We Believe These Are the Top Gifts for Kids—Fortunately, Our Children Agree.
(Image credit: Future)
When I reflect on the toys that provide the most joy in our home, they are the ones that foster memories and create enjoyable family rituals—items we always look forward to using that encourage us to spend more time together. We have spent numerous rainy days constructing intricate marble runs, laughed endlessly while role-playing as chef and customer with our play kitchen, and formed cherished traditions reading memorable books in our snug nook—always with warm mugs of milk in hand. Exceptional gifts also promote independent play, which is especially valuable when I have a long list of chores to tackle around the house. In essence, the right toys can help children discover the world in new, exciting ways—and provide hours of fun over time.
My children are currently 4 and 7, and with birthday parties happening almost every week now, shopping for toys has become almost a weekly task in addition to grocery shopping and meal prep. Fortunately, gift shopping is where I excel (it’s part of my role as a shopping director), and over the years, I have tried, tested, and researched a wide variety of toys—maintaining a running Google Doc of favorites that have really made an impression on my family and others.
For this gift guide, I also consulted the savvy and shopping-enthusiast parents who work at Who What Wear, who collectively have kids of all ages. I asked them to share their top toy recommendations that they not only endorse but that also receive their kids’ approval.
Below, you'll find our gift guide for children aged 1 to 5 that we hope will help inspire you and alleviate the stress of shopping for gifts for the little ones in your life. (We’ll be rolling out more gift guides for different ages soon!)
**Age 1**
- **Hape Pound & Tap Bench With Slide Out Xylophone**
This high-quality wooden musical toy was a favorite of both my kids from ages 1 to 3. They enjoyed pushing the balls through the holes, exploring various notes and sounds as they slid down the xylophone, and creating their own tunes with the wooden mallet. Plus, it isn’t excessively loud (a perk for parents) and keeps them entertained for long stretches.
- **Grimm's Spiel & Holz Wooden Rainbow Tunnel**
My 4-year-old daughter still engages with this rainbow that I gifted her when she was 1, and I’m continually amazed by her creativity with it. She shapes the arches into all kinds of worlds, bridges, and boats while playing with the colors. When she was younger, she loved stacking the arches. Don’t dismiss its simplicity!
- **Our Green House Baby Books Gift Basket—Bookworm-to-Be**
Baby books were some of my favorite gifts to receive, and there are so many wonderful ones to mention. I love the concept of this book gift basket that includes all the classics in one package, and you can personalize it with a child's name for an extra special touch.
- **Woodtoe Wooden Baby Walker**
"I just got this adorable wooden wagon/walker for my little one as he begins to explore walking. I realize there are countless versions of push walkers out there, but this one is eye-catching, and he can fill it with his favorite items. It even has an adjustable knob to control the speed, so it doesn't move too quickly for them at first. So far, my son is loving it!" — Amy Armani, Creative Director, FBH
- **Priddy Books US First 100 Words**
"Both of our children were captivated by this book from ages 1 to 3, which is why it’s always our go-to gift choice. It’s a padded board book, making it virtually unbreakable." — Jennifer Camp Forbes, Senior Shopping Editor
This wooden block-on-stick stacker has captivated my kids and family. I remember my son, at just one year old, figuring out which shapes belonged where, and he would sort them by shape and color. My 4-year-old daughter continues to enjoy it, stacking and using the blocks in the imaginary worlds she devises.
- **Boon Bundle Building Bath Tub Toy with Pipes, Cogs, and Tubes**
Bath time is infinitely more enjoyable with bath toys. My kids attach these to the wall and create various water pathways. It sparks their creativity while teaching them about cause and effect.
- **Jellycat Amuseables Sardine Tin**
"Jellycat is a favorite among kids of all ages. You can’t go wrong with any of their products." — Bobby Schuessler, Shopping Director
- **Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy**
I used to take this toy with me everywhere—in the stroller, the car, during playdates—they were a perfect solution to calm my son when he was upset and kept him entertained while I ran errands.
- **Manhattan Toy Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy**
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We Believe These Are the Top Gifts for Kids—Fortunately, Our Children Agree.
The mothers at Who What Wear recommend the top gifts for children between the ages of 1 and 5.