Discover guaranteed-to-please kid gifts galore—including unique gifts for kids who have everything.
No matter the occasion, choosing gifts for kids can be nerve-wracking for even the most seasoned gift-giving pro. Will they like it? Do they already have it? Will it even be taken out of the box? Never fear, we’ve done the tough work for you and rounded up some of the top gifts for kids, selected by our team of in-house editors and industry experts for their quality, creativity, and unparalleled ingenuity. If you're on the hunt for a cool gift for kids, these are sure to be a hit.
“When it comes to finding unique gifts for kids, don’t be afraid to think outside the box,” says Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson. “The best gifts for kids who have everything are the ones that really stand out, that you won’t find in the toy aisle of your local superstore. Recently, we’ve seen people gravitating towards more unexpected kid gifts like vintage nursery art prints and vintage baby clothes, for example. Creative nightlights are having a moment too—in fact, just this summer we saw a staggering 445% increase in searches on Etsy for custom night lights*.” A bright idea, indeed!
As you shop for the year's best gift ideas for kids, take a few minutes to ponder which presents might really make a memorable impression. At the end of the day, the best gifts for kids are creative, often handcrafted, and highlight something super extraordinary about the little recipient, like one of their passions or favorite pastimes.
“There’s never been a better time to shop for kid gifts,” says Dayna. “Small business owners are really pulling out all the stops, creating beautifully crafted, heirloom-quality toys, decor, and more—and shoppers are taking note! Over the summer we also saw an 80% increase in searches for handmade toys*.”
From baby gifts to toddler toys all the way to tweens, teens, and all ages in between, these are the best kid gifts that are sure to make them smile.
In this article
Unique baby gifts
Babies just might be our favorite little ones to buy gifts for because they’re so interested in any new goodie they lay their eyes on. Sure, just about any baby registry must-have is guaranteed to elicit an approving gurgle (or is that just gas?) but you only get one chance to make a first impression, so why not make it count? And while you're at it, don't forget to snag a gift for the new parents, too!
Go-to gift ideas for babies include:
- Personalized baby blankets
- Soft and cozy clothing
- Snuggly stuffed animals
- Nursery decor
Wooden heirloom baby toys
SHOP: Wooden number and letter blocks from Gladfolk, $48
On Etsy, you’ll find all kinds of beautiful, heirloom-quality wooden toys ranging from classic alphabet blocks to eye-catching animals. The sturdy, kid-friendly designs are easily gripped by tiny hands—and they work great as birthday gifts for one-year-olds, too.
A personalized baby blanket
SHOP: Personalized baby blanket from Nice To Meet You, $37
What self-respecting baby doesn't like to show off their brand-new name? Make it easy (and extra snuggly!) with a personalized blanket embroidered with their moniker. Bonus: this one blends beautifully with any boho nursery decor scheme.
Playful plush toys
SHOP: Crocheted stuffed woodland animals from The Warm Cats, from $40 each
Foxes, reindeer, and moose, oh my! Whether it’s a traditional crocheted woodland creature, an adorable bunny rattle, or a clever charcuterie-inspired set, these handcrafted plush toys make a great baby gift idea.
A printed romper
SHOP: Chicken-print baby romper from Wild Oak Wood, from $20
You're never too young for a really cute outfit—and it's hard to beat a comfy-casual romper in a fun, fresh print at any age. #OOTD sorted!
A sweet mobile
SHOP: Farm animal mobile from By Emily Decor, from $170
A ceiling mobile is a nursery staple—it gives the baby something stimulating to look at in their crib and doubles as decor. And these days, when choosing a mobile theme, we're following the lead of Old MacDonald himself. "Taking cues from the recent popularity of Cottagecore and Western decor and style trends, farm animals are having a major moment in nursery decor," says Dayna. "In fact, over the summer on Etsy we saw a 126% increase in searches for cow nursery items*." Ee-i-ee-i-o, indeed!
An heirloom-quality sweater
SHOP: Chunky knit sweater from The Knotty Ones, from $132
Size up so they can enjoy it for multiple seasons—and pass it down for generations to come. Call it the gift for kids that keeps on giving, because nothing (nothing!) is cuter than a baby in a sweater.
Best gifts for little kids
At this point in life, little kids have lots of toys so the best little kid gifts are the ones that really stand out. Skip anything generic in favor of personalized pieces made just for them, and presents so unique the parents will gladly clear space in their toy chest (pretend play dumplings, anyone?).
Go-to gift ideas for little kids include:
- Personalized name puzzles
- Matching sibling shirts
- Sensory bins
- Toddler backpacks
A sensory bin
SHOP: Construction-themed sensory bin from Modern Silo, from $30
A great gift for little kids is one that keeps their hands and minds occupied. Enter a sensory kit that can be personalized with their name and purchased with or without a mix of construction-themed toys—mission accomplished!
Make-believe food from around the world
SHOP: Siu Mai wool dumplings from Tiny Bao House, from $8
Got a budding chef in your life who loves make-believe? This cool gift for kids lets you choose from two, three, or four pieces, and surprise them with their very own set of felt dumplings for their next dish.
Personalized name puzzles
SHOP: Personalized wood name puzzle with mermaid from Bloom Owl, from $29
Montessori toys like personalized puzzles are always a welcome addition to a young child’s toy collection. Not only do they teach kids to slow down and practice mindfulness, they give parents a bit of quiet time, too! And if the tiny tot in question is going through a serious mermaid phase, pretend fins and all, this one is tough to top.
A set of chunky chickens
SHOP: Set of three chicken plushies from Kalleo Handmade, $40
Ready for a truly egg-celent gift for toddlers? A flock of squishy, plush chickens makes for an oh-so-adorable stocking stuffer or Easter basket idea. Perfectly petite for taking with them on the go, these chicks can be purchased individually or in a set of three.
Matching sibling shirts
SHOP: Big dipper and little dipper matching shirts from Blackbird Supply, $55
Matching shirts are a unique gift for kids with a beloved sibling or cousin. And this astronomically adorable big dipper and little dipper set is a sweet, subtle way to nod to their age gap—which won't feel big for long.
Personalized alphabet books
SHOP: Personalized ABC book from Lili Book Store, from $50
Here’s an insider tip: You’ll score some major parent points with any gift that takes up minimal space or is educational. This personalized ABC book checks both boxes—and comes in your choice of classic softcover or sturdy hardcover.
A handmade doll
SHOP: Handmade fabric doll from Everland Stitch, from $74
An updated take on the time-honored gift for kids, this lovely handmade doll can be personalized with a kiddo's name and even comes with a printed blank certificate of adoption.
A mini backpack
SHOP: Printed bear backpack from MUNI, from $65
Whether they're headed to preschool or just on an adventure around the neighborhood, they'll be proud to carry their very own knapsack. Thanks to adjustable straps that grow with them, this adorable-yet-practical gift for kids will have their back for years to come.
Unique gifts for big kids
The best gifts for big kids encourage them to explore their passions and what makes them unique, whether that’s reading, going for a walk with their furry BFF, or enjoying the outdoors (and getting crafty at the same time!). Help them embrace their new big kid identity with a thoughtful gift that celebrates their budding, beautiful personality.
Go-to gift ideas for big kids include:
- DIY kits
- Fun accessories
- Personalized piggy banks
- World maps
A bedside bookshelf
SHOP: House-shaped wooden bookshelf from Grindstone Design, $97
Encourage a lifelong love of reading with a handcrafted wooden bookshelf they can perch on their bedside table or mount on the wall (with an assist from Mom and Dad).
A super-cool cap
SHOP: Fluffy cap with glasses design from Nina Führer, $65
Help them stand out on the playground (and keep their heads toasty!) with a fuzzy white hat with extra-long ear flaps and a fun red glasses motif. Have another color combo in mind? Shoot the seller a message and dream up a cool kid gift together!
A personalized jean jacket
SHOP: Personalized jean jacket from Rose Mae, from $50
One look at this light-wash denim jacket hand-painted with their name, and the big kid in question will never put up a fight about wearing a coat out of the house again.
A DIY craft kit
SHOP: DIY solar printing craft kit from Elemental Leaf, from $17
As big kids become more and more interested in electronics, gifts that ground them in creativity and crafting with their hands are a welcome escape. Craft kits for kids come in all shapes and sizes and may even help the big kids on your list discover a new hobby like woodworking, sewing, or printmaking.
Accessories to match the dog
SHOP: Alphabet-print fanny pack and matching pet bandana from My Dear Bongo, $46
We love a mommy-and-me outfit as much as the next person—but we have to admit, there's something pretty darn sweet about a puppy-and-me ensemble, too. A unique gift for kids who have everything (including a furry sibling), this present is guaranteed to get tails wagging.
A personalized piggybank
SHOP: Personalized baseball piggy bank from Wood Works Texas, from $108
Talk about a present home run! Perfect for budding young baseball fans, this sturdy wooden coin bank can be personalized with the future All-Star's name—but if little league's not their thing, take your pick from tractors, dinos, rocket ships, and of course, good old-fashioned piggies, too. Preload it with a few dollars to get them started and watch your popularity soar.
Cool gift ideas for teens
Their first phone. Their first car. Their first unchaperoned concert to see their first favorite band. The teen years are full of firsts, and of figuring out just who you are—and some of the best gifts for teens help them express themselves, while reminding them just how special and loved they are each step of the way.
Go-to gift ideas for teens include:
- Self-care spa kits
- Unique keychains
- Board games
- Vintage clothing and accessories
Original keychains
SHOP: Assorted keychains from Night Owl Paper Goods, $19 each
One of the most momentous occasions in a teen's life is finally claiming the title of “licensed driver.” Celebrate their newfound freedom and mobility with a cute enamel keychain that's just their speed.
Flavored lip blam
SHOP: Flavored lip balms from Honi Beez, $9 each
Don't be fooled by delicious-sounding names like Berry Blast, Honey Vanilla, and Key Lime Pie—these aren't ice creams, they're lip balms! With over 25 flavors to choose from, you're bound to find one (or two, or three...) to please even the pickiest teen.
A cozy throw blanket
SHOP: Very big hug throw blanket from Calhoun and Co., $144
This snuggly throw blanket is a sweet gift idea for kids of all ages—even those who aren’t quite children any longer! A thoughtful gift from out-of-state aunties and grandparents, this blanket is the next best thing to a “very big hug.” If you’re shipping this gift directly to the lucky recipient, the seller can include a gift message on your behalf.
A phone bag
SHOP: Cross-body phone bag from Becky Alexander, $23
What land line? For a cool gift for kids who recently got their own cell phone, a convenient cross-body bag in which to store their most prized possession is a stylish and practical pick.
A vintage tee
SHOP: Vintage tie-dye cat t-shirt from Smize Vintage, $83
A timeless truth: nothing is cooler than vintage! Surprise them with a throwback tee from your go-to era (we're partial to '90s styles) and watch their faces light up. One of the most unique gifts for kids (that none of their friends will have!), it's also bound to be one of their favorites.
A fun game
SHOP: One Deck playing cards from Cartesian Cards, $18
In the era of video games, phone games, and computer games, screen-free entertainment options offer a breath of fresh air, and this portable deck of playing cards packs a serious punch. Each card in the standard deck includes additional symbols that lend themselves to games of chess, dominoes, checkers, backgammon and more—plus you can flip the cards over to form a checkered playing board. Talk about versatile!
How to shop for kids' gifts
What are good gifts for kids who have everything?
"For those lucky kids who seem to have everything under the sun, opt for a personalized or custom-made present," says Dayna. "Personalized baby blankets and puzzles are great for little kids, and bigger kids will love clothing and accessories emblazoned with their names." Other unique gifts for kids who everything include DIY craft kits that let them express their creativity and create something one-of-a-kind of their very own.
How do you find gifts for kids based on their interests?
"Finding gifts for kids based on their interests is easier than you might think," says Dayna. "Whether they're obsessed with baseball, dinosaurs, or the color pink, on Etsy there's a unique gift for kids guaranteed to speak to whatever they're into this week." Looking for a gift for a kid who loves to paint? Search for art gifts. In the market for a present for a kid who loves animals? Look for animal toys. Or search for their interest plus the phrase "gifts for kids" (for example, "dinosaur gifts for kids") and see what small businesses have dreamt up—you're bound to discover something amazing!
Meet the expert
Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy Trend Expert
From unexpected gift ideas to the latest decor and style looks, unearthing the hottest new trends on Etsy and beyond is all in a day’s work for Dayna Isom Johnson, our resident Trend Expert and judge on NBC’s Making It. In her free time, Dayna can be found cooking up something delicious in the kitchen, trying her hand at a new DIY, exploring new places with her hubby, and cuddling on the couch with her pup.
Discover more gifts on Etsy
How do we pick the best gifts for kids?
As Etsy Journal editors and contributors research and curate shopping guides for some of the best-loved items on Etsy, we thoughtfully consider the creativity, customization, and craftsmanship that go into each product. We also consider buyer reviews, item ratings, and customer service, and tap the expertise of our in-house merchandising and trends experts to uncover high-quality finds for every budget. You can find more information about each item in the seller’s listing details and can take a look at their individual shop policies and reviews, too.
*Between April and June 2023, compared to the same time the previous year.
