Holiday Gift Guide for Your Elementary School Child

One of the most delightful things about your child getting older is witnessing their capabilities expand as they grow. The holidays are certainly about more than just gifts, and even though your school-aged child may be more interested in playing with friends these days, they value family time more than you know. But, if you say to your child, “Your gift this year is quality time with the family,” you can hardly expect them to jump for joy. After all, kids will be kids, and kids love tangible presents. With so many toys out there, and most of them guaranteed to end up gathering dust, the best gifts you can give your littles are the ones that inspire, challenge, and stimulate their rapidly developing brains. It’s no easy feat finding ones that fit the bill, but luckily, we did the work so you don’t have to. We've curated a list of gifts that are so much more than just toys—they’re an opportunity to create and be active as a family.

1. Toki Mats Tutu Bean Bag

This bean bag isn’t your standard bean bag chair. Because it’s stuffed completely full with food-grade microbeads, this bean bag never sags and always keeps its shape. It’s perfect for littles to practice balancing, and can also be used as a comfy seat that encourages correct posture. If you practice yoga or just mindfulness in your home, it’s a great space for your child to sit and connect with their emotions.

2. Mudpuppy My Hair, My Crown 300-Piece Puzzle Set

This 300-piece puzzle features a vibrant illustration of Black hairstyles to celebrate diversity and representation. Different colored squares make this puzzle just challenging enough for an older child to complete on their own.

3. Quut Flying Disc

This flying disc is easy to use and also doubles as a sand sifter, making it an essential to take to the park or beach for endless fun. Made from durable, recyclable plastic that’s free of BPA and phthalates, this toy is designed to last a lifetime.

4. KiwiCo Kiwi Crate Subscription

Celebrate your child’s natural curiosity and provide enrichment with this Kiwi Crate subscription that sends them a STEAM-based project to complete every month. With all necessary materials and a kid-friendly instruction booklet in every delivery, this subscription is a great way to get your little one interested in STEAM and cultivate family bonding.

5. Sculpd Kids Pottery Kit

Creative kids will delight at this child-friendly pottery kit that includes everything they need to make their own clay creations. The kit comes with 2 bags of premium air-dry clay, a step-by-step guide, a paint set, letter stamps, a tool case, cutters, brushes, and other tools to make pots, coasters, decorations, or whatever they dream up.

6. Gamewright Outfoxed! Board Game

This classic whodunit game is perfect for young kids and fun for the whole family. Designed for kids ages 4 and up, this cooperative game has the family working together to find out which fox stole Mrs. Plumpert’s prized pot pie. Gather clues and rule out suspects together before the fox makes it to the exit!

7. Toki Mats Rainbow Stamp in Cream Picnic Blanket

Beat the boredom in bad weather with indoor picnics this winter. This plush picnic blanket is made from water-repellant organic cotton for easy cleanup, and is perfect for a floor picnic for family dinner or movie night. Get the snacks, pour the drinks, and turn an ordinary day into a core memory.

8. Loog Pro Acoustic

Designed for ages 6 and up, the Loog Pro Acoustic is a small, 3-string guitar that comes with flashcards, an app, and free video lessons to introduce your child to an instrument. Kids get to play songs from the very beginning, which encourages them to keep learning and playing.

9. Lakeshore Learning Young Scientist Chemistry Lab

With your help, your kiddo can concoct a batch of bouncing bubbles, create a glowing ice sphere, and four other simple experiments that can spark a love for chemistry! These experiments come with step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow, as well as fun scientific facts that are sure to wow both you and your little one.

10. Makedo Invent Kit

Hold off on throwing away that surplus of Amazon boxes that have been piling up in your garage. This cardboard construction kit contains safe, low tech tools that can turn those boxes into clever creations. Not only does this toolkit boost imagination and creativity, it’s fun for the entire family, promotes collaboration, and develops fine and gross motor skills!