2023 Holiday Gift Guide: Fun Picks For All Ages

Holiday gift giving got you stressed?  I know the feeling. Busy schedules, tons of parties and the eternal question of what to buy the kids for the holidays can leave even the calmest parents wishing they were part elf.

Don’t worry I’ve got you covered. I’ve spent the year researching (aka playing with) the coolest toys and collectibles on the market. The unique items on my Holiday Gift Guide are sure to please “kids” of all ages.  And by “kids” that includes “KIDults”!

**Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. I may have received some samples in order to facilitate reviews but be assured  that I have seen, played with, or reviewed everything on this list and I only recommend items that I personally stand by.

Kid Congeniality’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

Animals and Plush-

  1. Snuggle Puppy Hero for Kids!– My pup Ginger loves her Snuggle Puppy and now kids can love their own version which is designed to help with anxiety, stress, or overstimulation.
  2. Spudsters (Aurora)- Various spudster animals, each cuter than the next.
  3. AmiAmis- Not your grandma’s knits!  Collectible, sweet fun awaits you!
  4. Bum Bumz Plush (Russ)- Various styles all adorable and ready for hugging!
  5. Plush Goals (Cuddle Barn) The Aloxi is a real, live creature and you can have your own named Lottie thanks to Plush Goals. You are going to want all of these cuddle muffins especially Wawa the strawberry frog.

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Arts & Crafts-

  1. Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets Glow Lagoon –You can transform your Scribble Scrubbie pets into digital pals and interact with them on the Scribble Scrubbie App.
  2. CreART (Ravensberger)– Beautiful Paint By Numbers Sets for kids. Easy to use and display worthy.
  3. Play-Doh Air Clay– 22 different colors for creating clay creatures & crafts.
  4. Bob Ross Kids Happy Lessons in a Box-Includes 6 water-based colors, 4 brushes, a knife (like Bob’s but smaller) a clear plastic palette; 3 9×12 canvas boards and a 36-page comic book with easy how-to steps for 5 paintings.
  5. Sketch Pals Doodle Board– (Boogie Board) Easily clips to any backpack or car seat for endless on-the-go entertainment. (features a tethered stylus as well)

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Books- 

    1. The Tale of Despereaux 20th Anniversary Edition Penguin Random House- (Ages 7-10) Anniversary Edition celebrating Despereaux turning 20.
    2. Ten Word Tiny Tales  Candlewick Press- (Ages 7-10) UK Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho’s creative collection of ten word “stories” designed to spark the imagination and inspire young writers.
    3. Mr. Zip’s Windy Day Curiosity Books- (Ages 3-8) This year marks the 60th anniversary of “Mr. ZIP” Young readers will love this interactive flip story they join Mr. ZIP on his windy adventure!
    4. Hello Around The World Abracadabra Books- Kids will love learning how to say “Hello” from new friends who live in far away lands.
    5. Baldwin’s Big Christmas Delivery- Curiosity Ink Media (Ages 3-8)
    6. How The North Pole Works-Curiosity Ink Media (Ages 3-8)
    7. Snow Boy- Curiosity Ink Media (Ages 3-8)
    8. How The Gherkins Stole Christmas-  Curiosity Ink Media (Ages 3-8)

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Games & Puzzles

  1. Disney Lorcana (Ravensburger)- 200+ beautiful pieces of original Disney art in every set.
  2. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza (Dolphin Hat Games) The original OR 8 Bit Version– either are fun!
  3. The Nightmare Before Christmas Oogie Boogie Operation (USAOPOLY)- 12 spine-tingling ‘Funatomy’ parts are infesting Oogie Boogie and you must remove them!
  4. 3D Stitch Puzzle (Ravensburger)- 3D puzzle fun for all fans o experiment 626.
  5. Rugrats The Meanie of Chanukah (Funko Games) Based on the classic Chanukah special, join the Rugrats as they learn the story of Chanukah from Tommy’s Grandpa Boris.

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Coding/Stem/Building

      1. Little Tikes Big Adventures Collection– Little Tikes should have BIG adventures and they will with this new stem toy line. The vehicles combine role play, fun and learning with real, working STEM tools.
      2. GEOMAG Glitter– With 60 Recycled Glitter Magnetic Building Bars.
      3. LEGO Disney 100 Years of Disney Animation Icons-a framed collage that’s easy to swap icons in and out of! Mix up this fun wall display whenever you like.
      4. Crayola Bold Magnetic Tiles, Building Set for Kids- This tile set is compatible with most other magnetic tile building sets for endless, colorful  possibilities.
      5. Rock Tumbler National Geographic- Make any stone sparkle! Polish everyday rocks into dazzling gemstones.

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Dolls, Blind Bags & Collectibles:

      1. Triple F Female Firefighters- Empowering Female Firefighter Plush Dolls.
      2. The Fresh Dolls (The Dr. Lisa Co.)- Multicultural dolls that empower kids of all colors and backgrounds to embrace the beauty of their authentic selves.
      3. It’s All Me Dolls (Madame Alexander) These cuties mash-up kids’ favorite activities!
      4. Disney ily 4Ever 100 Dolls (Jakks Pacific)- Fashion Dolls that Disney-Bound as favorite characters.
      5. Style BAE (Just Play)- There are four characters in the introductory line, each of which comes with 7 trendy outfits based on their themes
      6. Fidgie Friends Sunny Days Entertainment- Sensory Fun: combines doll play with the calming effect of fidget toys.
      7. Miraculous Ladybug Cat Noir Movie Doll (Playmates)- Marinette at the Grand Ball s simply beautiful
      8. Fisher Price Little People– Inspired by Barbie: The Movie, this special edition is KENough to keep the kids amused for hours.
      9. Disney Doorables Grand Entrance 3 inch Collectibles– The newer Doorables live up to their name- A.…dorable! Multiple character variations- you’ll want them all.
      10. Precious Moments Disney Princess Collection-The choices are endless and each more beautiful than the next.

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Gaming/Electronics/Tech-

      1. Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Red Edition: 3 play modes: TV, Tabletop & Handheld.
      2. Super Mario Bros, Wonder For Switch– The most fun new game of the year.
      3. Bitzee interactive Digital Pet- (Spin Master) Each pet starts as a “baby” and grows as you nurture it.
      4. Dog-E– This Interactive Dog is all the fun with no actual shedding!
      5. Pokemon Sleep- This Pokemon app is nothing to snore about!

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Holiday Gifts By Age:

Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers

      1. Readyland Books– Interactive Books You Can Talk To (Works With Alexa!)
      2. Discover the Herd Abracadabra Books- Babies love animals and this picture book of adorable baby animals is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
      3. Bababoo and Friends- Quality crafted and beautiful Pull Along Toys.
      4. Roly Poly Koala Tiger Tribe-Give the koala a push and he comes right back up. Fun wobbling toy for curious infants,
      5. Tonies– The imagination building, screen free digital listening experience that plays songs and more.
      6. Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Funhouse Roarin’ Safari Dino– (Just Play)
      7. Cocomelon Dancing JJ Doll (Jazwares)- play modes: Learn to Dance, Fast & Slow, and Freeze Dance.
      8. Minnie Mouse Butterfly Ballerina- (Just Play) Minnie’s tutu magically spins around her waist as she sings.

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Tweens & Teens:

      1. Drench-Soda Game ( MUKUKIM)- Roll the dice, shake the can, pull the tab if you dare! The last person to stay dry wins!
      2. Pop Style Bracelet Maker (Spin Master) This Friendship Bracelet Kit is one of my favorite picks of the year. Make & Remake 10 Bracelets, includes 70 beads.
      3. Shashibo Shape Shifting Box- (Fun in Motion Toys)-  Each Shashibo can transform into over 70 shapes!
      4. Fingerlings (WowWee) Fingerlings are back and fuzzy! These cuties have over 70 reactions, the ability to sit down and to interact with you as they clutch your finger!
      5. Furby  (Hasbro)-  The updated Furby is not only adorable it has the ability to talk to other Furbys and even boasts over 600 responses.
      6. Lego Art The Amazing Spiderman Build and Display Home Decor Wall Kit
      7. Crayola Art With Edge Edgy coloring books for teens and adults including fandoms from Jurassic Park to Spiderman.

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Plain ‘Ol Fun For The Young at Heart:

Here’s a sampling of My “KIDult” section- you can check out the full guide here–>  Plain ‘Ol Fun For The Young at Heart

Need more gift ideas? You can check out more of my favorite items of the year covered in past posts:

Happy Shopping Friends!