7 gifts for kids they'll actually use

Best for

Kids roughly 6–12 who enjoy vehicles, racing, tricks, and toys they can actively control.

Why it earned its place

• Creates immediate active play with a low learning curve.
• Stunts and 360-degree movement give it more replay value than a basic RC car.
• The modular rechargeable battery approach makes repeat sessions easier.

Know before buying

RC toys depend on available floor or outdoor space, battery charging, and how roughly the child plays. Confirm the exact included battery configuration and recommended age on the current listing.

Best for

Kids and families who already enjoy Nintendo games or want one console that can move between handheld and TV play.

Why it earned its place

• Mario Kart gives the bundle an immediately playable family game.
• Hybrid handheld and TV use makes the hardware flexible across routines and travel.
• A console can support years of games instead of being a single-use toy.

Know before buying

This is a major purchase. Game costs, screen-time rules, online features, storage, and parental controls should be part of the decision—not an afterthought.

Best for

Older kids and teens whose household is comfortable managing VR, account setup, physical play space, and screen-time boundaries.

Why it earned its place

• Standalone hardware lowers the barrier to getting into VR.
• The same device can support games, fitness, creative experiences, and mixed reality.
• It offers a distinctly different experience from traditional console gaming.

Know before buying

Meta's current account guidance and parental controls matter here. VR also needs clear physical space, supervised setup, comfort breaks, and consideration of motion sensitivity.

Best for

Older kids and teens who game regularly and would genuinely benefit from better wireless audio, chat, and comfort.

Why it earned its place

• Improves an existing hobby rather than creating a new pile of toys.
• Wireless plus Bluetooth makes the headset useful across more than one device routine.
• Long battery life reduces the daily charging annoyance common with gaming accessories.

Know before buying

Headset versions and platform compatibility matter. Confirm the exact Xbox/PlayStation/PC variant, fit, weight, and chat compatibility before ordering.

Best for

Kids who enjoy art, crafts, decorating, and projects they can make with their own hands.

Why it earned its place

• Balances the shortlist with a genuinely screen-free creative option.
• The activity itself is the entertainment rather than a one-time novelty feature.
• Finished projects can create a sense of ownership and accomplishment.

Know before buying

Craft kits can contain small pieces, paints, tools, or materials that need age-appropriate supervision. Check the current listing's contents and age guidance before gifting.

Best for

Younger builders—roughly preschool through early elementary ages—who like tools, vehicles, assembling things, and figuring out how pieces fit together.

Why it earned its place

• Combines pretend play with real building and problem-solving motions.
• Multiple possible constructions give the pieces more than one obvious use.
• The toolbox format gives all the small parts a practical home between play sessions.

Know before buying

This set includes small construction pieces. Follow the listing's age guidance, supervise younger children, and keep pieces organized when younger siblings are nearby.

Best for

Kids who need a reason to get up, move, shoot, compete, and burn energy instead of staying planted in front of a screen.

Why it earned its place

• Adds physical movement to a list with several tech-heavy gifts.
• Works for solo repetition or friendly competition.
• Adjustable height can extend usefulness as a younger child grows.

Know before buying

This is a lightweight kids' arcade setup, not a regulation hoop. Make sure the household has enough floor space and a suitable indoor or outdoor area before gifting it.