We believe these are the top gifts for kids—and fortunately, our children concur.

      (Image credit: Future)

      When reflecting on the toys that bring the greatest joy to our family, I find that those which help create memories and foster enjoyable family rituals are the standout favorites—items we love to bring out that encourage us to spend more time together. We’ve spent countless rainy days constructing intricate marble runs, shared endless laughter while role-playing as chefs and customers in our play kitchen, and established cherished routines reading beloved books in our cozy nook—always while sipping warm mugs of milk. Excellent gifts also promote independent play, which is particularly beneficial when I have a long list of tasks to tackle at home. In short, the right toys can enable children to explore the world in new and exciting ways and provide hours of playtime.

      My children are now 4 and 7, and it feels as though there is a birthday celebration nearly every week, which has turned toy shopping into a near-weekly activity alongside grocery shopping and meal preparation. Fortunately, gift shopping is something I excel at (it's inherent to my role as a shopping director), and over the years, I have tested, tried, and researched many toys—keeping a running Google Doc of my favorites that have left a lasting impact on our family and others.

      For this gift guide, I reached out to insightful and shopping-savvy parents at Who What Wear, who collectively have children of various ages. I asked them for their top toy recommendations, not only those they wholeheartedly endorse but also those that have received their children's approval.

      Below, you’ll find our gift guide for kids aged 1 to 5, which we hope will inspire you and make gift shopping for the little ones in your life stress-free. (More gift guides for different age groups will be shared soon!)

      **Age 1**

      **Hape**

      Pound & Tap Bench With Slide Out Xylophone

      This quality wooden musical toy was a favorite for both of my kids from ages 1 to 3. They enjoyed pushing the balls through the holes, exploring different notes and sounds as they slid down the xylophone, and creating their own melodies with the wooden mallet. Additionally, it’s not overly loud (a plus for us parents) and keeps them entertained for extended periods.

      **Grimm's Spiel & Holz**

      Wooden Rainbow Tunnel

      My 4-year-old daughter still plays with the wooden rainbow I gifted her when she was 1, and I’m continually amazed at her creativity with it. She shapes it into all sorts of fun creations—worlds, bridges, boats—and enjoys the colors. When she was younger, stacking the arches was her favorite. Its simplicity is truly powerful!

      **Our Green House**

      Baby Books Gift Basket—Bookworm-to-Be

      I cherished receiving baby books as gifts, and there are far too many wonderful options to list here. I love the concept of this gift basket filled with all the classics in one package. You can even personalize it with a child’s name for that extra special touch.

      **Woodtoe**

      Wooden Baby Walker

      "I just purchased this adorable wooden wagon/walker for my little one as he starts to explore walking. While there are many versions of these push walkers, this one has a pleasant design, and he can fill it with his favorite toys. It also features a speed adjustment knob to ensure it doesn't move too quickly for him at first. So far, my son loves 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, making it our go-to gift. We appreciated that it’s a padded board book, rendering it nearly indestructible." — Jennifer Camp Forbes, Senior Shopping Editor

      This block-on-stick stacker has offered many hours of engagement for my kids and family. I remember my son, at age 1, figuring out which shapes fit where and sorting them by shape and color. My 4-year-old daughter still enjoys stacking and using the blocks in the imaginative worlds she creates.

      **Boon**

      Bundle Building Bath Tub Toy with Pipes Cogs and Tubes

      Bath time is always much more enjoyable with bath toys. My kids like to stick these to the wall and create various water pathways. It encourages their creativity and teaches cause-and-effect relationships.

      **Jellycat**

      Amuseables Sardine Tin

      "Jellycat is always a winner for kids of any age. You can't go wrong with one of these." — Bobby Schuessler, Shopping Director

      **Baby Einstein**

      Take Along Tunes Musical Toy

      I took this with me everywhere—the stroller, the car, playdates—because it was a wonderful way to soothe my son when he was upset and to keep him entertained while we ran errands.

      **Manhattan Toy**

      Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy

      This colorful and lightweight toy serves as a