The Greatest Things In Life Are Free But The Second Greatest Are The Best Gifts For Kids

Color-In Pajamas

Those fears of coming home to thoroughly scribbled walls or children’s unique artworks dotted all over prized furniture? Take that artistic talent (even if it’s yet to be understood or interpreted by the world) and redirect it into something that’s - literally - designed for covering with doodles.

The Dinosaur Color In Pajamas are one of the best unique kids gifts and are both soft and comforting, made from 100% cotton with plenty of dinosaur outlines to fill in. Spend the afternoon scribbling away with the 10 washable markers in the set and bringing each illustration to life. The colors come out in the wash, so the next masterpiece starts on a blank page. Don’t be surprised if your child wakes up a future artist after all.

Ages4-6

Quince Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

Children are rarely trusted with cashmere. That is exactly why they feel so grown up wearing it. This crewneck lets them, and nobody has to hold their breath at dinner.

The Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater at Quince is made from 100% Grade A Mongolian cashmere, soft enough that it won’t irritate delicate skin. Better still for the parents, it’s washable, so a spilled hot chocolate is a laundry job and not a dry-cleaning bill. Quince also makes women’s and men’s crewnecks to pair it with, if you fancy a mini-me photo.

Ages: 6-12

Best forThe child who keeps borrowing your sweater

Parachute Baby Towel

Struggling to decide what to buy a newborn who seemingly has all of the essentials covered already? Think outside the box - or outside the bath in this case - with the addition of an Organic Hooded Baby Towel.

This one from Parachute is our favorite, thanks to its soft, lightweight organic weave, the little ears on the hood and its delicate color. A baby towel is one of those things that’s not ultimately essential but is definitely desirable; the sort of thing an over-stressed parent might not think of immediately but will absolutely appreciate when it comes to bathing baby in the colder months of the year.

AgesNewborn

Magic Color Mixing Bath Bubbles

Some children love bath time. The rest need a reason, and a bathtub that turns purple is a very good one.

Uncommon Goods’ Magic Color Mixing Bath Bubbles or Fizzies come from Honeysticks and are made in New Zealand. Choose between three primary-colored bubble baths in honeybee-shaped bottles or a tin of 27 fizzing color drops. Mix two colors and watch a fresh shade bloom through the water. Everything is plant-based or food-grade, with no parabens, phthalates or synthetic fragrances, and the drops dissolve without staining the tub.

Ages: 3+

Best forThe preschooler who treats bath time as a negotiation

Tender Leaf Timber Taxi

A log on wheels with a bear, a deer and a mushroom riding along is exactly the kind of toy a toddler narrates for hours.

The Timber Taxi by Tender Leaf, sold at Quince, is a wooden log-shaped car with rolling wheels and three removable passengers called Fungi, Robbie and Woody. They lift in and out for endless pick-ups and drop-offs, and the story of who rides where is entirely up to the driver.

Ages: 18 months+

Best forThe toddler who narrates everything

Quince Cozy Robe

After the bath comes the best part: being wrapped up in something soft enough to fall asleep in.

Quince’s Cozy Robe for kids is made from fluffy, high-pile sherpa in recycled polyester, with a hood and pockets for storing treasures. It’s made for bath time, bedtime stories and every cozy moment in between.

Ages: 6-12

Best forThe child who stretches bedtime out as long as possible

EarthHero Finger Paint

Earthhero’s Eco-kids Finger Paint might look like they come in soft, pastel shades but as soon as you mix these planet-friendly paints with a dash of water, you’ll admire the vibrant colors that pop out. These non-toxic finger paints are great for kids just developing their own artistic streak, made from food-safe, non-GMO ingredients including potatoes, rice, and beans.

Each color is naturally derived from plants or vegetables, which means it’s not the end of the world if the little one in question gets a little hungry mid painting. These powdered paints come in recyclable paper cartons and are made almost entirely sustainably, with soy inks in a wind-powered factory. They’re one of the best when it comes to environmentally friendly gifts for young children.

Ages3+

Osmo iPad Learning Games

A gift to kids, parents, and teachers alike, the Genius Starter Kit doesn’t feel like homework, but it certainly has the same (if not better) results. And if you’re struggling to entertain your kids with meaningful but fun activities in the school holiday, the Osmo universes is a fantastic place to start.

The hands-on kit includes the Osmo software for iPad or Fire as well as physical components such as tangram pieces, number tiles, word tiles and stackable storage. So whilst you can tick off the much-coveted screen-time, you can do so with the assurance that your digitally-keen children are also engaging with exterior learning materials. Trust us when we say that these Osmo learning games are a win for all.

Ages6-10

VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2

Ok, so back in our day, watches weren’t really on our radar of appropriate gifts for four to twelve year olds. But hear us out. This isn’t just a watch. This is a tech piece that promises to delight any digitally-interested children (that’s all of them, isn’t it?)

The child-friendly design ranges from bright pink and blue to slightly more mature blacks and grays. The easy-to-capture camera and video empower your little ones to capture, share and filter their own memories. Whilst multiple games allow for entertaining car rides and parental reprieve every now and then. And, of course, this child-friendly watch face integrates the telling of time into their everyday lives.

Ages4-12

Lovevery Block Set

Building blocks are the toy a child never quite outgrows, and this set is designed to keep up from a first birthday to preschool.

The Block Set by Lovevery, sold at Quince, holds 70 wooden pieces: blocks, planks, half cylinders, threadable blocks, play people, wheels and dowels. The shape sorter turns into a pull car, and the activity guide has 20 ideas for the days imagination needs a nudge. It all packs back into a wooden storage box, so the playroom floor gets to be a floor again by bedtime.

Ages: 1-4

Best forParents who want one toy that lasts for years

Bobo Choses Backpack

Whether that’s to bring along to school for daily use, to be saved for fun weekend adventures, to be the safe place to store essentials during extracurricular activities, there’s always a use for a good backpack. Better yet if the backpack in question is great quality, in a kid-friendly design and sustainably made.

The answer? Bobo Choses Printed Recycled Backpack. This piece might be a little more expensive than your standard backpack for children but it’s made of strong enough fabrics to ensure a lot of wear and tear. It’s also a cute, versatile design, suitable for all kids to enjoy.

Ages6+

Liewood Beach Set

Summer holiday coming up or just looking for a few more additions to the sandpit in the garden? Liewood’s Dante Fruit Beach Set is the stylish essential to bring along to the beach for hours spent playing in the sand.

This tonal shade beach set is a little more on trend than your typical garish bucket and spade combo and also promises to withstand a lot more pressure. It’s made entirely from rubber, which makes it safe and suitable for younger kids without any dangers of sharp corners. Complete with four different beach molds, it promises days on end of fun.

Ages3+

Nike Kids Sneakers

Style meets practicality with this pair of Nike sneakers for kids. A great gift idea if you want the lucky present recipient to be the most fashionable kid at school. Nike offers a range of cool sneakers for children, but we particularly like the Crater Impact collection that’s designed with the Earth mind. These shoes are indeed made with at least 20% recycled materials. They’re lightweight, durable and feature Crater foam cushioning, so your kiddo can make an impact every time they play—in more ways than one. Parents who want a pair of their own will find the Axel Arigato Clean 90 in our guide to luxury sneakers.

Ages3-8

Gorjana Adjustable Bracelet

We’ve talked a lot about our favorite jewelry brands before but not all of them are quite so child-friendly. What that basically boils down to is the chance of jewelry getting lost, broken or somehow otherwise harmed. But Gorjana’s Bespoke Plate Adjustable Bracelet is a great midpoint for something that’s delicate and sweet without being overly expensive or liable for breaking.

Each of these bracelets comes with the opportunity for customization, so you can even go one step further with an engraved name on the side. It’s perfectly dainty and ensures a much-loved, thoughtful gift for whoever’s lucky enough to receive it.

Ages8+

Liewood Silicone Cups

Liewood’s Silicone Cups is the ideal gift for kids who know well enough not to throw everything they’re given straight on the floor but also don’t necessarily have the right level of motor control to not accidentally end up smashing the occasional glass.

A cute and tonal addition to your glassware drawer that’s child friendly, these cups come with two holders and - hopefully - the promise of more liquid ending up being drunk rather than splashed on all nearby surfaces. If you have a child who’s pushing for their independence, these cups add to that experience without breakages.

Ages4+

Best Choice Products Electric Car

If you’re looking to go all out during the next gifting season, there are a few failsafe options that all kids will love. One of the most popular comes in the form of Best Choice Products’ Kids 12V Ride On Truck. With plenty of color options and a proper behind-the-wheel experience, it’s the closest thing you’ll find to independent driving for children of a young age.

Take your child on a wild ride with full control over the truck’s driving features with a 3.7mph max speed that feels much faster on the road. What’s even cooler is this electric car’s built-in Bluetooth speakers, adding a musical element to playtime.

Check our round-up of the best electric cars for kids if you want to see other great options.

Ages3+

Bearaby Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets promise a new realm of comfort for any anxious sleeper but many - due to their heavily weighted element - aren’t suitable for kids. Bearaby’s Nappling Weighted Blanket For Kids puts an end to that problem, with the arrival of a beautifully soft weighted blanket that ensures a consistent and relaxed night of sleep.

Perfect for any kid who struggles with nightmares or staying asleep, this weighted blanket offers a reassuring presence and comes in a range of soft shades. It’s made from organic cotton and has a thick, knitted design - a real-life comfort blanket that takes the stress out of bedtimes each night.

Ages3+

Bobo Choses Floral Ski Jacket

Bobo Choses, the Barcelona kidswear label, makes this Floral Ski Jacket in recycled polyamide with a tactile lining, a drawstring hood and zipped pockets. It closes with a concealed zip and snap buttons, and it is machine washable.

It is $260.

Ages2-13

Liewood Printed Blanket

Timelessly adorable, this is one she won’t grow out of anytime soon. The duvet cover and pillow case set comes in a soft pink with contemporary geometric shapes. We promise that it’s a whole lot more stylish than the highly coveted Barbie or Paw Patrol iterations. But she’ll be equally enthusiastic to show off her new room decor to her friends.

Aesthetics aside, we love that this Liewood’s bedding is made from 100% organic cotton. As one of the most sustainable fabrics in the industry, it’s also lightweight, breathable and sumptuously soft. And curled up in this cute duvet set, we anticipate sweet dreams only.

Ages5-12

Gucci Vintage T-Shirt

As a godparent, if you’ve got a couple of forgotten birthdays and Christmas’ to make up for, this precious Gucci shirt does all that and more. The simple white tee flaunts the iconic vintage Gucci logo with the signature equestrian-inspired red and green stripe. And the mother of pearl buttons along the seam finish off the retro look seamlessly.

Made in Italy from superlatively soft cotton, it’s one to pass down to many generations to come. And starting them off on the right foot, this decadent designer tee may just inspire a family heritage of fashionable trendsetters. What better gift to give than that, right?

Ages0-3

Anthropologie Giraffe Stuffed Animal

Perhaps it’ll inspire an interest in zoology. Perhaps it’ll act as a co-conspirator against the boogie man. Perhaps it’s the play partner they need. Or maybe you’re just looking for an excuse to decorate your new nursery with this adorable stuffed toy. Either way, this giant giraffe is every child’s dream playmate—and we may just have a soft spot for him too.

Standing at over four feet tall, this giant giraffe pulls double duty as a decor statement and everyday playmate. It’s the perfect gift for baby-showers or birthday presents. And it’s one that we see being passed down to many future brothers and sisters to come.

Ages0-10

Yesglasses Sunglasses

We’re big fans of Yesglasses and the child-friendly glasses are arguably even cooler than the adult designs. These fun sunglasses fuse fashion with function in a way that’s truly versatile and personalizable. The Reece is a durable, oval-shaped kids’ frame that promises to withstand all of the delights of childhood.

A high-quality structure fuses with kid-friendly additions like a saddle bridge fit that will perfectly sit on your child’s face and additional silicone nose pads for added comfort. They also come in several frame colors and lens options, all with sun protection and anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings.

AgesPre-teens

Eberjey Night Time Set

Eberjey’s Gisele Sets are a soft, sumptuous and all-around comforting option for nighttime wear. These premium quality pajama sets are both stylish and soft, the sort you’ll throw on fresh on Christmas morning and find yourself refusing to change out of the rest of the day.

Taking nighttime comfort to the next level, a pair of Eberjey pajamas is an evening essential. Available in sizes ranging from XXS to XXL and in a large range of colors, you’ll want to buy a pair for the teenager in your life and then buy a matching pair for the rest of the family, too.

AgesTeenagers

Bobo Choses Blossom Cardigan

The Bobo Choses Blossom Cardigan is red, with floral motifs, patch pockets and a buttoned front. It is made in Portugal.

The blend is viscose, recycled polyamide, recycled and virgin wool, and cashmere, and it washes at 30 degrees. It is $135.

Ages2-13

Liewood Organic Blanket & Pillow Set

Liewood’s Organic Blanket and Pillow Set comes in a range of neutral shades, making it a brilliant choice for boys or girls. It might be created for children but it’s designed in such a pattern that adults probably wouldn’t say no to adorning their beds with it either.

Seriously soft and made from organic cotton, it’s a welcoming sight at the end of a busy day - the sort of blanket you’ll snuggle up on and instantly find yourself heading off to dreamland. Including a duvet cover, a pillowcase and a dust bag, it’s one of those gifts that’s just as useful as it is enjoyable.

Ages2+

Alpha Industries MA-1 Bomber Jacket

There’s something irresistible about a child in a proper flight jacket, and this one looks just as good on the playground as the grown-up version does on the street.

The Youth MA-1 Bomber Jacket from Alpha Industries keeps everything that made the original a classic: a flight nylon shell, the utility pocket on the sleeve, knit rib collar and cuffs, and the bright Emergency Orange lining. Turn it inside out and the orange side takes over. It is the jacket from our Alpha Industries MA-1 review, scaled down to kids’ sizes. It’s water resistant and machine washable, two things any parent will appreciate.

Ages: 2-18

Best forThe kid who wants whatever the grown-ups are wearing

Tous Earrings

Looking to give the child in your life a thoughtful gift? Choose a pair of earrings, like the gold TOUS Baby Earrings, for a personal gift with a unique touch. These earrings are designed with children in mind, thanks to their understated design and cute bear faces.

But it’s a child-friendly design with adult-friendly quality: these aren’t cheap earrings that can cause irritation or leave marks behind. Instead, these bear earrings are made from 18kt yellow gold; a quality pair that they’ll treasure long after they’ve eventually grown out of the design.

AgesToddlers upwards

Bobo Choses Gathered Cotton Dress

The Bobo Choses Gathered Cotton Dress has an oversized sailor collar and buttons down the back.

It is made in Spain from GOTS-certified organic cotton, washes at 30 degrees and costs $140.

Ages2-13

Bellroy Transit Carry-On

A teenager who has caught the travel bug deserves a bag that will keep up with them for a decade.

The Bellroy Transit Carry-On is the one we’d hand to a teenager who travels like an adult. Its hard shell is made from 80% recycled polycarbonate, and the four HINOMOTO wheels glide without a sound, even over the cobblestones of Bruges in our hands-on review. The wheels, handles and lock are all replaceable, and a 10-year warranty backs it, so this is a bag that can follow them from school trips to their first solo adventure.

Ages: 12+

Best forThe teenager already planning a gap year