Creative Christmas Gifts for Kids (With Stocking Stuffer Ideas!)

At Christmas time, our family focuses on the real joy of the season, like spending time together, giving to those in need, and finding small ways to serve others. But that doesn’t mean we skip gifts! I still love choosing thoughtful Christmas gifts for kids that bring joy without adding clutter or plastic waste.

If you’re shopping for kids who have everything, this list will help. These are the best Christmas gifts for kids. You’ll find gifts big and small, for girls and boys and many that aren’t toys in the traditional sense. Many are unique, personalized, and even free if you get creative. A few are cheap but still meaningful, and several make perfect birthday or special-occasion gifts too.

Christmas Gift Ideas For Kids

Finding the top gifts that last can be tricky. I prefer options made from natural or eco-friendly materials that encourage imagination, creativity, or movement. Over the years, I’ve found that the most loved gifts aren’t the latest fads but the ones that invite connection and discovery.

Some of our family favorites include art supplies, a balance board, a personalized apron for kitchen helpers, and an “epic backyard” (according to my ten-year-old!). These are great for kids who like to fidget or move. For girls who love to create, a simple craft or jewelry kit is always a win.

Gifts That Give Back

Each year, our kids help choose a way to give to others in need. From donating toys to making care packages or volunteering together. These moments remind us that some of the best gifts are those we share. Giving time or kindness is always free, yet it creates the biggest impact.

Sometimes the small things are what children remember most. A homemade coupon book for extra bedtime stories, a family game night, or kids cooking lessons can mean more than anything store-bought.

Whether big or small, cheap or unique, the most meaningful gifts aren’t always wrapped. This year don’t forget to focus on what matters most, connection and the simple joy of giving. The best presents for kids often aren’t toys at all, but memories that last a lifetime.

Christmas Gifts For Teens 

As my kids have gotten older (and even become adults!) their tastes in gifts have changed. These gifts encourage creativity and movement and minimize screen time. 

1. Magnetic Pen – This fidget toy pen helps them write their thoughts and make their own unique designs. 
2. Bonsai Tree Kit – They can grow their own Bonsai trees and care for them. 
3. Vintage Record Player – Old school vinyl is back in style. Gift them a few records to go along with their new player. 
4. Embroidered Corner Bookmark – A beautiful (and personalized) way to remember what page they’re on. 
5. Ninja Creami – What kid doesn’t love ice cream? They can make their own healthy ice cream, sorbet, smoothies, and more with this machine.
6. Book light – This rechargeable book light encourages reading. Plus it can block blue light for better sleep. 
7. Large Backrest Pillow – Great for lounging in bed to read, color, or just relax. Can also be used on a couch or even the floor and has pockets.
8. Adult/Teen Lego Sets – These detailed sets are popular among teens and adults alike with dozens to choose from. This orchid lego set is beautiful, or they can create their own Da Vinci flying machine. 
9. Leather Journal – A beautiful leather journal for sketching, journaling, or even putting stickers in.
10. Grown-Up Coloring Books – Coloring isn’t just for little kids anymore. This spiral bound “adult coloring book” is very detailed and studies show coloring is relaxing. Or this pack of 10 offers more design options. 
11. Japanese Puzzle Box – These beautiful puzzle boxes are a unique way for older kids to keep valuable items safe and they’re fun to learn.
12. Kindle – All the books they could desire at their fingertips. Unlike tablets, Kindle uses warm light and isn’t harsh on the eyes.
13. Daylight Computer – A tablet that’s easy on the eyes. Take notes, use apps, write… all without blue light. 
14. Mushroom Growing Kit – They can grow their own organic mushrooms with this kit. 

Gifts For Tweens & Big Kids

A wide variety of gifts that will appeal to both boys and girls who aren’t quite into teenhood just yet. Many of these are also good for elementary age. 

1. Buddha Board – A relaxing way to paint with water (it evaporates and you can paint again).
2. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza– Say what?? This wacky game for kids is a hit with my tweens. They also have a holiday themed version.
3. Spa Headband set – For teen girls. 
4. Whirly Board – A fun balance board for better agility and to help engage full body strength. 
5. Book light – This rechargeable book light encourages reading. Plus it can  block blue light for better sleep. 
6. Pindaloo – This wacky looking game helps teach motor skills as kids try to keep the ball moving. 
7. Tabletop Hockey – This tabletop version of hockey uses elastic to sling pucks towards your opponents goal. 
8. Gaga Crazy ball – This modern twist on dodgeball is a fun game the whole family can play. 
9. Archery Set – My kids have loved these GBG archery sets and these sets are created for kids by kids. They have some helpful videos on their website as well!
10. Leather Journal – A beautiful leather journal for sketching, journaling, or even putting stickers in.
11. Rubik’s Cube – The 1980s called, but we told it we’re keeping the Rubik’s Cube. Older kids love learning to solve this retro puzzle.
12. CrateJoy Subscription Box – You can find dozens of different subscription boxes from CrateJoy from music to stickers, to art, to aliens, or baking.
13. Build Your Own Programmable Robot Kit – This building kit was a favorite with my oldest. Build a robot and program it!
14. Grown-Up Coloring Books – Coloring isn’t just for little kids anymore. This spiral bound “adult coloring book” is very detailed and studies show coloring is relaxing. Or this pack of 10 offers more design options. 
15. Boogie Board – Reusable board that encourages doodling and drawing.
16. Kindle – All the books they could desire at their fingertips. Unlike tablets, Kindle uses warm light and isn’t harsh on the eyes.
17. KiwiCo – These subscription boxes offer a variety of learning (and fun!) activities. For tweens and teens pick from options like art, design, and STEM.
18. Runaway Alarm Clock – Does your teen have trouble waking up? This alarm clock runs away and keeps making noise until caught!
19. Natural Makeup Brushes – If your teen is old enough to wear makeup, these natural brushes are great!
20. Collapsible Duffel Bag – Great bag for short trips that collapses to a tiny size, unlike some bulky backpacks.
21. Slippers (for teenage girls) – Super comfy, barefoot slippers that are still stylish.
22. Cash inside a Money Maze Puzzle Box – Give money so they can get what they like, but make it fun by hiding it inside this puzzle cube.
23. No Crease Ponytail Holders – These are really popular right now. They’re gentle on hair and don’t leave a crease. Or I hear that Scrunchies and banana clips are back in style!
24. Travel Hammock – Have an outdoorsy teen? These travel hammocks collapse small and are awesome. They’re also quite popular on some college campuses.
25. Become a Beekeeper Course: This is an amazing Introduction to Beekeeping Course. It will help teach them everything from buying bees to harvesting honey. Use code WELLNESS for 25% off!
26. Kids Daylight Computer – A tablet that’s easy on the eyes. Write, use apps, draw, all without blue light. 
27. Backyard Bags (also called Cornhole) – This is always a fun game for the backyard. Whether you have guests over or it’s just the two of you, this has been a family favorite in our house.
28. Slackline – Like a balance beam and trampoline in one. It encourages balance, gross motor skills, and coordination. Plus it’s hours of fun.
29. Piggy Paint – Non-toxic nail polish in fun colors. 
30. Ninjaline – Like monkey bars but tougher. A lot of people use these for Ninja Warrior training, but my kids just think it is fun!
31. Talkbox.Mom – Do your kids want to learn another language? This is a fun way to do that at home and is great for kids of all ages – even the littles!
32. Water Bottle – Upgrade their water bottle game with these colorful water bottles. It’s what we use to keep liquids cold (or hot) for days.

Best Gifts for Younger Kids

Gifts for kids ages preschool through elementary. Games, crafts, sensory play, audio players, and more. 

1. Gym 1 Indoor Doorway Gym – My kids’ favorite Christmas gift of all time. It’s a gym that mounts in a door frame and they use it every day.
2. Snap Circuits – A really neat kit that lets kids learn about electricity by building different types of basic machines like a fan, a radio, etc.
3. Yoto Player – This screen-free player is designed especially for kids to listen to books, podcast episodes, music, radio, and more by simply inserting a card in. There are over 1,000 options or you can make your own cards. It’s rechargeable and the Bluetooth is optional so you can leave it off.
4. Art Kit – A favorite among my girls. This art supplies kit contains markers, crayons, colored pencils, and more for arts & crafts.
5. Personalized Storybook – This personalized gift features your little one’s first name throughout their bedtime story.
6. Kinetic sand – Perfect for squishing and building with for sensory play.
7. Flower Press Kit – Kids can create their own stationery, cards, and more with a flower/leaf press.
8. Mini Trampoline for Indoor Play – We’ve had a trampoline in our house for years and it’s great for cold or rainy days. Rebounding (bouncing) is also great for adults!
9. Spinkpong Mini Game – Bounce a ball off of a tiny net and try to catch it in the cup. Great for kids to play on their own or with siblings/friends.
10. Sherwood Player – This player gives kids unlimited access to over 5,000 wholesome audiobooks, podcasts, low-stimulation shows, and books that encourage creativity. Use the code wellnessmama10 for a discount.
11. Knitting Loom Kit – Kids can make their own cute animals with this craft kit. 
12. Kids Daylight Computer – A tablet that’s easy on the eyes. Write, use apps, draw, all without blue light with their tablet for ages 3-7. 
13. Amazon Fire – An affordable tablet with a lot of capabilities.
14. 3-D Pen – They can design and create what they want with this 3-D pen and DesignPad mat. 
15. Wooden Twig Colored Pencils – Wooden colored pencils made from twigs. Good size for younger kids just learning to write and draw.
16. Wooden People and Craft Supplies – My kids loved making their own little wooden dolls and figurines with these.
17. Grow and Make – They have kits ranging from gardening to making your own box of chocolates.
18. Natural Paints – Made from natural earth pigments for all your arts and crafts projects.
19. Microscope Kit – My oldest loved looking at hair, dirt, and all kinds of other things in this microscope. STEM toys (science, technology, engineering, and math) like this one are educational toys but can also be super fun.
20. Bath Tub Crayons – These beeswax bath time crayons for toddlers are handmade in New Zealand with New Zealand beeswax and food-grade, non-toxic pigments. The jumbo crayons are perfect for toddlers, kids, and children from 2 years old and up.
21. Doll House – This Melissa & Doug doll house is great for 4-year-old to 8-year-old kids. Fits smaller dolls.
22. Little Passports – This subscription service tailors to your child’s age and the collection they would most be interested in. (For parents, you can filter by your budget!)
23. Stainless Steel Play Kitchen Pots and Pans  – My daughters used to play kitchen with these for hours! Get a food play set to go with it.
24. Beginner Piano Keyboard (and free Hoffman Academy Lessons) – These are a great way to get the kids started with music.
25. Sun Art – Fun educational craft idea that kids love.
26. Kendama Game – Fun interactive game that encourages movement.
27. Weighted Blanket – Not just for kids, but a soothing gift that helps kids get into a restful state and has demonstrated benefits for sleep.
28. Sensory Swing – If you’re looking for a sensory swing to help your child relax and de-stress, this is the swing for them. The swings are made of quality, comfortable materials your child will want to spend hours in.
29. Kids Cook Real Food e-Course – Give the gift of quality time and kitchen skills to boot! This course was life-changing for our family.
30. Trampoline – Not just for kids when you consider the lymphatic benefits of jumping! This makes a great outdoor toy, but we also have a small one inside our house.
31. Swing – My kids loved this backyard swing.
32. Logic puzzles or games to develop problem-solving skills (Logic Links and Kanoodle are two of our favorites)
33. Word games or board games for the next family game night. (We like Boggle, Apples to Apples, Story Cubes, Madlibs Jr.)
34. KiwiCo – From the toddler stage to preschool, to teens, they offer fun and educational subscription boxes. Choose from a variety including craft kits, science kits, geography kits, and more.
35. When I Grow Up I Want to Be.…. book. This book is designed for kids and children to answer five or six fun questions to record their interests, talents, strengths, and achievements, and can be a fun career journal. My kids have fun reading what they wrote in their journals years ago!
36. Playsilks – It’s a cape, it’s a scarf, it’s a dress… it’s playsilks. 
37. Tinkerlab Book – A guide to using everyday items to create their own inventions, creations, and art projects with help from grownups.
38. Wildcraft Herbal Board Game – A cooperative game where players learn about herbs and natural remedies. 
39. Kids Musical Instruments – Made from natural wood to encourage rhythm and movement. 

Baby and Toddler

And of course we can’t forget the littlest ones! These gifts are appropriate for babies and even into the preschool years. If you have an older toddler, be sure to check the gifts for younger kids section above for more ideas. 

1. Eco-friendly Baby Clothes– There aren’t many things cuter than a baby in organic dino footie pajamas. Check out all of my favorite organic brands for the best baby (and kids) clothes.
2. Magnetic Drawing Board – Also perfect for traveling. 
3. Natural baby toys – My favorite brand of baby toys with a wide variety of options. 
4. Building Blocks – This wooden building set has colorful blocks that encourage building, stacking, and imagination.
5. Scooter Board – Toys that help with movement are always a big hit around our house. This wooden scooter board is great for toddlers through elementary-age kids.
6. Personalized Storybook – This personalized gift features your little one’s first name throughout their bedtime story.
7. KiwiCo – From the toddler stage to preschool, to teens, they offer fun and educational subscription boxes. Choose from a variety including craft kits, science kits, geography kits, and more.
8. Beeswax Crayons – Jumbo crayons made of natural beeswax. Or try your hand at making your own!
9. Stainless Steel Play Kitchen Pots and Pans  – My daughters used to play kitchen with these for hours! Get a food play set to go with it.
10. Wooden Train Set – Let their imaginations run wild with this 100 piece train set.
11. Rock Crayons – Cute crayons for little hands to hold. Come with a drawstring storage bag. 
12. Bath Tub Crayons – These beeswax bath time crayons for toddlers are handmade in New Zealand with New Zealand beeswax and food-grade, non-toxic pigments. The jumbo crayons are perfect for toddlers, kids, and children from 2 years old and up.
13. Wiggle Car – My little kids loved this ride-on toy and they’re great for kids of all sizes.
14. Wooden Blocks – They can build what they want with this set of 100 natural wooden blocks
15. Wooden Animal Toys – Adorable and durable wooden animal toys.
16. Canopy Nursery Air Purifier – This compact and cute air filter is specifically designed for baby’s room.  
17. Wooden Shape Sorter Garden – An adorable Montessori shape sorter where your toddler can plant their own pretend garden.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids

• Little Hero’s Journal for Kids – I’ve used these for years with my kids. I’ve also shared how I use journals to communicate with my daughters as they tend to open up more through writing.
• Beef jerky or beef sticks (we love this brand)
• Hot chocolate (I put homemade mix in a small jelly or mason jar with their name on it). A pre-made option is this amazing Cacao Bliss mix.
• Lotion Bars – These Beesilk lotion bars are amazing for the wintertime and a fun stocking stuffer. Use code wellnessmama for a discount!
• Lip Balm with natural essential oils in delicious scents and flavors. Check out their seasonal versions!
• Bubble bath (or you can mix up your own DIY bubble bath in minutes with a few simple ingredients!)
• Vitamins that taste great without added sugar or any of the junk
• A coupon to stay up an hour late
• Movie night with favorite dessert coupon
• A coupon to pick the meals for a day
• Mini photo book with family memories and inspirational quotes
• Movie tickets or gift certificates
• Fun Scrunchies
• Fun plates or cups from Ahimsa. They’re plastic-free and my kids love them!
• A card game or dice game of any kind – Zobmondo is a hit with the older kids in my house.
• Crochet kit for kids
• Give them “coal” in their stocking with this charcoal soap bar
• Cash or gift card inside a Money Maze gift box
• Hiya Vitamins – My kids love their tasty vitamin subscription and I love that it’s free of junk and fillers. 

What Christmas gifts for kids have your family enjoyed? Are there any you would add to this list? Leave a comment and let us know!