I say this every year, but this might be my favorite kid’s gift guide yet. With a newly turned three-year-old and an almost six-year-old, I have a clear sense of what they truly love and play with most. Many items remain on the list because the younger one naturally begins to enjoy toys that belonged to the older child. One item I didn’t include here because it deserves its own feature is LEGO — Max is completely obsessed and builds constantly.
Below are our tried-and-true favorites that have stood up to daily play and delighted both preschool and toddler ages. I’d love to hear what you’d add to the list in the comments.
2020 Kids’ Gift Guide
Magnatiles. Magnetic building tiles remain one of the best toys we own. They encourage creativity, spatial thinking and cooperative play. Max, at six, still builds complex structures and Emilia enjoys creating her own designs. They’re durable, open-ended and great for siblings to play together or independently.
Straw Constructor Set. This quarantine discovery quickly became a household staple. The set keeps kids occupied for long stretches and is easy to pack away in its storage box when playtime ends. It’s a simple, affordable toy that encourages engineering and imaginative play.
Aquabeads. Aquabeads have been a hit for us, especially with Max, who can create designs independently. Emilia is still developing the fine motor skills to play on her own, but this is a wonderful family activity we enjoy together.
Melissa & Doug One Stop Shop. This pretend play shop has been part of our toy collection for years and remains a favorite. It sparks imaginative scenarios, role play and hours of storytelling in our playroom.
Melissa & Doug Pizza Counter. Play food is always popular in our house, and the pizza set stands out as one of the most-beloved items. It’s great for pretend cooking, counting slices and sharing.
LCD Writing Tablets. These are perfect for drawing, practicing letters, or leaving little messages. They’re especially handy for travel, but at home they provide quiet afternoon entertainment as kids draw and challenge us to guess their creations.
Jumbo Coloring Pads. We do a lot of art at home, and jumbo coloring pads are a huge win. One large sheet can entertain a child for 20–30 minutes or more. They work well with crayons, markers or tempera paint and encourage long, focused creativity.
Scoop and Learn Ice Cream Truck. This was a birthday gift for Emilia last year and continues to be a favorite. Both kids love pushing it around and setting up imaginative ice cream shops. It’s interactive, sturdy and fosters cooperative play.
Construction Plate and Utensils. These themed plates and utensils were indispensable during the early years. While Max has outgrown them and Emilia is gradually moving on, they’re still ideal for young eaters who enjoy novelty mealtime items.
Connect 4. As Max grows, our family game nights have become more common. Connect 4 is a simple, strategic game that’s easy for younger kids to join and provides great practice in taking turns and planning ahead.
Hanna Andersson Pajamas. I’ve recommended these pajamas for years. The quality and fit are exceptional, and they hold up wash after wash. They’re a cozy, reliable gift that kids and parents appreciate.
Kid’s Sorel Boots. For families in cold or snowy climates, Sorel kids’ boots are an excellent investment. They’re warm, durable and often last through multiple children if you save them. We get multiple seasons of wear out of a single pair.
Mini Melissa Mary Janes. Emilia has worn Mini Melissa shoes for about two years. They’re comfortable, fun-smelling (kids always notice), and versatile enough for play or dressier outfits. They’re a consistent favorite for little ones.
Hungry Hungry Hippos. This classic game remains a hit because it’s fast-paced and works well for multiple ages. Emilia can easily participate, which makes it a great family pick.
Car Road Tape. This is one of my go-to boredom busters. Lay it down across floors and furniture to create instant roads, race tracks and imaginative play spaces. It’s an easy setup that sparks creative play for hours.
Zara Basic Puffer. We’ve long relied on Patagonia sweaters for outerwear durability, but this Zara puffer surprised us with how warm, stylish and affordable it is. It’s become a go-to coat for colder days and works well for hand-me-downs between siblings.
Kid’s Whale Slippers. Matching slippers are a small joy in our house. Fun, cozy slippers like these whale designs are a simple, cheerful gift that kids love to show off.
My Big Wimmelbooks. These large, detailed scene books are perfect for long car rides or quiet time at home. Like a Where’s Waldo for younger readers, they encourage observation skills and can captivate kids for long stretches.
1000 Things to Eat. Another favorite book in our collection, this title invites curiosity and conversation. Max especially enjoys paging through and naming the foods, which makes it both educational and entertaining.
Jump Rocket Launcher. This outdoor toy provided endless summer fun. It’s lightweight, portable and gives kids a satisfying way to jump and play outdoors. A great option for active play and gross motor development.
Dominoes. Dominoes became a family obsession this year. Watching Max carefully set up long chains only for Emilia to gleefully knock them down is a simple recipe for laughter and learning about cause and effect.
Fleece Robe. A cozy robe is a perennial favorite for holiday gifts. Soft robes and slippers make mornings and bedtime routines feel special and warm.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Puzzle Set. These wooden puzzles have been used across homes and visits to grandparents. They’re durable, engaging for both toddlers and preschoolers, and excellent for fine motor skills and problem solving.
[This is not a sponsored post. Items noted as owned were purchased by me or received from friends and family. A few affiliate links may appear in the original post. Thank you for reading! xo]