Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Kids Toys for Entire Family Fun
When you're searching for the perfect toys for kids, it's important to keep age and interests in mind. The right presents can not only bring joy and delight, but also help support growth and development. Toys that encourage creativity and imagination, as well as those that foster cognitive skills, are key to making holiday memories.
If you're shopping for toddlers, look for toys that will develop their gross motor skills. Running, jumping and rolling around will help them improve their balance, coordination and speed while also boosting self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. For preschoolers and kindergartners, consider gifts that will enhance their fine motor skills. Wooden blocks, magnetic building sets and educational toys that build a child's knowledge of the world are all great options.
Children this age love to show off their growing independence. Consider giving them a new pair of sunglasses or a special binoculars made specifically for kids that will help them explore their outdoor surroundings while gaining confidence in their visual abilities. Reading and identifying bird species are also wonderful activities for a young kid to do while developing their natural curiosity.
Older toddlers and preschoolers are able to focus their attention longer and can understand more complex games and instructions. Gifts that let them express their creative side, like art supplies from brands such as Crayola and painting kits, are an excellent way to engage their minds and stimulate their imaginations. They'll also be able to play simple board games, such as Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders, that can also be played with their parents and siblings to strengthen family bonding.
As a kid becomes a tween and teen, they'll be more interested in exploring their own unique interests. If they're into music, a musical keyboard or guitar will provide them with an immersive musical experience that will keep them engaged for hours. They'll also be more inclined to engage in family games, such as board games or trivia. Having regular family game nights is a great way to strengthen your relationship with your child and set a precedent for when they start to get their own families.
Finding the best toys for kids is easier than ever thanks to the Good Housekeeping Institute's rigorous testing process. Our experts stay on top of the latest toy trends and hot releases, bringing them in for evaluation at our lab. They then send them out to real, appropriate kids to test out and report back on the fun factor. This data is then used to create our comprehensive, age-by-age guides that will help you find the right gifts for every child on your list. Whether you're looking for the latest tech toys or classic favorites with a modern twist, this guide is sure to have the perfect present for any kid in your life.
Kids love to play, but not all toys are created equal. Choosing toys that match a child’s interests and developmental stage can lead to years of fun, while also helping them learn and grow. This Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Kids Toys for Entire Family Fun provides a variety of thoughtful gifts that will delight any kid on your list. From tech toys that foster creativity and learning to classic favorites with a modern twist, these presents are sure to please any child.
Babies and toddlers enjoy toys that help them develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, such as building blocks and jigsaw puzzles. Age-appropriate toys can help a child build self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment as they master new challenges.
Preschoolers and kindergartners often enjoy showing off their physical abilities with toys such as balance bikes, swings and ride-on cars. The Tiny Land kids fort is a perfect gift to encourage their imagination and fort-building skills by allowing them to construct caves, tunnels or rocket ships. They have more developed language skills and longer attention spans than toddlers, so many kids enjoy playing games together with a parent or other adult. Classics like Zingo, Chutes & Ladders and Hungry, Hungry Hippos are a great place to start.
Young children also enjoy creative toys that allow them to use their imagination, such as the Build a Bear Workshop, which lets kids design and create their own stuffed animals. A dollhouse is another ideal gift that encourages a child’s creativity and socialization. And, if a child loves to sing and dance, a portable music player such as the Bonaoke, which pairs with Bluetooth to stream their favorite songs, is sure to be a hit.
Kids of all ages are likely to find a fascination with slime, which is why this National Geographic kit that includes magnetic putty, glow-in-the-dark putty and fluffy putty makes for such a cool gift. This STEM toy is not only fun, but it’s also educational as it comes with a companion guide that explores the science behind this sticky substance.
If a child is a fan of the popular Disney+ show Star Wars Ahsoka Tano, they will love this LEGO set, which allows them to construct a spaceship from the popular series. Alternatively, they can re-enact scenes from the show with this dynamic aircraft carrier playset.
For older kids, a Nintendo Switch gaming console is an excellent option for hours of entertainment that can be enjoyed both at home and on-the-go. And, if they're into arts and crafts, consider this art studio with lights or this deluxe drawing set.