Best Gifts for Kids 2023 - Deals & Unique Ideas

What is the 5-gift rule for kids?

The 5 Gift Rule simplifies holiday giving into five categories: something they want, need, can wear, will read, and can experience. Our guide makes finding the perfect items simple and joyful.

The holiday magic is in full swing at Staples, and it's time to sprinkle some learning fun with our Kids Learn + Play Holiday Gift Guide! Unwrap a world of educational treasures that are perfect for encouraging fine motor skills, cognitive problem-solving, sensory exploration, and the sheer excitement of discovery. These gifts are not just toys, but keys to unlock a child's imagination and foster a love for learning that will last long after the decorations are packed away. Give a present that's wrapped in wonder and tied with the ribbon of curiosity this festive season.

Arts & Crafts

As the holiday season twinkles around the corner, imagine the glow on your little one's face when they unwrap a world of creativity! Staples is here to help you pick the perfect artsy treasures, starting with the Spirograph Scratch & Shimmer Jumbo Kit—ideal for those aspiring designers who love to create their own patterns and shapes. For the sensory seekers, our Made By Me Explore & Create Sensory Bin - Undersea brings the mysteries of the ocean right to their fingertips, featuring the sensory play sand that's stretchable and moldable in and out of water!

And for the fashion-forward crafters, the Cool Maker Kumi Kreator 2-in-1 is a hit, turning simple beads into statement bracelets to experiment, collect and share. Don't forget about the budding artists who can spend hours with Crayola Colour & Sticker Books, whether they're on heroic adventures with Spidey & Friends or having a playdate with Peppa Pig. Stock up on extra Crayola pencil crayons and markers to keep their colorful expressions flowing.

Now, for those moments when the festivities take you over the river and through the woods, our travel gifts, like kids backpacks, are the perfect companion for your pint-sized Picassos. They're just the right size to store their new Crayola Pokémon Inspiration Art Case, complete with markers, crayons, and Pokémon colouring pages, ensuring the merry-making and creativity continues wherever the holiday spirit leads.

STEM

Unwrap the excitement of learning with our handpicked selection of STEM toys, where each gift is an adventure in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Delight your child with the National Geographic Volcano Science Kit, where they can simulate volcanic eruptions and learn about geology in a thrilling, hands-on manner. The National Geographic Break Open 2 Real Geodes Kit allows for a real-world treasure hunt, giving kids the chance to crack open their own geodes and discover the crystalline wonders inside, fostering a love for Earth science. Also, for a peek into the human body with a fun twist, the Smart Lab Squishy Human Body provides an interactive anatomy lesson, complete with removable organs that squish. It's a unique way to encourage a deeper understanding of biology.

In the realm of technology, engage your future innovators with the 4M Kidz Robotix Tabletop Robot, teaching the basics of robotic mechanics and motion. The Artie 3000 The Coding Robot isn't just a toy; it's a friendly introduction to the fundamentals of coding, preparing kids for a future in digital literacy with a playful approach. Engineering aspirations take a tangible form with the CIC Kits Hydraulic Cyborg Hand, demonstrating the power of fluid dynamics and mechanical engineering in a way that's directly in your child's hands—literally. The BRIO 34587 Builder: Construction Set is more than a collection of building materials; it's a platform for problem-solving, creativity, and spatial reasoning, vital skills for any budding engineer.

Make Math fun with the Hand 2 Mind Numberblocks 1-10 Mathlink Cubes Math Activity Set, turning abstract concepts into engaging play. The Edupress Mathological Liar Game, challenges kids to apply their math skills in a detective-like game, promoting critical thinking and numerical literacy. While choosing STEM toys that spark your child’s curiosity and intellect, consider teacher gifts that express gratitude to those shaping young minds every day.

PUZZLES & GAMES

As the nights draw in and the air gets chillier, there's nothing like unwrapping a gift that promises hours of engaging fun. Let their imaginations soar with the enchanting LEGO Creator Magical Unicorn or unleash their building prowess with the LEGO Classic: Medium Creative Brick Box, perfect for young creators. For those who love piecing together a masterpiece, the eeBoo Piece and Love Triangle Pattern Round Jigsaw Puzzle is a vibrant gift that combines art and intellect. And for a touch of personal charm, gift a custom puzzle—a personalized gift that transforms a favorite photo into a puzzle they'll cherish and enjoy piece by piece.

Keep the fun going on family game nights with Spin Master HedBanz, a hilarious guessing game sure to bring laughter and joy. For the gaming aficionados, the PlayStation 5 Slim Standard Console bundled with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, or the high-performance Xbox Series X Console, make for gifts that are nothing short of spectacular. Elevate their gaming setup with top-notch monitors, ergonomic gaming chairs, and noise isolating headsets for an all-encompassing gaming experience. And for those who prefer gaming on the go, consider the latest in tech gifts like tablets and iPads, offering portable play that keeps on giving. These gifts are more than games and gadgets; they're gateways to new worlds, new adventures, and holiday memories waiting to be made.

SCULPTING/PAINTING

Gift the joy of creativity this holiday season with painting and sculpting sets, perfect for the imaginative child in your life. The Kid Made Modern Washable Paint Set comes with 12 vibrant colors, allowing young artists to freely express themselves on paper, canvas, or even the next fridge masterpiece. And don't worry about the mess; pair these paints with our durable art aprons and smocks to keep their festive attire spotless.

For those who dream of their own festive creations, the Bankers Box At Play Playhouse is a gingerbread-inspired canvas for them to color and play within—a gift that combines the joy of painting with the wonder of imaginative play.

Sculpting takes a cuddly turn with the Play-Doh Care 'n Carry Vet Playset, where young animal lovers can mold and care for their own Play-Doh pets. The tactile fun continues with Kinetic Sand, offering 2 lbs of moldable, mesmerizing play that never dries out. And for a touch of magic, Elmer's Glue Pre-Made Slime in Cosmic Shimmer adds a hint of sparkle to their sculpting, without any need for prep or cleanup. These gifts keep little hands busy while sparking joy, creativity, and holiday memories that will stick around long after the decorations come down.

As you wrap up your holiday shopping, the Staples Kids Learn + Play collection is your one-stop destination for the most sought-after toys and games of the season. From engaging STEM sets to imaginative arts and crafts, our Staples holiday gift guide is curated to spark joy and creativity in every child. And for those looking to spread the festive cheer without stretching the budget, our array of gifts under $50 ensures that you can find something special for everyone on your list. Don't forget to visit our Holiday Gifting Center for even more gifting ideas to complete your holiday shopping with ease.