Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Preschool and Early Elementary

This has got to be the largest list we’ve put together to date, but not just because we love toys.

Kids at this age are achieving key developmental milestones and improving their executive functions, allowing for better focus and memory. As they continue to refine their skills, they enjoy social play, seek friendly competition, pursue independence by testing limits, try new things, and make new friends.

Not only did we pick a ton of toys and games geared towards these age-range skills, but we also chose practical items to encourage independence, and bigger, family-friendly gifts that include your littlest.

Here are our gift picks for kids 3-7:

Polly Pocket Addams Family Compact Playset

Why We Love It: I was a huge fan of Polly Pocket as a kid, so I am loving this collaboration with The Addams Family! It’s a fantastic gift for kids who love Halloween, promoting pretend play and fine motor skills whether they’re at home or on the go. Thoughtful accessories and interactive features include Easter eggs that capture popular scenes, such as a man-eating plant, a secret treasure room behind a bookshelf, a knight, and a doll-sized coffin.

Roller Derby EZ-Roll Beginner Roller Skates

Why We Love It: Developed with young rookie quad skaters in mind, the unique “tractor skate” design makes it easy to stand up and get rolling. These beginner roller skates feature a low center of gravity for more balance and safety which means more skating and less falling. The roller skates are adjustable for a secure fit and adjust up to 4 sizes at the twist of a lever. Also, don’t forget our roller rink playdate.

Bitzee Interactive Digital Pet

Why We Love It: Is your child eager for a pet, but you’re unsure about their readiness? Try Bitzee, the digital pet they can touch and feel. Like the Tomagachis of the past, these interactive pets respond to swipes, tilts, shakes, and touch with sounds and reactions. The more they play, the more pets they can collect and unlock additional features.

Crayola Ultimate Light Board

Why We Love It: Light boards are trendy this year, but this one truly shines. Its large tablet design lets kids draw using the included six gel markers. Once finished, they can light up their artwork with any of the three lighting effects. The built-in kickstand offers a vertical surface and a convenient way to display their creations. The LED board also doubles as a tracing pad for learning to draw or write letters. It’s portable, convenient, and easy to clean.

Elmer’s Squishies Mix and Match Toy Kit

Why We Love It: Did you know your kids can make their own squishy toys? Each mystery mold includes interchangeable halves, allowing them to mix and match body parts to customize their monster. After selecting and connecting the mold parts, they mix the pre-measured ingredients. In 60 minutes (a great lesson in patience), their new creation is ready to play with. Tada!

In the Family

Yes, everyone has their own wishlist but, let’s not forget the family gift. The bigger, more-expensive gift that the whole family can share and use together. This is a good way to stretch your budget that keeps everyone in mind.

Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course for Kids

Why We Love It: Offer a physical challenge with this slackline obstacle course. Featuring obstacles like a cargo net, rope ladder, monkey bars, and swinging rings, your kids can experiment and discover different ways to conquer them. You can rearrange the sequence of obstacles to continuously challenge both their bodies and minds.

Play and Freeze Ice Cream Maker Ball

Why We Love It: The play and freeze ice cream maker not only gives kids hands-on experience with basic science, but also fosters creativity, movement, and social interaction as they roll or pass the ball for 30 minutes to make ice cream. Just put all the ingredients in the ball until it’s done.

Nex Playground AI-Powered Motion Tracking Video Game System Console

Why We Love It: I can’t tell you how much I loved playing on the Xbox Kinect. While I’ll never know why it was discontinued, I’m so happy the tech is back in a new format. This video game console features an AI-powered camera and motion learning system. Similar to the Xbox Kinect, it senses simple and natural gestures without the need for extra sensors or clunky wearables. The console includes five games that promote movement, focus, and coordination.

Board games are the OG family gift, so here are two that can include kids as young as 4:
Exploding Kittens Hurry Up Chicken Butt Card Game
Spin Master Snack-O-Saurus Rex Board Game

For Real, Though

While many companies will create toys that simulate real-life for our kids’ pretend play, it may just be better to get the real thing. These items promote your child’s independence and can be cost-effective compared to their pretend plastic counterparts.

Kids Stainless Steel Chef Knife Set (similar)
SparkJump Deluxe Kid Tools Set
Philips Sonicare for Kids Connected Sonic Electric Toothbrush – Our kids love the app feature
Real Working Nursing Stethoscope for Kids
Glitter Clipboard with Storage

Stocking Stuffers
Sensory Candy, like Pop Rocks, WARHEADS Super Sour Candy Spray, or Pickle Cotton Candy
Sensory Fidget Activity Board
LET’S GO! Bird Watching Binoculars
TheGag Sharks Aliens Zombies Card Game
GrossMos Dino Pack

All of the linked items can also be found on our Child(ish) Advice Holiday Amazon Storefront.

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