37 Toys & Games That Make Great Gifts

‘Tis the season for gifting fabulous presents, and the best ones are always those that bring joy to the faces of your loved ones. It is not always easy having to pick out gifts for the family – navigating what toys are cool with the kids these days, and what games they will actually use, can be a nightmare.

However, do not fear, for I have your back! This list features some of the hottest toys and games that are on offer this year. From this twenty-six-piece set of yard game accessories that will totally take you back to being 7 years old, to this remote control boat that will be the talk of your holiday season, there is something for every kind of family.

Continue scrolling for more fabulous gift ideas that will certify your position as the cool relative this holiday season!

Editorial Note: We review everything independently. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission.
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This Train Set Will Bring Joy to All the Family

  via Amazon  

Combine toys and home decor with this Christmassy train set. This will look lovely sitting under your tree, but it will also provide some fun playtime with its realistic train noises, steam, and lights. OK, just take my money!

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This Remote Control Boat Will Fascinate the Whole Family

  via Amazon  

This would make a fantastic gift – this remote control boat can reach speeds of over twenty MPH as you race it around a lake or pool.

Reviewers say: “It’s FAST and powerful. If it flips, it will right itself. I was worried that we’d get it stuck and someone would have to go in after it. Never happened. Adults and a 6-year-old used it (all first-time remote control boat users) and no issues.”

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These Fidget Magnets Are Fun for Both Kids and Adults

  via Amazon  

For those people in your life who can just never sit still, this set of 3 fidget magnets would make a brilliant gift. Let them channel their restlessness into their hand rather than annoy you instead!

Be the Cool Relative Who Gifts This Mermaid Slime Kit

  via Amazon  

Featuring ten different colors of slime and an additional ten powders, this mermaid slime set allows you to really customize whatever you make. Reviewers say that it makes a great ‘party activity because there are just so many options for your guests to create!

These Wind Up Figures Make Fantastic Stocking Stuffers

  via Amazon  

People of all ages will appreciate these sweet little wind-up holiday figures. Whether you use them as a cute table gift, as a stocking filler, or just as a way to get the kids in the festive spirit, they are bound to garner a smile from your recipient.

Bring the Family Together with a Game of Tiki Toss

  via Amazon  

This hook and loop game is ordinarily an outdoors game, but you can now bring it inside with this tabletop version, so you can play this strangely addictive game with the whole family without even having to move from your seats.

This Yard Game Set Is Bound to Be a Family Favorite

  via Amazon  

A set of 6 jumbo-sized wooden dice, a collapsible bucket, and score sheets are all included with this game set, which just so happens to be the ingredients for a great game of Yardzee! Get everyone’s blood pumping by beefing up this well-loved piece of play into a yard game that you can all get into

These Dinosaur Plushies Are Adorable

  via Amazon  

Now, I am not sure this set of 8 dinosaur plushies is aimed at me, but I am tempted to pick it up for myself it’s that cute! Whether you spread these stuffed animals throughout the family or gift them all to 1 lucky child, they are bound to be a hit.

Get Your Creative Juices Flowing with This Rock Painting Kit

  via Amazon  

This rock painting kit is a great activity where the whole family can participate – with ten river rocks and ten ceramic tiles included, there is more than enough to get everyone involved. It is also a fabulous way to get your kids away from screens and focus on creating their own masterpieces.

Treat the Beauty Queen to a Cosmetics Set

  via Amazon  

I would have adored this play pretend cosmetics set when I was younger – featuring everything from makeup brushes to eyeshadows, this set has everything a child could want to set up their own salon. Plus, all of the bits included have been tested and meet all requirements to be child safe.

Everyone Loves a Turtle Teddy

  via Amazon  

This turtle plush toy is adorable – the big momma turtle features 3 smaller babies inside a zip pocket. One reviewer writes: “The turtle was given as a gift for my granddaughter. As soon as she opened it she squealed with delight. The other three grandchildren loved it also and want the same gift.”

These Barnyard Plushies Are a Great Pick for Horse Lovers

  via Amazon  

I know so many kids (and even a few adults!) that would fall immediately in love with this set of farmhouse plushies. With the average review score being a rather incredible 4.9 stars, customers are saying this set is ‘soft, cuddly, and sturdy.’

Let the Kids Entertain You with This Magician Costume Set

  via Amazon  

Do you know any performers amongst your ranks? I am sure they would love this magician costume set, complete with a deck of cards, various trick props, and a 1 hour DVD detailing the mysteries of just how to perform magic.

Reviewers Love This Nineteen Piece Sand Play Set

  via Amazon  

Featuring twelve different sand molds, a bucket, 2 shovels, and a sand sifter, this is a comprehensive set to accompany you on a trip to the beach. Reviewers say that these are ‘surprisingly durable for the low price,’ so you should be prepared to build sandcastles beyond your wildest dreams with these for a lifetime.

This Baby Doll Comes with So Many Outfits

  via Amazon  

This baby doll comes complete with a closet’s worth of stuff, totaling 4 different outfits, which all come with their own hangers. Let your little one have endless hours of imaginative play with Baby Dalia.

These Squishy Dinosaurs Are Great Stress Relievers

  via Amazon  

Coming in a pack of 2, these dinosaur squishy toys make a great stocking stuffer, particularly for anyone who needs a bit of extra help when it comes to stress relief. Plus, rather randomly, these ones claim to smell like cake, which is always a positive!

Fun for All the Family with These Water Guns

  via Amazon  

These water guns come in a pack of thirty, so no one will be left out, but equally, no one will be left dry! Whether you want them for a family party or just to keep in stock in case of heat waves, they will make a fantastic gift for any water lover.

These Christmas Squashies Will Get You in the Spirit

  via Amazon  

If those dinosaur squashies won’t do it for you, pick up some of these festive editions instead. These again will make brilliant little stocking stuffers, or a great little table gift for your guests this holiday season.

Bring out Their Inner Warehouse Worker with This Truck and Forklift Set

  via Amazon  

Warehouses are places of mystery when you are young, so why not let the kids in on the excitement with this forklift and truck toy set.

One reviewer writes: “This is a HIT of Christmas for my almost-three-year-old grandson. He loves Home Depot and especially the “forklifts.” He watches them at the docks, This is a well-made and sturdy toy with a lift mast that tilts and forks that raise and lower.”

Get Them Building with This Create Your Own Fire Truck

  via Amazon  

This is a fire truck toy with a difference – the pieces are all separate, ready to be put together with the electric toy drill by your own little builder. This is great for any kids who are in awe whenever there are tools about; let them explore their own skills with this build your own set.

Let Them Do All the Work with This Gardening Set

  via Amazon  

Spring may feel like a while off yet, but get prepared for the season of growing things by gifting the children in your life this gardening set.

Reviews say: “This toolset for kids to do yard work is so much fun. The items are really well-made and very sturdy.”

Outside Play with This Inflatable Dinosaur Sprinkler

  via Amazon  

This inflatable dinosaur is so much fun – simply connect it to your hose, and away you go! Additionally, it comes with 8 hoops giving you the option to play a game of toss over the horns. As one reviewer writes, this ring toss aspect is a ‘great idea’ because it can entertain people of all ages.

This Road Traffic Rug Is Bound to Be a Hit Gift

  via Amazon  

Remember how fun these road traffic rugs were when you were younger – not only did you get to lie on the floor, but you could just sit and control your own traffic, what a dream!

Reviewers are saying it is ‘definitely worth the money paid’ thanks to its bright colors and high quality.

This 1,000 Piece Puzzle Is Great for the Entire Family

  via Amazon  

Think of all those long winter afternoons that need filling, and how handy this 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle will be when you need to figure out something to keep everyone entertained. Inspired by the vintage designs of the 1930s, this puzzle is a pretty one too!

This Rope Tree Swing Has Rave Reviews

  via Amazon  

Having a swing in your garden really is the peak of childhood. With over 3,000 customers rating this rope swing 5-stars, reviewers love how ‘strong’ and ‘easy to install’ it is. Plus, it’s under $40 – what a bargain!

Everyone Loves a Game of Limbo

  via Amazon  

You can never go wrong with a classic game such as limbo. Bring everyone together with this perfect party game that will definitely end with you all in hysterical laughter. For just $34.99, buy this game and I promise it will bring you joy for years to come.

This Tin Tea Set Is Beautiful

  via Amazon  

I would have done anything for this fifteen-piece tea set when I was younger. First of all, it’s covered in a gorgeous (and very trendy) llama design, but secondly, it has everything you could need to host a tea party (real or not!). Almost 5,000 reviewers agree with me, having rated it 5-stars.

This Toy Storage Will Make Your Life So Much Easier

  via Amazon  

This is such an ingenious product. Rather than a regular toy box where things are brought out but never put back in, this fusion between a box and a mat allows for the whole tidying process to be streamlined into one smooth sharp action. Forget about the kids, this is one I’d gift to yourself!

This Lamb Teddy Makes a Super Affordable Gift

  via Amazon  

With ninety percent of reviewers rating this lamb teddy 5-stars, the low price of this toy obviously doesn’t reflect the quality!

Reviewers say: “I love this little lamb. It is so cute and very well made.” Be careful though, because you might end up just wanting him for yourself!

This Huggable Night Light Will Be Their New Best Friend

  via Amazon  

Never have I ever before seen such a cute night light! This little fella has a timer so that he can be there as you doze off, but he can also be controlled via a remote. Choose from up to 8 different color choices to make this silicone bunny completely personalized.

Let Your Inner Pirate Rip with These Foam Swords

  via Amazon  

This 6 pack of foam swords are a perfect way to bring some fighting spirit. Whether you transform into a pirate, ninja, or something else completely, these swords will certainly help you on your way.

One reviewer writes: “I bought it for my son and myself to play with on a daily basis. Fun! They’re soft enough so I am not worried about hurting each other but sturdy enough to not be flimsy.”

This Light Up Soccer Ball Is So Fun

  via Amazon  

If I would have had one of these light-up soccer balls when I was a kid, I think I might have been David Beckham by now! This ball has 2 LED lights inside, which will switch on when in play, but after thirty seconds of inactivity will know to switch off.

Give the Gift of Music with These Bongo Drums

  via Amazon  

These bongo drums are a great gift for any kid with musical interests. This review says: “They are very durable and have a decent quality sound! Would recommend and order from them again!”

Volunteer as Tribute with This Bow and Arrow Set

  via Amazon  

As a former fangirl of The Hunger Games, I think this archery set is really freaking cool, and the reviewers agree: “Purchased for my 6-year-old nephew. He has enjoyed it very much. The suction seems strong. Glows in the dark so he can play with it at night. Not a bad gift for the price!”

This Big Box of Dinosaurs is So Cheap

  via Amazon  

For just $8.98, you can pick up this pack of seventy-two dinosaur miniatures. Whether you need them for stocking stuffers, party favors, or just for general fun and games, they are such a good deal! Forget gifts for the kids, these are fun for adults too – one reviewer admits they’ve been ‘hiding them’ around their workplace for weeks as a fun prank.

This Carnival Yard Games Set Will Bring Endless Fun

  via Amazon  

Just looking at pictures of this twenty-six-piece set takes me back to elementary school. Featuring cones, hoops, and bean bags, there is an endless number of games that you can play with this selection.

Turn Bathtime into Playtime with These Squirters

  via Amazon  

This set of twelve bath squirters is a great way to make bathtime a bit more fun.
One customer writes: “They are great quality and super fun at bath time. They also come with a net bag for storage that suction cups into the shower wall which is also super convenient.”