15 Types Of Gifts For Kids That They Will Actually Enjoy

15 Types Of Gifts For Kids That They Will Actually Enjoy

Shopping For Kids Is No Longer Confusing With Our Comprehensive Guide To The Best Types Of Gifts For Kids!

Gift shopping for kids tends to fall on both ends of the extremes for some of us - they’ll either love it or ignore it. 

Whether you’re a parent, a thoughtful friend, a loving aunt, or a doting uncle, choosing the right gift that kids will genuinely enjoy and not leave aside can be a tricky one.

It doesn’t help that toy stores and online shopping catalogues are overflowing with seemingly fun options that leave us second-guessing ourselves.

“Will they really play with this?”

“Is this something fun that will also be good for their growth?”

The fact that you’ve thought of these shows that you truly want to get the little one in your life a meaningful gift that shows care and thought.

That’s why we’ve spoken to parents, kids, and friends of ours who have successfully given little ones gifts that kids absolutely refuse to set aside. All so we’re able to put together this guide to help you discern the best gifts that kids will actually love (and that parents will secretly appreciate too). 

Because great gifts don’t simply entertain these little ones, they also inspire creativity, connection, and joy.

15 Gift Ideas For Kids That Are Not Only Practical But Will Be Well Loved By The Little Ones In Your Life

Kids enjoying Jenga with their parent.
Photo by Alex Green.

1. Board Games

Board games are a timeless classic for good reason. Whether it’s a fast-paced card game like SNAP!, the classic Jenga, or the strategic Settlers of Catan, board games are one of the rare catalysts that spark laughter, friendly competition, and quality bonding time amongst both young and old, no matter parents, siblings, or friends.

Since most board games are built around strategy, decision-making, and quick thinking, they can help kids learn how to plan ahead, work as a team, and think critically. All while having an absolute blast.

Recommended For Ages: 3+ and above, depending on the individual game’s age recommendation.

2. Personalised Lunch Box

Many things excite little kids, but few bring sheer joy unlike a personalised lunch box - especially if they often find themselves sharing their belongings with their siblings. A personalised lunch box is one that could feature anything from their name, to favourite colours, or even a cute character they love to make lunchtime feel extra special.

It’s incredibly meaningful to get a personalised lunch box or snack pack because it offers little ones a sense of ownership which boosts confidence, while also encouraging social interaction as it can spark conversations among peers.

Did you know that you can visit any OiYO by Montigo Official Store to get your OiYO Lunch Box, OiYO Snacky Pack, and more customised with a design and text print that the lucky kid will adore?

Recommended For Ages: 3 - 12.

3. Storybook Series

A storybook series is more than just a stack of books. It’s a thoughtful invitation to a world of imagination, wonder, and the possibilities of developing lifelong reading habits. There is no shortage of written genres, from whimsical fantasy to comedic adventures, or a heartwarming tale with life lessons, storybooks pave the journey to creativity, especially amongst little ones.

Gifting a storybook series fuels kids’ imagination, strengthens language skills, and expands vocabulary, allowing them to develop emotional intelligence while encouraging a love for learning.

Some highly recommended classics I’d recommend are the Harry Potter series, The Famous Five by Enid Blyton, books by Roald Dahl, and The Chronicles of Narnia.

Recommended For Ages: Picture book series for toddlers between 2 to 7, chapter book sets for older kids from ages 8 and above.

4. LEGO Set

I simply can’t think of a child who has ever regretted spending hours enjoying hands-on fun with a LEGO set. This classic toy is the gold standard of open-ended play because kids can either channel build a design of their choice, or follow instructions to build a themed set (think farmlands, vehicles, limited edition movie tie-ins).

Building structures through their very own LEGO set helps sharpen fine motor skills, teaches patience, and expands their creativity. Not forgetting the confidence boost they’ll get once they complete their masterpiece!

Recommended For Ages: Larger Duplo blocks for toddlers 1 year and above, beginner sets for ages 4 to 6, and more intricate builds for ages 7 and above.

5. Painting Set

Since colour pencils are a school essential, let’s give kids something they may or may not yet have - a painting set. Painting treasure troves are typically packed with paint colours, paint brushes, a drawing block, and endless possibilities because kids can let their imagination run wild on the blank sheets.

Parents often love it when their kids are gifted an art set because it keeps those little hands busy for hours, precious hours that parents often don’t get enough for themselves. But the real boon lies in how it nurtures their creativity, improves motor skills, and teaches them how to handle mistakes with confidence (happy little accidents, anyone?).

Recommended For Ages: 2 years and above for non-toxic paint sets, and acrylic or watercolour sets for ages 7 and up.

6. Plush Toy

Plush toys are easily overlooked because of how accessible they are. But no matter the age, plush toys hold a special kind of magic with how it can be a child’s cuddle buddy, travel companion, and even secret keeper.

They come in various forms such as adorable seals, a soft teddy bear, and even the well-loved classic Jellycat bunny. Plush toys encourage creativity in a gentle, emotional way while providing a sense of security to little ones especially when they are played in role-playing scenarios.

Recommended For Ages: From birth, but be aware of small parts on certain plush toys.

7. Puzzle Set

If there’s a gift that will keep kids away from the screens for hours that is also fun and mentally engaging, it’d definitely be a puzzle set. Whether it’s a chunky Montessori puzzle set for toddlers or a 1,000-piece marvel for older kids, puzzles offer kids a satisfying challenge with a clear reward at the end.

The very act of piecing together a puzzle sharpens critical thinking and visual-spatial reasoning while building patience. It teaches kids the pains of frustration while allowing them to bounce back and celebrate small wins - essential but highly underrated life skills! And did we mention that they also serve as a fantastic activity for family bonding time?

Recommended For Ages: 2 - 5 years for large Montessori puzzle sets or foam puzzles, 5 -7 years for small puzzle sets, and 8 years onwards for more challenging puzzle sets.

8. STEM Kit

STEM kits which stand for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, is an incredibly fun yet educational gift a kid could receive. They turn kids into mini scientists, inventors, or engineers in the safety and comforts of home.

Think slime kits, crystal growing kits, DIY volcanoes, build-your-own-robots, and kid-friendly circuits. These combine learning with the excitement of mimicking real-world experiments to nurture observation skills, critical thinking, and to spark curiosity.

Recommended For Ages: 5 years and above.

9. Whimsical Backpack

Every kid needs a backpack for their little adventures. So why not a whimsical backpack that is equal parts adorable and practical in a vibrant colour they’ll absolutely love? It’s a fun way for children to carry their own things, be it school supplies, snacks, or their tiny treasures, while expressing their personality.

Having their own backpack encourages a sense of responsibility to support independence and self-expression because kids simply love having their own bag. If you’re looking for a bag that is suitable for a 3 - 6 year old, check out the whimsical OiYO Little Explorer Backpack which perfectly fits notebooks, snacks, and even a lunch box!

Recommended For Ages: Suitable for all.

10. Cartoon Nightlight

Small yet simple and comforting. A cute cartoon nightlight comes in many forms like animals, clouds, or a favourite TV character which eases nighttime anxiety especially during the darker hours of the night.

It emits a gentle glow that allows kids to easily fall asleep, especially if they are afraid of the dark or adjusting to sleeping alone. And one of the best gifts you could give a child is that lovely feeling of safety and security.

Recommended For Ages: 1 to 8 years.

11. Customised Reusable Water Bottle

The underrated gift of hydration isn’t only for adults! A customised reusable water bottle like the OiYO Bottle is truly an underrated gift that kids actually use, especially when it features their name, favourite colours, or a fun illustration that they resonate with.

It turns the simple act of hydrating into a fun experience that will keep them coming back for more, which is a healthy habit to instill from their formative years. Did we also mention that customised reusable water bottles are also the least likely to go missing or stolen during field trips and extracurricular activities? ;)

Recommended For Ages: 3 years and above.

12. A Musical Instrument Of Their Choice

Gifting a kid a musical instrument of their choice is perhaps one of the most boujee gifts out of the lot, but boy does it have long-term benefits! If you’re working with a generous budget, gifting your favourite kid a musical instrument is like handing them a future full of possibilities.

Whether it’s a classic keyboard, a ukulele, or even a full-sized guitar, an instrument is a gift that entertains, educates, and evolves with them in every stage of their lives. Music also has the added benefit of nurturing discipline, listening skills, emotional expression, and coordination, which in turn builds confidence and supports cognitive development. Can you truly think of a better gift that will age beautifully alongside the tiny tots?

Recommended For Ages: 5 years and above.

13. Race Car Set

Walk by any play area and you’ll most certainly spot kids circling while cheering over a complex track of mini race cars. Whether it’s a classic push-and-go track set or a battery-powered, twist-and-turn racing system, a race car set instantly brings the thrill of a race to the living room.

While there are countless options when it comes to race car sets, I highly recommend sets that allow kids to build their own race tracks themselves to build coordination, encourage experimentation, and develop problem-solving skills!

Recommended For Ages: 3 years and above.

14. Nerf Gun

Nerf guns have retained their popularity over the years, which is why it’s one of the most foolproof gifts on the list. It’s a high-energy gift that combines action-packed fun with just enough strategy (or none) to keep kids engaged for hours through its soft foam ammo and various Nerf gun designs.

With a Nerf gun, kids can engage in outdoor playdates, sibling showdowns, and even friendly competition with parents with their Nerf guns. The only other things they’ll need to do are to create their own rules or themed missions, which will in turn foster imagination and social play. Not forgetting the most important one - it encourages physical movement which is a HUGE plus in today’s screen-dominated world.

Recommended For Ages: 6 years and above.

15. Jewellery-Making Kit

Kids just love making friendship bracelets and little charms for their backpacks and lunch bags. So why not encourage this fun hobby by getting them a jewellery-making kit? These fun treasure boxes are packed with colourful beads, charms, strings, and clasps for little creators to enjoy hands-on fun in creating their own accessories.

The art of making jewellery merges fun with self-expression while encouraging fine motor skills (you’ll be surprised how tough it is to string beads together!), hand-eye coordination, experiment with colour combinations, and recognise patterns. It’s also one of the loveliest ways for them to make something meaningful that they will remember for the years to come.

Recommended For Ages: 5 years and above.