Christmas Toys Guide

Toy ideas by age

Christmas toys for every age

Simple ideas for choosing the right toy, from a baby's first Christmas to gifts for teens.

A teddy bear ornament hanging on a lit Christmas tree

By age

What to look for at each age

Always check the age label on the box. It is there for safety, not just skill level.

Babies (0 to 12 months)

  • Soft toys, rattles, stacking cups and board books.
  • Avoid small parts and long strings.

Toddlers (1 to 3)

  • Push and ride-on toys, chunky blocks, shape sorters and simple puzzles.
  • Pretend play: toy kitchens, play food, baby dolls.

Preschool (3 to 5)

  • Dress-up, play sets, magnetic tiles and first art kits.
  • Simple board games for playing together.

Kids (6 to 8)

  • Building sets, craft kits, scooters and bikes (with a helmet).
  • Early chapter books and science kits.

Big kids (9 to 12)

  • Bigger building sets, STEM and robotics kits, outdoor sports gear.
  • Strategy games and art supplies.

Teens (13 and up)

  • Headphones, instruments, journals, sports and hobby gear.
  • When in doubt, ask about their interests.

Every child deserves a Christmas. If you would like to help a child whose list might otherwise go unfilled, visit Santa's Free Store, where children get to choose their own gifts.

Toy ideas

Toy ideas to get you started

Search ideas across ages and interests.

All proceeds go to clearing Christmas lists for kids.

Links open an Amazon search so you can compare sizes, styles and prices. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Stocking stuffers

Squishy and fidget toys

Small, squeezable and easy to tuck into a stocking.

All proceeds go to clearing Christmas lists for kids.

Links open an Amazon search so you can compare sizes, styles and prices. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Make something

Craft kits for kids

A big box of craft supplies keeps kids busy long after the wrapping paper is gone.

All proceeds go to clearing Christmas lists for kids.

Links open an Amazon search so you can compare sizes, styles and prices. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.