25 Best Toys and Gifts for Kids in 2025
July 22, 2025
Overview
Looking for the ultimate gift to spark joy in a child's eyes? This guide curates the 25 best toys and gifts for kids in 2025, ensuring you find the perfect present for every age and interest. From educational games to creative kits and the hottest new toys, we've hand-picked a selection that guarantees smiles and hours of fun. Whether you're shopping for a birthday, holiday, or just because, discover top-rated gifts that kids will adore.
Senior Editor
Our top picks
The Best Educational Toys for Curious Minds: LEGO SPIKE Prime Set, $399.95
The Most Creative Gifts for Budding Artists: Super Art Set (80 Pieces), $9.05
The Best Outdoor Play Toys for Adventurous Kids: Micro Maxi LED Scooter, $179.99
The Coolest Tech Toys for Future Innovators: KaeKid Interactive Robot Toy, $29.50
The Best Classic Toy for Timeless Fun: See & Spell by Melissa & Doug, $20.89
The Best Interactive Books for Young Readers: Crayola Tracing Pad, $29.89
The Most Engaging Outdoor Game for Parties: NERF Agility Blaster, $4.42
Best Educational Toys for Curious Minds
Inspire learning and fun with these interactive and engaging educational toys and games.
Botley 2.0 Coding Robot
$79.99
Botley 2.0 Coding Robot is an engaging way for kids aged 3-5 to dive into screen-free STEM play! This adorable robot teaches programming basics, making learning fun and accessible. However, during our review, some users experienced Botley intermittently ceasing to respond, causing frustration. To avoid interfering signals when using multiple robots, ensure some spacing. Overall, Botley opens a world of educational play, though attention to technical details is key.
The Good
• Botley 2.0 offers screen-free coding, allowing children to learn programming fundamentals without the need for a computer or tablet.
The Bad
• Some users report that Botley 2.0 stops responding after a few uses, leading to frustration and disappointment.
• The robot's remote control operates on the same frequency, causing interference when multiple units are used simultaneously.
Age Recommendation: 3-5 years / Educational Value: STEM / Material Quality: Plastic / Safety Certifications: ASTM,EN71,CE,Non-toxic
ThinkFun Gravity Maze
$19.58
ThinkFun Gravity Maze delivers a brain-boosting experience with 60 increasing challenges that captivate children aged 6-8. Ideal for developing problem-solving skills, the durable materials ensure long-lasting fun. In our experience, younger users sometimes struggled with precise piece alignment, necessitating a bit of adult help. Despite this, the educational value and interactive design make it a rewarding gift for encouraging critical thinking.
The Good
• Offers 60 challenges that increase in difficulty, keeping players engaged.
• Made from durable materials, ensuring longevity.
• Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The Bad
• Some pieces can be frustrating to fit perfectly.
• Pieces might dislodge during play, especially with excited younger players.
• Initial assembly can require some adult assistance.
Age Recommendation: 6-8 years / Educational Value: STEM / Material Quality: Plastic / Safety Certifications: CE
LEGO SPIKE Prime Set
$399.95
The LEGO SPIKE Prime Set is a powerhouse of creative STEM learning for kids aged 9-12. With over 500 vibrant components, it encourages innovative building and coding. However, our review highlighted the need for an expansion set to fully explore the possibilities, as the core set alone has its limitations. Despite storage challenges, this kit inspires young builders and programmers to dive into engineering and technology in actionable ways.
The Good
• The set includes over 500 appealing LEGO® Technic elements in a fresh color palette.
The Bad
• The expansion set is required to build many of the lesson plans, and most decent custom creations because the core set is so limited.
• The storage box is woefully unable to store all of the additional parts.
Age Recommendation: 9-12 years / Educational Value: STEM / Material Quality: Plastic / Safety Certifications: CE
Squigz
$59.95
Squigz offers a delightful twist on building toys, promoting creative play and motor skills for kids aged 3-5. Their suction-cup design sticks to most surfaces, sparking new levels of imaginative construction. Reviewers noted the need for frequent cleaning due to dust and hair attraction, and their creations might not hold for extended periods. Despite being on the pricier side, Squigz are cherished for their versatility and fun appeal.
The Good
• Squigz are versatile, sticking to various surfaces like windows, floors, and fridges, enhancing creative play.
• The toy effectively promotes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through engaging suction-based construction.
• Made from high-quality, BPA-free silicone, Squigz are safe and durable for children.
The Bad
• Building complex structures can be challenging as creations may not hold for extended periods.
• The pieces can attract dust and hair due to their silicone material, requiring frequent cleaning.
• At about $1 per piece, Squigz are considered expensive compared to other building toys.
Age Recommendation: 3-5 years / Educational Value: Motor Skills / Material Quality: Plastic / Safety Certifications: Non-toxic
Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit
$22.11
Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit combines the charm of physical play with digital learning, great for boosting early literacy and numeracy in kids aged 3-5. It transforms tablets into magical learning environments, though some technical hiccups may occur with the reflector. Additionally, activities may feel exhausted relatively quickly, yet it delivers a unique approach to foundational skills development. Perfect for screen-learning fusion, sparking creative explorations.
The Good
• The kit effectively combines physical play with digital learning, enhancing early literacy and numeracy skills.
The Bad
• Some users report technical issues with the reflector not consistently recognizing pieces on the play mat.
• The product's replayability is limited, as children may quickly exhaust the available stories and activities.
Age Recommendation: 3-5 years / Educational Value: Creative Play / Material Quality: Mixed Materials / Safety Certifications: Non-toxic
See & Spell by Melissa & Doug
$20.89
The See & Spell by Melissa & Doug offers hands-on educational fun, crafted from durable wooden materials that promise longevity. Our experience shows it effectively helps young learners with letter recognition and vocabulary as they piece together colorful illustrated words. While some sets have issues with missing or duplicate boards and chipped paint on letters, the overall quality and educational value make it a worthwhile addition to creative play for ages 3 to 5.
The Good
• Helps children develop sight-reading vocabulary and fine motor skills.
• Made of durable wooden materials.
• Features colorful letters and illustrations that engage young learners.
The Bad
• Some sets may have missing or duplicate word boards.
• Lacks a lid for the storage case, making organization difficult.
• Some users reported chipped paint on the letters.
Age Recommendation: 3-5 years / Educational Value: Creative Play / Material Quality: Wood / Safety Certifications: Non-toxic
LeapFrog Smart Globe
$96.50
The LeapFrog Smart Globe is an enthralling educational gift for budding explorers interested in geography, animals, and culture. Its interactive features, including a stylus that enhances the learning experience, leave young minds curious and engaged. Despite some issues with app connectivity and operational speed during our review, its lightweight design makes it easy for little hands to spin and explore. Despite its complexities, it creates a captivating global adventure for kids.
The Good
• Highly educational and engaging with interactive learning about geography, animals, and cultures.
• Incorporates a stylus for fun exploration and offers additional content through USB purchase.
• Lightweight and portable design is easy for children to operate and spin.
The Bad
• The LeapFrog Connect app is frustrating and has significant issues with extension pack downloads.
• Functionality is slow and unintuitive, leading to errors and complicating use.
• Product reliability issues, with some stopping to function even after battery changes.
Age Recommendation: 6-8 years / Educational Value: STEM / Material Quality: Plastic / Safety Certifications: ASTM,EN71,CE,Non-toxic
Tiny Science by SmartLab Toys
$19.99
With Tiny Science by SmartLab Toys, embark on on-the-go science adventures through its compact design and informative 48-page activity book. We found its conveniently sized package ideal for field experimentation, albeit with a few reports of missing pieces. While the balance scale may not provide precise measurements, this kit is an excellent introduction to the scientific world, fitting perfectly in backpacks for curious minds aged 6 to 8 ready to explore STEM concepts.
The Good
• Compact size makes it perfect for on-the-go science exploration adventures.
• Includes a 48-page activity book with 20 experiments teaching various scientific concepts.
The Bad
• Some kits may arrive with missing pieces or instruction booklets.
• The balance scale included may not be accurate for precise measurements.
Age Recommendation: 6-8 years / Educational Value: STEM / Material Quality: Mixed Materials / Safety Certifications: ASTM,EN71,CE,Non-toxic
VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX3
$50.00
Watch time transform into adventure with the VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX3, a multifunctional tool masking as a play companion. With dual cameras and learning games, we've seen it spark creativity and curiosity in kids aged 4 to 12. Despite its bulkiness on smaller wrists, this smartwatch offers both entertainment and educational activities, though variability in camera quality was an area for improvement. Finding the right balance between fun and learning makes this watch a favorite.
The Good
• Dual cameras allow kids to capture photos and videos, enhancing creativity.
• Includes interactive games and learning activities that engage children.
• Features customizable clock faces and a variety of animated options.
The Bad
• The watch is not waterproof, making it unsuitable for water-related activities.
• Some users report the watch is bulky and may appear large on a child's wrist.
• The camera resolution is low, resulting in grainy photos when viewed on larger screens.
Age Recommendation: 4-12 years / Educational Value: Creative Play / Material Quality: Plastic / Safety Certifications: Non-toxic
Code-a-pillar Right Turn Segment
$30.50
The Code-a-pillar Right Turn Segment keeps the coding journey alive for inquisitive minds, emphasizing problem-solving and sequential thinking. From our experience, its durable design and easy connectivity ensure long-lasting play. Although it can be quite loud, lacking volume control, and needs ample space to function, its interactive and educative essence keeps coding fun prominent for children aged 3-5. It inspires curiosity in young learners eager to explore programming.
The Good
• Encourages sequential thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Durable design with easy-to-connect segments.
• Expansion packs available to increase functionality.
The Bad
• Lacks volume control, making it quite loud during operation.
• Requires a fair amount of space to operate effectively.
• Does not travel well on thick carpeting.
Age Recommendation: 3-5 years / Educational Value: STEM / Material Quality: Plastic / Safety Certifications: ASTM,EN71,CE,Non-toxic
Melissa & Doug Abacus
$27.22
The Melissa & Doug Abacus is a classic wooden learning tool that captivates young minds with its colorful beads and hands-on play approach. Designed for ages 3 to 5, it's perfect for sparking early mathematical thinking. While some parents noted that bead movement could be a bit stiff for younger kids, its sturdy construction promises longevity. In our experience, this abacus is a delightful, screen-free way to explore basic counting and arithmetic concepts.
The Good
• Brightly colored wooden beads attract children's attention.
• Sturdy wooden construction ensures longevity.
• Encourages hand-on, screen-free play.
The Bad
• Some users found the beads to be a little stiff to move for younger children.
• A few parents noted that the abacus was smaller than expected.
Age Recommendation: 3-5 years / Educational Value: STEM / Material Quality: Wood / Safety Certifications: ASTM,EN71,CE,Non-toxic
National Geographic Science Magic Kit
$24.99
Ignite scientific curiosity with the National Geographic Science Magic Kit, an engaging educational gift for kids aged 6-8. Combining exciting STEM experiments with easy-to-follow instructions, it promises hours of educational fun. Some liquid ingredients might spill without proper sealing, so supervision is recommended, but the joy of discovery outweighs the cleanup. In our review, its hands-on approach truly made science magical, an excellent pick for curious young scientists.
The Good
• Encourages children to experiment and create their own concoctions, fostering creativity and learning.
• Includes easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring a smooth user experience for children.
• Promotes skill development and creativity through engaging science experiments.
The Bad
• Some liquid ingredients may not be sealed well, causing leakage during use.
• Can get messy when kids make their own mixtures, requiring supervision and cleanup.
• Some experiments may require additional materials not included in the kit.
Age Recommendation: 6-8 years / Educational Value: STEM / Material Quality: Mixed Materials / Safety Certifications: ASTM,EN71,CE,Non-toxic
Creative Gifts: Arts and Crafts Delights
Unleash creativity with art supplies, craft kits, and other imaginative gifts for kids.
CraftLab Woodland Animals Sewing Kit
$23.97
CraftLab Woodland Animals Sewing Kit is perfect for introducing kids aged 6-8 to the art of sewing, fostering creativity with pre-cut felt shapes and clear instructions. While the materials are top-notch, keep in mind some children might need guidance due to the kit’s intricate nature. The needle quality could be improved, but this kit still provides a delightful sewing introduction, encouraging hand-eye coordination and creativity.
The Good
• High-quality materials ensure durability and a pleasant crafting experience.
• Clear and easy-to-follow instructions make it suitable for beginners.
• Pre-cut felt pieces with pre-punched holes simplify the sewing process.
The Bad
• Some users reported that the included needles could be of better quality.
• Not suitable for complete beginners without adult assistance.
• The size of the material is on the smaller side, which may be challenging for some children.
Age Recommendation: 6-8 years / Educational Value: Creative Play / Material Quality: Fabric / Safety Certifications: Non-toxic
Super Art Set (80 Pieces)
$9.05
Unleash boundless creativity with the Super Art Set! This 80-piece ensemble, recommended for ages 3-5, includes everything young artists need, from markers to watercolors. Despite some reports of fragile markers and loose paintpieces, its value shines through in its diversity and travel-ready design. We found it especially fantastic for on-the-go creativity, encouraging imaginative play and artistic ventures wherever inspiration strikes.
The Good
• Comes with a variety of art supplies including markers, crayons, colored pencils, and watercolors.
• Portable plastic storage case doubles as a mini travel easel.
The Bad
• Some users report that markers break easily.
• Paint pieces can fall out if handled roughly.
Age Recommendation: 3-5 years / Educational Value: Creative Play / Material Quality: Mixed Materials / Safety Certifications: Non-toxic
Kids Drawing Stencils Set
$30.50
The Kids Drawing Stencils Set is a treasure trove for budding artists aged 3-5, providing diverse stencils and art supplies that fire up creativity. Complete with a sturdy carrying case for travel, we found some stencil sizes less ideal for younger children’s tracing skills. Pencils could offer higher quality, but they suffice for vibrant creations. Despite this, it’s an encompassing package for creative expression, providing hours of artistic enjoyment.
The Good
• Includes a wide variety of stencils, colored pencils, and paper, enhancing creative possibilities.
• Comes with a durable carrying case, making it convenient for travel and storage.
The Bad
• Some stencils are small, making tracing challenging for younger children with less fine motor control.
• The color of the supplied pencil is not of the best quality, but it is quite suitable for children's drawings.
Age Recommendation: 3-5 years / Educational Value: Creative Play / Material Quality: Plastic / Safety Certifications: Non-toxic
Crayola Tracing Pad
$29.89
The Crayola Tracing Pad is your child's portable art studio, perfect for unleashing creativity anywhere. In our testing, the bright LED drawing surface illuminated even under dim lighting, allowing clear visibility for the 100+ traceable images included. Although it's lightweight and easy to carry, be prepared to purchase batteries separately. Some users mentioned dealing with tricky battery compartment screws, but the imaginative potential it offers makes this pad a worthwhile investment.
The Good
• The tracing pad is lightweight and slim, making it easy to carry for on-the-go creativity.
• The bright LED drawing surface ensures clear visibility, even in low-light environments.
• The pad includes over 100 traceable images, providing ample inspiration for young artists.
The Bad
• The product does not come with batteries, requiring an additional purchase before use.
• Some users reported difficulty with the battery compartment screws, making installation challenging.
• A few customers noted that the tracing sheets and blank paper were missing from their packages.
Age Recommendation: 6-8 years / Educational Value: Creative Play / Material Quality: Plastic / Safety Certifications: Non-toxic
Pop Stick Art Kit by ALEX Toys
$17.05
Ignite a world of creativity with the Pop Stick Art Kit by ALEX Toys! This kit comes with everything needed for delightful popsicle stick crafts, helping kids develop fine motor skills with its easy, pictorial instructions. Although additional glue might be required for more secure stickiness, in our review, these projects remained a favorite way to meld fun and learning together. Just be ready to lend a hand with smaller parts.
The Good
• Includes all necessary materials for multiple craft projects.
• Develops hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
• Easy-to-follow picture instructions suitable for young children.
The Bad
• Glue stick provided is not very effective; additional adhesive may be needed.
• Some projects may require adult assistance due to small parts.
• Materials may not adhere well without stronger glue.
Age Recommendation: 3-5 years / Educational Value: Creative Play / Material Quality: Mixed Materials / Safety Certifications: Non-toxic
Crayola Super Art Kit
$27.99
Dive into creative endeavors with the Crayola Super Art Kit, a comprehensive set perfect for budding artists aged 5 and up. It boasts a delightful mix of crayons, markers, and colored pencils, all housed in a robust, reusable storage container. Although some noted the box could be more size-efficient, its durability ensures long-term use. Our tests found it to be a fantastic gateway to creative play, making it an ideal gift for young art enthusiasts.
The Good
• Comes with a variety of crayons, markers, and colored pencils, providing a comprehensive set for young artists.
• The storage container is durable and reusable, keeping all art supplies organized and easily accessible.
The Bad
• Some users find the container larger than necessary for the included supplies, leading to unused space.
Age Recommendation: 5+ years / Educational Value: Creative Play / Material Quality: Mixed Materials / Safety Certifications: Non-toxic
ALEX Toys My Giant Busy Box
$36.26
Unleash creativity with the ALEX Toys My Giant Busy Box, a brilliant collection of 16 craft projects that inspire young imaginers. Geared towards ages 3 to 5, it offers a diverse range of activities. We found some materials, like clay, might need a bit of refreshing, and the instructions could be more detailed. However, its expansive potential for creativity makes it a compelling choice for sparking artistic exploration in little ones.
The Good
• Includes 16 diverse projects, offering a variety of creative activities for children.
The Bad
• Some materials, like the clay, may be hard and difficult to use.
• Instructions are provided for only one item in each project category, which may cause confusion.
Age Recommendation: 3-5 years / Educational Value: Creative Play / Material Quality: Mixed Materials / Safety Certifications: ASTM
Fun & Engaging Outdoor Play Toys
Encourage outdoor adventures with these active and exciting toys and games.
Micro Maxi LED Scooter
$179.99
Ready to scoot into fun? The Micro Maxi LED Scooter is a standout in its class, featuring a lean-to-steer design that boosts balance and coordination. Our testing shows its adjustable T-bar grows with your child, making it a lasting choice for kids aged 6-8. Motion-activated LED wheels add a dazzling element to rides. Just be mindful of the 110-pound weight limit, which could curtail use for older or heavier children.
The Good
• The adjustable T-bar allows the scooter to grow with your child, providing years of use.
• The lean-to-steer design promotes balance and coordination, enhancing motor skills development.
• Motion-activated LED wheels enhance visibility and add a fun element to the ride.
The Bad
• Limited to a weight capacity of 110 pounds, restricting use for heavier children.
• The scooter's maximal age range is 12 years, limiting its longevity for older kids.
• Some users found the assembly instructions unclear, making initial setup challenging.
Age Recommendation: 6-8 years / Educational Value: Motor Skills / Material Quality: Mixed Materials / Safety Certifications: CPSC
NERF Agility Blaster
$4.42
NERF Agility Blaster is an exciting entry into the realm of backyard battles, offering an affordable way to enhance outdoor fun. With its 6-dart rotating drum and reliable shooting accuracy, it's perfect for kids aged 6-8. While the priming mechanism requires some finesse, and slam-fire isn't supported, our experience showed it's easy to use and a surefire hit for energetic play. The ideal choice for thrilling Nerf adventures on a budget!
The Good
• Affordable price point makes it accessible for most buyers.
• Accurate shooting performance enhances play experience.
• Easy-to-use design suitable for a wide age range.
The Bad
• Limited six-dart capacity may require frequent reloading.
• Priming mechanism might be challenging for younger children.
• Lacks slam-fire capability found in some other models.
Age Recommendation: 6-8 years / Educational Value: None / Material Quality: Plastic / Safety Certifications: ASTM,EN71,CE,Non-toxic
Little Tikes Cozy Pumper
$25.99
Fuel the imagination with the Little Tikes Cozy Pumper, perfect for fans of ride-on toys! Its fun, weatherproof buttons generate sounds that enhance pretend play. While its lightweight design may occasionally lead to toppling, we found it a charming addition for outdoor pretend stations. Note the absence of a credit card accessory means kids may create their own. This playful addition encourages role play and social fun during any ride-on adventure.
The Good
• Features three weatherproof electronic fuel buttons that produce six fun sounds.
• Compatible with any large foot-to-floor ride-on toy.
• Encourages imaginative play and helps develop fine motor skills.
The Bad
• Lightweight design may cause it to topple over easily during play.
• Credit card accessory is not included, limiting the pretend play experience.
• Requires 2 'AA' batteries, which are not included.
Age Recommendation: 3-5 years / Educational Value: Motor Skills / Material Quality: Plastic / Safety Certifications: ASTM,EN71,CE,Non-toxic
Tech Toys and Gadgets for Future Innovators
Explore the latest tech toys, from coding robots to interactive games for the tech-savvy kid.
KaeKid Interactive Robot Toy
$29.50
Meet the KaeKid Interactive Robot Toy, a durable companion perfect for sparking creativity in kids aged 3-5. We found its robust design and long battery life reliable for extended play. While the robot's touch response occasionally missed the mark and it can topple when reversing, it remains easy and fun for kids to use. It's a delightful introduction to robotics that encourages imaginative play despite its minor hiccups.
The Good
• Easy to use for children.
• Durable construction.
• Long battery life.
The Bad
• Falls over when backing up.
• Limited functionality.
• Touch response is not accurate.
Age Recommendation: 3-5 years / Educational Value: Creative Play / Material Quality: Plastic / Safety Certifications: Non-toxic
Mini Robot Ball
$50.00
Let your child get hands-on with the Sphero Mini Robot Ball, an exciting blend of tech and fun that introduces them to coding. The various driving modes kept our young testers engaged, aligning seamlessly with educational exploration. With its small size, this robot may be easy to misplace, and the battery life isn't lengthy, yet its playful introduction to tech skills is highly effective. It's portable, interactive, and an ideal gift for budding tech enthusiasts.
The Good
• The Sphero Mini offers multiple driving modes, including Joystick, Tilt, and Slingshot, enhancing the play experience.
The Bad
• The Sphero Mini's small size makes it easy to misplace or lose track of during play.
• The Sphero Mini's battery life is limited, providing less than 45 minutes of playtime per charge.
Age Recommendation: 6-8 years / Educational Value: STEM / Material Quality: Plastic / Safety Certifications: CE
