The Best Birthday Gifts for Kids Ages 1-18

I've had the idea for this post for — I'm not kidding — four years. I just wished there was a place that you could go when you needed a gift for a child of any age and get a recommendation. I don't want a hundred recommendations, I just want just a few really good ones. It took us this long to realize that source can and should be us. Why don't we put together a guide for kids ages 1-18 when friends and family ask, "What should I give my daughter/niece/grandson/friend's child for their birthday?"

I love coming up with the perfect gift — it's such a thoughtful way to recognize the occasion. (Raise your hand if your love language is gift-giving!) My girls are a range of ages, but each one still has that magical sparkle in her eye when she gets a birthday present she truly loves. That's the feeling that I want to capture with each and every one of these handpicked gifts for every age.

So whether you're shopping for a 2-year-old boy or a 17-year-old girl, I have the best birthday gifts for kids at every age in this carefully curated round-up. And don't get stuck on the age — feel free to browse a year or two in either direction to see if something might better suit the guest of honor. I hope this is something you save and refer back to anytime you need the best birthday gift for a kiddo in your life!

The Best Birthday Gifts for a 1-Year-Old

Heated Plush Stuffed Animal

Nike Baby Socks

Spinner Toys

The Best Birthday Gifts for a 2-Year-Old

15" Playball

Kids Anywhere Chair

Toy Shopping Cart

The Best Birthday Gifts for a 3-Year-Old

Ride-On Car

Monchhichi Costume Plushie

Art Easel

The Best Birthday Gifts for a 4-Year-Old

Search-and-Find Book

Lite-Brite Toy

Ice Cream Counter

The Best Birthday Gifts for a 5-Year-Old

Kids Echo Dot

Slinky

Waterproof Digital Watch

The Best Birthday Gifts for a 6-Year-Old

Faux-Fur Kitty Hooded Towel

Tree Swing

Walkie Talkies

The Best Birthday Gifts for a 7-Year-Old

Astronaut Helmet

Jump Rope

Smencils

The Best Birthday Gifts for an 8-Year-Old

Air Dry Clay

Electronic Keyboard

Magic 8 Ball

The Best Birthday Gifts for a 9-Year-Old

Checkered Slippers

Stanley 30-oz Tumbler

Kids Go Kart

The Best Birthday Gifts for a 10-Year-Old

Framed Pinboard

LED Strip Lights

Best Jokes Book

The Best Birthday Gifts for an 11-Year-Old

Nylon Skates

Fidget Slug

Bluetooth LED Hat

The Best Birthday Gifts for a 12-Year-Old

Art Pencils Set

Instax Mini

Giant Bean Bag Chair

The Best Birthday Gifts for a 13-Year-Old

Lululemon Belt Bag

Star Projector

CLJ x Lola Lakefront Blanket

The Best Birthday Gifts for a 14-Year-Old

Chuck 70 Vintage Canvas Converse

Hatch Restore 2 Alarm Clock

Electric Scooter

The Best Birthday Gifts for a 15-Year-Old

Mini Fridge

JBL Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Vanity Mirror

The Best Birthday Gifts for a 16-Year-Old

Glossier You Parfum

Paperwhite Kindle

Andar Keychain Wallet

The Best Birthday Gifts for a 17-Year-Old

Brown Bear Fleece Blanket

Popdarts Game Set

Beats Studio Pro Headphones

The Best Birthday Gifts for an 18-Year-Old

CALPAK Ambeur Carry-On

All-in-One Record Player

UGG Monrose Short Robe