Uncover the Surprising Gifts Kids Desire for Christmas
For Kids Who Love Collectibles
Little Live Pets My Really Real Puppy – Patches the Beagle is an absolute delight! With its ultra-soft faux fur and adorable blinking eyes, it feels like having a real pup by your side. Over 60 sounds and reactions make it even more lifelike, responding to your touch just like a furry friend. From Walmart, you can find the Little Live Pets Gotta Go Flamingo for $15 (was $20). It's a great option for those little collectors.
Another option is the Little Live Pets My Baby Monkey from Target, priced at $30. These little pets add a touch of charm and fun to any child's collection.
For Kids with a Fashion Sense
Stay stylish and comfortable with the Squishmallows Cozzzy Sandal featuring everyone's favorite calico, Cam the Cat. The all-over print and plush lining keep your feet cozy while adding a touch of cuteness. Customize them with Jibbitz charms for that extra flair. It's now available for $40 (was $75) at various stores.
From Crocs, the Kids’ Classic Tie-Dye Graphic Clog is a must-have. Priced at $39 (was $45), it combines style and comfort effortlessly.
For Kids Who Love Entertainment
The Hoverboard with Bluetooth speakers and LED lights is a hit! It offers built-in entertainment and easily connects to your smartphone for music playback. The Newest Bluetooth Hoverboard costs $88 (was $98). From Walmart, you can get the Gotrax FX3 Hoverboard for the same price. It's a great way for kids to have fun and stay active.
Another option is the Jetson Pixel Hoverboard from Target, which was originally priced at $150 but is now available for $105. It provides a smooth and enjoyable riding experience.
For Kids Who Love Photography
The Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera is built to match your active lifestyle. With a quick twist of the lens, you can capture the moment. Twist again to activate Close-up mode, ideal for selfies. The INSTAX MINI 12 comes with a well-placed selfie mirror, automatic flash control, and INSTAX MINI instant photo capability. It costs $79 and can be found at different locations like Walmart, Target, and Amazon.
For those looking for more Fujifilm Instax Mini Cameras, Walmart offers the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 for $75, while Target has the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera priced at $80.
For Kids Who Love Music
The Victrola Journey+ Record Player allows you to enjoy your favorite records, stream music from your phone or tablet, or wirelessly play your records on a Bluetooth speaker. It's now priced at $50 (was $80). From Kohl's, you can get the Victrola Re-Spin Sustainable Bluetooth Suitcase Record Player for $99.
Target also has the Victrola Journey 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Record Player for $48, providing a great option for music lovers.
For Kids Who Love Hydration
The Owala water bottle, the FreeSip, offers versatile hydration options. You can sip upright using the built-in straw or tilt back to drink through the wide-mouth opening. It costs $28 and can be purchased from Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Walmart.
Target also has the Owala Special Edition 32oz Stainless Steel FreeSip Classy Christmas Water Bottle for $38, adding a festive touch to hydration.
For Kids Who Love Decor
The jewelry box, the Sfugno Jewelry Box, features drawers with varied layouts, providing designated spaces for earrings, bracelets, watches, and other accessories. It also has a necklace holder with two side doors and eight bronze hooks, keeping your necklaces organized and scratch-free. It costs $70 (was $80) and is available at different stores.
From Walmart, you can find the Jewelkeeper Girl’s Ballerina Musical Jewelry Storage Box for $27, offering a more budget-friendly option.
For Kids Who Love Gaming
"Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch" takes you on a globe-trotting 3D adventure. With new abilities like cap throw, cap jump, and capture, you can collect Moons, power the Odyssey, and rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. It's now priced at $40 (was $60). From Best Buy, it's available for $45, while from Target, it costs $60.
For Kids Who Love RC Cars
The LEGO Technic Porsche GT4 e-Performance Race Car Toy is a remote-controlled racing car that boasts interactive features and holds the title of the fastest vehicle in the LEGO Technic CONTROL+ collection as of August 2024. It costs $170 and can be purchased from Walmart. Amazon also offers the LEGO Technic Audi RS Q e-tron 42160 for $144 (was $180).
For Kids Who Love Star Wars
The LEGO Star Wars Dark Falcon buildable toy vehicle set (75389) showcases a dark reimagining of the Millennium Falcon. It's priced at $180 and can be found at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.
For Kids Who Love Interactive Toys
The Furby Purple Plush Toy responds to voice commands with 5 modes and over 600 phrases, jokes, songs, and more. Use commands like Dance Party, Copy Cat, Tell My Fortune, Let’s Chill, and Lightshow to guide Furby's actions. It costs $49 (was $70). From Walmart, you can get the Furby Tie Dye Plush Toy for $33 (was $60).
Target also has the Furby Tie-Dye: Interactive Animal Figure for $34, providing more options for Furby lovers.
For Kids Who Love Electronics
The electric bike, the SISIGAD Foldable Electric Bike for Kids Teen, is ideal for quick trips around the neighborhood. With an eco-friendly battery pack offering a range of up to 17 miles per charge, it's convenient for errands. It costs $290 (was $390) and can be purchased from Walmart. HiBoy offers the Hiboy BK1 Electric Balance Bike For Kids for $200 (was $400), and Lectric eBikes has the XP Lite 2.0 Lectric Blue Long-Range eBike for $999 (was $1364).
For Kids Who Love DIY
The Yummiland lip gloss maker doll is a fun gift that allows kids to craft their own lip gloss. With guidance from their favorite Yummiland and Num Nom characters, they can create their own scented lip gloss. The Yummiland Large Doll + Lipgloss Pet – Piper Peach costs $25 and can be found at MGA Shop, Target, and Walmart.
For Kids Who Love Tablets
The iPad combines power, simplicity, and versatility with its stunning 10.2-inch Retina display and A13 Bionic chip. It's perfect for work, play, and creativity. The 2021 Apple 10.2-inch iPad Wi-Fi 64GB – Space Gray is available for $250 (was $330) at Walmart, Best Buy, and Target.
Unlock the Secrets to a Stress-Free Holiday Season
Keep Your Calendar Manageable
During the holiday season, the pressure to attend every social event can lead to a rushed and chaotic experience. It's important to choose the events that you can truly enjoy and gracefully decline the rest. For example, if you're invited to a gathering by your child's soccer team and your work colleagues, assess which one truly matters to you and your family. If you face pushback, simply explain that you have other commitments. Long-distance visits and travel can also be rescheduled, adding an element of anticipation to the new year.Prioritize Family Health
Maintaining family routines during the holiday rush can bring a sense of peace. Make time for exercise, healthy meals, and plenty of sleep, including naps for the little ones. Be mindful of the time spent on screens and replace digital entertainment with simple pleasures like sipping hot cocoa or taking a walk. It's also a great opportunity to introduce new relaxation techniques like meditation. Give your family the space to take care of themselves and slow down.Watch for Signs Your Kids Need Extra Support
The holiday hubbub can have a significant impact on a child's mood. Toddlers may have meltdowns due to missed naps and excessive sugar intake, while older children may feel anxious about fitting in. Be attuned to your child's emotions and let them know that you are there to listen. Encourage open conversations about tough subjects, even when things are busy. If your family has experienced a loss, give yourselves permission to adjust the holiday script. Let your kids express their feelings through writing letters or holiday cards to the deceased.Emphasize the Simple, Positive Side of Giving
The idea that we need to spend a lot of money to celebrate the holidays can cause stress. Set a holiday budget and stick to it as a positive example for your children. One special gift can hold more meaning than a dozen shiny packages. Focus on ways to give that bring joy, such as running errands for a neighbor or inviting friends' children over to play. Encourage your kids to come up with ideas and work together to make a difference.Alexandra Cvijanovich, MEd, MD, FAAP, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and a general pediatrician in Albuquerque, New Mexico, emphasizes the importance of these strategies. She has prior experience in early intervention before attending medical school.