Gift ideas for kids age 2-5

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And it’s not just because we get to spend time with family and friends but because we get to see the smiles on our kiddos’ faces when they open their presents.

Here are several gift ideas for children 2-5 years old, grouped by category. These gifts are fun, engaging, and developmental.

Toys for learning and development

• Building blocks: These help improve motor skills, coordination, and imagination. Examples: Mega Bloks, LEGO Duplo
• Shape sorters: Toys that encourage shape recognition and problem solving.
• Counting toys: Great for introducing basic math concepts. Examples: abacus, number blocks.
• Musical instruments: Introduce rhythm and sound, helping with coordination and auditory skills. Examples: xylophone, tambourine.
• Activity cubes: These have a variety of activities, such as spinning gears, bead mazes, and shape sorters, keeping kids engaged while fostering learning.

Pretend play and imaginative toys

• Play kitchen sets: These help with role-playing and fine motor skills, allowing kids to pretend to cook, serve, and clean.
• Dress-up clothes: Fun outfits encourage imaginative play and self-expression. Examples: superhero costumes, animal outfits.
• Tool sets: Child-friendly toolkits allow for imaginative building and fixing games.
• Dollhouses or playsets: These encourage storytelling and social-emotional development.
• Puppets or plush toys: Puppets can help children develop communication skills through creative storytelling.

Books and educational materials

• Interactive books: Engaging books that help with early literacy and sensory exploration. Examples: lift-the-flap, touch-and-feel, or sound books.
• Board books: Durable books that introduce simple stories and concepts (colors, animals, emotions).
• Sticker books: This type of book is great for hand-eye coordination and focusing attention.
• Alphabet or number books: These fun, colorful books introduce letters and numbers.

Creative and craft supplies

• Crayons and markers: Jumbo crayons or washable markers for creative expression.
• Play-Doh: Classic for creative play, helping with fine motor skills and imaginative exploration.
• Sticker craft kits: These often come with themed designs and activities, promoting fine motor skills and creativity.
• Finger paints and art kits: For hands-on, sensory exploration.

Outdoor play

• Balance bikes: For building motor skills and balance (great for ages 3-5).
• Bubble sets: Fun and simple, and can help with hand-eye coordination.
• Tunnels or play tents: Perfect for active, imaginative play both indoors and outdoors.
• Toy shovels and buckets: Ideal for sandbox or beach play.
• Mini soccer balls or basketball sets: Great for developing coordination and teamwork.

Games and puzzles

• Simple jigsaw puzzles: Large, colorful puzzles with few pieces (such as animal shapes or numbers).
• Memory games: Age-appropriate memory matching games that can help with cognitive skills.
• Board games: Simple games that can teach children to take turns and follow instructions. Examples: “Candy Land,” “Hi Ho! Cherry-O.”
• Dominoes or matching card games: Great for cognitive development and concentration.

Physical play and movement

• Tricycles or scooters: Age-appropriate bikes or scooters for outdoor movement and muscle development.
• Hopscotch or jumping mats: Fun for active children who love to jump and hop.
• Soft indoor balls: These are safe for indoor play, helping with coordination and motor skills.

Tech and digital toys  

• Interactive tablets or learning toys: These often come with educational games, stories, and songs. Examples: LeapFrog, Vtech.
• Storytelling robots: Simple robots that teach basic coding or tell stories, aimed at sparking curiosity about technology.
• Sound toys: Great for language development and sensory exploration. Example: talking flashcards.

Personalized gifts

• Custom name puzzle: Wooden puzzles that spell the child’s name, great for letter recognition and problem solving.
• Personalized books: Many companies offer customizable children’s books in which the child is the main character.
• Custom growth charts: Fun and functional, allowing the child to track their height over time.

Subscription boxes (monthly activities)

• STEM kits: Age-appropriate STEM kits that engage kids in science, technology, engineering, and math in a hands-on way.
• Craft subscription boxes: Monthly creative projects that introduce new crafts and activities.

Sensory toys

• Fidget toys: Simple items such as squishy balls, pop-its, or textured toys that promote sensory exploration.
• Water or sand tables: A fun, tactile way to introduce kids to water play or nature.

Miscellaneous

• Travel activity tray: For long car trips, a fun tray and organizer seems like a no-brainer. Here’s one from Amazon, and here’s one from Walmart. Combine this with some of the items above, and you’ve got a complete gift for a wee one.

We welcome your suggestions

If you have any other gift ideas for children ages 2-5, please feel free to leave a comment.