Top 6 Best Gifts: A Pediatrician’s Guide for Kids Who Have Everything

For parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, figuring out what to gift the littles on that holiday shopping list can be challenging – especially when buying for kiddos who seem to have everything.

Before snatching up whatever’s on their wish list this year, here are some helpful tips to help them build, imagine, create, explore and stay engaged with the world around them.
 

Books

Always consider the gift of reading even for the youngest of minds. Consistent exposure to books can strengthen a child’s vocabulary, ignite their imagination, stimulate critical thinking and foster empathy.

The key is to tap into their interests. Maybe they love to color and create. Consider an age-appropriate arts and crafts book and pair it with some fresh art supplies. There’s no need to stress over whether a book may be “too easy” or “too hard” for their reading level. You can promote a love of reading with books about the things they love.

Magazines

I have yet to meet a kid who doesn’t love getting mail. And mail that captures their attention and sets the stage for more reading and learning is even more exciting – especially for parents!

A magazine subscription will give them something to look forward to each month. And there are so many magazine varieties to choose from! Whether you’re shopping for a young sports enthusiast or an aspiring YouTube star, there’s likely a magazine out there your kiddo won’t want to put down.

Movement

I cannot stress enough the importance of gifts that get kids moving because, frankly, they’re doing less of it these days.

Bikes, trikes, scooters, jump ropes, hula hoops and indoor or outdoor sporting equipment make excellent gifts. And for the really little ones, think bubbles, sidewalk chalk, sandbox toys or plastic lawnmowers and snow shovels. Anything that encourages physical activity can help improve a child’s physical development as well as their memory and focus.

Board or Card Games

There’s usually always an educational component to an age-appropriate board or card game.

For younger kids, these games can help with letter, number or color recognition. For older kids, they usually require some reading, counting, memorization or problem-solving skills.

Perhaps even more important is this: When you gift a board or card game, as opposed to video games or another electronic, you’re also providing a child opportunities to be the social, interpersonal creatures they were designed to be! You’re giving littles the gift of quality time with parents, siblings or friends.

Building Sets

One of the best gifts you can give babies and toddlers is plastic or wooden building blocks, which can aid in fine and gross motor skills as well as self-esteem.

Even if an older child already has Legos or K’nex at home, a new, perhaps more challenging set can revive their interest and improve their dexterity.

Experiences

Sure, kids may remember some of their favorite toys as they grow, but chances are likely they’ll remember far more experiences – like trips to the zoo or a nearby nature preserve.

Maybe their gift of experience is simply letting them spend the weekend at Grandma’s; taking them out to eat at their favorite restaurant; planning a trip to a local rock-climbing wall; or having a “yes” day, in which they pick a date to do all their favorite things.

Get creative with packaging. You can put event tickets in a small box to wrap or gift special glasses for the 3D movie you plan to go see.

Gifts From the Heart

No matter what gift(s) you choose for the littles on your list, make sure it’s safe and age appropriate.

Contrary to what you might think, price is of little importance to kiddos. What they really want is our time and attention. What they need is a thoughtful gift that comes from the heart.