Holidays Are Coming: Figuring Out What Kids Like?

 Oh, how I love the winter holidays! As we enter the holiday season, our homes are filled with dazzling lights, the aroma of freshly baked cookies, and the subtle sound of anxiety, because, let's face it, it's not easy to predict what kids want these days. As soon as dinosaurs are trending, kids get into coding robots and slime kits. how are you to stay up with all this? Calm down, breathe deeply—we're about to help you!

Shopping suggestions are for younger children. We'll take a look at the older kids in an upcoming blog, so stay tuned!

Step 1: Understand the Mini Humans in Your Life

Kids are wonderfully unpredictable creatures. Here are a few surefire ways to figure out what they might like this year:
Eavesdrop on Conversations: Listen in when they talk to friends or play. If the words "Minecraft," "Bluey," or "LEGO Star Wars" keep popping up, you're onto something .
Ask Their Friends: The kid grapevine is strong. Ask their besties what's cool—it's like a cheat code for holiday shopping.

Snoop (the Kind Way): Take a peek at their YouTube history or which toys they drag you to look at in stores. Warning: This may lead to some very specific (and potentially expensive) requests.

Ask Them (but Be Subtle): "If Santa could bring you one thing this year, what would it be?" works like a charm.

Step 2: What's Popular This Year?

2024 is bringing in the big hitters, and here's the scoop: STEM Toys: Coding robots, science kits, and anything that sneaks in learning while still being fun. (Because who doesn't want their 7-year-old to know more about circuits than they do?)
Interactive Tech: Virtual reality headsets and app-enabled toys are stealing the show. Look out for the Sphero BOLT and Nintendo Switch Lite.
Building Sets: LEGOs remain timeless. This year's must-haves include LEGO Harry Potter and Minecraft sets.

Arts and Crafts: DIY kits like jewelry-making sets and painting kits will keep creative kids busy (and your furniture at risk of glitter exposure).

Outdoor Toys: Scooters, bikes, and anything to get them outside and burning off sugar-cookie energy.

Step 3: Where to Shop Online for the Best Deals

Thanks to the internet, you can shop without ever leaving the comfort of your couch. Grab a hot cocoa, put on some holiday tunes, and check out these top spots:
Amazon: A one-stop shop for everything from toys to gadgets. Shop Amazon

Target: Organized by age and interest, with same-day delivery options. Shop Target

Walmart: Known for competitive prices and holiday deals. Shop Walmart

LEGO Store: Perfect for exclusive sets and VIP rewards. Shop LEGO
Etsy: For unique, personalized gifts that scream "I thought about this!" Shop Etsy

Step 4: Places to Shop In Person (If You Dare)

For those who thrive on the holiday hustle or just like to touch before they buy, here are some great in-person options:
Local Toy Stores: Support small businesses and discover unique finds!
Target and Walmart: They've got it all, from board games to bikes, and you can see what's trending firsthand.

Barnes & Noble: Perfect for bookworms and kids who love puzzles and games.

Goodwill or Thrift Stores: A treasure trove of gently used gems for budget-friendly shoppers.

Holiday Markets: Many towns have festive markets where you can find handmade toys and quirky gifts.

Step 5: Keep It Fun

Shopping for kids doesn't have to feel like a high-stakes mission. Let's embrace the chaos and find the joy in it. The twinkle in their eyes when they open the perfect gift? Totally worth it. And
if you get stuck, just remember: kids are experts at loving the box a toy comes in just as much as the toy itself.
So, grab your lists, check them twice, and dive into the holiday spirit! The kids will love you for it (even if you don't get the exact shade of "Squishmallow" they wanted) . Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping! 🎁

4-7 Year Old
Educational and STEM Toys
Osmo Genius Starter Kit – A fun, interactive way to learn math, spelling, and creativity.
National Geographic Junior Rock Tumbler – Perfect for curious young scientists.
Kinetic Sand Sandbox – Mess-free sensory play that's as educational as it is entertaining.

Building and Construction Sets

LEGO Disney Princess Enchanted Journey – For creative play and story-building.
Magna-Tiles Arctic Animals Set – Magnetic building meets an icy adventure.
Playmobil Aqua Water Park with Slides – Building and water-themed fun combined.

Interactive and Tech Toys

LeapFrog LeapPad Academy – A child-safe tablet with educational apps.
VTech Kidizoom Creator Cam – For budding filmmakers and creators.
Sphero Mini Robot Ball – A fun introduction to coding and robotics.

Arts and Crafts Kits

Melissa & Doug Scratch Art Set – Easy art projects with stunning results.
Crayola Light-Up Tracing Pad – Encourages creativity and drawing skills.
Make Your Own Jewelry Kit – Beads, strings, and charms for little designers.

Outdoor and Active Toys

Micro Mini Deluxe Scooter – Lightweight and perfect for outdoor play.
Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket Set – Endless fun launching rockets into the sky.
Adjustable Basketball Hoop for Kids – Encourages active play and sportsmanship.

Popular Character-Themed Toys

Bluey's Ultimate Playhouse – From the beloved cartoon series.
Peppa Pig Family Motorhome Playset – Fun for Peppa Pig fans.
Spider-Man Web Launcher Glove – Action-packed play for superhero lovers.

Board Games and Puzzles

Candy Land Kingdom of Sweet Adventures – A classic for family game night.
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game – Perfect for younger kids learning colors and strategy.
Ravensburger 3D Puzzle Set – Combines puzzles with collectible fun.

Pretend Play and Imaginative Gifts

KidKraft Wooden Dollhouse – For endless pretend-play scenarios.
Melissa & Doug Grocery Store and Scanner – Role-playing as a cashier or shopper.
Doctor Kit Playset – Helps kids practice empathy and creativity.

Books and Reading Sets

The "Elephant and Piggie" Series by Mo Willems – Hilarious and heartwarming stories.
How to Catch a Dinosaur – A fun, interactive picture book.
LeapReader Learn-to-Read System – An engaging way to improve reading skills.

Other Trending Gifts

Squishmallows Plush Toys – Soft, squishy, and collectible.
Tonies Audio Box – Storytime without screen time.
PJ Masks Mission Control HQ Playset – Adventure-packed fun for fans of the show.

7-11 Years

Educational and STEM Toys 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Pen Set: Encourages creativity and introduces 3D printing concepts in a child-friendly manner. Forbes
National Geographic Earth Science Kit: Offers hands-on science experiments that inspire a love for geology and earth sciences. Parents

Interactive and Tech Toys Yoto Mini Audio Player: A screen-free device that plays stories, music, and educational content, fostering imagination and learning. New York Magazine
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera: Allows kids to capture memories instantly, encouraging creativity and photography skills. Glamour

Building and Construction Sets LEGO Star Wars Sets: Combines the excitement of Star Wars with the creativity of LEGO building, appealing to fans and builders alike. BuzzFeed
Plus-Plus Building Sets: Versatile construction toys that enhance fine motor skills and creativity. Forbes

Arts and Crafts Kits Make It Real: Neo-Brite Chains & Charms Kit: Allows kids to design their own jewelry, fostering creativity and fine motor skills. Glamour

Posca Paint Marker Pens: Versatile markers for various art projects, encouraging artistic expression. New York Magazine
 

Outdoor and Active Play Micro Kickboard 2-Wheeled Foldable Micro Scooter: Promotes physical activity and outdoor play with a sleek, foldable design. Parents
Radio Flyer Extreme Drift Go-Kart: Offers thrilling outdoor fun with a focus on safety and durability. Parents

Popular Character-Themed Toys Monster High Dolls: Reimagined dolls that celebrate individuality and friendship, appealing to fans of the franchise.

Disney Bitzee Interactive Digital Pet: Combines classic virtual pet fun with modern interactive features. 

Board Games and Puzzles Monopoly Deal: A fast-paced card game version of the classic Monopoly, perfect for family game nights. 

Skillmatics Guess in 10 Card Game: Encourages critical thinking and learning through engaging gameplay. Parents

"Heartstopper" Graphic Novels: Heartwarming stories that resonate with pre-teens and teens alike. New York Magazine

Gadgets and Accessories TickTalk Smartwatch: A kid-friendly smartwatch that combines safety features with fun activities. New York Magazine

Baby Yoda Bluetooth Speaker: Compact and adorable speaker delivering quality sound, perfect for young Star Wars fans. BuzzFeed

Experience-Based Gifts Universal Yums Snack Box Subscription: Takes kids on a global culinary adventure, introducing them to snacks from different countries each month. New York Magazine
Tickets to a WNBA Game: Provides an exciting live sports experience, inspiring young athletes. New York Magazine 

Image: WNCTimes