Ask parents which presents were still being played with two months after Christmas and the answers are remarkably consistent: bricks, tiles, craft kits, dressing-up sets and anything with wheels. Toys that perform a single trick are abandoned once the trick is familiar.
This guide is organised by age, because what suits a toddler is a hazard for a baby and a bore for a ten-year-old. Jump to the age you need.
How we chose
Each idea had to be open-ended, sturdy enough to survive real play and appropriate for the age group, including on safety. In the United States, toys should meet the ASTM F963 safety standard, and the age grade on the box is a safety rating as much as a guide to interest. More on how we choose gifts.
Price guide: $ is under $25, $$ is $25 to $75, $$$ is over $75.
Ages 0 to 2
A wooden stacking and sorting toy
What to check: Pieces too large to fit in a mouth, and a non-toxic, water-based finish.
Check price on AmazonA busy board
What to check: Every element stitched down firmly. Nothing should be able to detach.
Check price on AmazonA set of board books
What to check: Thick board pages with rounded corners, and only a few words per page.
Check price on AmazonAges 3 to 5
Magnetic building tiles
What to check: Riveted or welded seams that keep the magnets sealed inside, and a set of 60 pieces or more.
Check price on AmazonA balance bike
What to check: Seat height against the child's inside leg. Both feet should rest flat on the ground. Add a helmet.
Check price on AmazonA doctor play set
What to check: Age grade of three and up. These sets include small pieces.
Check price on AmazonAges 6 to 8
A LEGO Classic brick box
What to check: Piece count for the price. A large mixed box gives far more play than a small licensed set.
Check price on AmazonA set of walkie-talkies
What to check: Rechargeable batteries and a simple push-to-talk button. Real range is far shorter than the box claims.
Check price on AmazonA bracelet-making kit
What to check: A storage case with compartments, or the beads will be under the sofa within a week.
Check price on AmazonAges 9 to 12
An electronics kit
What to check: The number of projects in the manual and whether the batteries are included.
Check price on AmazonA family strategy board game
What to check: Playing time under an hour and a player count that fits your family.
Check price on AmazonAn instant camera
What to check: Film is sold separately in packs of ten shots. Add two packs so it can be used on the day.
Check price on AmazonHow to choose the right gift for a child
- Find the current obsession, then pick the open-ended version. For a child who loves animals, a set to build a zoo outlasts a single plastic animal.
- Add to what they own. More bricks or more tiles are never wasted.
- Read the age grade as a safety label. It reflects small parts and magnets as much as difficulty.
- Remember the extras. Batteries, film and a helmet decide whether a gift can be used on Christmas morning.
Buying for the grown-ups as well? See our Christmas gifts for him and Christmas gifts for her.
Common questions
What are the best Christmas gifts for kids who already have lots of toys?
Add to what they already own with more bricks or tiles, or choose something that gets used up, such as craft kits and camera film. Experiences, like a day out, also add no clutter.
How many Christmas presents should a child get?
There is no rule. Many families use a simple pattern of four: something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.
When do popular toys sell out before Christmas?
The most wanted toys of the year often run short from late November. If a child has asked for one specific thing, buy it as soon as you see it in stock.
What toys are unsafe for children under three?
Avoid anything with small parts, loose magnets or accessible button batteries, all of which are dangerous if swallowed. Choose toys graded for the child’s age and check that battery covers are held shut with a screw.