10+1 Coolest and Approved Gifts for Grandchildren in 2025
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! 2025 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 2025 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. 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
3. LittleLens Kids Camera: Professional Photography Made Kid-Friendly!
The LittleLens Kids Camera is our newest addition to the Play Tested, Family Approved collection, and it’s already becoming a favorite among budding young photographers!
This lightweight, shockproof camera is designed specifically for little hands, featuring a 2-inch IPS screen, dual-lens system, and 12-megapixel resolution for surprisingly crisp photos. With built-in cartoon frames, fun filters, and five mini-games, it keeps kids engaged while developing their creativity and hand-eye coordination. The rechargeable battery provides 1-2 hours of continuous use, and the expandable memory slot (up to 64GB) means they can capture thousands of precious memories. 👌 Family Approved!
“When I surprised my granddaughter with the LittleLens camera, her face absolutely lit up! She’s been taking pictures of everything – her dolls, our garden, even our cat sleeping. The photo quality is better than I expected, and she’s learned how to use all the fun filters. It’s wonderful watching her explore the world through her own lens!” – Dorothy
4. 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
5. Interactive VR Headset for Kids: Step Into Tomorrow’s Learning!
Unleash your child’s imagination with safe, educational VR adventures that spark joy and curiosity through fun technology! This Interactive VR Headset for Kids features high-resolution displays for a vivid VR experience, designed for maximum comfort and child-safe use with simple controls for effortless, immersive learning experiences.
Kids slip on this captivating VR headset for amazing, fun-filled learning adventures! Watch as they explore ancient civilizations, swim with dolphins, or journey through space—all from the safety of your living room. This brain-boosting technology makes learning feel like the ultimate adventure, encouraging exploration and discovery in ways that traditional books simply can’t match.👌 Family Approved!
“I was skeptical about VR for my 8-year-old granddaughter, but this headset has been incredible! She’s virtually visited the pyramids, explored the ocean depths, and even walked with dinosaurs. The educational content is outstanding, and the parental controls give me complete peace of mind. It’s like having a personal museum and classroom combined!” – Robert
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. 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
8. AI-Powered STEM Learning and Playing Robot: The Ultimate Learning Companion!
Unleash Your Child’s Imagination with the AI-Powered STEM Learning and Playing Robot! This innovative robot combines education and entertainment, making learning fun and interactive for your little ones. With engaging AI features and exciting apps, it encourages kids to explore technology while enjoying hours of educational play.
This cutting-edge robot is more than just a toy—it’s the friend who’s always ready to listen and learn. RoboBuddy sneaks science and tech into playtime, turning complicated ideas into bite-sized fun facts that keep your child’s mind buzzing. Whether kids are belting out karaoke tunes or tackling brain games, they’ll be laughing and learning together while building teamwork and social confidence. 👌 Family Approved!
“When I got this robot for my grandson, he was absolutely fascinated! He spends hours dancing with it, singing karaoke, and asking it endless questions. It’s incredible how it makes learning feel like playing with a best friend. The AI technology exposure is preparing him for the future while keeping him thoroughly entertained!” – Helen
9. 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
10. 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
10+1. Kids Multi-Purpose Smartwatch: Technology Meets Fun and Fitness!
Introduce a blend of fun and learning to your grandchild with our Multi-Purpose Smartwatch, featuring an easy display, engaging games, and a dynamic media player for a complete entertainment experience! This kid-friendly multi-tool smartwatch is packed with 14 entertaining and educational games designed to enhance creative skills and eye-hand coordination.
With its included calculator, flashlight, and toolkit, this smartwatch aids in practical learning while providing hours of entertainment. The built-in pedometer encourages active play and promotes a healthy lifestyle from a young age, making fitness fun and interactive. Kids can enjoy music, videos, and even record their own masterpieces with the versatile media player, all while expressing their evolving personality with colorful, interchangeable straps! 👌 Family Approved!
“This smartwatch has been a game-changer for my 9-year-old grandson! He’s obsessed with the 14 different games and loves tracking his daily steps like a little fitness enthusiast. The multimedia features keep him entertained during car rides, and I love that he’s learning while having fun. It’s durable, educational, and stylish—everything a modern grandparent could ask for!” – Florence
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 2025! 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.