Best Birthday Gifts for Kids

Do you have a 3 year old birthday and 6 year old birthday party this weekend? My go to birthday gift list is for you! It includes the best birthday gifts for kids ages 1-8. Every toy on this list has passed the test of time with my kids. Best part? None of the toys on this list need batteries and many are toys meant to be played with outside. Oh and most toys are under $25.

Best gift for a 1 year old

When I only had one baby, I wrote a lot more about kids! This post has 15 more gift ideas for a 1 year old.

1. What’s Inside Box

The What’s Inside Box is my go to gift for one year olds. I love that it is self contained in a cute fuzzy box and entertains the 1-2 year old crowd for minutes! (Because nothing entertains them for hours, ha!)

2. Rody

If you know the gift recipient has room to store it, a Rody, the bouncing horse is such a fun toy for the 1-3 year old age range.

3. Pop Up Fire Truck

This wooden fire truck doubles as a pop up toy and my kids loved it! The fire fighters spring into action with the touch of a finger. This toy gets the best giggles!

Best gift for a 2 year old

4. Race Ramp

This wooden race track comes with 4 cars and was a winner with both of my kids.

5. Extra Large Truck

This is another toy that has had a long life span at our house. This extra large dump truck can be used to haul toys and cars inside or dirt and rocks outside! Or even siblings, ha!

Best Gift for a 3 year old

6. Letter Bots

This toy was discovered in a preschool classroom and quickly became a favorite at home. It’s 26 tiny letter robots. It’s fine motor skills plus letter learning, what more could you want in a toy?!

7. DUPLO

We own 4 boxes of these DUPLO and my 5 and 7 year old still build with them often. DUPLO are a great gift for the 2-3 year old crowd. The picture below is of my then 2 year old building towers with his favorite toy. I often buy DUPLO for 2 and 3 year old birthdays. Here’s a fun article on creative ways to teach preschoolers with DUPLO.

Best Gift for a 4 year old

8. Play Doh Sets

My 5 year old still loves Play-Doh! There are so many different types of Play Doh sets out there, but my favorite sets to gift are the ones that include a “noodle” or “hair” maker. Like this Crazy Hair Set or Kitchen Creations.

9. Tea set

My daughter loves and uses tea sets often. She has multiple sets and uses them with friends, siblings, and of course, all of her stuffies.

Best Gift for a 5 year old

10. Stomp Rocket

Any toy that encourages outside play and doesn’t involve batteries is a winner in my book! Both of my kids love our stomp rocket. Warning: Rockets will get lost on roof tops, in neighbors backyards, and in trees. Buying a back up rocket pack is never a bad idea.

11. Hot Wheels Track

We own a ridiculous amount of Hot Wheels track. I love that this particular set is self contained, and again, no batteries involved. All Hot Wheels sets connect to each other, so this is a gift that can be added to over time.

12. Piggy Paint

Piggy Paint is water based nail polish and free of harsh chemicals. I love that is wipes up with soap and water if spilled! This set comes with nail stickers which add an extra layer of fun to manicures.

Best Gift for 6 year olds

13. Brain Flakes

These interlocking plastic disks are one of my favorite kid toys to date. I love that both of my kids (ages 5 & 7) love these. The colorful flakes make creating 3D objects fun and easy!