There is nothing worse than going through the mall after mall looking for the perfect Christmas gift only to come up empty-handed after hours of effort. Of course, settling for a less than ideal gift is not a good solution, either.
Fortunately, there is a better way, and we are here to help you find the best Christmas toys for your son, daughter, nephew, niece or whichever young one you plan to surprise on Christmas morning. The following is an overview of tips on how to choose the best Christmas toys for boys and girls, including 15 well-reviewed and fun toy options to consider.
- What to Consider – Christmas Gifts & Toys for Kids
- Top 15 Best Christmas Gifts & Toys for Kids 2023
- 1. Best Christmas Toy for Outdoors: Outdoor Exploration Set - Kids Adventure Pack
- 2. Best Christmas Toy for Arts & Crafts: Drawing Stencils Set for Kids
- 3. Best Christmas Toy for LEGO Lovers: LEGO City Space Mars Research Shuttle
- 4. Best Christmas Toy for Science Lovers: UNGLINGA Kids Science Experiment Kit
- 5. Best Christmas Toy for Dinosaur lovers: Li'l Gen Dinosaur Toys for Boys and Girls
- 6. Best Christmas Toy for Dog Lovers: Constructive Playthings Dog Academy
- 7. Best Christmas Toy for Nerf Lovers: Nerf N-Strike Elite Precision Target Set
- 8. Best Christmas Toy for Car Lovers: JEYPOD Remote Control Car
- 9. Best Christmas Toys - Walkie Talkies: Walkie Talkies for Kids
- 10. Best Christmas Toys for Sports Lovers: Step2 Kickback Soccer Goal And Pitch Back
- 11. Best Christmas Toy for Golf Lovers: ToyVelt Kids Golf Club Set
- 12. Best Christmas Building Toys: My Little Architect, Magnetic Tiles for Kids
- 13. Best Christmas Toy for Train Lovers: KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Train Set and Table
- 14. Best Christmas Toy for Video Game Lovers: Nintendo Switch Lite
- 15. Best Christmas Toys - Playhouses: Step2 Neat & Tidy II Playhouse
- The Bottom Line
What to Consider – Christmas Gifts & Toys for Kids
Online shopping for Christmas toys is often a great way to search through numerous options at once, rather than relying on the small selection of options at the mall. However, the downside to online shopping is you are not able to review the product in person before you purchase, which is why relying on quality reviews, product information, and expert information is important when deciding which Christmas toy is best.
In this guide, we make shopping online for the best Christmas toys for boys and girls easy. We highlight 15 well-reviewed and rated options, and discuss the pros and cons of each option. We also point out what may draw boys and girls to a certain product, and we offer our suggestions for the perfect toys for boys and girls who love the outdoors, sports, music, arts and crafts, dinosaurs, and much more.
It is helpful to not only choose a gift you feel your little one will love, but also which gift is the most practical for parents as well, considering factors such as how well the gift will help improve a child’s development, how easy it is to install, and more. Regardless of personal preference, each option makes for an excellent Christmas day gift your little one will enjoy. Now, let’s get into ranking and reviewing the best Christmas toys for boys and girls.
Top 15 Best Christmas Gifts & Toys for Kids 2023
1. Best Christmas Toy for Outdoors: Outdoor Exploration Set - Kids Adventure Pack
Editor’s Rating:
Suggested Age Range: 3-12
Overview
This Outdoor Exploration Kit is very affordable, especially considering all that is included in the pack. The set comes with 6 individual gifts, including binoculars, a magnifying glass, an LED flashlight, a whistle, a compass and a kid’s backpack. It is a great Christmas gift for both boys and girls, and it comes in a green option and an orange option.
Despite the inexpensive price, the products are of good quality and work well. Your child can truly explore the outdoors with this kit, utilizing their complete bag of explorer tools to learn more about the world. The products are easy to use, and none of the gifts require any installation. Batteries are required for the flashlight, and are not included.
The Small Discovery Outdoor Exploration Kit has excellent Amazon reviews and a solid overall rating, and more than 280 customers have weighed in thus far. The manufacturer recommends this explorer kit for children 3 and older, and children as old as 12 years of age can enjoy the fun gifts included with this set.
This Outdoor Exploration Kit is a great way for children to learn more about nature and safely explore the outdoors. Your child can enjoy mini hiking trips, play fun exploration games with friends, go on wilderness expeditions, and bring this fun kit with them during the next hiking adventure with the family.
Pros
- Lots of products
- Universally appealing to boys and girls under 12
- Affordable option
- No installation required
Cons
- Batteries required
2. Best Christmas Toy for Arts & Crafts: Drawing Stencils Set for Kids
Editor’s Rating:
Suggested Age Range: 4-12
Overview
The Drawing Stencils Set for Kids by CreativeELF is an affordable gift that is perfect for children who have a natural interest in arts and crafts. Your child can release their creative nature and learn how to draw and color awesome designs, including Christmas designs, farm animals, airplanes, sea animals, ships and so much more. It is available on Amazon at a very affordable price, and the fun will last a long time due to the numerous features that are included.
The Drawing Stencils Set for Kids by CreativeELF comes with a variety of accessories your child will love, including 16 washable stencils, 25 sheets of paper, 10 colored pencils, 1 sharpener and a 3-color pen. It also comes with a fun carrying case, so your child can bring it to school with them and show off their new toys to their friends. The stencils and other coloring materials are easy to use, and your child can begin coloring right after they tear open the package on Christmas morning. They can simply pick their favorite design stencil, choose the color they want to draw with and get right to the fun.
The manufacturer recommends this awesome drawing stencils set for children 3 and older, although children under the age of three might be able to use it as well with proper parental supervision. It has almost perfect reviews on Amazon from more than 500 customers, so your child is certain to love this fantastic drawing and coloring set.
Pros
- Colorful carrying case
- Lots of fun features
- Bright colors and exciting shapes
- Wide range of stencil designs
Cons
- Includes only 10 colors
3. Best Christmas Toy for LEGO Lovers: LEGO City Space Mars Research Shuttle
Editor’s Rating:
Suggested Age Range: 5+
Overview
The LEGO City Space Mars Research Shuttle is a great gift for children five and over who love LEGO and are interested in taking on a unique and challenging set. It is very affordable, which makes it the perfect gift for parents on a budget or an aunt or uncle who needs a simple yet meaningful gift for their niece or nephew this Christmas. One of the best features of this Christmas Toy is its final design, which portrays a realistic depiction of a spaceship headed to Mars.
There are a total of 273 pieces for the LEGO City Space Mars Research Shuttle. including two LEGO City Mars astronaut mini-figures, a helidrone and a storage drone. The space shuttle includes a minifigure cockpit, tilting solar panels, grappling arms, functional bay doors, a research lab and a spinning rotor, which allows children to use all of their imagination and have more fun while they pretend to be astronauts exploring the cosmos.
This LEGO space shuttle set has excellent scores on Amazon, with just shy of a perfect 5 out of 5-star average from more than 950 customer reviews. LEGO recommends this set for children five years of age and older, but children slightly younger may enjoy it as well if parents are there to help them set the spaceship up!
Pros
- Realistic model
- Easy to build
- Quality design and construction
- Fun for parents, too
Cons
- Not ideal for toddlers
4. Best Christmas Toy for Science Lovers: UNGLINGA Kids Science Experiment Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Suggested Age Range: 5+
Overview
Does your child love science? If so, they are going to adore the UNGLINGA Kids Science Experiment Kit. It is an affordable option for parents and others who are looking for the best Christmas toy for a boy or girl in the upcoming holiday season. The set comes in an easy to wrap box and is certain to be a great surprise on Christmas day.
This fantastic gift set includes a lab coat, name badge, four test tubes and a stand, 4 eyedroppers, 3 different sized funnels, 5 measuring spoons, a measuring cup, a plastic beaker, a magnifying glass, safety glasses, and a two-sided activity cards book—all together in one package for an incredibly affordable price. The coat is sized for children between the ages of 3 and 11, although it fits kids between 5 and 8 the best. The activity book includes step-by-step instructions that outline how to create fun experiments such as a bubbling volcano, and is a great way for children to test their problem solving and math skills, as well as to train their abilities for critical thinking and sequential thought.
It is highly rated and well-reviewed on Amazon, and more than 300 customers have left positive feedback. From color-changing cabbage to explosive volcanos, boys and girls five years and older are going to love this fun science kit, which promotes positive learning while having a ton of fun in the process.
The UNGLINGA Kids Science Experiment Kit is a great option for those who want to buy their son, daughter, niece, nephew, or other young relative a fun and interactive gift that is affordable and promotes learning. The instructions are clear and easy for children to understand, but younger children may need a little help from their parents. As such, it may not be the most ideal option for children under the age of five, though they will still likely enjoy it with some assistance.
Pros
- Kid-friendly instructions
- Lots of accessories
- Interactive learning
- Affordable gift
Cons
- Not ideal for younger kids
5. Best Christmas Toy for Dinosaur lovers: Li'l Gen Dinosaur Toys for Boys and Girls
Editor’s Rating:
Suggested Age Range: 3+
Overview
The Li’l Gen Dinosaur Pack is the ultimate gift for boys and girls who have a fascination with dinosaurs, and it is easy on the checkbook as well. Additionally, this dinosaur set offers an educational experience, and children can continue to develop their learning abilities through interactive games and connecting their figures to the sounds in the included interactive soundbook. The dinosaurs are very realistic in their design, and each one is based on popular dinosaurs, including the T-Rex and the Triceratops.
The Li’l Gen Dinosaur Pack comes ready to use right out of the box, and it includes a sound and history book that outlines the history and traits of each dinosaur. Children can look at the dinosaur figures and play fun games while listening along to the sound book, which is a kid-friendly way of learning more about their favorite pre-historic lizards.
The Li’l Gen Dinosaur Pack has excellent reviews on Amazon, coming just shy of a perfect score. There are more than 1,000 total reviews, so you can trust that you are getting a reliable gift that is well-packaged upon arrival. It is recommended for children 3 years and up, and it is a great way to promote positive learning and reading and listening comprehension at a young age.
Pros
- Fun and educational sound book
- Realistic dinosaur figures
- Affordable and easy to wrap
Cons
- Not a very complicated toy, so older children might tire of it quickly
6. Best Christmas Toy for Dog Lovers: Constructive Playthings Dog Academy
Editor’s Rating:
Suggested Age Range: 4+
Overview
For children who love dogs, the Constructive Playthings Dog Academy is the perfect gift. It includes more than 50 realistic pieces, including six different breeds of dog. It is an affordable set and ideal for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and more who are looking for an high-quality gift for a little one. Each piece looks realistic and is durable—but they’re very small, so keep them away from young children (not to mention real-life dogs, too).
The Constructive Playthings Dog Academy features more than 50 pieces, and it comes with two Dalmatians, two German shepherds, three corgis, two collies, three Labradors (two puppies), and three Bernese mountain dogs (two puppies). Also included in the package are brushes, dog bones, dog houses, dog beds, food and water bowls, fences, jumps, plants, awards, plaques and plenty of dog toys. Children can have a blast arranging them just the way they want and use their creative nature to create the perfect dog academy.
The Constructive Playthings Dog Academy is rated very highly on Amazon from more than 200 reviews in total. It also includes free shipping and returns. It is recommended for any children four years and older who love dogs or other animals. Each piece looks very realistic, and the entire kit is incredibly affordable when compared against similar options. It is also easy to gift wrap before Christmas day.
Pros
- Realistic pieces
- High number of individual figures
- Incredible level of detail
- Many accessories are included to build scenes with
Cons
- Pieces are small and might be a choking hazard for very young children
7. Best Christmas Toy for Nerf Lovers: Nerf N-Strike Elite Precision Target Set
Editor’s Rating:
Suggested Age Range: 8+
Overview
The Nerf N-Strike Elite Precision Target Set is a great option for older boys and girls who love Nerf guns. It is an affordable way for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and others to make a child they care about smile. The Firestrike Blaster has a fun and colorful appearance, and the Elite Precision Target offers a unique and durable design with a 100-point bullseye in the center.
Perhaps more importantly, the Nerf Blaster works perfectly. The set includes a range of features, including the Nerf Blaster with a precision light beam that helps the child fire the darts accurately, a target and 10 suction darts in two different colors. It is easy for most older children to use, and it comes ready to easily assemble and use right out of the box, although the batteries required to enable the precision light beam are not included with the purchase.
The Nerf N-Strike Elite Precision Target Set has excellent reviews on Amazon with an average rating above 4 of 5 stars. Around 700 customers thus far have given their opinion on Amazon reviews, and most give their praise to how well the Nerf N-Strike Elite Precision Target Set works and how much their little one enjoys playing with it. It is recommended for children 8 years and older, although children under the age of 8 might be able to safely use it with proper parental supervision.
Pros
- Light beam for accuracy
- Comes with instructions and darts
- Exciting targeting games
Cons
- Batteries not included
8. Best Christmas Toy for Car Lovers: JEYPOD Remote Control Car
Editor’s Rating:
Suggested Age Range: 8+
Overview
The features of the JEYPOD Remote Control Car include the high-speed remote control racing car, a transmitter, a USB-rechargeable set of batteries for the car, AA batteries for the transmitter, a screwdriver, and a user manual. The car’s batteries last for approximately 30 minutes, and take around 90 minutes to charge. The car can get up to speeds as high as 10 to 12 miles per hour, and it works well on a range of surfaces, including small roads, grass, sand and more.
The JEYPOD Remote Control Car has a fun and intriguing design, filled with orange, blue, red and black colors. It is also very durable, and it can make its way through tough terrains with ease without getting so much as a scratch. If the car does flip or crash, it is tough enough and well-built enough to withstand the damage in most instances. The JEYPOD Remote Control Car also comes with a strong torque motor for powerful performance. It’s weather and water-resistant, and has high-quality tires. The portable remote control also allows for long-distance travel. Most importantly for many parents, the JEYPOD Remote Control Car is a very affordable Christmas toy for boys and girls despite its excellent quality.
If you are looking for a fun toy car that is reliable and well-reviewed for a special child this Christmas, then look no further then the JEYPOD Remote Control Car, which has a great average rating among more than 1,900 reviews on Amazon. It is recommended for children 8 years and older, although younger boys and girls can enjoy it as well with the help of a supervising adult.
Pros
- Includes everything it needs right out of the box
- Long-distance remote control
- Durable and crash proof
- Affordable option
Cons
- Short battery life
9. Best Christmas Toys - Walkie Talkies: Walkie Talkies for Kids
Editor’s Rating:
Suggested Age Range: 3+
Overview
High-quality walkie talkies such as this set by Car Guardiance make for a creative and unique gift that can benefit parents and children alike. For children, they can play with their friends and have fun communicating over long distances. For parents, the walkie talkies are a clever way to stay in touch with children when they are out of sight.
The Walkie Talkies for Kids kit by Car Guardiance includes two high-quality handheld walkie talkies, which have a speaker, antenna, flashlight, LCD screen, and a range of control buttons. The Walkie Talkies for Kids have a range of up to four miles, a key lock function, electronic earphone adjustment, and a headphone mic jack so children don’t have to bother those around them. Despite their numerous features, it does not take long for children to figure out how to use the walkies talkies, and they come ready to use after taking them out of the box and adding your own batteries.
The Walkie Talkies for Kids are easy to use and suitable for children three years of age and older. They are a great way to promote good social skills for your little one as they play with friends using these fun walkie talkies. Children can come up with fun games and relay messages to one another over long distances. They are also very well-reviewed, with close to a perfect average rating from more than 650 satisfied customers.
Pros
- Works over long distances
- Built-in flashlight
- Easy to use, even for very young children
- Includes a headphone jack to reduce noise
Cons
- Batteries not included
10. Best Christmas Toys for Sports Lovers: Step2 Kickback Soccer Goal And Pitch Back
Editor’s Rating:
Suggested Age Range: 3+
Overview
The Step2 Kickback Soccer Goal and Pitch Back is a multi-purpose net that offers a range of ways for children to play, especially children who have an interest in sports. One one side, the net features a standard hockey or soccer goal On the other side is a pitch back net, which returns a thrown ball back to a child, allowing them to play catch with themselves when their friends are not around.
The Step2 Kickback Soccer Goal and Pitch Back kit includes the net, a soccer ball, two hockey sticks, a hockey ball and a pitch back ball. The pitch back net is easy to set up and use on Christmas day, and boys and girls can enjoy practicing scoring soccer and hockey goals or playing catch with the pitch back feature on the other side within minutes. The dimensions are 30 inches by 18 inches in width and depth, and the net is 48 inches tall.
The Step2 Kickback Soccer Goal and Pitch Back has excellent reviews on Amazon, gaining an average rating well above 4 of 5 stars from more than 500 customers. In other words, you can trust that the net is reliable, safe, fun and durable for children to play with. The manufacturer recommends the pitch back net for children 3 years and older, but this net should satisfy any children still young enough to not practice their sport with a full-sized net.
Pros
- Multi-purpose design
- Includes fun features
- Easy to assemble
- The net is durable
Cons
- Small for older children
11. Best Christmas Toy for Golf Lovers: ToyVelt Kids Golf Club Set
Editor’s Rating:
Suggested Age Range: 3-5
Overview
The ToyVelt Kids Golf Club Set is perfect for boys and girls who have an interest in golf. Even for those who do not yet have an interest in the sport, the fun design and bright colors are certain to gain their attention. It is also a very affordable way to introduce the fun game of golf to your child, especially when compared against other golf club sets designed for slightly older children.
The ToyVelt Kids Golf Club Set includes a realistic golf cart with wheels, three colorful golf clubs, three colorful golf balls and two practice holes. All components of the ToyVelt Kids Golf Club Set are well designed and built to last. The cart has reliable wheels attached, which make it easy for your little one to pull the cart around as they head to make their next shot towards the hole.
This golf set also helps young boys and girls develop crucial skills. It can help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, spatial skills and social skills among their friends. It is highly rated on Amazon, and the average rating among over 700 customers is above four out of five stars.
The ToyVelt Kids Golf Club Set has a quality design and it is easy to gift wrap. It also does not require installation or set up time, so your young one can enjoy it as soon as they open it on Christmas day. It is made of plastic, but this reduces its weight for small children while still remaining quite durable.
Pros
- Colorful set
- Contains everything needed to jump-start a love of golf
- Light-weight and easy for children to carry
- Safe to play with
Cons
- Plastic material isn’t too durable
12. Best Christmas Building Toys: My Little Architect, Magnetic Tiles for Kids
Editor’s Rating:
Suggested Age Range: 3+
Overview
If your child enjoys building things and they are ready to handle something more than a simple building blocks set, the My Little Architect Magnetic Tiles for Kids is a great way for your child to challenge their natural building abilities and have fun in the process. The set includes 60 building pieces and a stylish carrying bag given as a bonus. The tiles connect easily, and are fastened securely with rivets and strong lattice.
Boys and girls can have fun building whatever their heart desires, including large walls, houses, castles, airplanes and so much more. It is an affordable and easy way to make a child happy and see their face light up on Christmas day. The pieces can easily be taken out and put away for easy cleanup, and each piece is durable and will last a long-time with proper care.
Previous customers are a great way to determine whether or not your child will enjoy a certain Christmas toy, and the My Little Architect Magnetic Tiles for Kids has excellent reviews on Amazon with over 100 people having given their thoughts thus far. The rating is incredibly close to a perfect five out of five stars.
It is recommended for children three years and older. Younger children may need a little bit more direction with this set, but even children much older than three should be able to find a way to harness the possibilities of these tiles. The kit allows boys and girls to develop their creative side and use critical learning skills to create the ultimate architectural masterpiece with their tiles.
Pros
- Lots of tiles
- Fun colors
- Durable design
- Promotes learning
- Suitable for nearly all ages
Cons
- No instruction manual or suggested building projects
13. Best Christmas Toy for Train Lovers: KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Train Set and Table
Editor’s Rating:
Suggested Age Range: 2-10
Overview
The KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Train Set and Table does cost more than some other Christmas toys for boys and girls in this guide, but you get a lot for your money, including not just trains and scenery, but a table and more. KidKraft did an excellent job with the design, and the track includes a fun waterfall for the train to go under, along with a hospital, fire station and construction pieces as well.
The KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Train Set and Table has numerous features, including a 120-piece set, three durable red plastic bins and a landscaped play board. The table itself is about four by three feet, and stands 16 inches high. The track also has special T-molded edges to prevent chipping, and the table lip keeps toys and track pieces from falling off. Needless to say, this is one of the most well-designed and in-depth wooden train sets on the market today.
The KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Train Set and Table is well-reviewed on Amazon, with an average rating well above four out of five stars. They have more than 1650 reviews currently, and most customers attest to how much their little one loves their new train set. KidKraft recommends the KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Train Set and Table for children between two and ten years old, although it is most ideal for children between five and eight years of age who can properly set it up and enjoy it without adults doing it all for them—and who parents won’t have to watch over to make sure they don’t choke on the set’s very small parts.
Pros
- 120+ pieces
- Well-constructed track and accessories
- Realistic appearance
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Can become messy
- Small parts aren’t suitable for very young children
14. Best Christmas Toy for Video Game Lovers: Nintendo Switch Lite
Editor’s Rating:
Suggested Age Range: 3+
Overview
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a more expensive Christmas toy for boys and girls, but they are certain to love it if they enjoy video games. This new alternative version of the popular Nintendo Switch is a portable video game system with a 5.5-inch touch screen and weighs just over half a pound. It is compatible with all Nintendo Switch games, including interactive learning games, sports games and much more.
The Nintendo Switch Lite features a battery that lasts between 4.5 and 9 hours, which makes it ideal for long car rides with the family. Though it can’t be hooked up to a TV like a full-sized Nintendo-switch, its smaller, more portable form-factor and budget-friendly price make it perfect for children.
Many electronic devices have low average ratings on Amazon, but that is not the case with the Nintendo Switch Lite. It has an average rating very close to five stars from more than 7,000 reviews, making it one of the most popular toys sold on Amazon. If you do not mind spending a little bit more money to put a smile on the face of a son, daughter, grandkid, niece or nephew, then the Nintendo Switch Lite is certainly one of the best Christmas toys for boys and girls.
Pros
- Suitible for children of almost all ages
- Long battery life
- Portable gaming
- Innovative design
- Parents will like it too
Cons
- Costs much more than a traditional non-electronic toy
15. Best Christmas Toys - Playhouses: Step2 Neat & Tidy II Playhouse
Editor’s Rating:
Suggested Age Range: 3-8
Overview
The Step2 Neat & Tidy II Playhouse is a slightly more expensive Christmas toy for boys and girls than most on this list, but the smile on your child’s face on Christmas morning will make every penny worth it. It features a creative and attractive design with lots of fun features, including a doorbell, Dutch-style doors and shutters, a sink, a grill, a table and more. It is also made of strong material and works well both indoors and outdoors due to its weather-resistant nature.
The Step2 Neat & Tidy II Playhouse also comes in a standard-shaped box, which makes it easy to gift wrap despite its larger size. Step2 also offers three different color options: blue, brown and a bright orange-green combination. The dimensions of the Step2 Neat & Tidy II Playhouse are 35 by 51 inches in length and width, and it stands just under four feet tall. This size makes it ideal for children between the ages of three and eight.
This playhouse also has excellent reviews on Amazon, and they have over 1,400 reviews in total. The shipping is free, and the setup process is pretty easy. It does, however, require two AAA batteries that are not included with the purchase.
While boys and girls without a doubt love their fun playhouse, parents can benefit from this Christmas present as well. Playing and interacting with others in the playhouse teaches children how to role play in a creative manner, socialize with others and think critically through role-play situations, which are skills that can help them as they continue to develop and learn.
Pros
- Full of features and areas to explore
- Includes tons of fun accessories
- Promotes learning and socialization
- Durable design
Cons
- Fairly expensive
The Bottom Line
While the child you are shopping for, like all people, is likely to have a preference towards one type of toy or another, they understand perhaps even more than adults that the thought behind the gift is meaningful than the gift itself. Every gift on this list has a track record of being loved by many children, so regardless of the final decision you make from our list of the best Christmas toys for boys and girls, there is no doubt they’ll be excited from the moment they open your gift.