The holidays are here! You feel joy. You feel excitement. You also may feel overwhelmed. Pressure to shop the best deals and find the perfect gift for the children in your life can be overwhelming. As a mom of three and former elementary teacher, I am here to tell you that the BEST gifts are those that spark creativity, develop skills and keep children engaged. Open ended, play-based toys are those that span across the ages and will be well worth the time and money you spend purchasing them.

*This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Please read below for details.

 

Before we get into some specific recommendations, let's do some housekeeping. Here are 3 quick things you should do BEFORE you shop!

1. DECLUTTER

You know the saying, "Whatever goes in, has to come out."? This is true for some of the toys in your home, too. Take inventory of what you already have. Notice which toys are no longer played with and what is no longer serving your family. How can you give these items a "new life" while creating space in yours?

✨ Donate toys and books to your child's classroom.

✨Sell on Facebook Marketplace.

✨Check your local Buy Nothing Group on Facebook.

Not sure where to start? Pick 3 toys, books, etc. to give away or sell. 

2. Plan Your Gifts

It is easy for your holiday budget to spiral out of control, however, planning out the gifts you are giving helps normalize giving meaningful gifts rather than a mountain of them. Think quality over quantity. Create a spreadsheet like this one to organize your gifts. We typically stick to the following.

❤️1-2 Gifts from Santa

❤️Something to Read

❤️Something to Wear

❤️Something to Play

❤️Something to Make

3. Play-Based Gifts 

The Best Play-Based Gift Ideas 

⭐️Building Sets

• What we own: This is played with every single week in our home. First gifted to us when my oldest was 3 years old and he is now 8yo and STILL loves it! The creative possibilities are endless. This is our #1 toy by far.
• Why they’re great: Building sets like LEGO, Magna-Tiles, and wooden block kits encourage problem-solving, fine motor skills, and creativity. Kids can build anything their imagination dreams up, from castles to cities.
• Tips: Choose sets with various shapes and sizes. Even a mix of different brands can add diversity to their creations and make for endless building possibilities.

⭐️STEM Kits

• What we are gifting: Have a child who is always asking, "How does that work?" I have been waiting to gift this set to my son until he was a little older (almost 7 years old) and know he will love tinkering and problem solving to complete the circuit.
• Why they’re great: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) kits let kids explore scientific concepts through hands-on experiments. Whether it's a simple robot-building kit, a kid-friendly microscope, or a crystal-growing kit, these gifts foster curiosity.
• Tips: Look for kits designed for your child’s age group to ensure it’s challenging but doable. Some kits, like snap circuits, grow with your child as they develop their skills.

⭐️Pretend Play Sets

• What we are gifting: As my own children grow, the pretend play is evolving from simple dress up to acting out the roles more completely. My 4yo says she wants to be a "Teacher Mommy" so this set will be perfect for hours of play. 
• Why they’re great: Pretend play lets kids explore social roles, practice language skills, and build empathy. Play kitchens, doctor kits, or pretend grocery stores allow children to immerse themselves in role-playing.
• Tips: Add in a few real-world elements (like empty spice containers or a recycled grocery bag) to make playtime even more engaging.

⭐️Outdoor Play Equipment

• What we own: Snorkel Masks! I know it is likely winter right now but this is the gift that keeps on giving! Even my 3 year old was able to use it. Doesn't leak water, easy size adjustment and practical use for hours of pool play!
• Why they’re great: Outdoor play promotes physical activity and encourages kids to explore the world around them. Items like balance bikes, kites, or a simple bug-catching kit can make outdoor play an adventure.
• Tips: Try combining outdoor play with learning by including nature journals or garden kits. Kids can learn about plants, bugs, and the environment in a hands-on way.

⭐️Art Supplies and Craft Kits

 

• What we own: This bracelet kit is an awesome value. My sons and daughter have spent hours making bracelets and the beads have lasted us almost a whole year. 
• What we are gifting: As our kids grow out of the playdoh phase, they are more interested in being able to display their creations. We are trying this air dry clay kit this year as a way to extend that creative playdoh play.
• Why they’re great: Art supplies, like paints, clay, and markers, foster creativity and help kids express themselves. Craft kits can introduce them to new skills, like sewing, jewelry making, or painting.
• Tips: Look for kits that offer “open-ended” options so they can use the materials in multiple ways. Having an “art box” on hand with a variety of supplies is also a great idea.

⭐️Board Games and Puzzle Sets

• What we own: Buy this game! (LOL) This has been SO much fun for our family of 5, including the youngest at 4 years old. It is easy to learn and, I promise, will lead to laughs for kids and parents alike!
• Why they’re great: Board games and puzzles teach patience, turn-taking, and strategic thinking. Games like Candy Land, Uno, or memory games are great for younger kids, while kids at the higher end of this age range might enjoy games like Connect Four or Guess Who.
• Tips: Look for games that are cooperative rather than competitive, which can reduce frustration and teach kids teamwork.

One More Tip

When selecting gifts, look for items that allow for open-ended play—meaning there’s no “right” way to use them. Open-ended toys grow with children, adapting to their developing interests and skills. Not only are these gifts fun, but they also support developmental skills like problem-solving, language, social skills, and creativity.

By gifting a play-based toy, you’re not only giving a child something fun to play with but also helping them grow and learn in meaningful ways.

You can click here to browse the FULL list of play-based gifts.

Happy gifting!

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you when you click on the links in this post. If my link is the last link you click before you check out, I will earn that small commission to help support my family. Thank you. ❤️

Psst. Teachers! You may also love this post! --> 15 Fun & Engaging Christmas Activities for Kids