Whether it’s a toddler enchanted by the thrill of jumping into a puddle or a pre-teen having so much fun doing a puzzle that they completely forget about their phone, a child immersed in play is a sight to behold. Little do they know that using their creative muscles will pay off in the future: Through art, play and science experimentation, children can learn problem-solving and fine motor skills, as well as patience, self-expression and empathy.
Oprah’s list of carefully chosen and deeply endearing toys is filled with gifts that the young people in your life will love. Each choice will also encourage and support their creative dreams. If they love art, a paint-by-numbers kit will help them connect what they see at the museum with what they’re able to accomplish at home. Know a child who dreams of becoming a scientist? A puzzle featuring a young innovator who looks just like him will show him he, too, can accomplish anything he sets his mind to.
The right gift is fun for the whole family. Parents will love seeing their little ones unlock new ideas and skills - and will thank you profusely for getting their kids to spend less time in front of screens. And the kids themselves? You’ll earn “adult fun” status for years to come with these favorite things.
1. Giant 3-foot diameter STEM/STEAM puzzles from Dadisi Academy
Representation is important. That’s why Terri-Nichelle Bradley, an Atlanta mom and entrepreneur, created these puzzles, which depict smart, strong, creative black kids doing science projects, making art and even exploring the underwater world. The puzzles are both large and easy to assemble, so young children (ages 4-8) will have fun all afternoon and end up with a life-size representation of all the outstanding things kids can do.
Buy: Giant 3-foot diameter STEM/STEAM puzzles from Dadisi Academy
2. Rain boots
Sometimes creativity comes from exploring the world, and with these boots, rain never has to put a damper on outdoor adventures. The easy-grip handles let kids slip them on and off with no help, and the cotton lining is ultra-absorbent, so toes stay dry no matter how many puddles they jump into. Plus, they’re super cute! (Who wouldn’t want to run around with an adorable cow or frog on their feet?) Once kids wear these, they’ll wake up every morning wishing it would rain.
Buy: Rain boots
3. Jewelry Gloves
Playing make-believe isn’t just something kids do to pass the time; it’s also an activity that encourages them to imagine lives and stories outside their own. The glittering rhinestone accents on these gloves - some of which are wrapped around a finger to resemble a ring - will undoubtedly open up a entire world of glamorous fantasy to whoever wears them. Aside from the jewelry, parents will be happy to keep their little fingers warm on cold winter days.
Buy: Jewelry Gloves
4. The Eve 800 piece art puzzle and glue kit
Here’s a vacation gift the whole family can do together on a long winter night (or the seemingly endless hour before dinner is on the table). Putting together a puzzle is a great screen-free activity that older kids can do alone and younger kids can do with their parents. Best of all, it’s also an exercise in setting a goal and patiently working toward it. Jiggy uses images created by contemporary artists to encourage users to consider puzzles not only to pass the time but also to make art. Kids will love the bright colors and whimsical designs, and it will thrill parents we can store the finished product with the accompanying puzzle glue, mounted and framed.
Buy: The Eve 800 piece art puzzle and glue kit
5. Paint-by-numbers kits for kids
Research has shown that creating art helps little ones learn valuable skills, from spatial reasoning to concentration. Help a child develop their creative muscles with this paint-by-numbers kit, which teaches them how to use colors and lines to paint an image of a fierce shark, a delicious sprinkled donut or a sweet yellow robot. This easy-to-use kit comes with brushes, paint and canvas, and could be the start of an artistic journey that will last a lifetime!
Buy: Paint-by-numbers kits for kids
6. Warming stuffed animals
If you can dream it, you can make it happen! But first you need a good night’s sleep. Know a kid who needs a little help to get to dreamland? He’ll love Warmies, a plush toy that warms up in the microwave before bed, giving him a soothing, warm friend to snuggle with all night long (they’re also scented with French lavender to promote relaxation and sleep). With options like an adorable sloth, a fluffy pink pig, a charming goose, and an adorable fox, it will be hard to choose just one.
7. Design your own apron
Everyone wins with this clever gift. It’s a project that engages kids and becomes a gift that grandparents will cherish for years to come - and it’s a thousand times more practical than a macaroni necklace! Kids create an image using the drawing kit and paper provided, then parents send their masterpiece to the company, where it will be embroidered on a high-quality cotton apron, which can then be packaged and sent to a very lucky grandma, dad or other deserving person.
8. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers
Whether you’re the parent reading to your child or a pre-teen curled up in the corner immersed in a book, there’s nothing more inspiring than discovering young people striving to change the world. This book, part of a five-part series, tells the real-life stories of 100 of these girls and women under 30, from environmental activists to all-girl rock bands. Share their stories with a young reader you know and love, and watch them dream up their own innovative ideas.
Buy: Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers
