Creativity in all its forms is exploding now, so gifts that let them explore what they can make–or make happen–are just perfect.
This set is fully kid-powered, so no batteries are required to launch the rockets into orbit; all it takes is some leg power and toddler-sized enthusiasm. The rockets glow in the dark for bonus coolness, and they’re made of foam, so no helmets are necessary for their atmospheric re-entry.
Kiddos can tap their creativity and hone their spatial and fine motor skills while building cubes, pyramids, and towers of all varieties; parents can use these fun, magnetic tiles to try to envision what that kitchen remodel might look like.
For the kid who loves taking things apart and — if mom and dad are lucky — putting them back together, this building set will yield hours of entertainment. The screwdriver/wrench-type tool will help them build a plane, train, or random animal-type creature.
Think of this awesome make-your-own-marble-adventure set as a reward for the kid who’s moved beyond the all-things-shall-go-into-my-mouth stage. (Just so long as said kid didn’t take the all-things-shall-go-into-my-nose detour.)
A giant leap for little humankind! Anyone can wear the NASA tee, but this set is for legit astronauts-to-be only. Tang for everyone!
Every kid loves to channel her inner artist with this classic, light-up peg toy, and rare is the mom who can resist channeling her inner child and joining in the fun. Unlike the old skool version, the modern-day edition includes blinking, pulsing, and random light-flashing modes. Rave on, baby.
No hard hats required here! Whether tractor-obsessed or merely fond of playing with their food, little builders will be so charmed by the bulldozer pusher, fork(lift), and front loader spoon, they’ll forget to complain about the food. Maybe.
Drawing on the walls? SO basic. Budding Picassos will thrill over this double-sided easel, which has a magnetic dry-erase board on one side, chalkboard on the other, and paper roll holder on top. Supplies — including a dry-erase marker and eraser, chalk, paper roll, and magnets — are included. Parents, get ready for some long stretches of quiet time.
Curious Georges can get up close and personal with plants and animals or take that live Paw Patrol experience to the next level with these super user-friendly binocs, which are focus-free and have oversized, comfy eyepieces. Educational Insights also makes a similarly awesome microscope and telescope.
For that mini Chip or Joanna Gaines, check out this sweet dollhouse that comes with Bell Hopscotch Rabbit, a kitchen sink/stove combination (we’re picturing a nice, big island), table and chairs, a bed, and more. And while the cottage does offer a lovely open concept, it really could use some shiplap…
You’ve made it to Lego Junior age, and that means cool sets like this, and that means parents can enjoy hours of guilt-free, my-kids-are-entertaining-themselves-and-maybe-even-learning-something time. (Warning: the same does not apply to regular Legos; it’s understood that *parents* will be the ones putting those together, FYI.)