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Gift Guide for Kids Under 5
I love giving gifts. It brings me joy to see others delight in a gift I (my kids) have given. The only problem I had was that I didn’t always know what to get for little kids. What do I get my cousin’s one year old? My BFFs kid is turning 2, does she really want this loud, bright blinking toy that is “recommended.” We have a classmate party coming what should I get a 4 year old? Since becoming a parent, being invited to a bunch of kids’ parties and my kids getting gifts of their own I’ve found some go-to gifts.
I’ve narrowed down some great and well loved gifts we’ve gotten and given over the years and, as an added bonus, most are less than $15.
Mom Hack: keep some of these items on hand for those last minute parties (or those parties that have been forgotten about).
Books
You can’t go wrong with giving a book as a gift. Books and reading are fundamental to development. Here are some recommendations for the younger kids on your shopping list.
Melissa & Doug Poke-A-Dot– these are so much fun. It’s like endlessly popping bubble wrap. (but not annoying for everyone around the toddler). The subject matter is vast from colors, counting, farm animals, dinosaurs, the alphabet to shapes works and popular songs. These will get used for years to come. My five year old still enjoys poking the dots and reading the story to younger siblings. Ages 1+
Never Touch A… or Touch and Feel books- A great sensory toy. The stories are silly, or don’t make much sense, or have to be read with an accent for them to rhyme, but each page has a different texture and is a tactile experience for little ones. Ages 0+
Lift A Flap books– these chunky board books are great for destructive toddlers who can get a bit too zealous with a regular flap and rip it right out of the book. They cover basics like colors and shapes or kindness and first words. Ages 0+
Games
I love giving games as gifts. They’re something that can be used for years. Here are some of our family favorites that work for toddlers to preschoolers and beyond.
2-in-1 Junior Versions of Monopoly/Clue/Twister– There are tons of these “junior” games out there, but the 2 games in 1 versions are my favorite. The game board/mat is two sided and grows with the kids. One side is a simple game with clear, easy to follow directions. The other side of the board is a bit more complex, but still a “junior” version of the game. Twister is great for 2+, Monopoly (you go to timeout not jail) & Clue (no murder involved in the junior game) are both recommended for ages 4+.
Zingo– This really is a great family game. My 2 year old is able to play with limited help from others. It is a great matching and recognition game. Ages 3+
Creative
There is a lot to be said for allowing kids to have creative freedom and expression. These toys allow for that in several ways.
Play-Doh/Kinetic Sand– other parents may hate me for this one, but these are more tactile toys that allow kids to be creative and use their hands. Ages 2+
Age Appropriate Coloring Book/Jumbo Crayons– my kiddo was given a set of jumbo crayons and a “my first coloring book” as a 2nd birthday gift. This coloring book was great because the images were larger and the jumbo crayons were easier for little hands to hold.
Paint-by-sticker– Another gift we received was a paint by sticker book for my 4 year old. He spends time quietly placing the stickers in the correct spot to create the image. I was honestly shocked by how attentive and engaged he was with this activity. Ages 3-5
Kid Sized Camera– I talked about four reasons to give kids a camera a while back. I love seeing their perspective and point of view. Admittedly more than $15, this is a slightly higher cost item, but it takes up less space and doesn’t make too much noise. Ages 3+
Other
When you’re at a loss or out of time go with a classic: Cash.
Seriously, cash is a great gift from the perspective of both kids and parents. Have you ever watched a 3 year old open a card with five $1 bills in it. They get so excited. Parents also appreciate the space saving gift of cash.
If you’re looking for bigger ticket items or group gifting check out these recommendations for lasting gifts for kids.
Happy Gifting!
