The Ultimate Toy Gift Guide

Not only does this silicone baseplate provide a rock-solid foundation for building blocks, it also comes with a base tray to store said building blocks — meaning the rogue pieces scattered throughout bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways will now be kept neatly in one place. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon) 

Playing dress up is incomplete without costume jewelry, and this adorable set will have them wearing their finest “diamonds” to their next playdate. It comes with a pink heart pendant necklace, two rings, and two earring sets they’ll be able to pair with their favorite outfits. ($39, Super Smalls) 

This Playfoam eight-pack encourages sensory and imaginative play, one that won’t dry out the moment it’s taken out of its packaging. Another bonus? Unlike slime, this sculptable stuff won’t stain heirloom furniture or freshly painted walls. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon) 

A classic Lite Brite for a hint of nostalgia that they‘ll enjoy just as much as you used to. Its concept is simple: they can create pictures using 206 multi-colored glowing pegs. There are four different light modes, battery-powered LED light bulbs, and six design templates to spark their creativity. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Listen, most kids have a dinosaur phase, and what better way to spark their imagination than with jumbo figurines to aid the fascination? These simple dinosaurs inspire hours of interactive play and storytelling while an oversized design makes for an easy grip. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon) 

It’s not backyard playtime without bubbles, and this speed blower machine kicks it up a notch by making 500 to 1 thousand bubbles per minute. This is especially nifty for birthday parties and large group playdates — reviewers say it keeps kids entertained for hours. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon) 

Kick (or in this case, stomp) their astronaut dreams into motion via stomp rocket stunt planes, an interactive activity that launches “rockets” about 100 feet into the air. All they’ll have to do is stomp on the pump. No batteries required. ($27.95, Fat Brain Toys) 

Let them paint a wall mural without sacrificing the side of your garage. How? A 10-foot coloring page banner for an ongoing project they’ll be excited to work on. It’s an excellent activity for multiple kids, and high-quality paper ensures it won’t tear. ($29.95, Etsy) 

Here’s how it works: say taco, cat, goat cheese, or pizza out loud before laying down a card from your hand. If the word matches your card, you’re supposed to slap the pile of cards. Whoever comes in last place needs to take all the cards. This is a simple, easy-to-follow game that’s fast-paced and dynamic. The entire family will spend game night belly laughing. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon) 

The classic Fisher-Price cash register comes with bright plastic coins that encourage players to practice their counting skills. With a bell and working drawer, they’ll be ringing you up in no time — we just don’t know what prices will look like thanks to inflation. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon) 

This 30-piece color-sorting set is better than a trip to the farmer’s market, encouraging color identification and interactive play via five adorable bushel baskets, 25 pieces of play food, and stickers for labeling. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Cat’s Cradle turns a simple string into a challenging puzzle that can be played solo or with a group of friends. Plus, this comes with an illustrated flipbook that breaks four other string games down step-by-step. ($12.95, Fat Brain Toys)

We’re guilty of spending hours watching kinetic sand videos on TikTok because of how satisfying  they are. We’re also guilty of purchasing this with the intention of playing alongside the kids — pink, yellow, and teal sand with 10+ molds? We can’t imagine a more calming afternoon. Plus, the sand sticks to itself and won’t make a mess. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon) 

The 32-piece Magna-Tiles set is a favorite amongst parents for the imaginative play it inspires. Kids are able to “construct” homes, castles, and more thanks to magnetic ends and criss-cross lattice grooves that help each piece stay sturdily in place. Bonus points? The pieces are large and far harder to misplace than the average building block toy. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Designed for toddlers 18 months and older, the Lego Duplo kit comes in a large storage box that comes with a toy car, figurines, and larger Lego “bricks” that are easier to grip and harder to lose. So long, stepping on microscopic pieces of plastic on your journey from living room to kitchen table. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

This sturdy wood dollhouse by Melissa & Doug is compact but comes with all the bells and whistles — literally. A working doorbell and four lock-and-keys make this feel realistic while four poseable dolls can inspire hours of imaginative play. A convenient carrying handle makes it easy to transport, too. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)