Emily Reviews writers were sent products in exchange for being included in our gift guide. There are affiliate links as well as Amazon affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
Santa Clothes Doll
This one is for the families who do Santa! As a parent you have most likely heard this question a lot: “How many more days until Christmas?” With this fun new product, Santa himself is here to help kids count down the days. Santa’s Clothes Doll is a super soft, adorable, plush Santa toy who is only missing his clothes and then he will be all ready for the big day. Each night, beginning on December 12th, kids dress Santa by adding one article of his clothing before bedtime. The remaining clothes on Santa’s clothesline are a visual aid for kids to see just how close Christmas is getting. Kids can count the clothing on the line to know exactly how many days are left until the big day arrives. Such a cute, hands-on, and visual tool!
- Buy It: SantaClothesDoll.com
Playmobil
Another fun way to count down to Christmas is with the new Christmas under the Rainbow – Playmobil 2023 Advent Calendar. Advent calendars like this are the perfect sugar-free alternative that’s still jam-packed with fun for an exciting holiday countdown. Children of all ages love peaking behind each door to see which toy piece is waiting each day. And the best part is once all the pieces are revealed, you’ll be able to create your own Christmas sleigh ride scene riding the horses and feeding the animals by using the cardboard backdrop!
- Buy It: Amazon.com
My Recordable Storytime
Celebrate 20 years of I LOVE YOU SO! This adorable classic puts into words the indescribable joy of unconditional love. Loved ones will now be able to capture this joy forever with My Recordable Storytime: I Love You So. Featuring 40 recordable pages, this book allows readers to embrace a child from near or far away with a heartwarming reminder that love is for always. The reader can provide their own heartfelt message in addition to voicing the text of the story. This makes for a meaningful gift this holiday season; especially for family who may not be able to celebrate together!
- Buy it: Amazon
Playmobil
Our family LOVES Playmobil and I think yours will too. Check out this awesome new Rainbow Castle In The Clouds Playset that delivers hours of Princess Magic imaginative play. In this enchanting, imaginative world; kids can explore the heavenly home of the rainbow princesses. From swinging on the sky swing, eating ice cream, catching a ride on the pegasus, and being amazed by the glowing rainbow flower, kids can explore their imagination in so many ways! We’ve found Playmobil to be amazing in both quality and longevity of play as they offer toys the kids love for years to come.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Step2
For many years, parents have turned to Step2 for kids’ furniture and toys. Step2’s products are designed to encourage learning and development through creative play. The new Cooking Time Kitchen™ is perfect for hours of entertainment and skill-building. While kids play, they will work on role-playing, fine motor skills, language skills, and critical thinking. The Cooking Time Kitchen has a fun vintage look with many interactive features. Kids will discover the clicker knobs, electronic lights, and sounds on the appliances. The Cooking Time Kitchen comes with an extra large storage bin and a 23-piece accessory set. It is suitable for children two years and older. Read Laurie’s full review on the blog for more details.
- Buy it: Step2
Hey Buddy Hey Pal
If you’ve got a crafty kiddo on your Christmas list, this is the gift you’ll want to snag! My kids are obsessed with HBHP’s decorators and this Christmas tree themed option allows them to create magnificent Christmas ornaments with no mess! Boys and Girls alike will embrace the holidays season as they get to enjoy the process of making their very own handmade ornaments. These are sure to become a family treasure everyone will love for years to come and you can even buy extra ornaments so they can fill the entire tree.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Budsies
Budsies Custom Stuffed Animals will make an incredible gift for any child on your list this year! Simply take one of their drawings and send a copy of it to the Budsies team; they will create a custom stuffed creature based on the drawing. On top of kids’ drawings, Budsies can be made out of book characters, illustrations, anime, selfies, and more! These customized gifts are sure to be a keepsake that they’ll save and love forever.
- Buy it: Budsies
Madame Alexander Dolls
Our little girl is obsessed with dolls and the Madame Alexander Sweet Smiles is a favorite around here! This adorable 14 inch baby has a soft body with a weighted bottom and molded head, legs, and arms so it feels almost real to a child. She comes dressed in an adorable bunny tee with a coordinating hat and matching pants but our daughter also loves the included bottle too. This doll is super pretty and the little details like her eyes opening and closing truly make her a great choice to put under the tree.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
JIM&GLORIA
Kids will love this Paint-Your-Own Squishies Kit from Jim&Gloria! This is a creative craft kit for boys and girls to color and have fun. The complete package includes 3 large squishies, 12 paints, 3 brushes, 1 palette, and 1 sheet of cute eye stickers to add life to the squishies. This friendly, kid-safe, durable, high-quality paint-your-own squishies kit is made with environmentally friendly, slow rise foam that’s very soft to the touch. The squishies can be use as bath toys, bathroom décor, classroom decor, and shelf display for kids.
- Buy it: Amazon
BRIO
One classic toy that has proven its worth over time is a BRIO wooden train set. This 65th Special Edition option is a great choice as this 32 piece all wooden train set takes inspiration from the iconic BRIO railway products first launched in 1958. High quality pieces with a ageless design keeps kids coming back time and time again. Our train basket is something that’s always in use and kids of all ages really enjoy setting up, building a variety of paths, and playing with. I love how it’s a toy that my toddler all the way up to my tween can sit down and play with together too!
- Buy It: Amazon.com
BARBIE DREAMHOUSE ADVENTURES – NINTENDO SWITCH
Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures for the Nintendo Switch invites players into the iconic doll’s inspiring dreamhouse where they’ll form friendships with Barbie and her fun-loving friends and family at her iconic Malibu home. There is no shortage of fun in this pink paradise, including decorating each spacious room, cooking delicious meals from scratch, dressing up in stylish outfits, and lounging by the pool on a hot summer’s day. Rated E for Everyone!
- Buy it: Amazon
BRIO
Brio train sets are truly the best but now kids can crank up the speed with this 36003 Turbo Train – the fastest train in the BRIO World railway system for even more fun! This battery operated toy train adds a whole new dimension of play and my kids can’t get enough. Operate by simply pressing the big turbo button and this toy train doubles its speed for a 5 second boost of action. The white lights along the side of the engine change to a cool blue as the turbo boost is activated for even more excitement.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
STORYPOD
For an amazing screen-free gift, check out Storypod: the award-winning audio system that engages kids with multisensory stories, music, and skill-building at every stage! Kids tap special content items on the Storypod speaker to play age-appropriate audio. Think music, stories, learning opportunities, and more! Parents can also create personalized recordings using the Storypod app. Choose from add-ons including Crafties, books, trivia decks, activity cards, and tokens for hours of fun using Storypod!
- Buy it: Amazon
Casio
We introduced our kids to piano at a young age as studies show how beneficial learning music is in helping sharpen fine motor skills and improve hand-eye coordination in the young and developing brain. So this Christmas, check out the Casiotone SA-81 for the kids in your life. It’s an ideal musical gift for a creative young mind. This keyboard features 44 mini keys, great sounds, and a compact, rugged design. It offers versatile fun with a large and informative LCD display and Tone Direct buttons to quickly select sounds. This is definitely the kind of inspirational treasure that children will cherish for years.
- Buy It: Casio.com or Amazon.com
CANAL TOYS
Customize your own adorable stuffed animal with Canal Toys Airbrush Plush Kitty! Creative kiddos will be so excited to design and create their very own kitten with the battery-powered airbrush gun and stick-on stencils. The real airbrush gun makes it so easy and satisfying to create trendy and cute custom plushies! Kids can simply wash and repeat all over again when their style changes or they want a “new” stuffed animal. Perfect for those budding artists in your life!
- Buy it: Amazon
Pressman Games
The classic game of Snakes and Ladders has now gotten A…WHOLE…LOT…BIGGER! This fun supersized game includes a huge square playing board, a gigantic large foam die, and four giant playing pieces. The oversized pieces makes it easier for little hands to grasp and extra fun for all ages. The cloth-like board folds for easy storage, and is ideal for outdoor or indoor play. This is a game that I’ve always loved playing with the kids and have it mega sized brings a whole new dimension to play.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
PIX BRIX
Pix Brix is a revolutionary pixel art puzzle brick that allows the artist to create 2D and 3D pixel art builds with a patented 1 piece design. This pixel art kit for kids and kids-at-heart is fun, re-usable, and compatible with other brick brands and sets. Because these interlocking colored bricks feature a unique patented connecting system, they require NO base plate, water, iron, or glue. Slide and stack to build horizontally, vertically, and diagonally! With the Pix Brix Farmland Puzzle Set, can fill your farm with playful chickens, ducks, sheep, horses and many other pixelated farm friends. Awarded Best in STEM by Newsweek!
- Buy it: Amazon
Ninja Kidz
NINJA KIDZ TV is an awesome family friendly channel and now you can bring the Ninja Kidz fun right into your home through play! Kids can now be ninjas too, thanks to this ‘As Seen on YouTube’, Ninja Kidz TV action figures and wearable battle gear! This giant mystery ball will reveal 25 surprises, 5 figures, 2 battle gear weapons, 6 throwing stars, 6 sticky targets, 2 sticky stars, 1 belt, 1 mask, 1 mission cards, and 1 sticker sheet. Unboxing is half the fun and then hours of imaginative play will immediately commence! Moms will appreciate how this action-packed ninja container doubles as easy-to-carry storage, and kids love how it includes a detachable shield for ultimate ninja play.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
GEOMAG
Geomag Classic is a magnetism-based construction game, ideal for unleashing your creativity and giving life to incredible 3D models. Suitable for children from 3 years old and up, children of all ages will love the Geomag Natural Glow-in-the-Dark Magnetic Rods! The Glow line can light up at night thanks to the effect of natural materials that capture and return the sunlight. The package includes 68 magnetic bars, 68 spheres, 6 square and pentagonal platforms, and a practical storage box, ideal for keeping bars and spheres in order after playing. In Geomagworld’s philosophy, magnetism is key: playing with fun and challenging construction platforms encourages learning, logical thinking, and creativity.
- Buy it: Amazon
Squinkies
Every little girl I know loves Squinkies. They are the favorite mini squish toys you may remember from years ago and they are back and better than ever! Kids find them to be endless fun and many adventures await in the land of Squinkieville with these soft and squishy friends! There are 12 squishys included in each pack, with 24 different kitties, puppies, and friends to collect. (All Squinkies are random per pack and include some see-through balls as well as some blind balls for added surprise.) My kids love to trade them with friends!
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Simplay3
My kids love having their own space the Simplay3 Creative Kids Art Desk is such a great addition to our space. This multi-use kid’s desk can be used as a creative art table, craft table, sensory table, study desk or even a space to enjoy snack time. I love how the design features an attached desk chair and full floor keep, which helps keep it all together and contain any messes. It’s easy to stay organized with the two multi-use, mixed media bowls and 2 paint palettes, as well as the special organizers for markers and supplies. If you’ve got a creative kid, check this one out!
- Buy It: Simplay3.com or Amazon.com
Kids Preferred
I’m a Disney fan so when I saw this adorable sextuplet of Disney friends, I couldn’t pass them up! The Disney “We Hold Hands” 6 Plush Doll Set is the perfect present for any young Disney fanatic. This fun set features the classic favorites: Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald, Pluto, and Goofy. Not only that, but each character can actually hold hands with themselves and each other; thanks to the hook-and-loop fasteners on their palms! From embroidered eyes to crinkle sounds on various parts of the dolls, these plush characters are sure to delight any child. Plus, they are machine-washable, making them easy to clean after any messy playtime.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Reduce Drinkware
If you’re looking for an easy to use and easy to hold option, this Reduce Drinkware Coldee Tumbler is a great choice, especially for the kids who love “grown-up cups”. My toddler absolutely adores her new tumbler as it’s similar to mine, which she always used to steal. I love that this cup is a simple alternative to open cups and helps alleviate spills. The 3-in-1 lid means you can ‘sip it your way’ by choosing to use the straw, small opening, or large top. Designed for kids, this durable tumbler is made to last.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Fireside Games
This awesome My First Castle Panic board game introduces the youngest members of the house to a group of monsters racing out of the woods — and coming right at your Castle! In this exciting game, players need to catch all the monsters before they smash the Castle flat. Send out your brave defenders to match the color and shape of the space where a monster is to catch it. But watch out! The monsters move closer to the Castle every turn AND more monsters keep coming! No reading required. This delightful and fantastical co-op game teaches matching, strategic thinking, taking turns, and more. Cooperative gameplay means no sore losers. If wanted, preschoolers can play independently. (Geared for ages 4 and up, and ideal for 1 to 4 players.)
- Buy It: Amazon.com
MIMMO
This Mini Mermaid Sensory Dough Kit from MIMMO lets kids dive into a world of imagination and eco-friendly fun! It’s a super cute mini sensory play kit that features a large tub of dough plus fun accessories for extra magical play. Inside this beautifully packaged set, you’ll find: two handcrafted wooden unicorn-themed dough stamps, perfect for crafting a magical mermaid world. Kids will also enjoy a charming mermaid resin character, a treasure chest, and two story-setting resins. It’s a great kit that offers children hours of imaginative play.
- Buy It: PlayMimmo.com
Charleeboo Shoes
Have you heard of Charleeboo Shoes yet? These adorably unique toddler kicks are lined with organic cotton for extra breathability and comfort. The insoles have extra padding to keep growing feet happy wherever their daily adventures may lead. They also feature two velcro strap fastenings for easy on and off wear, while your kiddo practices learning to tie their own shoelaces. Available in a variety of fun styles, they are a great gift idea.
- Buy It: Charleeboo.com
Goliath Games
As a game playing family, I love finding fun new options. This newest option from Goliath Games called Sneak A Treat, is loads of fun! Get ready to spin to steal candy and earn points but beware, he might jump at the chance to steal it back. Outsmart the critter and collect the most points to win! The koosh-like material on the critter wiggles as he moves and adds a whole new meaning to fun. With no reading required and no batteries either, it’s an idea option for kids ages 4 and up.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Bene World
My kids are obsessed with all the stuffies and I love how Bene World Toys had created a plush with a purpose. Sparkle the Dog is Bene Bear’s friend–a Bene Buddy you might even say! This special pup teaches and reinforces the traits of kindness, respect, empathy, and giving but with an animal and pet focus. When your child is kind, shows respect, shows concern, or gives back to animals or pets; they can put a token in Sparkle’s token slot. The best part is, you can reuse over and over again for continual emphasis on these desired behaviors. Be sure to check out all the Bene buddies over on their website.
- Buy It: BeneBearGiving.com or Amazon
Hey Buddy Hey Pal
For the dino fans, check out this Egg Mazing Dinomazing Egg Decorator. Kids get to have so much fun creating special dinosaur eggs with this easy to use (and might I add…mess free!) dino egg decorator and then the fun can continue as they crack them for a special surprise! Each dinosaur egg contains gooey prehistoric slime as well as a surprise dino. It’s a gift that will be loved by dinosaurs and kids alike. Kids love how they can create endless exciting designs with the unique spinning action of the egg decorator and touch of a marker. Then, once they eggs are open, mix and match dinosaur pieces to create your own exceptional dinosaur. PS> Keep your eggmazing egg decorator for Easter as it works awesome to create Easter eggs too!
- Buy It: Amazon.com
The Original Sowa-Sowa
For kids who love to fidget, this Infinity Flipper brings endless fun, comfort, and also a tactile experience right to your fingertips. The unique design behind this fidget toy allows users to effortlessly flip it back and forth, creating a mesmerizing motion that keeps your hands engaged and your mind focused. Soft to the touch, it’s also a sensory experience just holding, rubbing, and petting this toy. The multi colors and textures on each side also add to the experience.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Bumpas Plush
For the plush loving kids, this stuffie is one with a purpose! This Christmas, check out Bumpas! Bumpas are weighted plush toys that are perfect to love, hug, and protect you. Their sole job is to always be by your side and to be your best friend. These stuffies feature long arms that are perfectly sized to wrap you in a hug. When you place your Bumpa’s hands together, they form a heart! Both soft and cuddly, Bumpas friends are a great companion for any age, and especially for anxious people.
- Buy It: Amazon
Graco Baby
Have you ever considered gifting a car seat for Christmas? It’s definitely a necessity that would get used! This year, take a look at the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 Car Seat. It is Graco’s slimmest designed car seat, as we all know that space in a vehicle is a premium. But my favorite feature about this seat is that it’s the only seat your child will ever need! This narrow all-in-one car seat grows with your child from rear-facing harness (5-40 lb) to forward-facing harness (22-65 lb) to highback booster (40-100 lb). Loaded with so many great features, it would be impossible to share them all right here. But I will note that you will absolutely love the No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System as it allows you to adjust the height of the headrest and harness to 10 different positions with just one motion, making it easy for just the right fit every single time. This is one seat that deserves a second glance!
- Buy It: Graco.com or Amazon.com
Patricia Lakin Books
I love giving books as gifts. Encouraging a love for reading at a young age is so important! This year, check out Tow To Go! The Mambo Rescue by Patricia Lakin. Join along as a helpful tow truck rescues cars from a snowstorm in this adorable Level 1 Ready-to-Read book. Meet Mo, the lovable tow truck who likes to mambo while he works. But when ten cars get stuck in a snowstorm, Mo has to mambo faster than ever before to get them out! Will he do it!? Grab this book to find out!
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Patricia Laken Books
Another fun option is Tow To Go! The Splish-Splash Puddle Dance! Tow Truck Mo comes to the rescue when a fancy sports car gets stuck in a muddy puddle in this second book from the adorable Level 1 Ready-to-Read series. As always, Mo the lovable tow truck mambos while he works, but to rescue a sports car from a squelchy mud puddle, Mo’s solo routine may have to become a duet! It’s adventures abounding and kids love these fun stories.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.
This post currently has 4 responses.
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Anne
Not having any children ourselves, we’re always stumped when gift-giving time rolls around and we need to shop for gifts for little ones. This guide is quite helpful; I particularly like the options that encourage creativity, like the Geomag Classic set (in fact, I’d kinda like having that for myself, lol).
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Jacqueline Godbout
Love that Brio train
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Maria Egan
I like to add some art activities like the Paint Your Own Squishies. It gives them some fun things to do during the school break.
I love the Simplay3 Creative Kids Art Desk.