Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids

As a mom of four, I’ve celebrated a lot of birthdays and Christmases over the years. We’ve gone through every trend, every phase, and every toy mountain. I’ve learned what gifts actually get used, what holds attention past the first five minutes, and what ends up in the donate pile a month later.

Let’s just say: I don’t love plush toys, and we’ve already got more than enough typical toys. That’s why I put together this list of Christmas gift ideas that are creative, engaging, and—most importantly—loved by my kids. These are gifts that encourage hands-on fun, creativity, and learning. If you’re looking for the best (non toxic) toys and games in general, check out my full list here. But if you’re looking for something a little more unique or inspiring, this list is for you.

{This post contains affiliate Amazon links. That means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you choose to make a purchase through one of these links. I only recommend products I genuinely love, have personally used, or have thoroughly researched and would confidently use for my own family.}

Gift Ideas My Kids Actually Loved

DIY Glass Mosaic Tiles for Crafts
This was such a hit for creative afternoons! We made coasters, picture frames, and even decorated flower pots. The colors are vibrant, and it makes kids feel like real artists.
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DIY Electronic Snap Circuits Projects
These are incredible for introducing kids to the basics of electronics—without any soldering or frustration. My kids built alarms, light-up fans, and sound machines, all by snapping pieces together. It feels like LEGO meets real science, and it’s been one of the most-used kits in our home.
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Sand Painting Light Box
This one is just magical. It lights up and gives such a soothing sensory experience while also letting them “paint” with sand. It’s a favorite quiet-time activity around here.
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Sealing Wax Kit
Great for older kids who love vintage-style crafts. My son loved using the wax and stamps to seal secret letters to siblings and cousins. It felt like stepping back in time and added a dramatic flair to simple handwritten notes.
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Wood Burning Kit
One of our most-loved gifts for tweens and teens who like art with a bit of edge. Always supervise, but this opens up a whole world of personalized wood projects—name signs, coasters, gift tags. My kids felt like pros after the first try.
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Friendship Bracelet Making Kit
A classic for a reason. They’ve made bracelets for friends, siblings, and even their teachers. It keeps hands busy and encourages thoughtful gift-giving.
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Shashibo Shape Shifting Box
This one is hard to explain, but everyone fights over it. It’s part puzzle, part fidget, and endlessly satisfying to fold and reshape. Great for older kids and even adults.
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National Geographic Break Open 10 Premium Geodes
Smashing rocks to find crystals? Yes, please. This one was a blast—literally—and my kids still talk about which geode had the coolest center.
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Rainbow Scratch Paper Art
One of those simple but magical gifts. Scratch with the wooden stylus to reveal bright rainbow colors underneath. Great for quick art, notes, or homemade cards.
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Diamond Art Kits
If you haven’t tried diamond art yet, it’s so calming and addictive. These kits are a hit in our house during cold afternoons or family quiet time. Everyone gets a turn, and the finished art feels so rewarding.
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DIY Diamond Art Bookmarks
Such a fun project, especially for readers. My kids loved making and gifting these to grandparents and cousins. Easy enough for younger ones to try, too.
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DIY Crafting and Sewing Set (Felt Kit)
Perfect for crafty kids who like to make things with their hands. My girls spent hours stitching little animals and ornaments. It’s a great starter kit that teaches patience and basic sewing skills without being too hard or frustrating.
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LED Light-Up Terrarium Kit
It’s like a nightlight and a mini ecosystem in one. My kids loved building their own glowing garden with layers of soil, sand, and tiny decorations. Watching the plants grow and turning on the light at bedtime made it feel magical—and they were so proud of something they created themselves.
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Bath Bomb & Soap Making Kit
This kit is such a fun combination of science and creativity. My kids loved mixing scents, colors, and molds to create their own bath bombs and soaps. It’s hands-on and practical—and they were so proud to use (or gift!) what they made.
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Mechanical Wooden Puzzle Kits
These are like 3D puzzles for older kids or tweens who love building. No glue or batteries—just intricate laser-cut wooden pieces that snap together to form working clocks, vehicles, or moving models. The finished product looks impressive on a shelf, too.
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Origami Kit
A simple and quiet gift that encourages focus and creativity. My kids loved folding animals, flowers, and shapes—then decorating their rooms with them. It’s screen-free fun that builds fine motor skills and patience.
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Solar Robot Building Kit (STEM)
This kit lets kids build robots that actually move using solar power! It teaches engineering and renewable energy in the coolest way. We built a walking dog and a solar boat—super fun and surprisingly sturdy.
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Calligraphy Pens Set
Great for older kids or teens who love journaling or art. This set helped my kids experiment with hand lettering, decorative writing, and even making fancy cards. It's both artistic and calming.
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Make Your Own Comic Book Kit
For the storytellers and doodlers—this kit guides kids through creating their very own comic book from scratch. My son spent days working on characters, dialogue, and illustrations. It makes them feel like real authors.
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Leather Crafting Kit for Beginners
A unique and satisfying project for tweens and teens. This kit comes with real leather and tools to make keychains, wallets, or bracelets. My older kids loved learning to punch holes, stitch, and create something long-lasting.
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Snap Circuits (Various Sets)
A fantastic intro to electronics and circuitry. Kids can build over 100 working projects with real snap-together components—no tools or soldering required. Ideal for curious minds who love to build and tinker.
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DIY Suncatchers
Color and create beautiful window art that glows in the sunlight. Great for artistic kids who love decorating their space and working with bright colors.
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DIY Wind Chime Kits
Paint and assemble your own musical wind chimes! A hands-on, multi-sensory project that combines painting, design, and sound—perfect for a weekend craft.
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Kaleidoscope Kit
Kids build their own kaleidoscope using mirrors, beads, and lenses. It’s a STEM activity and art project in one—resulting in a mesmerizing toy that they made themselves.
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Crochet Kit for Beginners
A gentle, relaxing introduction to fiber arts. Includes everything a beginner needs to learn to crochet a small animal or shape. Encourages focus, creativity, and fine motor skills.
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Flower Press Kit
Collect and preserve flowers and leaves to use in art, bookmarks, or cards. A beautiful gift for nature lovers who enjoy slow, seasonal crafts.
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DIY String Art Kit
Create eye-catching designs by wrapping colorful string around nails in a wooden board. Choose from patterns like animals, hearts, or initials—great for decorating bedrooms.
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Epoxy Resin Kits
For older kids or teens—these kits let them mix, pour, and mold shiny resin into keychains, charms, and more. Teaches patience and the basics of working with resin safely.
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Bonsai Starter Kit
Grow a miniature tree from seed and learn how to care for it over time. A meditative gift that promotes responsibility and connection with nature.
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Candle Making Kit
Let kids design their own candles with different scents, colors, and molds. It’s science, creativity, and sensory fun all in one—and they can gift or use what they make!
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Wood Carving Kit
For older kids and teens ready for something hands-on. Comes with safety tools and soft wood blocks to carve simple animals, spoons, or figures.
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Punch Needle Kits
A calming craft where kids “punch” yarn into fabric to create colorful textured designs. Easier than traditional embroidery and very satisfying.
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Loom Bands Kit
A modern spin on friendship bracelets! This kit includes hundreds of colorful rubber bands and tools to weave keychains, rings, and more.
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Make Your Own Mini Erasers Toy
A fun combo of sculpting and baking. Kids use special clay to mold their own erasers (think tacos, pandas, or donuts), then bake them to use or trade.
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Watercolor Pens
Mess-free painting with vivid brush-tip pens. Easy to control and great for beginners who want to explore watercolor techniques without drips and spills.
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Watercolor Painting Set – Shimmer Metallic
Add sparkle and shine to any painting. This metallic watercolor palette brings magic to art time and is especially popular with fairy or fantasy fans.
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Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids

Gift Ideas My Kids Actually Loved

These are the games and toys that we are gifting them this year

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