15 Gift Ideas for Young Children

Notice of limitation: It is my personal belief that Christmas is not about giving gifts but about the greatest Gift we were given through Jesus Christ. However, our family does exchange gifts as an example of the love God showed to us when He gave us His Son.

As a mother of four, I have seen a LOT of toys move through our home. Boat loads. Some toys where instant successes while others just collected dust. Some toys were worth the price and others were a waste of money.

If you are looking for gift ideas for young children — approximately ages 4 through 8 — consider this list of my recommendations.

Items we have tried and loved

MindWare Imaginets

We love these so much that Franc has even asked for another set that he can have just as his own. Boost fine motor and visual thinking skills with these brightly-colored magnetic blocks and 50 full-color design challenges. Construct animals, faces, vehicles, sports and more. The magnetic board surface also doubles as a dry-erase board, so kids can decorate a backdrop for their creations. The sturdy wood carrying case features durable hinges and rope handles that are perfect for little hands to grasp at home or on the go. Ages 3 and up

Educational Insights Design and Drill Activity Center
My kids love this set but I have to admit that the drill is LOUD. Even though it is not my favorite, I have to include the Design and Drill because it is a fabulous toy. Builds coordination, imagination, creative thinking and fine motor skills. Features 20 Activity Cards with design ideas children can follow for an additional color-matching challenge. Also allows children to create their own designs. Includes plastic bolts, a reversible power drill, a screwdriver, 3 drill bits,a combination wrench and activity board. Requires 3 AA batteries (not included). Ages 3 and up

Tall Stacker Pegs Building Set
This is a super fun set. Builds fine motor and math skills. Teaches shape, size and color relationships. Opened-play and construction. Lauri replaces lost pieces. Ages 3 and up

Qwirkle Board Game
Our favorite game! Strategy based on color and shape rather than letters. Allows readers and non-readers to enjoy. Includes 108 wooden tiles. 2-4 players. Ages 6 and Up

Thinkfun Pathwords Jr Puzzle
Excellent gift for the child who love learning. Uses fun themes and word play to keep players engaged. Builds vocabulary, spelling, and spatial reasoning. Perfect introduction to ThinkFun’s PathWords game. For single player and for ages 6 to adults. Includes: 1 Game Grid with Storage, 1 Spiral-bound booklet with 40 challenges, from beginner to expert. Ages 6 and up

Find It Games Kids Version – Red Ends
Spin it, twist it, shake it, it’s so much fun. Kids and adults will become addicted to this colorful, fun game for the kid in all of us. This contained adventure will have you looking at it for hours trying to find the objects inside. Play it with the whole family. Perfect for road trips. Ages 5 and up

Day And Night
I love that this game can work for different ages and intellects. All of my children love it. 2 games in one, with 24 challenges each. Slide the blocks to the right place. Grows with your child’s skills. Made of rubber wood. Great for beginners. Ages 3 and up

*We also love Trucky 3 and Color Code from this same company.

Stomp Rocket Junior Glow Kit with Extra Jr. Glow Rocket Refills
Even Bill and I enjoy playing with this toy. Stomp® on the Launch Pad and a blast of air propels the Stomp Rocket® over 100 feet in the air! The kit comes with 4 glow in the dark foam rockets. The Junior is designed for ages 3 and up.

 

Toys I think look really neat

Marble Run Set
I am seriously thinking about getting this for Franc. Build a Marble Run track that twists, turns, and spins marbles at incredible speeds! These colorful chutes, tubes, drop-throughs, merry-go-rounds and spinners stack and click, with clear pieces for extra fun. Marble Run and Add-on Set is a 126-piece set including 20 marbles. Ages 4 and up

Connectagons
It’s a whole new dimension of fun! Connect 240 brightly-colored wooden circles in any direction to create a unique freeform sculpture. Children can exercise their imaginations while learning valuable spatial reasoning skills and basic principles of balance. By using the colored circles to create patterns and shapes, kids will make a true learning connection! Ages 4 and up

Perplexus Maze Game by PlaSmart, Inc.
I think this would either be a hit or an absolute dud, but the reviews are incredible. Might make a great gift for a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. A maze game where players must maneuver a small marble around challenging barriers inside a transparent sphere. Provides a three dimensional experience. Shift, flip, and twist the sphere to guide the marble. Entertaining, educational, and great for fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. No set-up, clean-up or batteries. Ages 6 and up

Fisher-Price Grow-to-Pro Pogo
Extra big base helps beginners balance and gives them the confidence they need to stick with it. When kids are ready, the broad base can be removed to reveal a traditional pogo base, so they can pogo like a pro. Two interchangeable bases are included for beginners to advance to pro pogo fun. Sure grip handles are sized just right for smaller hands and the extra wide foot pedals make it easy for kids to keep on the stick. Ages 5 and up

Double Barrel Shooter
Shoots 50 mini Marshmallows for rapid fire. Shoots 30 feet. Outdoor or indoor play. Year around fun for all seasons. Ages 6 and up

Geospace Walkaroo Stilts by Air Kicks – Light Weight
Light weight. Adjusts to three different heights. Non-marking, no-slip rubber feet and footrests, and comfortable foam cushioning on the handles and shoulder rests. Maximum weight is 110 Lbs. Ages 5 and up

Monster Feet Party Accessory
Step and stomp just like a monster with these clompers. Can be used indoors or outside. The length of rope is just made for young children to hold on to as they walk along. Kids up to 110 lbs will be thrilled at the chance to walk like a monster! Ages 5 and up

Have a favorite gift idea for young children?

PLEASE, leave your thought in the comments.