'This toy was a hit with all our kids': 9 of the best kids gifts, according to parents
As exciting, festive and all-around feel-good as the holidays can be, there’s also no denying that it can prove a stressful time for parents who feel the pressure to please their children. (And who doesn’t?) For instance, it can be a feat in itself just to figure out what kids actually want — and then, of course, there’s the matter of scoring the best gifts before they sell out, all while staying within budget. Yes, folks, it’s a lot to juggle.
This year, top-selling toys like make-believe building sets and movie-inspired gadgets are all the rage for toddlers, while tweens and teens are hoping to see electronics, clothing and Instagrammable accessories sitting under the tree. The good news? There are endless exciting options on the market. The bad news? Because there’s so much to choose from, it can be overwhelming for some folks. With this in mind, we took the liberty of rounding up nine awesome gift options for every kid that parents themselves swear by, so you can trust that you’re getting a good bang for your buck.
Disney Frozen 2 Elsa’s Enchanted Ice Interactive Vanity
Any Disney-loving little one is sure to do jumping jacks over this Frozen-themed vanity set, which is inspired by Elsa’s ice powers from the second film and features fun hair accessories, like a special headband and snowflake hair clips. Additionally, it plays two songs from the movie so that kids can sing along and pretend they’re right there with the characters. Oh yeah, and it’s not just an awesome gift for girls, either. “It's interactive that boys can use too! My son was having so much fun with it,” wrote one mom. Another said, “This toy was a hit with all our kids!” You heard ‘em, people.
Shop it: Disney Frozen 2 Elsa’s Enchanted Ice Interactive Vanity, visit walmart.com for pricing
Tucker + Tate Hooded Fleece Robe
This ultra-soft, uber-fluffy bathrobe comes in five cute designs and is bound to make any pre-teen or teenager a happy (and super-comfy) camper. Robes make for foolproof holiday gifts because they’re cozy and ideal for wearing all winter long — not to mention on Christmas morning, of course. It even comes with a hood and pockets, both of which are details that matter. It’s no wonder it has nearly 150 five-star reviews, with people saying things like, “so so cozy!” and “my kid’s favorite robe ever!”
Shop it: Tucker + Tate Hooded Fleece Robe, $39, nordstrom.com
Parents rave over this precious play set, which comes with all the bells and whistles — like light and sound effects — to make kids feel like they’re a part of the hit animated show. “My son would play all day with this!” and “I’d like to go back in time just to play with this” are just two of myriad comments from happy customers. Bonus: It’s available for free two-day delivery and it’s $10 off right now.
Shop it: PJ Masks PJ Seeker, visit walmart.com for pricing
Skip Hop Zoo Ride-On Unicorn Toy
The little tike in your life will absolutely love strolling around on this unicorn-themed scooter, designed for ages 1-3 and holds up to 44 pounds. Additionally, it features a light-up headlight and five different sound effects and melodies for endless entertainment. Kids can even use it as a wagon thanks to its booster seat that doubles as a storage option for toys and snacks. “The best scooter ever for my baby!” exclaimed one parent. What’s more: Another mentioned that she loves how safe and sturdy it is.
Shop it: Skip Hop Zoo Ride-On Unicorn Toy, $60, buybuybaby.com
Nike Dry Elite Basketball Shorts
Treat the aspiring athlete in your family to their first pair of high-quality athletic shorts. These have a roomy, breathable fit and feature moisture-wicking technology that helps you stay cool and dry, both on and off the court. As for what parents have to say, one mom said, “My kid loves them! Stylish and cool.” While another commented on how crazy comfortable they are. One parent mentioned that they are the only shorts her son ever wants to wear to practice. Need we say more?
Shop it: Nike Dry Elite Basketball Shorts, $32, nordstrom.com
Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s Instant Camera
This adorable camera, which comes in five fun color options like lavender and seafoam, is the perfect present for a tween or teen who’s expressed an interest in photography. (See: It’s even more ideal if they don’t have a phone yet.) It’s a no joke camera too: The high-quality Fujinon lens creates crystal-clear images, and it does so in mere seconds. Kids will have a blast snapping photos of their friends and hanging them on their wall, and you can even help them create a scrapbook to hold on to the memories.
Shop it: Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s Instant Camera, visit walmart.com for pricing
FAO Schwartz Pampered Play Beauty Set
If your child is into beauty, you simply can’t go wrong with this deluxe spa set. It comes with all you need to create a variety of salon-worthy nail designs and sparkly hairstyles. Ideal for ages 8 and up, it even features its own mini nail dryer. No surprise here: Parents can’t say enough good things. “My daughter and two boys are obsessed!” exclaimed one mom, while another mentioned how organized and tidy it comes. At the end of the day, it’s an amazing gift option that will keep any kid entertained for hours on end.
Shop it: FAO Schwartz Pampered Play Beauty Set, $30, kohls.com
Skip Hop Explore & More Xylophone
Give your baby or toddler the gift of making music this holiday season with this adorable fox-themed xylophone. It’s decked out with eight colorful keys that make it super-easy to experiment on. Watching them play their first tunes — that light in their eyes — is bound to be one of the best gifts that you get this year too. As far as parents’ opinions are concerned, they can’t get enough. One said it’s like getting two gifts in one, while another commented on how easy and seamless it is to set up.
Shop it: Skip Hop Explore & More Xylophone, $16, skiphop.com
Marvel Spider-Man 16" EZ Build Bike for Boys' by Huffy
With over 150 four-star reviews from parents who call this Spidey-themed bike “fantastic,” “durable” and “very well made,” you can trust it’s not going to fall apart on you after a few months. Some ‘rents pointed out how much their kids loved the blue web detailing, and others noted that their children played on it for hours on end. For less than $100, it’s an excellent option for any child who’s a fan of the hit Marvel movie.
Shop it: Marvel Spider-Man 16" EZ Build Bike for Boys' by Huffy, visit walmart.com for pricing
Paid picks in this article were paid for by Walmart and written by Yahoo Lifestyle’s branded content team.
