10+1 Coolest and Approved Gifts for Grandchildren in 2024
Last Updated:
Written by
Margaret “Maggie” B.
As a grandmother, I know how tricky it can be to find gifts that truly capture our grandkids’ attention these days. The toys that kept us entertained for hours, like dolls and marbles, just don’t have the same appeal anymore. With so many distractions like tablets and gadgets, it’s easy to feel like nothing can hold their interest for long.
But don’t worry! 2024 has brought some fantastic, innovative toys that not only grab their attention but also spark their imagination and creativity. I’ve rounded up the 10 coolest gifts, tested and approved by our community plus 1 more, that have been flying off the shelves all year long.
Note: These toys were sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out thelittlelearnerstoys.com to learn more about how we review boxes.)
1. Giant Jelly Balloon Ball: endless bouncing fun!
This is probably the 2024 bestseller! Imagine your grandkid opening their birthday presents, and then you surprise them by revealing a Giant Jelly Balloon. Just picture their excitement!
Family-tested and approved, the Giant Jelly Balloon is an interactive toy that encourages exercise, balance, coordination, and social skills. It’s a perfect way to get kids off screens and back into active, outdoor play. Plus, it’s completely safe—no popping worries here! Simply inflate it with regular air (or water!!), and let your grandkids bounce, squeeze, toss, and enjoy hours of family-approved fun.
“I got the giant balloon for my grandson’s birthday. I blew it up while he was opening his other presents, and rolled it in the living room. He was shocked!!! The look on his face was priceless. He’s OBSESSED with this thing. So far it’s lasted a year without any damage.” – Susan
2. Galaxy Lights Flying Magic Orb: Endless Hours of Play!
Warning: This gift has been known to make grandkids absolutely adore their grandparents! 🙂
The Galaxy Lights Flying Magic Orb is a clever way to boost kids’ hand-eye coordination while getting them active and outdoors. Shaped like a fidget spinner, it’s sure to be a hit with young ones, who will love its mesmerizing, light-up flights.
Parents can rest easy, too—the orb is crafted from safe polypropylene and doesn’t require any batteries. This family-tested and approved toy is all about fun and peace of mind!
“When I got this ball for my grandson, he threw his arms around me like I was his favorite person in the world. I’ll never forget that moment, especially since kids at that age are hard to connect with since they’ve got their games and whatnot.” – Dan
3. The Original Miniscope: Spark Curiosity with Every Close-Up!
The Original Miniscope™ is a family-tested favorite from Play Tested, Family Approved, perfect for young explorers eager to discover the hidden details in the world around them.
This kid-friendly portable microscope is designed to ignite curiosity and encourage scientific thinking as children examine everything from leaves, flower to insects and fabric fibers up close. Lightweight and easy to use, it’s ideal for backyard adventures or rainy-day discoveries indoors, fostering a love for learning and observation.
Family Approved!
“I got this for my grandson, and he hasn’t put it down since! He’s been studying everything he can find, and it’s incredible to watch his curiosity grow with each discovery. It’s a fantastic tool for teaching him about the wonders of nature and science!” – Nancy
4. Robby the Robot Interactive Toy: Meet your child’s new best friend!
If you’re looking for a gift that’s equal parts learning and entertainment, Robby the Robot is a family-tested, approved favorite!
Robby is more than just a toy—he’s an interactive buddy that teaches kids educational activities, problem-solving, and creativity through fun, hands-on play.
With flashing lights, friendly sounds, and simple commands, Robby responds to touch and movement, sparking curiosity while helping kids develop fine motor skills. Made from durable, child-safe materials, this clever robot is ready for endless play and learning adventures, indoors or out. Give your grandkids the gift of discovery with Robby the Robot!
“When I got Robby the Robot for my granddaughter, she lit up like I’d given her the world. She hugged me so tight and immediately started exploring everything Robby could do. It was one of those unforgettable moments—especially because it’s rare to find a gift that pulls them away from screens these days!” – Linda
5. Custom Name Montessori Wooden Board: Learning Made Personal!
The Custom Name Montessori Wooden Board is a beautifully crafted, family-tested learning tool that helps kids recognize and spell their own names while building fine motor skills.
Each board is customized with your grandchild’s name in smooth, durable wood, making it a unique, hands-on way to encourage early literacy. Perfect for tracing, spelling, and even creative play, this board is a keepsake that grows with them, helping little learners feel proud as they practice and master new skills.
“When I gifted this personalized board to my grandson, he was thrilled to see his name on it! He traced each letter with such focus and even called me to show his progress every time he practiced. It’s heartwarming to see him learning in such a fun way, and it’s a gift I know he’ll use and remember for years.” – Barbara
6. MP3 Player with Headset: Music, Stories, and Fun on the Go!
The MP3 Player with Headset has been family-tested and approved by the Play Tested, Family Approved community, and it’s an exciting way for kids to enjoy music, stories, and educational content of their choice.
With its intuitive controls, kids develop important skills in technology use and decision-making as they select and load their favorite songs, audiobooks, or lessons. This player gives them the freedom to explore new interests, build listening skills, and enjoy screen-free entertainment.
“I bought this for my grandson, and he loves it! Seeing him proudly navigate his music choices and explore new songs was wonderful. It’s a great tool for building confidence and independence—plus, it’s all his, which makes him feel so grown-up!” – Patricia
7. Kids Walkie Talkie Set: Adventure and Communication Skills in One!
The Kids Walkie Talkie 3-Piece Set is a favorite in the Play Tested, Family Approved community, offering hours of imaginative play while building essential communication skills. Perfect for backyard adventures, family camping trips, or just playful hide-and-seek games, these walkie-talkies encourage teamwork, clear communication, and problem-solving as kids connect and strategize with each other.
With a user-friendly design that’s made for small hands, this set helps children gain confidence as they learn to operate the walkie-talkies independently. 👌 Approved!
“When I gave this set to my grandkids, they were thrilled! They’ve been using it to play games and even create their own ‘secret missions.’ Watching them communicate and work together has been such a joy. These walkie-talkies have added a whole new level of fun to family time!” – John
8. LCD Writing and Drawing Tablet: Creativity Unleashed, Anytime, Anywhere!
The Colorful LCD Writing and Drawing Tablet is a must-have, family-tested favorite from Play Tested, Family Approved community, for sparking creativity and learning on the go. This tablet is perfect for kids who love to draw, write, and doodle, providing a screen-free outlet for their imagination that’s both portable and mess-free.
With a rainbow of colors on each stroke, it offers a fun, interactive way for children to practice writing, drawing, and even math—all while enhancing fine motor skills and focus. 👌 Family Approved!
“I bought this for my granddaughter, and she’s been glued to it ever since! She loves creating colorful drawings and practicing her letters, and it’s become her go-to for car rides and quiet time. It’s amazing to see her creativity grow with such a simple tool!” – Elaine
9. Drill ‘n’ Build 3D Puzzle: Hands-On Fun for Budding Engineers!
The Drill ‘n’ Build Interactive Board is a hands-on favorite from Play Tested, Family Approved, perfect for kids who love to build and create.
With real, kid-safe tools, this interactive board encourages creativity, problem-solving, eye-hand coordination, and fine motor skill development as children use the mini drill to assemble and design their own creations. It’s an engaging way to introduce early engineering skills, helping kids understand how parts work together while having loads of fun. 👌 Family Approved!
“My grandson was over the moon with this toy! Watching him focus on each piece, carefully planning and building, was a joy. He’s become so proud of his creations, and it’s great to see him developing patience and coordination with a toy that’s as educational as it is fun!” – George
10. Mini Photographer Digital Camera: Capture the World Through Their Eyes!
The Mini Photographer Digital Camera is a top pick from Play Tested, Family Approved, designed for little ones ready to explore photography and capture their world.
This kid-sized digital camera is easy to use and durable, encouraging creativity and storytelling as children snap photos of their favorite moments. With fun features like filters and frames, it’s the perfect tool for building confidence and self-expression, giving kids the joy of documenting adventures in their own unique way.👌 Family Approved!
“When I gifted this camera to my granddaughter, she was thrilled! She’s been capturing everything from her toys to family gatherings, and it’s amazing to see the world through her perspective. It’s such a fun, creative way for her to express herself!” – Caroline
10+1. Educational Wooden Cartoon Chess Set: Classic Strategy Meets Fun Characters!
The Educational Wooden Cartoon Chess Set is a standout addition to our 10+1 Coolest Gifts for Grandchildren in 2024, bringing the timeless game of chess to life with playful, cartoon-inspired pieces.
Family-tested and approved, this set is ideal for introducing kids to strategy, patience, and critical thinking in an engaging, approachable way. The bright, whimsical characters make learning chess exciting, helping young players stay focused as they develop problem-solving skills that will serve them for years. 👌 Family Approved!
“When I gifted this chess set to my grandson, he couldn’t wait to start playing. The cute characters kept him interested, and it’s been a joy watching him think through his moves. It’s the perfect blend of fun and learning!” – Barbara
Finding the perfect gift for your grandchildren can be a joy in itself, and I hope this list has given you some exciting ideas for 2024! From toys that inspire creativity to those that encourage learning and exploration, each of these picks has been carefully tested by our Play Tested, Family Approved community to guarantee hours of safe, meaningful play.
Whether you’re looking for a grand gesture or a fun, everyday surprise, these gifts are sure to light up their eyes and create memories you’ll both cherish. Here’s to all the happy, laughter-filled moments ahead!
Happy gifting,
Margaret
Margaret “Maggie” B.
Resident Grandma Scientist & Storytelling Specialist
Hi, I’m Maggie, a retired teacher and proud grandma who adores toys that spark curiosity. At Play Tested, Family Approved, I focus on hands-on learning and fun for kids. And when I’m not testing toys? You’ll find me in the backyard doing science experiments with the grandkids or attempting to keep my garden safe from tiny, curious hands.