Hey, friends! I shared my other gift ideas for babies and toddlers and last up are the big kids. As a mom of a first-grader, I felt like I needed to do my own research this year. Bennett turned seven in September so he’s getting into new things, likes a challenge, and loves a good competition. Like any good parent, we don’t just let him win and if nothing else, it keeps him humble! This Christmas, he’s asked for a few Legos (per usual) but a few other fun goodies, too. This list below is good for ages 5-10 but some are definitely more geared toward one end of the spectrum versus the other. PS I decided to share some stocking stuffers for kids this year so keep an eye out for those next week, too!
1. Magna-Tiles / These keep my older boys occupied for a while! They’re made of super-strong magnets, durable plastic and don’t have any sharp edges. Magna-Tiles are the most popular brand but if you’re looking for a more affordable option, I’ve also read great reviews about Magblocks and PicassoTiles, too.
2. Caboodles Case / I can’t believe I got rid of mine when I was a kid but I love that these are back in style. This color is perfect, it comes with a built-in mirror, and honestly holds a decent amount of stuff so it’s 100% a practical gift.
3. Zingo! / This game is great for ages 4+ and is really easy for kids to play without getting frustrated…we all know it happens. The pictures are easy to recognize so kids practice matching and the whole family can join in bc up to 7 players can play.
4. Osmo Genius Starter Kit / My boys love the Osmo because they can play different games that challenge them but they’re actually fun, too. Bennett is seven and can play independently and is so proud when he figures things out on his own. Honestly, I don’t mind when they have screen time, especially if they’re learning new things and the Osmo has been a total winner. Btw – the Little Genius Starter Kit is the way to go for ages 3-5 and it’s also available for Kindle Fire.
5. Fitbit / This is already a best-seller for the holidays and helps kids track activities and sleep, offers fun challenges, and is swimproof. Using this is a perfect way to help friends and families build healthy habits together. It has a rediculous battery life that stays charged up to 8 days so that’s one less thing to worry about all the time. There are a few colors available but you can also purchase colored wristbands separately.
6. STEAM Idea Book / This book is full of fun ways to explore the science that we interact with every day. Using the scientific method, kids can easy STEAM-based experiments at home with materials that you probably already have.
7. Lego Space Shuttle / If you have a little space enthusiast at your house, this build is a great one! There are also a few others that compliment this one with more minifigs and satellites, too. With less than 300 pieces, it’s good for ages five and up.
8. Ms. Monopoly / I didn’t know this existed but I love that it does! With a new monopoly character, this game is a celebration of female entrepreneurs. Instead of buying properties, players buy inventions that wouldn’t exist without female inventors…love, love, love.
9. Mini Instant Camera / This modern polaroid camera is super cute and tiny, too. It comes with a built-in selfie option and prints automatically. Just make sure you get an extra set of film (comes with 10).
10. Slime Kit / This kit has everything a kid could ever need to make the slime of their dreams. With tons of sensory materials, 18 colors of slime, glitter, beads, you-name-it, this kit has it all. Recommended for ages 5+ and is non-toxic and eco-friendly.
11. Micro Scooter / The Micro Maxi Scooter is our favorite for when our older boys were learning to ride a bike but still wanted to go fast. It’s a bit easier to steer and balance on than a Razor scooter (hello, third wheel) and can support up to 110 pounds of weight. If you’re looking to get a fleet for the family, the Micro Mini is what we have for our 4 year old and is basically a shorter version of the Maxi.
12. Fill-in Journal / I totally had a super-secret diary growing up and the stuff I wrote was hystarical. Nowadays, there are fun options for journaling to help kids get comfortable sharing their feelings and finding their own creativity. This fill-in journal by the Wee Society is their starter version for pre-k with lots of writing prompts but their story journal is geared toward ages 6-10 and requires better reading/writing skills.
13. Lite-Brite / Another throwback toy here and the new and improved Lite-Brite is bigger and brighter. They also offer more templates and refills, too!
14. Gel Crayons / OOLY products are so great and these gel crayons are seriously so different and fun. You can write more smoothly with these than a regular wax crayon and you can take a wet paintbrush to paint color off of what you put on paper. So cool and pairs well with a nice, fresh paper pad.
15. Karaoke Mic / This is another hot toy this year. This mic has great reviews and lasts up to 5-6 hours after being fully charged. It can double as a bluetooth speaker, recorder, and connects to smart phones, PCs, laptops and apps like YouTube and more.
16. LED Swing / Ok, this last one is techically for ages three and up but seriously, I would even use it as an adult so it’s great for the whole family. This swing can hold up to 150 pounds and is motion sensitive with 8 different colors. It turns off after one minute of non-motion and turns off completely after 7 minutes to save battery. Includes ropes and chains for attachment.