The 22 Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids

The 22 Best Gift Ideas for Kids

by: Crate & Barrel Editor  |  6 min read
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o one knows how to select a great kids gift like Heather Leikness, our head buyer for toys at Crate & Kids—and mom of two. She has spent years curating the highest quality toys that little ones will “enjoy playing with for years to come.” Her advice for choosing the best gifts for kids? Be sure it is designed to nurture imagination and play. Here at Crate & Kids, we prioritize toys that inspire kids and look beautiful, so they’re stylish additions to the home that parents will also love. With Heather’s help, we’ve rounded up 22 of our best gift ideas for kids at every age. 

#1  |

a wow-worthy toy workbench

One of our most popular gifts every season, this one defines a wow-worthy gift. With 41 total pieces, including toy tools and storage, parents love this kids wooden toy workbench for all the house of play it provides while developing fine motor skills. “This is a great gift for a kid who loves to tinker and is always trying to figure out how things work.” And it’s not all pretend, the workbench is stocked with wooden pieces and blocks that connect together, so kids can build their own creations.

112+ 5-star reviews
#2  |

a cozy seat that’s all theirs

Kids lounge chairs are all the rage and have been for awhile. Sized just right for little ones with plenty of durable cushioning and personalization options, these soft seats instantly become their favorite seat in the house. Parents love the sturdy shape and easy-to-wash covers. “One thing kids love a lot about our Nod chair is the hand on the top that lets them move it to wherever they feel like hanging out.” Get it in their favorite color and add their name on it for a truly special gift.

#3  |

an easy-to-use art easel

We have yet to meet a kid who isn’t a creative genius, and this art easel for kids seems to be the perfect gift for bedding creators. A multi-faceted, sturdy studio in one, you get a chalkboard on one side and whiteboard on the other, plus a slot for a paper roll (sold separately) for all those artist’s drafts. Can’t decide between markers, crayons or paint? Store them in a handy tray. “This easel is the ideal size for younger kids. There’s a big area to create but it doesn’t take up a lot of space in the room.” Sounds like a very thoughtful gift.

112+ 5-star reviews
#4  |

a forever best friend

In two snuggle-ready sizes, our new and exclusive Crate Cuddlies make the perfect present for really any age. Choose from a Fuzzy the Bear, Flopsy the Bunny, Rexie the Dinosaur and Ellie the Elephant. Each have durable faux fur and come with a striped scarf that can be personalized with a child's name, nickname or initials. Or, personalize it with the name your little one has chosen for their new BFF. Bonus points for parents: They are all machine-washable.

#5  |

a little treehouse for big adventures

Our Treehouse playset is an impressive bestselling gift every year, with one reviewer writing that it’s the best toy they’ve ever bought. Inspired by an actual treehouse that exists in Camp Wandawega, WI, it’s built with a mix of natural and recycled materials like pine wood for an overall super durable, substantial feel. Delicately hand painted with water-based paint, this is a dollhouse that’s not a traditional dollhouse, and a perfect gift for any gender and for all the fun of imaginary play. “The aesthetic of this brings the outdoors inside–perfect for rainy day play for kids who love being outside.”

60+ 5-star reviews
#6  |

a book with a meaningful message

One thing we appreciate is a good book for our kids. When you’re thinking about gifting a kids book, remember that you’ll be giving to both the parent and the child. Making sure it’s age appropriate is a given, but parents will be overjoyed if it’s good storytelling they can enjoy as well. Our collection of books is highly curated for the most meaningful stories–not a dud in the bunch! “All of the book we sell are ones that support inclusivity, promote kindness and have really important messages.” They’re the kind of books that parents love to read just as mush as kids love to listen to.

#7  |

a plush pal

Who doesn’t love a Jellycat®? These five-star favorites are a big hit among babies, toddlers, kids and even adults. Oh-so-soft friends with the sweetest faces bring a smile to everyone they meet. From a sun to a moon (and almost everything in between), you can take your pick from our selection of lovable plush pals. Grab one as a gift or add a new friend to their collection—it’s one their treasure for years to come.

#8  |

a kitchen that’s always open

The kitchen of their dreams is here. Designed with every little detail in mind, the Tender Leaf La Fiamma Grand Kids Wooden Play Kitchen lets your little chef whip up breakfast, lunch, dinner and plenty of snacks. No one is going hungry here!  On one side, the two-part space includes a sink and a cooker that makes realistic clacking noises. The other side features a wood-fired pizza oven. The set comes with all kinds of enticing extras—like a traditional Italian coffee pot and magnetic play knives—with under-sink storage and shelving to stow everything away.

#9  |

play tent for camping HQ

Truly a hit for all ages, rave review make it clear: From toddlers to grandkids, kids can’t get enough of this cool little hideout made just for them. Crafted of cotton canvas with a space-saving collapsible frame, this kids tent was made to move. “You can set it in the playroom, bedroom living room–even outside!” The removable flag garland and winder detail are so cozy and fun you might have trouble getting them to leave. With a big flap door for easy access, this play tent is sure to be a favorite spot of reading, playing and dreaming.

20+ 5-star reviews
#10  |

a modern dollhouse

This wooden dollhouse is move-in ready for your child's imagination. With its modular cube structure, Scandinavian-style furnishings and potted felt greenery, the design not only looks fantastic on a shelf, but it has an open-ended quality that encourages kids to dream and rearrange to their heart's content. Made of FSC® -certified wood, it's also an heirloom-quality forever home: one that's meant to be passed down to future generations.

#11  |

a personalized chef coat &
hat for your junior chef 

Calling all mini cooks! Our junior chef hat and coat will inspire you to jump into the play kitchen and create your next (pretend) culinary masterpiece. The kid-sized chef hat and coat have embroidered details, high-quality cotton fabric and can be personalized.”I love this gift because it serves a dual purpose for real life help in the kitchen or just for imaginary play with their favorite play kitchen.”

12+ 5-star reviews
#12  |

a timeless train set

“You just can’t go wrong with a train set.” Crafted from FSC® -certified wood, our modern twist on the classic train set will hold up to years of play and plenty of pretend crashes. The 45-piece, heirloom-quality set comes with tracks, trains and assorted accessories. “My kids love making new combinations and using their imagination on where the train is off to and the passengers they are picking up along the way. I also LOVE that this set comes with a storage box for easy clean up.”

#13  |

a playful parking garage

“This is a fan favorite in our house. My kids can truly play with this for hours.” With ramps that cars can roll down, three levels of parking, an elevator, and even a helipad and helicopter, our Wooden Kids Parking Garage Play Set is ready for serious action. Made from FSC® -certified wood, the durable design will stand up through years of toy-car traffic to become a beloved hand-me-down to future drivers in training. “Plus, I love it because it can hang out in our living room without being an eyesore.”

#14  |

a mini golf set

Is there already a wee golf enthusiast in your life? The 10-piece, high-quality wood Wonder and Wise toy golf set is all rainbows and fun. Set up a mini golf course with obstacles and putt your way through a 3-hole game. Adjustable toy golf clubs ensure more years of play as your kids grow. “I love how fun this set is–it’s really great for hours of play, both indoors and outdoors and great for multiple kids.” This is a great gift for any kid, but especially for kids whose parents love to golf.

#15  |

a living room-ready bowling game

This kids bowling set is one of the bestselling toys and wildly popular for rainy day playdates. Soft yet durable, this set includes a rubber bowling ball and 10 ponds with a nice weight that gives your bowling game a realistic feel. Plus, “it comes with a carrying case so it’s easy to put away and store.” Buy it for your kids, then watch as the whole family gets in on the game. Interactive and easy to set up anywhere, from your hallway to your living room, you might be yelling out “strike!” through hours of fun.

110+ 5-star reviews
#16  |

shopping cart

For the child who always wants to fill up the grocery cart (that is, every child), this small wooden version will inspire hours of pretend play. In stylish light wood with a fabric base for extra stowaway space, the cart can be scooted around the house with ease as little ones stock up on supplies. An apple-shaped chalkboard lets them scrawl out their grocery list. “Kids just love this—plain and simple. It also serves as toy storage when not in use!”

#17  |

a chic kids bike

“These balance bikes are so well made; I love the vegan leather seat and brown wicker basket.” Suitable for young riders from 4-7 years old in kid-friendly pink or green (or try the toddler bike for new riders aged 2-5), this tactile kids bike with all the bells and whistles has serious vintage-like appeal. But it’s not just about style, the Banwood Classic bike features all the essentials, from reflectors to mudguards to adjustable seat and handlebars. Perfect for your growing kid with all that energy who can’t sit still and wants to ride like the wind.

#18  |

gourmet-worthy play food

Felt bow-tie pasta and ravioli? Paper pasta packages? An actual present cheese grated? “This is the perfect gift for the kid who always wants to help in the kitchen.” Whether pasts is there favorite food or your budding cook would like a well-stocked panty of play food to cook in their pretend kitchen, this pasta playset is simply delightful, right down to the wedge of parmesan cheese and adorable basil leaves.

#19  |

a busy play cafe

Order up! This high-quality wooden playset “brings tea parties to a whole new level.” The cafe with its retro color palette has everything a junior barista may need—including a cappuccino maker, panini toaster, milk jug, tea bags and assorted toppings and pastries. Clacking dials bring the cafe to life. Bonus: It's compact and tidy enough to sit on a shelf during off hours.

#20  |

a backpack they’ll want to show off

You might not consider a backpack when it’s not back-to-school season, but personalized kids backpacks make great gifts any time of the year. Parents love our design-forward, kid-friendly styles, with three sizes to fit growing kids at every stage. “We’ve curated our designs so that they let kids’ personalities come through, whether they’re an animal lover or a space enthusiast or mermaid fan.” Thoughtful features like reflective zipper pulls and side pockets for water bottles make our cool backpacks a great functional gift that they’ll love. Plus, our collection is made from recycled plastic bottles, making it responsibly made, too.

#21  |

a foam playset

“These kids playsets are great for kids that love to climb and can’t get enough of the playground.” Tough enough to play on outside with material that won’t soak through (and wipes off easily), and designed with beautifully muted colors that fit right into your living spaces. The Gathre arc playset inspires so much imagination and creativity: Kids will turn them into slides, forts, castles and even elaborate obstacles courses for hours of building and climbing. Weather they’re indoors or outdoors, they’ll always have a portable foundation that supports physical play.

#22  |

an indoor gym

Perfect for letting toddlers move their bodies and exercise their imaginations on a rainy day, this sturdy gym climber from Gathre delivers all the fun of an outdoor playground in a beautiful, Scandinavian-style wooden structure. It's versatile too: It can flip to become a rocking seat or serve as the framework for a fantastic fort.

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FAQ

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