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!
Great ideas! Writing some of these down for Christmas ideas :)
Do you have any go-to birthday gift ideas for friends? I have 4 kids that are invited to bday parties throughout the year so I like to keep a gift basket with a few options >$20
It really depends on the age of the kids! Board/card games are something that usually goes over well.
I love looking through your gift guides for ideas! A suggestion…next year, can you do a guide for Teacher Gifts? Always a struggle to get something thoughtful (and not just a gift card).
Oh thank you! I struggle to find gifts for my 6 and 13 year olds. I feel like we have all of the “usuals” and now I have to really dial in their interests. I can confirm the LED strips are a great gift–for any age!
It’s also refreshing to see a list without Magnatiles on it. I love them, but I need new ideas! Have you seen the Fives Designs tiles? (They’re from Idaho too!) That’s my new go-to building toy (for those of you who still need more blocks, etc. around your house!). My 6yo had them at his school, and insisted that we get some for home. Even my 13yo messes around with them sometimes.
I love this list! I want some of those teen girl gifts haha!
My daughters are 2 and 4, and we have given them several of these items over the years. The ice cream set is a hit! We got it last month for our 2 yr old.
So far the most beloved gift of all has been a mini Yoto that we got for our daughter when she turned 3. She listens to it all day every day. I joined the Yoto Club which pays for itself pretty quickly. I ask for new cards anytime someone asks for a gift idea for her.
We got our daughter the yoto for Christmas!!! She loved it for a few weeks and then went back to her Amazon echo for kids because it has more stories and tells her the weather and time and stuff. But I do think the yoto is adorable.
I can confirm the Spinner Toys have been a HUGE hit with my little guy (18mos).