I love seeing a child’s face light up when they open a gift and exclaim, “It’s just what I wanted!”   But maybe you need a little nudge to find that perfect gift for the kids.  No one wants to be the family friend or relative that is known for giving “those gifts.” You know the ones where the kids say, “Oh! Um, thanks. It’s just what I wanted.”   As a former educator, I wanted gifts that promoted imagination, learning, and pretend play, but in a sneaky way so they just think they are having fun.  We’ve tested some of the best toys to find great gift options that almost any child is sure to love in our 2018 Kids Holiday Gift Guide.

We received samples to write this post, but we only write about products we’d give as gifts or like to receive ourselves.

2018 Kids Holiday Gift Guide

I’ve arranged the gift guide by age so you can find the items easier, although some of the products could be used for any age!  You’ll find all sorts of gifts for kids without breaking the budget.

For Toddlers and Preschoolers

1. Tick-Tock Turtle–  Let’s face it. Sometimes we need something, like sleep, just as much as the kids. The Tick-Tock Turtle, which helps regulate sleep patterns, is a gift for kids and their parents.  Designed by Daniel Law to help his own children get the rest they need, the Tick-Tock Turtle helps promote good sleep and independence. Using the proven techniques of light therapy through a sleep-enhancing light, a sunrise light, and a smart alarm, this turtle will help your child wake up in a better mood. The cover of the turtle is made of food-grade silicone and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Additionally, the Tick-Tock Turtle has a long-lasting rechargeable battery, making it perfect to use as a nightlight or as an activity timer. Available in blue, pink, or green, the Tick-Tock Turtle also works well with adults who want to change their sleeping patterns.

The Tick-Tock Turtle retails for $74.99.

2. Lego Duplo Minnie’s Birthday Party– Legos have been a playtime staple in our family since I was a child. They are sturdy and durable and provide hours of imaginative play. Duplo blocks are the perfect Lego for young children because they are just the right size for little hands to grip. Since the girls in our family are Disney fanatics, this Minnie’s Birthday Party is a must. Not only does it include a Minnie figure and a Figaro the cat figure, it includes a car Minnie can drive to the party. The kids have spent hours building the birthday venue and “preparing” the cake and presents. The favorite Disney character sets are designed for children ages 2-5.

Minnie’s Birthday Party retails for $19.99.

3. Cuddlekins Unicorn Plush–  We’ve been in a unicorn phase for quite some time at our house, so the girls were delighted to receive the White Stars and Pink Hearts Unicorn Plush from Wild Republic. I’ve been a  fan of Wild Republic and their efforts to promote imaginative nature play. Their cute stuffed toys are phthalate-free and made with non-toxic materials and sustainable resources. They also partner with several wildlife organizations to support their conservation efforts. While I know unicorns are imaginary animals, they are perfect for cuddling. The 8-inch size is perfect for small hands to carry. Since they are produced with high-quality materials, these animals will last through years of snuggles. These stuffed animals are designed for any age.

The Cuddlekins 8-inch Unicorn Plush retails for $9.99.

4. My Very Own Nursery– Role play is an important part of educational development. The girls have decided they want to do everything “just like the adults,” including taking care of their babies.  My Very Own Nursery by American Plastic Toys gives them plenty of opportunities to do just that. The nursery includes a crib, a storage shelf and cupboard, a feeding chair, and a sink.  They can do everything from feeding to diaper changes, to bedtime routines. The set also features extra touches including a mobile with colorful decals, a fork, spoon, plate, sippy cup, and baby powder dispenser.  All of their products are independently tested for safety. And, according to our kids, they’ve been tested for fun. The products are durable also. We’ve had one of their toy boats since my son was a toddler. My Very Own Nursery is designed for ages 2 and up.

My Very Own Nursery retails for $19.99.

5. Edushape Magic Creation Dinosaurs– Water play is important to childhood development in so many ways. It encourages exploration with temperature, develops hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills just by adding a few toys to the bath. Since one of the girls is a dinosaur fanatic, these Magic Creation Dinosaur blocks were the perfect bath time choice. The set includes 13 soft foam pieces that are large enough for little hands to grip easily. All that’s needed is a little water added to the dinosaurs and they’ll easily stick to the side of the tub or on the bathroom wall. A mesh bag is included for easy storage. We’re a fan of Edushape products, as the kids received a My Soft World Farm last year. It’s provided hours of imaginative play as has withstood the rigors of little hands. The Magic Creation Dinosaurs are designed for ages 3 and up.

Magic CreationDinosaurs retail for $14.99.

6. Calico Critter’s Red Roof Country Home Gift Set– I believe in fostering a love of animals from an early age. Calico Critters, with their variety of miniature animals, makes it easy.  Designed to have a classic appeal and having won multiple children’s toy awards, these adorable animals are created with attention to detail. The Critters can be purchased as a family unit or twins can be purchased separately. Calico Critters also have their own town buildings, houses, vehicles, and accessory sets, all sold separately. We received the Red Roof Country Home Gift Set, home to the Hopscotch Rabbit Family. It includes a large home which can open at any angle from 90 to 180 degrees, furniture, and both the Hopscotch Rabbit daughter and mother. The home can be adjusted a variety of ways to create different play styles. This has been a huge hit with the girls. They move the furniture around the house and carry the Hopscotch Rabbit family with them in their mini purses. Calico Critters are designed for ages 3 and up.

The Calico Critter’s Red Roof Country Home retails for $99.95.

7. Peter & Pauline’s Magnetic Farm Game by Haba USA -We have a farm so it’s only natural that the kids would be drawn to farm-related toys like this Magnetic Farm Game.  With four background scenes, including two fields, a barn scene, and a hay shelter, and 122 magnetic puzzle pieces, the kids will create all sorts of scenarios. The magnetic puzzle pieces include a farm family, animals, trees and other background pieces, along with farm equipment. It would be a great way to keep kids occupied on long car trips too!   Designed for ages 3 and up, younger children may need help removing the magnetic pieces from their storage sheets the first time the game is used.

The Magnetic Farm Game retails for $14.99.

8. Dream Pets – Originally created by a Japanese toy company in 1957, Dream Pets were a collection of miniature stuffed animals.  Today, Paige J. Nichols has recreated the Dream Pets, only this time they are larger stuffed animals. These adorable animals are available in 20 different designs, ranging from Leo Lion to Pinky Poodle.  Each animal is made from soft, plush huggable material and is surface washable. We received Greta the Alligator who is “dreaming of swinging on a string of licorice” and Tybalt Tiger who dreams of about “surfing waves of rainbows.” These cute little animals are sure to draw the same reaction from your kids as they did from ours. “Aww,” they said, as they cuddled their pets closer.  For kids who want to keep their pets close to them at all times, Dream Puffs backpack clips are available.  Dream Pets are designed for ages one and up.

Dreampets retail for $14.99 apiece.

9. MagFormer’s Sky Track Adventure Set– Magformer’s goal is to provide “intelligent magnetic construction sets for brain development.” Because I believe in the importance of STEM for young children, we were thrilled to receive the MagFormer’s Sky Track Adventure Set, a special edition 64 piece building set.   The MagFormer’s Sky Track Adventure Set is designed for ages 3 and up. If your kids love to build and might just be future aerospace engineers, this is the set for you. The Sky Track Adventure set has a magnetic space shuttle that can venture across a seesaw track, a slide track, a spin track, and a lift track! Any child who loves rockets will love building the track and setting the rocket loose to ride across the tracks, spinning, sliding, and seesawing as it goes. The Magformers set is also easy cleanup thanks to the magnetic stacking, which is a feature we love as parents! No more building sets strewn across the house! This 64 piece set promises hours of building fun. We have always been huge Magformers fans, and this is a great addition to any Magformers collection…or the perfect start to one.

The MagFormer’s Sky Track Adventure Set retails for $129.99.

10. Buildable John Deere Tractor Engine-Between having a child who enjoys taking things apart and exploring the tractors on my in-laws’ farm, I knew the John Deere Tractor Engine would be a hit. With 56 pieces, little mechanics can do everything from removing the motor, checking the horn, and replacing the wheel and brake disk. Not only does this tractor offer hours of interactive play, but it also teaches valuable life skills such as checking the oil level of the engine, replacing the battery, and repairing the headlights. One feature I liked was the “repair function.” The lights and starter would not work until the components are removed, reassembled, and reactivated, teaching the kids perseverance. This engine satisfies our child’s urge to “tinker” on the tractor like her father, promoting role play, critical thinking, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. Meanwhile, she doesn’t realize she’s learning, only that she is having fun. The John Deere Tractor engine is designed for ages 3 and up. The tractor engine does need 8 AAA batteries which are NOT included.

The John Deere Tractor Engine retails for $149.99.

11. Thermal-Aid Zoo Animals & Thermal-Aid Bears-We all know how frustrating it can be for kids to have an “ouchie.” They’re often reluctant to have ice or heat put on their scrapes and bruises. That’s where these adorable Thermal-Aid Zoo Animals and Thermal-Aid bears come into play. Made from 100% cotton, the zoo animals are available in elephant, koala, hippo, monkey, rabbit, and blue and pink bears. We received Bella the Bear and she’s cuddly enough to hug whether your child needs comfort or just a big squeeze. The all natural insides are made of specially engineered corn that can be placed in the freezer or in the microwave to provide soothing relief. For younger children-or smaller ouchies-there’s the Thermal-Aid bears, a smaller version of the zoo animals, that are available in green, blue, and purple. The bears are machine washable and can be used over and over.

Thermal-Aid Zoo Animals and Thermal-Aid Bears retail for $19.95.

12. LilGadgets Connect+ Wired Headphones– These headphones are ‘designed to look sweet while being ready to rumble.’ Winner of the Mom’s Choice Awards, these headphones are designed using SoftTouch material for kid’s comfort and for durability. They fold easily for easy storage when not in use. However, what’s really special about these headphones is their special kid features including passive noise reduction, which helps block outside noise, and limited volume, reaching a maximum volume of 93 decibels. They’ve also got a new feature that helps reduce fights between kids. It’s called shareport. You can collect multiple headphones to one device! How’s that for a help on road trips? These headphones are available in 5 colors; black, blue, pink, green, and purple and can be used with children 3 years and older.

LilGadgets Connect+ Wired Headphones retail for $17. Other models are available.

13. The Christmas That Almost Never Was Written by Stanley Wiklinski and beautifully illustrated by Gary A. Lippincott, this book tells the story of the year a devastating blizzard hits the North Pole. The reindeer become sick with the flu and can’t fly. How will Santa bring his toys to the good little boys and girls around the world? Santa’s polar bear friends come to the rescue but will they be able to fly?  This cute book with its rhyming verse will be an instant classic to add to your Christmas reading list.

The Christmas That Almost Never Was retails for $17.95.

14. If da Vinci Painted A Dinosaur– In this adorable prequel to If Picasso painted a snowman, author Amy Newbold shows us what might have happened if da Vinci and other famous artists had painted dinosaurs. It’s a wonderful beginning to art history told in an engaging manner. The prose is simple, focusing mainly on the art, which is illustrated by Greg Newbold. Creativity is encouraged at the end with a page to be copied to create your own dinosaur masterpiece.  A thumbnail guide of each artist is included at the back of the book and includes what inspired or influenced the artist’s work. Greg Newbold offers tips for drawing your own dinosaurs. For the dinosaur lovers, there’s a handy chart of the dinosaurs used in the illustrations.

If da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur retails for $17.95.

15. Mother Earth’s Lullaby (A Song For Endangered Animals)-Written in rhyming prose, this book says Goodnight to some of the earth’s most endangered animals. Author Terry Pierce provides a gentle transition to bedtime for animals ranging from giant pandas to Red Wolves. While young children might be familiar with most of these animals, they’ll probably find a few ones like the NeNe, or Hawaiian Goose. Additionally, the book included thumbnail facts about each animal at the back of the book, along with a page explaining how endangered animals can recover.

Mother Earth’s Lullaby retails for $17.95.

16. Tea Set by Green Toys – For kids who enjoy imaginative play, this Green Toys Tea Set makes it easy. Made from recycled plastic and containing no BPA, no phthalates and no PVC, the 17 piece tea set includes a teapot with a lid, a sugar bowl with a lid, a creamer, four cups, four saucers, and four spoons. Because the set is made from food grade plastic and is dishwasher safe, children can actually use this set for hosting tea parties, impromptu picnics, or any other occasion. If you’ve never purchased a Green Toys product before, they are sturdy and long lasting. We received their Indoor Gardening Kit seven years ago. It’s been used outside for years and hasn’t faded or cracked. The winner of several awards, including the Fat Brain Toy Award and the Goddard Schools and Eco-Child’s Play – Top 10 Eco-Toys, this tea set will provide hours of enjoyment for children two and over.

The Green Toys Tea Set retails for $29.99.

17. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Spin & Seek Game– Designed by Briarpatch, the fun and educational preschool division of University Press Games, this game is a spin-off of the award-winning book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  If you have a copy of the book, this is a great hands-on activity to connect literacy with learning activities. All of the Briarpatch games are designed to teach literacy, mathematics, coordination, social skills, and spark imagination, and this one is no exception.  A two to four player game for ages three and up, kids can learn upper and lower case letters along with basic counting skills as they move over the spaces. The game is simple to play. Each player chooses a playing piece, designed as one of Eric Carle’s signature animals, and places it on the board.   On each turn, the player picks an image card and turns it over to discover a letter. They spin the wheel to determine if they need to move to a big or little letter, then move their piece accordingly.  As a former teacher, I’m all for games like this which make learning fun instead of a chore.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Spin and Seek Game retails for $15.99.

For Early Elementary

18. Magic Stix Thin Markers – We discovered The Pencil Grip earlier this year when we tried their Kwix Stix Tempera Paint Sticks that dried in 90 seconds. We were so pleased with them that we wanted to test another of their products; the Magic Stix Thin Markers.  If you have young children who like to draw with markers, you know there are a few drawbacks. First, you’ll never have drawings just on the paper. Somehow it magically ends up on the table or floor where they are drawing. Second, you’ll never be able to find the caps to all the markers. At least one will disappear and you’ll hunt for days before you find it. With Magic Stix Markers you don’t have to worry. These markers won’t dry out for seven days without a cap! They’re also non-toxic,  no odor, washable, and come in their own plastic carrying case.

A 24 pack of MagicStix Markers costs $19.99.

19. Bixbee Sparkalicious Purple Butterfly Backpack – Every child needs a backpack. Why not choose one of these fun ergonomically designed backpacks by Bixbee? Available in three sizes, small for ages 3-5, medium for 6-8, and large for ages 8 and up,  Bixbee makes everything from the classic “signature” backpack to fun designs like butterflies, pandas, and airplanes. The backpacks are designed with the American Occupational Therapy Guidelines of carrying weight at waist level in mind. All of the backpacks are designed to be durable with reinforced bases and corners.  Every backpack is designed to include the following features; a velcro side pocket that will hold any size smartphone, a mesh water bottle holder, reflective accents, and plenty of pockets to hold all the supplies your child will need! Another feature I love is their “One Here. One There.” Program.  For every backpack purchased, Bixbee will donate a backpack filled with supplies to a child in need. The Sparkalicious Backpacks are designed for ages 3 and up.

The medium Bixbee Sparkalicious Purple Butterfly Backpack retails for $49.99.

20. Vaya Dino Lunchbox– If your child has allergies or is a picky eater, it’s much easier to pack a lunch.  We all know that lunch is only as good as the lunchbox. Who has sat down to find that their cold items were warm and their warm items were room temperature? The Vaya Lunchbox is a game changer. Designed to be the most thermally insulated lunchbox in the world,  it will keep food warm or cold for up to six hours. The unusual shape is designed to prevent spills and make the lunchbox easier to carry.  Each lunchbox contains two vacuum-insulated stainless steel containers, available in a copper or polished finish. Each container has leak-proof lids and partitions so you can carry more than one dish. My favorite feature is the heat-protective finger grip which means no more little burnt fingers.  Extra accessories such as utensils, more containers, or a bag mat can be purchased with the lunchbox.  If you purchase the Dino lunchbox, don’t forget to download your free PDF of the era, classification and region of each dinosaur on the lunchbox.

The 20 ounce Dino Lunchbox retails for $41.00.

For Ages 8 and up

21. Cat Crimes–  As the crazy cat lady, I’m always looking for cat products.  As a former educator, I look for games that can sneak in education. Cat Crimes meets both my requirements with this cute problem-solving game. It’s kind of like Clue, but with cats.  Using paw prints and toy placement, players will determine which cat committed the crimes of yarn tangling and the missing bird. Teaching the skills of logic and problem solving, along with visual perception and reasoning, this game has won multiple awards including the Parent’s Choice award and the Autism Live Top Toy Award.  Cat Crimes is designed for ages 8 and up.

Cat Crimes retails for $12.99.

22. Shadows in the Forest– This is a totally new way to spend a family game night. Immerse yourself in the dark spooky forest to find out what creatures are lurking in the shadows. Designed for at least two players, this game has a twist; it’s played in the dark. While one player moves the LED light around the board, the other players work together to move their shadowlings out of the light. A Techlicious Best of Toy Fair 2018 and Oppenheim Best Toy Award winner, this game teaches logic and problem solving, along with cooperative play. For years Thinkfun has been committed to making learning fun. Their games are proven to help stimulate brain development. Shadows in the Forest, designed for ages 8 and up, is another example of their classic innovation. Some assembly is required.

Shadows in the Forest retails for $24.99.

23. Gods and Heroes: Mythology Around the World: Designed for children ages 8 to 12, this book by Korwin Briggs tells the story of “the original superheroes.”  Gods and Heroes covers 23 cultures from different historical periods. There are tales on 70 different characters, ranging from the well-known, like Thor and Zeus, to the lesser known, like White Buffalo Calf Woman and Perun. Each story includes a banner beneath the title depicting where the story originated, as well as small type telling the tradition, other names of the characters, and in many cases, their homes. Each story is written with titles and illustrations that are sure to capture a child’s attention. Boxes with fun facts and additional information are scattered throughout the book.  While these tails were passed down many centuries ago and sometimes contain violence, Mr. Briggs has tried to keep the tone light and upbeat as much as possible. This book is a fun introduction to Mythology.

Gods and Heroes: Mythology Around the World retails for $19.99.

24:  Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide: The World’s Most Adventurous Kid: Designed for ages 8 to 12, this book by authors Dylan Thuras and Rosemary Mosco with illustrations drawn by Joy Ang, is sure to capture the adventurer in every child. There are 100 unusual places listed from 47 countries around the world, including the Devil’s Swimming Pool in Zambia and the Wall of Dancing Dinos in Bolivia. Each country has their location and an obscure fact listed. Did you know the only animals native to Micronesia are bats? At the beginning of the book, you’ll find an included packing list with some items you might want to consider having on hand. The book ends with Explorer’s Tips (which would work for any age!) and a list of further reading materials.

Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide: The World’s Most Adventurous Kid retails for $19.95.

25. The Original Tiny Hands Challenge Game–  Designed as a team game for ages 8 and up, this game uses a set of tiny hands (or tinier hands) to complete challenges.  Each theme spins to determine if they’ll be using tiny hands, tinier hands, or both sets to complete the task. Tasks are divided between solo, pair, or charades.  This is a physical game that requires participants to move. You’ll find yourself completing challenges such as placing the ball on your foot, kicking it into the air and trying to catch it or hopping across the room with the ball in the tiny hand without dropping it.  The first team to reach a total of 31 points wins.  This is a good family game or game night with friends game, although the game does use some additional items found around the house. If you’re playing away from home, these cards can be skipped.

The Original Tiny Hands Challenge Game retails for $14.99

26. Flipslide-Remember the Rubix Cube? Flipslide is like an electronic version, only with more levels and more fun. There’s four modes to try,
*speed mode, which involves beating the clock by completing 10 levels before time runs out,
*memory mode, which involves remembering patterns beginning with matching two blocks and continuing to four blocks as players complete 8 levels,
*multiplayer mode for playing with friends  through timed challenges,
*level mode-solve light puzzles in an attempt to reach level 8
Designed for ages 8 and up, this game is small and portable so it’s perfect for those holiday road trips. It does use 2 AA batteries. One set is included with the game but it never hurts to keep an extra set on hand.

Flipslide retails for $19.99

What is your child’s must-have toy this year?