As year-end celebrations approach—Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s, or other special occasions—it’s a time of giving and sharing joy. When choosing gifts for children, why not consider options that bring delight and opportunities to support their physical, social, and intellectual development? Here are some thoughtful suggestions to help early childhood educators guide parents toward meaningful gift choices for their children.
Babies: Discovering the World Through Senses
Babies are natural explorers, learning about the world through their senses. From colourful, jangling mobiles to textured toys, they’re soaking in information every moment. A ball with a gentle bell inside can bring hours of joy, encouraging them to reach, grasp, and move. For parents, a small but powerful tip is to let babies stretch fully to grasp an object rather than placing it directly in their hands. This simple action strengthens coordination and develops spatial awareness. And when toys inevitably end up in their mouths, don’t worry—it’s how babies learn about shapes, sizes, and textures.
Gift Ideas: Multi-sensory mobiles, soft rattles, fabric books, and textured teething toys.
Toddlers: Little Adventurers on the Move
Toddlers are all about action as they work to master balance, coordination, and movement. They love things they can climb into, pull along, or push around. Simple spaces like a makeshift fort or a cardboard box can become castles, cars, or rocket ships in their imaginative play. Pair these with toys they can load and unload; you have the recipe for hours of creative exploration.
Gift Ideas: Pull-along wagons, stacking toys, child-sized tunnels, or play tents.
Preschoolers: Builders and Imagineers
In preschool, children develop fine motor skills and stretch their imagination through role-play and hands-on activities. Construction toys like Duplo, Lego, or wooden blocks help them understand basic engineering principles like balance and gravity while building spatial awareness. Dress-up costumes and props take pretend play to new heights, allowing them to become chefs, astronauts, or community helpers.
Gift Ideas: Building blocks, dress-up sets, puppets, or pretend play kits like tea sets or farm animals.
Primary Schoolers: Team Players and Problem Solvers
Primary school-aged children thrive on collaboration and competition. Board games and team sports help them develop patience, strategy, and resilience, while sports equipment promotes physical activity and social interaction. They’re also ready for logic-based games that encourage strategic thinking, teaching them to anticipate consequences and solve problems.
Gift Ideas: Chess sets, board games like Cluedo or Mastermind, sports gear, or beginner roller skates or blades.
Tweens and Teens: Strategists and Creators
Tweens and teens are at an exciting stage of developing their critical thinking, creativity, and independence. When enjoyed in moderation, video games can be a surprisingly beneficial way for them to sharpen their strategic thinking and spatial awareness. There are fantastic strategy board games and creative tools for families looking for screen-free options. This is also a great time to encourage budding interests in art, science, or music with gifts that inspire exploration.
Gift Ideas: Board games like Minecraft Builders and Biomes or Quarto, art supplies, musical instruments, or STEM kits like microscopes or robotics.
Books: A Timeless Treasure for Every Age
Books make wonderful gifts at any stage of a child’s life. Whether picture books for younger children, chapter books for early readers, or thought-provoking novels for older kids, reading opens doors to new worlds and strengthens empathy and understanding. Stories from diverse cultures and traditions are particularly valuable, allowing children to appreciate the richness of different perspectives.
Gift Ideas: Age-appropriate storybooks, novels, or books about global traditions and celebrations.
Thoughtful Giving for a Meaningful Celebration
Year-end gifts are a chance to bring joy and open the door to lifelong skills, hobbies, and passions. Toys, games, and books that match a child’s stage of development can create memories while supporting their growth in fun and engaging ways.
For more inspiration and options, visit Good Housekeeping’s Gift Guide.
Lili-Ann KrieglerAuthor of The Power of Play and Roots and WingsEarly Childhood Education SpecialistKriegler-Education.com
Lili-Ann Kriegler (B. A Hons, H. Dip. Ed, M.Ed.) is a Melbourne-based education consultant and award-winning 'Power of Play' and 'Roots and Wings' author. Lili-Ann owns Kriegler Education and writes to share the wisdom she has acquired through her training and 30 years of experience in education. She is a child, parent and family advocate who believes education is a transformative force for humanity.
Website: https://www.kriegler-education.com/
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