Becoming an uncle has brought me so much joy, and finding the perfect gifts for my niece and nephew has become a fun adventure. As I considered their holiday gifts, I took stock of what I've already given and compiled this list to help other uncles, aunts, grandparents, and parents. These are the presents that will keep the kids entertained long after the holidays are over.
Unlock Endless Fun With These Kid-Friendly Gifts
Target/Canva - A Polly Pocket playset
Polly Pocket has been a timeless favorite since the '80s, and with a movie on the horizon, she's here to stay. The Unicorn Partyland set comes with 30 pieces, including two adorable dolls. There are some delightful surprises within that will make the kids' eyes light up. It's a great way to transport them back to a magical world. $16 at Target.Polly Pocket offers endless imaginative play, allowing kids to create their own stories and adventures. This playset is not just a toy; it's a gateway to a world of fun and creativity.Target/Canva - A gross ice cream card game
The object of this game is simple yet hilarious - build the grossest ice cream cone by guessing which card will be flipped next. The Best Worst Ice Cream has a basic premise that kids can easily grasp, and it provides plenty of laughter along the way. $10 at Target.This game is not only a lot of fun but also helps develop kids' decision-making skills as they try to predict which card will lead to the grossest ice cream. It's a great addition to any family game night.Target/Canva - A Hatchimal mystery plush
The collection of plushies just got even more exciting with the Hatchimal. Kids will be on the edge of their seats waiting to see which colorful animal hatches from the plastic egg. Once born, this interactive stuffed toy talks, eats, plays games, and more. Each Hatchimal has over 100 sounds and reactions. $50 at Target.The Hatchimal is a magical toy that combines surprise and interactivity. It keeps kids engaged and entertained for hours as they explore all the different features and activities of their new friend.Target/Canva - A Mario Kart racetrack
Introducing my niece and nephew to the world of Nintendo, specifically Mario, has been a pure delight. When it's time to take a break from the screens, we bring out the Mario Kart Hot Wheels racers and race on this Rainbow Road playset. $150 at Target.Mario Kart is a classic game that brings out the competitive spirit in kids. This racetrack adds a whole new dimension to the fun, allowing them to race and have adventures in a colorful world.Target/Canva - A kit to make charm bracelets
Charm bracelets are making a comeback, and the Halo Charms set has everything your little loved one needs to create three beautiful pieces to wear on their wrists. Make It Real is known for creating fun craft kits that the whole family can enjoy. Over 200 reviewers agree that this jewelry set is a winner. $9 at Target.Making charm bracelets is a great activity for kids as it allows them to express their creativity and personal style. This kit makes it easy and fun for them to create their own unique bracelets.Target/Canva - A remote control monster
Forget about RC cars! Kids really want to take control of Godzilla, the King of Monsters. This action figure roars and releases heat-ray breath as kids maneuver it. Grab the Mega Punching Kong toy as well to set up an epic battle in the playroom. Godzilla: $45 at Target, Kong: $35 at Target.Remote control monsters add a thrilling element to playtime. Kids can imagine themselves as heroes battling against these powerful creatures, creating exciting adventures.Target/Canva - A sparkly take on paint-by-numbers
This activity kept my niece and nephew occupied for hours as they created colorful little stickers and suncatchers. The Big Gem Diamond Painting set is a mess-free craft kit that comes with 14 designs for kids to color in using shimmery jewels. $14 at Target.Paint-by-numbers with a sparkly twist is a unique and enjoyable activity for kids. It allows them to express their artistic side while creating beautiful pieces.Target/Canva - A Kinetic Sand portable sandbox
You can't always take the kids to the playground sandbox, but this Kinetic Sand portable sandbox brings the sandbox to them wherever they go. Kinetic Sand is a popular kids' toy among HuffPost readers, and this Sandyland set comes with two pounds of sand and molds to create candy-themed shapes. $25 at Target.Kinetic Sand is a sensory delight that kids love. The portable sandbox makes it easy for them to enjoy this fun activity wherever they are.Target/Canva - A doll from Disney's latest mega-hit
Parents with kids of a certain age know just how much Disney's "Descendants: Rise of Red" has taken over their screens. The dolls inspired by this movie are highly sought after, so grab this Queen Cinderella while it's still in stock. $23 at Target.Disney dolls are always a hit with kids, and this one from the latest mega-hit is sure to be a favorite. It allows kids to bring their favorite characters to life.Target/Canva - A new twist on a classic game
The traditional Bingo letter and number combo can be boring for kids, but Zingo! is a race to fill up your card with tiles that help young ones with memory, vocabulary, and spelling. No game collection is complete without it. $20 at Target.Zingo! adds a fun twist to a classic game, making it more engaging for kids. It's a great way to help them develop important skills while having fun.Walmart/Canva - An interactive Bluey
Hide & Seek is already fun, but adding this beloved TV character takes it to a whole new level. Players take turns hiding Bluey around the house, and the toy makes noises to guide seekers to his secret location. There's even a little dance party when he's found. $15 at Walmart.Interactive toys like this bring kids' favorite characters to life and make playtime even more enjoyable. Bluey is a beloved character that kids will love to play with.Target/Canva - A dot art set
Put away the crayons and markers and pick up the stampers that reveal adorable animals when the project is complete. The Stamp To Reveal set comes with three posters and everything a child needs to uncover the colorful portraits hidden within. $30 at Target.Dot art is a fun and creative activity that kids will love. This set makes it easy for them to create beautiful artworks.Target/Canva - A car wash for Hot Wheels
Kids who love anything with wheels will go wild for this shark-themed playset. It comes with a special color-revealing vehicle that changes when it gets wet going through the shark's mouth. Additional color-reveal cars can be purchased separately. $49 at Target.This car wash set is a hit with kids who are fascinated by cars and water. It provides endless entertainment as they watch the colors change.Target/Canva - An educational story-telling speaker
Like many iconic toys from our childhood, the Toniebox has become a beloved item for kids today. Place a figurine on top, and the speaker starts playing a story that goes along with the character. It comes with figures from Disney, "Paw Patrol", and more. $130 at Target.The Toniebox combines entertainment and education, allowing kids to listen to stories while also learning about their favorite characters.Target/Canva - A pen that makes edible doodles
Kids love both sweet treats and art, and the 3Doodler Chef 3D candy pen combines both. It can be used to decorate cookies and other baked goods, making it a unique and fun activity. $100 at Target.This pen is a creative way for kids to express themselves while also indulging in their love of sweets.Target/Canva - A festive LEGO set
Keep the kids busy while they stay up late to catch a glimpse of Santa by having them build their own sleigh. This set comes with 343 pieces and includes a Santa figurine, reindeer, and some gifts. $38 at Target.LEGO sets are always a hit with kids, and this festive one is no exception. It allows them to use their creativity and build something fun.Target/Canva - An at-home ice cream parlor
With Melissa & Doug's popular Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter, kids can have their dessert any time of the day. The set comes with eight wooden scoops of ice cream and all the fix-ins. The best part? It doesn't melt! $45 at Target.This at-home ice cream parlor is a dream come true for kids who love ice cream. They can pretend to be ice cream shop owners and have fun serving up treats.Target/Canva - A silly game to keep them moving
In this Hot Potato-inspired game, players have to accomplish various challenges before passing the chicken to the next person. It can be a bit physically demanding, but it's always a riot of fun for the whole family. $20 at Target.Games that get kids moving are great for their physical and mental health. This silly game is sure to bring out the laughter and energy in everyone.Target/Canva - A mystery toy based on a confusing viral sensation
We adults may not understand Skibidi Toilet, but when a viral YouTube series becomes popular enough to inspire a line of toys, it's time to pay attention. Each toilet has a head that pops out and some surprises in each package. $38 at Target.Mystery toys like this add an element of excitement and surprise to gift-giving. Kids love the unknown and will have fun discovering what's inside.Target/Canva - A box set of chapter books
If bedtime routines involve a story, this set of four Choose Your Own Adventure books is a winner. Kids can make decisions that affect how the story plays out, providing hours of entertainment. $14 at Target.Choose Your Own Adventure books are a great way to encourage kids' imagination and reading skills. This box set is a perfect gift for bedtime.WipalaBox - An educational activity box
If you're looking for a gift with an educational twist, WipalaBox is the answer. The brand offers two boxes with a book, stickers, and other items to teach children about indigenous communities around the world. $45 at Wipalabox.Educational activity boxes like this are a great way to introduce kids to different cultures and topics. They make learning fun and engaging.