Fun Gifts for Kids: Entertainment & Learning

Creative Play That Inspires Imagination

When it comes to gifts that truly entertain and educate, creative play stands out as a powerhouse. Open-ended activities like building, crafting, and imaginative storytelling allow kids to experiment, problem-solve, and express themselves in ways that go far beyond passive entertainment. The best part? These experiences are just as rewarding for parents to watch as they are for kids to dive into.

One of our favorite ways to encourage imaginative play is by transforming everyday materials into something magical. For example, a simple cardboard box can become a rocket ship, a puppet theater, or even a storefront, depending on where your child’s imagination takes them. Add some markers, stickers, and a sprinkle of creativity, and suddenly you have a whole afternoon of pretend play that develops narrative skills and spatial reasoning [1]. This kind of play not only entertains but also builds confidence as kids see their ideas come to life.

Craft kits are another fantastic option for sparking creativity. Whether it’s making jewelry from recycled t-shirts or constructing a fairy house from polymer clay, these projects give children a sense of accomplishment and introduce them to basic crafting techniques. Plus, activities like making DIY paintbrushes from found objects encourage experimentation and help kids understand how different materials can create unique effects [2]. These hands-on projects are a gentle introduction to design thinking and resourcefulness.

For kids who love stories, creating their own comic books is a gift that keeps on giving. With blank comic panels or a comic-making kit, children can invent characters, plot out adventures, and illustrate their own tales. This not only supports literacy development but also helps them organize their thoughts and practice sequential thinking [1]. The finished product—a bound comic or a stack of illustrated pages—becomes a keepsake and a source of pride.

Pretend play also thrives with the right props. A set of magnetic building tiles, a puppet set, or even a collection of dress-up clothes can open up endless scenarios for role-playing. These activities encourage social-emotional learning as kids negotiate roles, solve problems, and explore different perspectives. And let’s not forget the classic building blocks or LEGO sets, which are perennial favorites for fostering fine motor skills and engineering concepts [4].

Even simple activities like scavenger hunts or treasure maps can be elevated with a bit of planning. Designing a hunt around a theme—colors, shapes, or even science facts—turns a fun game into a learning opportunity. Kids practice observation skills, critical thinking, and even a bit of early cartography as they create and follow maps [2].

Hands-On Science and Discovery Gifts

For kids who are naturally curious about how the world works, science and discovery gifts are a perfect fit. These gifts don’t just entertain—they invite kids to ask questions, test ideas, and experience the thrill of discovery firsthand.

At-home science experiments are a wonderful way to introduce children to the basics of scientific inquiry. Many classic experiments can be done with household items: think making a rain cloud in a jar with shaving cream and colored water, or creating homemade modeling dough to explore states of matter and chemical reactions [1]. These activities are not only fun but also help kids grasp abstract concepts through direct experience.

Science kits, such as crystal-growing sets, beginner microscopes, or magnetic race tracks, provide structured opportunities for exploration. For example, a magnetic race track lets kids experiment with magnetism and force, while a crystal kit introduces them to geology and chemistry [2]. These kits often include guides that encourage kids to make predictions, observe results, and draw conclusions—essential skills for budding scientists.

Astronomy gifts are another way to inspire awe and curiosity. A planetarium projector can turn a bedroom ceiling into a night sky, helping kids learn the names of stars, planets, and constellations. Pair this with a child-friendly telescope, and you have a gift that can grow with your child’s interests, from stargazing to learning about the solar system [1]. These experiences foster a sense of wonder and help kids see themselves as explorers of the universe.

For younger children, sensory science activities like making slime, exploring water tables, or experimenting with simple machines (like pulleys and levers) are both entertaining and educational. These activities develop fine motor skills, cause-and-effect understanding, and early engineering concepts [4]. Even something as simple as a bug-catching kit or a magnifying glass can turn a walk in the backyard into a scientific expedition.

Don’t overlook the value of DIY science. Building a paper decoder wheel, for example, introduces kids to cryptography and problem-solving. Making your own sidewalk chalk or paper teaches about materials science and sustainability [2]. These projects encourage kids to see everyday objects through a scientific lens and to appreciate the process of making and tinkering.

Engaging Reading and Screen-Free Entertainment

While screens can be a source of information, there’s something uniquely valuable about screen-free entertainment that encourages kids to engage deeply, use their hands, and connect with the world around them. Gifts that support reading, puzzles, and hands-on activities offer a welcome break from digital overload and help kids develop focus, patience, and a love of learning.

Magazine subscriptions are a standout gift for kids of all ages. There’s a tactile excitement to receiving mail addressed just to them, and the right magazine can spark a lifelong love of reading. For little ones, titles like Babybug and Ladybug offer short stories and poems with vibrant illustrations, perfect for building early literacy skills [3]. As kids grow, magazines like Brainspace and Oyla Junior dive into science, history, and the arts, often with interactive features like augmented reality codes or hands-on crafts [3]. These subscriptions provide a steady stream of new ideas and can be tailored to a child’s interests, from wildlife to puzzles to science experiments.

Classic activity books and puzzle sets are another excellent choice. Seek out options that combine logic puzzles, riddles, and brain teasers—these not only entertain but also sharpen critical thinking and problem-solving skills [1]. For kids who enjoy a challenge, a well-designed puzzle or a set of tricky riddles can provide hours of focused fun.

Board games and card games are time-tested ways to bring families together while building social skills and strategic thinking. Look for games that are age-appropriate and offer opportunities for collaboration as well as friendly competition. Cooperative games, in particular, can help kids learn about teamwork and communication.

Audio players designed for children, such as screen-free story boxes, are gaining popularity for good reason. These devices allow kids to listen to stories, music, or educational content independently, fostering listening comprehension and imagination without the distractions of a screen [4]. Many offer a library of content that can be expanded as your child’s interests evolve.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a well-stocked art supply kit or a scrapbook set. These gifts encourage kids to document their experiences, express their feelings, and create something uniquely their own. Scrapbooking, for example, helps children organize memories and practice fine motor skills while giving them a tangible record of their adventures [1].

Whether you’re shopping for a budding scientist, a creative storyteller, or a curious explorer, gifts that blend entertainment with learning are always a win. The right activities don’t just fill time—they help kids discover new passions, build confidence, and see the world with fresh eyes. Here’s to finding the perfect gift that makes learning feel like the best kind of play.

Sources

[1] 45 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids Who Are Stuck Inside — https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/g31445865/indoor-activities-for-kids/

[2] 80 Best Activities for Kids 2024 – Fun Things to Do With Kids — https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/craft-ideas/g1389/diy-kids-activities/

[3] Our 12 Favorite Kids Magazine Subscriptions | Reviews by Wirecutter — https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/kids-magazine-subscriptions/

[4] 44 Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds 2025 | The Strategist — https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-gifts-toys-for-a-3-year-old.html

[5] 9 Best Toys for 3-Month-Old Babies, Tested and Reviewed — https://www.thebump.com/a/best-toys-for-3-month-old