The holiday season is just around the corner, and with Christmas fast approaching, it’s time to find the perfect gifts for the kids in your life. Whether they’re into building with LEGO, exploring the outdoors, or diving into creative play, this guide has everything you need to make their holiday magical. From must-have toys and educational gifts to stocking stuffers and outdoor fun, there’s something for every child—and every budget.
With Black Friday and other holiday sales offering incredible discounts, now is the time to plan ahead, shop smart, and secure deals that will light up those little faces on Christmas morning. Let’s dive into the top picks for 2024 and tips to make your holiday shopping stress-free and exciting!
Top Gifts for Kids in 2024
1. Must-Have Toys
- LEGO Holiday Sets
- Favorites like LEGO Friends Holiday Village or LEGO Technic & Speed Champions McLaren Racing Pack are expected to be up to 30% off.
- Barbie Dreamhouse 2024
- A classic that’s always a hit, with deals bringing it down to around $138 (originally $199).
- Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Arena
- Perfect for action-packed fun, down to $33.99.
2. Educational Gifts
- STEM Kits
- Brands like Osmo and National Geographic offer hands-on experiments in coding, chemistry, and engineering, with prices as low as $29.99.
- Interactive Learning Toys
- LeapFrog LeapPad Academy for or VTech KidiZoom Creator Cam for budding YouTubers.
3. Creative Play
- Art Supplies
- Crayola Creativity Packs with paints, markers, and coloring books under $25.
- DIY Kits
- Friendship bracelet kits, tie-dye sets, or slime-making bundles for under $20.
- Play-Doh Mega Sets
- Multi-color sets with sculpting tools for endless creative fun.
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Magnetic Tiles: Sensory STEM Learning Building Blocks for Toddlers offer hours of fun and endless creative possibilities.
4. Tech for Kids
- Tablets for Kids
- Amazon Fire Kids Tablet (10-inch) with parental controls down to $99.99.
- Gaming Accessories
- Affordable add-ons like controllers or headsets for the Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 5.
- Wearable Tech
- Kid-friendly smartwatches with games and step trackers starting at $49.99.
5. Outdoor Fun
- Bikes and Scooters
- Razor scooters as low as $29.99 and beginner bikes starting at $79.99.
- Trampolines
- Mini-trampolines for toddlers or full-sized ones for family fun, discounted by up to 40%.
- Outdoor Play Sets
- Sandboxes, climbing sets, and playhouses from brands like Little Tikes.
6. Family Games and Activities
- Board Games
- Classics like Candy Land or Guess Who for younger kids, starting at $10.
- Strategy games like Catan Junior or Ticket to Ride: First Journey for older kids, often discounted by 20%.
7. Stocking Stuffers
- Surprise Collectibles
- Mini Brands or Squishmallows mystery packs, under $10.
- Novelty Gadgets
- Pocket-sized fidget toys, light-up keychains, or digital pets like Tamagotchi.
- Holiday-Themed Treats
- Fun candy sets, chocolate-filled advent calendars, or DIY cookie kits.
Tips for Choosing the Best Kids’ Gifts
- Consider Their Interests: Does your child love building, crafting, or sports? Tailor your gift to their hobbies.
- Age-Appropriate Choices: Check age recommendations to ensure toys are safe and engaging.
- Shop Early: Popular toys often sell out fast—start browsing deals in November.
- Look for Bundles: Many brands offer gift bundles that include extra accessories or bonus items at no extra cost.
- Choose Long-Lasting Gifts: Items like bikes, board games, or LEGO sets provide fun that grows with your child.
Top Categories and Must-Have Items
1. Kitchen Appliances
- Air Fryers: Cooking is faster and healthier with air fryers. Brands like Ninja and Tefal often feature discounts. For example, the Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer, originally $189.99, may drop to $149.99.
- Coffee Makers: Save time and enjoy barista-quality coffee with Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker. Look for bundle deals on pods and accessories.
2. Home Cleaning Devices
- Robot Vacuums: Models from iRobot Roomba and Shark provide hands-free cleaning solutions, giving moms more time for other priorities.
- Cordless Vacuums: High-end models like the Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum, which could be discounted from $570 to $349, offer powerful suction and versatility.
3. Personal Care and Beauty
- Hair Styling Tools: Luxurious tools like the Dyson Corrale Cordless Straighteners could save you up to .
- Skincare Devices: Foreo’s facial cleansing brushes are expected to go on sale, perfect for self-care routines.
4. Electronics and Gadgets
- Tablets and E-Readers: The Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet might hit a record-low price of $74.99, a great gift for kids or moms on the go.
- Smart Home Devices: Products like the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) could make managing your home smarter and more efficient.
6. Fitness Equipment
- Wearable Fitness Trackers: Fitbit and Garmin help moms stay active and track progress.
- Home Gym Gear: Essentials like yoga mats, dumbbells, and resistance bands will likely be discounted.
7. Clothing and Accessories
- Winter Apparel: Stock up on coats, boots, and thermals from stores like Macy’s and Kohl’s.
- Handbags and Accessories: Iconic brands like Kate Spade may offer deals on stylish yet practical bags.
Black Friday Shopping Tips
1. Plan Ahead
- Create a wish list of the items you need most.
- Set a budget to avoid overspending.
- Subscribe to email alerts from your favorite retailers for exclusive early access.
2. Compare Prices
- Use tools like CamelCamelCamel or browser extensions like Honey to track historical prices and spot real discounts.
- Compare prices across multiple retailers, as some stores match or beat competitors’ sales.
3. Check Return Policies
- Retailers often have stricter return policies during sales. Confirm whether items are eligible for exchanges or refunds.
4. Shop Early
- Many sales now start in the week leading up to Black Friday. Shopping early helps secure high-demand items like tech and toys.
5. Consider Alternative Deals
- Explore Cyber Monday for tech deals or Small Business Saturday for unique finds from local shops.
- Check for pre-owned or refurbished deals, particularly on electronics, for additional savings.
Black Friday for Moms: How to Stay Organized
- Use a Shopping App: Apps like Flipp or ShopSavvy can help organize your shopping list and find deals near you.
- Prioritize Family Needs: Focus on essentials like winter wear, educational toys, or kitchen gadgets that enhance daily life.
- Schedule Time: Set aside specific hours to shop, either online or in-store, to avoid stress.