Holiday gift giving got you stressed? Don’t worry I’ve got you covered. I’ve spent the year researching (and playing with) the coolest items out there. The fun items in my 2022 Holiday Gift Guide are sure to please even the fussiest kids and teens!

Now that we are back to busy schedules including working in the office and the return of in person events, holiday prep is more stressful than ever. The question of what to buy the kids or your teen nephew can leave even the calmest souls wishing they were part elf. If this is how you are feeling grab a coffee, sit back and browse!

I love Christmas!

Kid Congeniality’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide For Kids & Teens

**Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for your browsing convenience. I may have received some samples in order to facilitate reviews. I have seen, played with, or reviewed everything on this list  I never recommend any item that I personally do not stand by.

Toys:

1. Doodle Jamz (SkyCastle Toys)–> Squish n’ shape drawing pads known as JellyPics allow you to fidget and create art at the same time! These hand-held art boards are filled with soft, squishy gel or beads to sculpt, mold and design over any picture! Each drawing pad comes with a 2 sided emoji to style. Who says you can’t get kids off their electronics?
2. The 2022 Hess Truck–> This year’s Hess Truck is a Flatbed Truck with Hot Rods. I know a few grown men who are stock piling these beauties for their life-long collections.
3. Barbie Dreamhouse Jumbo Mega Playmat- (TCG Toys)–> Your child’s Barbies will be living LARGE when you bring home the Barbie Dreamhouse Jumbo Mega Playmat! Its over 17.5 square feet of soft, non-slip, hypoallergenic EVA foam!   It measures 47″ wide x 61″ tall and comes 2 with two adorable pet dogs for Barbie to love.
4. Little Live Pets Mama Surprise Guinea Pig (Moose Toys) –> There’s nothing cuter than your own guinea pig except an interactive one with 3 babies for you to love and care for.
5. FAO Schwarz Funko Pop–> FAO ‘s iconic Soldier is now a Pop!

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Stem, Educational & Puzzles:

1. Pixicade Original and Pixicade Pets (BitOGenius) –> I didn’t think it was possible but Pixicade just upped the ante on their create your own video game innovation! Kids 6+ can draw an egg, let it hatch and bring their virtual pets to life!
2. National Geographic- Break Open 4 Geodes (Blue Marble) –> Geodes are naturally forming volcanic rocks that contain amazing crystal formations inside. Crack them open to discover beautiful minerals with this smashingly fun kit.
3. The Barbie Color Surprise Puzzle (TCG Toys) –> A 100-piece puzzle featuring water-activated color change technology! Kids will unwittingly enhance their dexterity while creating a colorful masterpiece. The Barbie Color Surprise Puzzle is constructed, using Sure-Lox technology ensuring the perfect fit for each piece. Lift the puzzle up and it stays in tact! The puzzle measures 15″ x 11.25″ and includes a water pen.
4. The Geomag Mechanics Challenge Strike –> Made with recycled plastic, and consisting of about 185 individual parts, both the construction itself and the subsequent gaming experience are challenging and fun! 7 years +.

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Dolls:

1. Tinkerbell Holiday 2022 Special Edition Doll- (Disney)–> This year my favorite pixie is Disney’s Special Holiday Edition Doll. Like Rapunzel last year, I am sure Tink will fly off the shelves. Get her while you can!
2. LOL Surprise Mini Sweets (MGA Entertainment)–>Each LOL Mini Sweets Doll is based on a popular candy and also comes with 8 sweet surprises.
3. Disney Junior’s Bakery Alice Doll & Magical Oven Set (Just Play) —> Alice in Wonderland’s great granddaughter has taken Disney Junior by storm and this magical set features a light-up oven with phrases and sound effects from the show.
4. Karma’s World Singing Doll (Mattel)–> Karma is based on Ludacris’ Netflix series named after his oldest daughter. Encourages your child to use their voice just like Karma.
5. Disney ILY Dolls (Jakks Pacific)–> 18-inch dolls inspired by beloved Disney characters. It includes a line of dolls, trendy fashions and accessories that celebrate everything kids love about Disney.

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Games and Puzzles:

1. Christmas Story- A Major Card Game (Funko Games)–>  Raphie fans get to help him get the BB gun and decoder ring in this lively card game.  Have you seen the sequel yet? Read about it –> HERE <–
2. Kingdomania (Funko Games) –> a fast paced game where your goal it to patch up glitches inside a “video game” experience. Series 1 contains 40 different characters across the Disney and Pixar universe.
3. T.A.P.E.S. (Hog Wild Toys)- ->The ultimate Turn-Based. Approximate. Proportion. Estimation. Showdown! Is this actually a game that makes math fun for kids? Wow! Players take turns guessing the dimensions of objects in the room in which they’re playing. Not  in inches or centimeters, but with unique units of measurement.  “How tall  is that lamp in gummy bears?” The player who guesses closest wins!  (Ages 6+).

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Blu-Ray and DVDs:

1. The Classic Christmas Specials Collection Blu-Ray (Universal Pictures)–> Newer specials may be flashier but these timeless animated classics will always be favorites (Rudolph, Frosty, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town) Read More –>HERE<–
2. Nick Jr Holiday Bonanza! (DVD)–> Features holiday-themed episodes from Blue’s Clues & You! Blaze and the Monster Machines, Bubble Guppies, PAW Patrol, and Baby Shark’s Big Show! Each episode is uplifting and full of holiday spirit.  Read More –> HERE <–
3. Lyle, Lyle Crocodile (Sony)–> When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school.  A heartwarming film showing that family can come from the most unexpected places.
4. E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (Universal Pictures)–> E.T. is celebrating his 40th anniversary. Now he can “phone home” from your place because the classic film is available to own for a limited time. Read More –> HERE <–
5. DC League of Super Pets (Warner Bros)–> DC League of Super Pets is an action packed adventure featuring DC’s unsung heroes Krypto and Ace.

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Books For Kids and Teens:

1. The Art of the National Parks Coloring Book features all 63 US National Parks with a contemporary spin on the famous W.P.A. Posters of the 1930s!
2. “The Art of Coloring: Walt Disney World: 100 Images To Inspire Creativity From The Most Magical Place On Earth” is a 100+ page delight for Disney fans of all ages.
3. “The Little Owl & the Big Tree” by Jonah Winter and Jeanette Winter is based on true events. In the winter of 2020 a Christmas tree was transported from Oneonta, New York to Manhattan ‘s Rockefeller Center with a small stow away passenger inside. This heartwarming story captivated the nation in 2020.
4. Dressing Up The Stars is the story of costume designer Edith Head. How did a shy girl growing up near a small town in Nevada become one of the most celebrated costume designers of all time?  Jeanne Walker Harvey’s picture book will take you on the unlikely journey.
5. The Official Minecraft Coloring Adventure Book: Create, Explore, Color! This action-packed coloring book lets kids color their way through nearly 50 fun pages of original art inspired by the top selling game
6. Prince of Song & Sea: If Prince Eric kisses someone other than his true love he will die! Now he’s on a quest to find the sea witch who cursed him. The Prince of Song & Sea by Linsey Miller is full of the adventure that YA readers crave!

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2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Tweens & Teens:

1. FAO Schwarz Make-Up Vanity–>  Everything you need (24 items!) for a flawless makeover. Create the perfect looks for any occasion. 
2. Blue Ribbon Snack Packs (Amazon) –> My son received one for his birthday from his Aunt and let tell you…this was THE gift.  There are many varieties so pick a delicious mix that will have your nephew praising his “Favorite Aunt/Uncle!” all year.
3. Socially Twisted Friends & Family Game (Socially Twisted Games)–> Compete against family and friends of all ages to tell hysterical stories about your competitors in 60 seconds or less! This edu-tainment game is an opportunity for kids 12+ to exercise creativity and practice story-building skills. (There is also a version for kids 8+)
4. Bubble Tea Kit- Crafky–> Bubble tea returns our guide again this year because is still super popular among teens. This kit has all they need to make a great tea with no chemical ingredients.
5. Lokai Bracelets–> We all experience highs and lows. Wearing Lokai is meant to remind us to stay humble through the highs and hopeful through the lows in life. Lokai come in many varieties but teens will love the Stranger Things, Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars the most!
6. Pillow Cloud Slippers (Royco)–> No explanation needed just look at that comfy slide!
7. Marvel Body Wash Collection (Every Man Jack)–> Maybe this will inspire your teen to get clean like Spidey or one of the other Avengers in this cool collection.
8. Guitar Pick Punch (Pick A Palooza)–> Guitar loving teens will love up cycling old credit cards into picks for themselves or musical friend.

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