As the holiday season approaches, finding the perfect gifts for toddlers, kids, and families can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve curated The Ultimate 2024 Kids Gift Guide, a special list of top-rated learning toys, handpicked by the esteemed National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA). This comprehensive guide features innovative toys, educational tools, and family-friendly must-haves that have been tested and loved by both parents and kids alike.
Whether you’re shopping for a curious toddler, an energetic kid, or a family who enjoys spending quality time together, this list is your go-to source for thoughtful, fun, and learning-oriented gifts that will delight every recipient. While you think about what presents to put under the tree, take the kids to see Santa and visit one of Virginia’s magical light displays! And of course make sure to take advantage of all that our city has to offer this holiday season with the top Christmas events in Charlottesville. Let’s dive in and explore the best gift ideas that the experts at NAPPA recommend this season!
The Tiny Collection – Cuddle+Kind
Beautifully made to cherish and collect, each doll comes nestled in a Tiny home adorned in hand-painted watercolor wildflowers. Every Tiny doll provides 10 meals to children in need, is fair trade and artisan made with OEKO-TEX certified natural cotton. $44, ages 3+.
OffBits LoaderBits
Build three different models, using a variety of colorful nuts, bolts and unique connectors. An open-ended construction experience with endless opportunities for customization and personalization. $39.95, ages 8+,
Curious Kingdom
Action-filled sets to spark imagination and storytelling. Each colorful set is sustainable and recyclable made from PlayperBoard, a unique material that is thick, flexible and crafted from recycled greyboard and chipboard. This toy is a creative addition to the 2024 Kids Gift Guide. $14.99-$24.99, ages 3+,
GraviTrax Junior
Introduce children to marble run and construction toys in a vibrant and easy-to-learn way. Immerse yourself in thematic worlds for added creative play—features jungle, ice, desert and ocean-themed sets and expansions. $14.99-$129.99, ages 3+.
First Crafts Pets Carnival Collage Sensory Craft Box
Bring creative fun to playtime with this unique set packed with beautifully illustrated crafts, colorful tactile materials to cut, paste and collage. Everything you need for endless creative projects—perfect for animal lovers. This toy is a wonderful hands-on addition to the 2024 Kids Gift Guide.$34.99, ages 3+.
Tabletop Skittles
This wooden pins and spinning tops game dates back centuries to Old England. Opponents take turns spinning the top and knocking down pins for points. A zany, pulse-pounding good time for all. Made of solid wood in USA. $159.99, ages 10+.
Writing Lab Montessori
Children put the word puzzles together in the little houses, write words using the moveable letters then practice writing them themselves with the pen provided. This toy is a creative addition to the 2024 Kids Gift Guide. $26.99, ages 3-6 years.
SpinSpinShare Story Teller
Share memories, pass down stories and unlock generational history. Once you’ve finished your story, record it in the included storybook so it’s never forgotten. $22.99, ages 4+.
Alphabet BubbleBrix
Press a letter block, feel and hear it pop, and practice its name and sound, then snap it to another block to build simple words and practice reading and spelling. $29.99, ages 3+.
Slapzi
This fast-matching, card-slapping picture game will have everyone laughing. Includes 90 double-sided picture cards and 60 clue cards. $14.99, ages 8+.
LEGO Gravity Drop
A fun mix of science, building and creativity. Features 168 LEGO elements, a foot-and-a-half tall chipboard tower and an engaging STEM instruction book. We love this toy on the annual kids Gift Guide! $28.52, ages 8+.
Dino Railway Adventure Set
Navigate a wooden train through glow-in-the-dark bones, volcanoes and waterways. Build and steer through a dinosaur’s skull, climb bridges and brave a dark tunnel. $99.99, ages 3+.
BāKIT Box
Combines baking with learning through fun, educational activity kits. Each kit includes all the ingredients you need to make delicious recipes, along with hands-on activities that explore science, history and culture. This year’s Kids Gift Guide is full of hands-on learning. $74.99, ages 3+.
DK World Art Virtual Reality
Features captivating visuals of famous art paintings around the globe and 29 immersive experiences unveiling a whole new dimension of perception. $59.99, ages 8+.
MAGNA-TILES Builder XL
A world of construction fun at a super-size level with endless interchangeable pieces like colorful cabs, extending cranes and detachable plow pieces for truck fans to create their own construction vehicles. All pieces work together to create extra-large structures. This toy made the 2024 Kids Gift Guide . $99.99, ages 3+.
No matter the age or interest, the NAPPA Gift Guide offers something for everyone in the family. From engaging educational toys to interactive games that foster creativity and bonding, these award-winning picks are sure to bring joy and lasting memories. This holiday season, give the gift of fun, learning, and togetherness with products that are trusted by parents and loved by kids. Happy gifting!
As winter break approaches and the kids get some time off from school, check out some of our favorite Christmas day trips in the area or head to D.C. for a magical family getaway!