific ideas or themes that they are currently into. Happy shopping!
