Creative Christmas Gifts for Kids (With Stocking Ideas!)

At Christmas time our family focuses on the joy of Christmas and service acts. But that doesn't mean we don't make holiday gifts too! These Christmas gifts for children are perfect gifts for Christmas, birthdays or any other time you need special gifts for children.

If you're looking for age-appropriate gift ideas to add to your wish list this holiday season, then look no further. Many of these will be on sale for Black Friday on Amazon, so be sure to check for deals.

Holiday gift guide for kids of all ages

It can be difficult to find unique gifts for little ones that also meet my standards. I don't want to spend money on something that will fall apart immediately. And I prefer more natural and environmentally friendly materials as much as possible.

Over the years I've curated a list of great gifts that my kids love. From 2-year-olds to 10-year-olds to teenagers, you're sure to find something you'll love on this list. The best toys aren't always the trendiest, but the ones that spark creativity, imagination and fun.

You'll also notice lots of gifts that encourage movement (great for kids who love to move!). According to my 7 year old, we have created one “epic” backyard. You will see some of the items we have (like a slackline) in the listings below.

I've broken down the gifts by age, but those are just general guidelines. Maybe your couple hasn't ventured into the kitchen yet and wants to learn how cook real food. Or maybe your genius 5-year-old is ready for a science kit. And don't forget the stocking stuffers!

Gifts for teenagers, young adults and older children

Buddha Board – A relaxing way to paint with water (it evaporates and you can paint again).
Archery set – My kids have loved these GBG Archery Sets and these sets are made for kids by kids. They also have some helpful videos on their website!
Leather diary – A beautiful leather journal for sketching, journaling or even stickering.
Japanese puzzle box – These cute puzzle boxes are a unique way for older kids to keep valuables safe and are fun to learn.
Rubik's cube – The 1980s called, but we told them that we are keeping the Rubik's Cube. Older kids will love learning to solve this retro puzzle.
CrateJoy Subscription Box – You can find dozens of different subscription boxes from CrateJoy, from music to stickers to art to aliens or baking.
Star Wars Lego set – These construction toys are popular among older kids and teens with dozens to choose from.
Build your own programmable robot kit – This building kit was a favorite of my oldest. Build a robot and program it!
Coloring books for adults – Coloring isn't just for little kids anymore. These “adult coloring books” are very detailed and studies show that coloring is relaxing.
The Boogie Board – Reusable pad that encourages shooting and drawing.
Turn on – All the books they could want at their fingertips. Unlike tablets, the Kindle uses warm light and is not harsh on the eyes.
KiwiCo – These subscription boxes offer a variety of learning (and fun!) activities. For youth and teens choose from options such as art, design and STEM.
The runaway alarm clock – Does your teenager have trouble waking up? This alarm clock runs away and continues to make noise until it is caught!
Natural makeup brush – If your teen is old enough to wear makeup, these natural brushes are great!
Power Cube Wall Adapter – Surge protector that charges multiple devices at once.
Collapsible Duffel Bag – Great bag for short trips that collapses into a small size unlike some large backpacks.
Minnetonka slippers (for teenage girls) – Super comfy loafers!
The money inside a Money Maze Mystery Box – Give them money to get what they like, but have fun hiding them inside this puzzle cube.
Holder without tail crease – These are really popular now. They are gentle on the hair and leave no creases! Or I hear it Scrunchies AND banana clip are back in style!
Hammock Travel – Do you have an outdoor teenager? These travel hammocks collapse small and are great. They are also quite popular on some college campuses.
Take a beekeeping course: This is an amazing introduction to beekeeping course. It will teach them everything from buying bees to harvesting honey. Use code WELLNESS for 25% off!
Bags in the backyard (also called Cornhole) – This is always a fun backyard game. Whether you have guests over or it's just the two of you, this has been a family favorite in our house.
Slackline – Like a balance beam and trampoline in one. It encourages balance, gross motor skills and coordination. Plus it's hours of fun.
Ninjaline – Like monkey bars but tougher. A lot of people use these for Ninja Warrior training, but my kids just think it's fun!
Talkbox. Mom – Do your children want to learn another language? This is a fun way to do this at home and is great for kids of all ages – even toddlers!
Water bottle – Step up their water bottle game with these colorful water bottles. It's what we use to keep liquids cold (or hot) for days.

The best gifts for younger children

Gym 1 Indoor Doorway Gym – My kids favorite Christmas present of all time. It is a gym that is mounted on a door frame and they use it every day.
Premature circles – A really neat kit that lets kids learn about electricity by building different types of basic machines like a fan, radio, etc.
The Art Kit – A favorite of my daughters. This art supply kit contains markers, crayons, colored pencils and more for arts and crafts.
Personalized storybook – This personalized gift features your little one's little name throughout their bedtime story.
Flower Press Book Set – Kids can create their own letters, cards and more with the flower/leaf printing kit.
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 is great for adults too!
Wooden colored pencils – Wooden colored pencils made from birch. Good size for younger children just learning to write and draw.
Wooden people and craft supplies – My kids loved making their own little wooden dolls and figurines with these.
Plasma machine – My toddlers loved this car toy and they are great for kids of all sizes.
Grow and Create – They have kits ranging from gardening to making your own box of chocolates.
Natural dyes – Made from natural earth pigments for all your arts and crafts projects.
Microscope kit – My oldest loved looking at hair, dirt and all sorts of other things in this microscope. STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) toys like this are educational toys, but they can also be super fun.
Colored pencils for bathtub – These toddler beeswax bath crayons are handcrafted in New Zealand with New Zealand beeswax and non-toxic food grade pigments. Crayons are perfect for toddlers, kids and children ages 2 and up.
OR Beeswax pencils – Triangular sets made from natural beeswax. A healthier option for the popular Crayola crayons. Or try your hand at doing your thing!
Doll house – This Melissa & Doug dollhouse is great for 4-8 year olds. Fits smaller dolls.
Small passports – This subscription service is tailored to your child's age and the collection they would be most interested in. (For parents, you can filter by your budget!)
Kitchen pots and pans with stainless steel play – My girls played kitchen with these for hours! Articles that encourage pretend play are always encouraged! Take one food playset to go with him.
Beginner piano keyboard (and free Hoffman Academy Lessons) – These are a great way to introduce children to music.
The Boogie Board – A reusable writing tablet that encourages creativity.
Sun Art – Fun educational craft idea that kids love.
Kendama game – Fun interactive game that encourages movement.
CrateJoy Subscription Box – You can find dozens of different subscription boxes from CrateJoy, from music to stickers to art to aliens or baking.
Weighted blanket – Not just for kids, but a soothing gift that helps children settle down and has demonstrated benefits for sleep.
Sensory swings – If you are 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 and comfortable materials where your child will want to spend hours.
E-course for kids who cook real food – Give the gift of quality time and culinary skills to boot! This course was vital to our family.
springboard – Not just for kids when you consider the lymphatic benefits of dancing! This makes a great outdoor toy, but we also have a little one inside our house.
shaking – My kids loved this backyard swing.
Logical puzzles or games to develop problem-solving skills (Logical connection AND Canoodling are two of our favorites)
Word games or board games for the next family game night. (We like it Boggle, Apples to apples, Story cubes, Madlibs Jr.)
KiwiCo – From baby to preschool, to teens, they offer fun and educational subscription boxes. Choose from a variety including craft kits, science kits, geography kits and more.
Eco-Friendly Baby Gifts – There aren't many things cuter than a baby in organic dino pajamas. Check out all my favorite organic brands the best baby (and baby) clothes.. I also love this brand for natural toys for children.
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 enjoy reading what they wrote in their journals years ago!
Building blocks – This wooden building set has colorful blocks that encourage building, stacking and imagination.
Scooter board – Toys that help with movement are always a big hit around our house. This wooden scooter board is great for toddlers to elementary age children.