Shopping for the big kids can be a delightful challenge—they’re growing fast, developing their own interests, and ready for gifts that feel a little more “grown-up” while still being tons of fun. Our Best Gifts for Big Kids brings together the coolest, most engaging, and parent-approved picks that inspire creativity, spark independence, and keep the excitement of play alive. Whether you’re shopping for a young inventor, an avid reader, a sports lover, or a tech-curious kid, this guide has something they’ll be thrilled to unwrap.
Find The Best Gift Ideas For The Big Kids In Your Life:
Wise Block RC Military Armored Truck
Fuel your child’s creativity and curiosity with the Wise Block Military Vehicle, a STEAM-accredited building set that combines hands-on construction with remote-control action! With 371 high-quality bricks—compatible with LEGO® and other leading brands—kids can enjoy the satisfaction of building their own detailed military vehicle before taking it for a spin. Once assembled, the included electric motor and 4-way remote control (forward, backward, left, and right) bring their creation to life for hours of exciting play. This set includes everything needed to get started: a handheld remote, assembly instructions, and all 371 pieces—just add 5 AAA batteries (not included). Designed for kids ages 8 and up, it’s the perfect blend of fun, learning, and engineering. Build it, drive it, and experience the thrill of your own RC military adventure!
- Buy It: Walmart.com and also available at Specialty Stores nationwide
Tosy
Tosy is a small set of magnetic shapes that have many magnetic points along the edge of each shape. This allows the shapes to be arranged in almost endless ways! The set contains 15 pieces, so it’s fairly small but you’ll be amazed at how long kids will sit and fidget with a Tosy pyramid set! You’ll likely find that teens and even adults want to take turns playing with the set, too. This glow set has halographic stickers that will glow in the dark, making the set fun for playing with in bed or at bonfires or sleepovers.
- Buy it: Amazon.com.
Sticki Rolls Sticki Rolluxe
Sticki Rolls became a must-have in 2024, riding the wave of the friendship bracelet trend (thanks, Taylor Swift!) and completely reimagining how kids collect, wear, and share their favorite stickers. Now, the fun gets an upgrade with the Sticki Rolluxe—an all-in-one crafting and jewelry-making kit cleverly designed to look like a stylish handbag for easy storage and on-the-go creativity. Kids can design their own bracelets and necklaces using included beads and Sticki Rolls, then decorate their space with three Jumbo Stickies—just like the ones blowing up on social media. It’s the ultimate combo of fashion, fun, and creativity—perfect for holiday gifting!
- Buy It: Amazon.com
DB Clay
DB Clay sells these duct tape wallet kits that are perfect for kids who enjoy being a little crafty, and ending with a functional item to use or gift to someone else! The duct tape kits come in three color options, black, teal or silver. The kits include pre-cut strips of duct tape and a step by step instruction manual for making a functional bifold wallet! Kids under 10 may need a little help from an older kid or adult. All that they’ll need to have on hand are scissors and a ruler. The duct tape in the kit is industrial grade and waterproof so it’ll withstand extreme temps if needed. These kits are made in portland so you can feel good about supporting a US-business!
- Buy it: dbclay.com.
Smartivity Rocket Launcher Stem Kit
Ever wondered how rockets blast off into space? With this exciting hands-on kit, your child can build and launch their very own rocket! First, they’ll assemble a realistic rocket, then load it onto a durable launcher—press the launch button, and watch it soar into the sky! Designed to spark curiosity and creativity, the kit includes easy-to-follow instructions, fun STEM explanations, and engaging experiments your child can explore independently. It’s the perfect gift for young scientists and future engineers ready to reach for the stars! Enjoy hassle free fun with all parts included, plus a lifetime supply of replacement parts. Easy-to-follow instructions make building a breeze, ensuring uninterrupted playtime.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
WiZ Connected Smart Floor Lamp
Bring some color and magic into your child’s room with the WiZ Connected Smart Floor Lamp! This cool LED lamp can shine in millions of colors, creating fun rainbow effects that make playtime, reading, or bedtime extra special. It has dual-zone lighting that gives off soft, glowing shades to fill the room with cozy light. Kids can change the colors and brightness using the WiZ app or even their voice, making it easy (and super fun!) to match the lights to their mood or favorite songs. You can stand the lamp in a corner or place it under the couch or behind the TV for amazing backlight effects. Whether it’s for a bedroom, playroom, or family movie nights, this smart lamp adds a bright, colorful touch that kids will absolutely love!
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Eat2Explore KENYA Cooking Box
Take your family on a flavorful adventure this holiday season with the Eat2Explore Kenya Cooking Box, a hands-on culinary journey that brings the vibrant tastes of East Africa right to your kitchen. Designed for families, making it perfect to do WITH your kids! This immersive cooking kit includes authentic Kenyan recipes that serve four, along with pre-measured spices, sauces, and a shopping list for fresh ingredients. It’s the perfect way to explore new cuisines together — whether as a fun family night activity, a homeschool project, or an in-class cultural experience. With each dish, you’ll discover the rich traditions and bold flavors of Kenya, all while learning through cooking. Thoughtful, educational, and delicious, this family box makes a unique and memorable gift for curious cooks and world travelers at heart.
- Buy It: Eat2Explore.com
SmartGames Cats & Boxes Travel Game
Cats & Boxes is a purrrfect pick for puzzle and game lovers of all ages! In this clever sequential puzzle game, players slide the pieces one by one to help a group of mischievous cats find their favorite hiding spots—inside cardboard boxes, of course. With 60 challenges ranging from easy to expert, it’s a fun brain workout that builds concentration, problem-solving, and logic skills. Compact and travel-friendly, Cats & Boxes comes with its own portable game board and lid, making it easy to take the feline fun on the go. Designed for ages 7 and up, it’s the game version of the internet’s favorite obsession—and guaranteed to delight cat fans everywhere.
- Buy It: SmartToysAndGames.com or Amazon.com
The Paka Mdogo Series
For young explorers and animal lovers! Get ready to delight the curious young reader in your life with the Paka Mdogo series by H.S. Toshack — a beautifully written set of animal adventure stories perfect for children aged 8–12. Centered around Sheena, a clever and courageous black-and-white cat, these books transport readers to the African savannah, bustling Thai landscapes, and beyond. Blending action, friendship, and real-world wildlife settings with important life lessons, the series is ideal for kids who love animals, nature, and stories with heart. With themes of courage, empathy, and cultural understanding, Paka Mdogo makes a thoughtful and enriching gift for readers ready to go beyond the ordinary. There are currently four books in this series and you’ll definitely want them all!
- Buy It: Amazon.com
World’s Softest Plush Stuffies
Delight the big kids with the World’s Softest Plush from Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company. They are the perfect mix of cuddly comfort and playful charm. Winner of the Mom’s Choice Awards Gold Award, these plush companions are more than just soft—they encourage emotional growth, sensory exploration, and imaginative play. From the lovable Spots Piggy Lushee to a wide variety of colorful, animal-inspired designs, there’s a friend for every kid’s personality. Choose from 10-inch travel-friendly plushies for on-the-go adventures or larger 16-inch buddies for cozy reading, gaming, or chill-out time at home. With fresh new designs released every quarter, the World’s Softest Plush line is a gift that keeps kids entertained, comforted, and coming back for more.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Starlux Games Seek & Hide Sardines
Meet the worst teammate ever: Saraphina, the singing fish. In this hilarious twist on the classic game of Sardines, one player hides with Saraphina while the others search. As players discover the hiding spot, they squeeze in—but staying hidden isn’t easy. Saraphina randomly bursts into one of her 8 obnoxiously catchy songs, wriggles, glows, and demands a special tap or squeeze to quiet down. She’s chaotic, unpredictable, and wildly funny—everything you don’t want in a hiding buddy. Bonus: Her batteries are fully rechargeable!
- Buy It: Amazon.com
INFINITY NADO Battling Toys Set for 8-12 with Detachable Stadium
The INFINITY NADO Metal Light-Up Battling Top Arena Set is the perfect gift for kids who love action, strategy, and friendly competition. This all-in-one set includes 2 sword launchers, a detachable stadium, 2 high-speed spinning tops, and assembly tools—everything needed for epic duels right out of the box. To play, simply insert the battling top into the sword launcher, power it up by sliding the scabbard back and forth, then press the button to unleash it into the arena. Watch as the tops spin with dazzling lights and incredible speed! The metal attack rings boost power and stability, giving players the edge in every match, while the enhanced sword launchers pack 10x more launching force for high-energy battles. Whether in the included arena or on any smooth surface, kids can practice their skills, master new techniques, and enjoy endless hours of thrilling competition.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
INFINITY NADO Battle Set
The Fury Wave Dragon Standard Pack Battling Top Set brings high-speed action and excitement to every duel. This dynamic set includes a sword launcher and a light-up battling top that spins with incredible speed and power. To play, simply insert the top into the sword launcher, pump the scabbard back and forth to build up energy, then press the button to release your top into battle! As it spins, the top lights up automatically, creating a dazzling display of motion and color. Designed for effortless play, this set makes launching easy and fun for kids of all skill levels. The sword-shaped launcher gives players greater control and precision, helping them aim and dominate every match with style and confidence.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Lethal Chicken Games Little Pig Little Pig
This light strategy board game is where 2–4 players race to build three houses—one of hay, one of wood, and one of brick—before their opponents. Players collect resources, battle each other, and roll the die to avoid or unleash the Big Bad Wolf. With charming artwork, modular board tiles, and a blend of tactical movement and mischief, this game is easy to learn and enjoy for players of all ages.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Abacus Brands Deluxe Virtual Reality Gift Set World Atlas
Take your child on a globe-trotting adventure—no passport required! The VR World Atlas Set transforms traditional learning into an unforgettable experience, bringing maps to life through the magic of virtual reality. As kids explore cities, cultures, cuisines, currencies, landmarks, and history in stunning 3D detail, they’ll journey to the tallest buildings, longest bridges, and most iconic places on Earth—all from the comfort of home. This deluxe gift set includes a 110-page interactive world atlas, a scratch-off map to track each virtual destination, and a pair of VR goggles to unlock immersive exploration. It’s more than just an atlas—it’s a ticket to a world of discovery!
- Buy It: Amazon.com
ESPN Jumbo LED Tabletop Air Hockey
Ignite the fun with the ESPN Jumbo LED Tabletop Air Hockey Set—a modern twist on the arcade classic, built for at-home excitement. Designed for quick setup and maximum fun, this all-in-one set delivers fast-paced gameplay, glowing LED lights, and automatic scoring for a truly immersive experience. Perfect for any flat surface, it’s ready to go right out of the box—no assembly required. Simply unpack, power up, and start playing. With LED lights, automatic scoring, and no assembly required, this tabletop air hockey set delivers fast-paced fun right at home. This set includes everything you need: a durable tabletop air hockey unit, 4 smooth-gliding pucks, and 2 ergonomic pushers. Get ready for hours of action-packed fun and friendly rivalry—no quarters required.
- Buy It: SamsClub.com
Tamagotchi Collections – The Quirky Tomagotchi Management Game
Get ready for a cozy, competitive dose of nostalgia with Tamagotchi Collections, the tabletop game where you care for your favorite digital pets in real life! A group of adorable Tamagotchi friends has crash-landed on Earth, and it’s up to you to feed them, play with them, and keep them happy while managing a bit of that classic Tamagotchi chaos. Designed for 2–4 players, ages 10 and up, this game challenges you to raise the happiest crew of 30 unique Tamagotchi characters by rolling dice to meet their needs—and trying not to get overwhelmed in the process! Just like the original handheld craze, Tamagotchi Collections is packed with charm, fun, and a touch of mischief, making it the perfect gift for kids, families, or anyone who loves a nostalgic twist on game night.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Dawn of the Dragons (New Dragon City)
Perfect for fans of Wings of Fire, this thrilling adventure sparks the imagination. When Lucas stumbles on a real-life dragon in the middle of a summer filled with wildfires and strange disappearances, everything changes. As an unlikely friendship forms between boy and beast, they must work together to stop a growing conflict between humans and dragons—before it’s too late. A heart-pounding, emotional read for ages 9–13.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Wise Block Race Car
Similar to the Military Vehicle above, this Wise Block Race Car is also sure to please! Rev up creativity and excitement with the Wise Block Race Car, a STEAM-accredited building set that lets kids build first, then play! Featuring 414 durable bricks, a powerful electric motor, and a 4-direction remote control, this advanced-level kit transforms into a sleek RC racing machine ready to hit the track. Kids can follow the step-by-step instructions to build their own high-speed vehicle—or mix and match pieces from other compatible sets (including LEGO® and top brands) to create something uniquely theirs. Once built, take control and race in any direction—forward, backward, left, or right—for endless fun and learning through play. With its challenging build and thrilling results, the Wise Block Race Car is perfect for aspiring engineers, hobbyists, and creative minds ages 8 and up. Build it, customize it, and feel the rush of your very own RC race car!
- Buy It: Walmart.com and also available at Specialty Stores nationwide
Hootenanny Games Early Bird
The early bird wins in Early Bird, the high-energy card game from Hootenanny that gets the whole family flapping! Players race to be the first to get rid of all their bird food cards—no turns, just fast-paced, free-for-all fun! But don’t blink—Challenge Cards like Squirrel Twirl, Build a Birdhouse, Leave the Nest, and Worm! stop the action with silly, get-up-and-move tasks that will have everyone laughing and leaping. Combining the quick reflexes of Speed with active play, Early Bird is perfect for kids who need to move and adults who don’t mind being silly. A fantastic way to burn energy and bond as a family!
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Thames & Kosmos My Robotic Pet: Coding Chameleon
Bring home a robotic pet with personality! This 15-inch-long coding chameleon is more than just a cool build—it reacts to gestures, changes color, and even launches its tongue like a real reptile. With articulated joints and expressive eyes, its lifelike movements make it feel like a true tech pet. Best of all, it’s fully equipped for screen-free STEM fun: kids use colorful action cards to program its behavior through a built-in color sensor, infrared sensor, and RGB LEDs—no tablets or apps needed. It’s the perfect hands-on gift for young coders and curious minds!
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Vango Shoe Styling Kit
Shoe charms are one of the hottest trends this year, and the Loveté Girls Activity Night: Shoe Styling Kit takes the trend to the next level. Inspired by viral “girls night” vibes, tween and teen aesthetics, and today’s fashion-forward looks, this kit lets kids personalize their sneakers with trendy charms, colorful laces, and fun stickers. Designed for up to four friends, each kit includes everything needed to create totally unique kicks—no crafting experience required! With easy instructions and tons of style options, it’s the ultimate activity for sleepovers, birthday parties, or laid-back nights in.
- Buy It: Target.com
Turbobo Weighted Plush Starter Bundle
Meet Turbobo, the ultimate 5-in-1 therapeutic weighted stuffed dog, thoughtfully designed to ease anxiety, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. With its calming 5 lb or 2.5 lb weight, soothing aromatherapy scents, soft cuddly texture, hot/cold gel-pack insert, and sensory-friendly tail, Turbobo is a hug in plush form—perfect for kids, teens, and adults alike. Whether it’s for a child navigating sensory challenges, a college student away from home, or an adult managing a high-stress lifestyle, Turbobo offers comfort and calm whenever it’s needed. The 5 lb version provides deeper pressure, ideal for older kids and adults, while the lighter 2.5 lb version is great for younger children or those on the go. It’s more than just a plush—it’s a portable source of peace, making it a heartfelt and thoughtful gift this holiday season.
- Buy It: Turbobo.net
Ultra PRO One More? Game
Bring the excitement to your next game night with One More?—a fast-paced, high-energy buzzer game that challenges players to think on their feet. Perfect for 2–4 players (ages 8 and up), it features over 300 clever topics and two dynamic modes (Kids and Family), ensuring every round is fresh, fun, and inclusive. With flashing LEDs, a buzzing interactive timer, and just 15 minutes per session, players race to shout out as many answers as they can within each category. Whether it’s a party, holiday gathering, or casual family night, One More? is a crowd-pleasing gift that delivers big laughs and friendly competition for everyone.
- Buy It: UltraPro.com
Large As Life Trivia Puzzle
Get ready for hours of laughter and learning with this unique jigsaw puzzle experience! Each puzzle hides 72 hilarious jokes woven right into the vibrant artwork—perfect for reading aloud and sparking giggles as you piece it together. Once completed, you’ll reveal a life-size King Penguin, turning playtime into an immersive and educational adventure the whole family can enjoy. With 50 large, easy-to-handle pieces, this puzzle is designed for a wide range of ages and skill levels—from kids to teens and even adults. Whether it’s for family game night, parties, or a one-of-a-kind gift, this interactive puzzle brings joy, laughter, and learning all in one box.
- Buy It: Amazon.com
Need even more gift ideas for older kids? Here are our guides from previous years!
2021 holiday gift guide for older kids
2020 holiday gift guide for big kids
2019 holiday gift guide for older kids
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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.
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