25 Must-Have Gifts for Christmas 2024
Last Updated:
Written by
Jessica “Jessy” C.
Did you hear that? That’s the sound of your grandkids screaming with joy as they open your gift!
This year, you’re not just giving a gift—you’re provoking their creativity and giving them the tools to be better learners, players, and the best little goofballs around.
To make it easy, we’ve rounded up the top 25 family-approved gifts, from magical hover balls to the coolest cameras for budding photographers. There’s something here for every personality and passion!
Note: These toys were sent to us at no cost for review and were handpicked by our community of parents and grandparents throughout the year. (Visit thelittlelearnerstoys.com to learn more about the toys we’ve reviewed.)
“The look on my grandson’s face was priceless. He’s OBSESSED with this thing. So far it’s lasted a year without any damage.” – Susan
🔥 5,000+ Pieces Sold
The Giant Jelly Balloon Ball is pure, unfiltered fun.
Kids will bounce, squeeze, and roll it for hours. It’s made from super-stretchy, durable material, so no need to worry about popping—this ball can handle all their energy.
It’s quick to inflate and easy to deflate, making it perfect for any kind of play. Indoors during the winter or outside in the summer, it’s giggle-inducing happiness on a roll.
2. Galaxy Flying Orb (Bestseller)
“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!” – Dan
🔥 10,000+ Pieces Sold
High Demand
Want to be the coolest grandparent ever this Christmas? The Galaxy Lights Flying Magic Orb is your ace in the hole!
This glowing, spinning toy doesn’t just light up the room—it will light up your grandkids with excitement. They will be tossing it, catching it, and showing off tricks like pros.
Whether they’re indoors or outside, this magical orb guarantees giggles, lots of “woaahs”, and “Grandma, you’re the best!” moments.
My grandkids were thrilled! They’ve been using it to play games and even create their own ‘secret missions. These walkie-talkies have added a whole new level of fun to family time!” – John
🔥 6,000+ Pieces Sold
The Kids Walkie Talkie 3-Piece Set is a total hit!
These little gadgets turn all backyard missions, camping trips, or hide-and-seek into hours of fun. They’re perfect for building teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while kids connect and plan their next move.
Made for small hands, they’re super easy to use. Simple, playful, and absolutely kid-approved! 👌
4. Robby the Robot – Interactive Toy
“My granddaughter lit up and gave me the biggest hug before diving into everything Robby could do. It’s so rare to find a gift she loves more than screens!” – Linda
🔥 6,000+ Pieces Sold
Frequently Sold Out
Looking for a gift that’s fun and educational? Meet Robby the Robot!
Robby helps kids learn to talk, dance, and get creative—all through play. He lights up, responds to touch, and makes fun sounds that keep little ones entertained for hours.
Imaginative, interactive, and full of fun—Robby is sure to be their new favorite buddy!
“I bought this for my grandson, and he loves it! It’s a great tool for building confidence and independence—plus, it’s all his, which makes him feel so grown-up!” – Patricia
🔥 5,000+ Pieces Sold
The MP3/MP4 Player with Headset is a family favorite for good reason!
It’s a fun way for kids to enjoy their favorite music, stories, or even educational content. With easy-to-use controls, they can learn tech skills and decision-making as they choose and load songs or audiobooks.
Perfect for entertainment away from screens that lets them explore new interests and build listening skills!
“My grandson was thrilled to see his name on it! He traced each letter with such focus. This is a gift I know he’ll use and remember for years.” – Barbara
🔥 2,000+ Pieces Sold
For a gift that’s personal and educational, the Custom Name Montessori Wooden Board is a winner.
Kids can practice tracing their name while building fine motor skills and early literacy. Made from smooth, durable wood, it’s hands-on learning that’s fun and meaningful.
They’ll love showing off their progress, and it’s a keepsake to cherish for years. A gift all about them? Perfect!
7. The Original Miniscope™ (Bestseller)
“I got this for my grandson, and he hasn’t put it down since! He’s been studying everything he can find. It’s a fantastic tool for teaching him about the wonders of nature and science!” – Nancy
🔥 7,000+ Pieces Sold
Frequently Sold Out
The Original Miniscope™ is a total hit with little explorers! It’s perfect for kids who love getting up close and discovering the tiny details of the world around them—leaves, bugs, fabric fibers, you name it.
Lightweight and super easy to use, it’s great for backyard adventures or cozy rainy-day discoveries indoors.
This little gadget makes learning fun, inspires curiosity, and guarantees big smiles—all family-tested and kid-approved!
“My daughter loves her instant print camera! Seeing her take photos of everything and create her own little photo albums has been such a joy!” – Laura
🔥 3,000+ Pieces Sold
Frequently Sold Out
For little photographers, the Kid Instant Print Camera is like magic!
Kids can snap their favorite moments and print them instantly—perfect for creating keepsakes, stickers, or mini photo albums. It’s fun, creative, and keeps screen time in check.
The camera is durable and easy to use. Your little artists can decorate their prints and capture their adventures—hands-on fun they’ll never get enough of!
“My grandson loved this chess set! The cute characters kept him interested, and it’s been amazing to watch him learn and strategize while having fun.” – Barbara
🔥 5,000+ Pieces Sold
he Educational Wooden Cartoon Chess Set is the perfect mix of fun and strategy!
With its cute, cartoon-inspired pieces, it makes learning chess exciting and easy for kids. Plus, it’s a great way to build critical thinking, patience, and problem-solving skills.
Perfect for cozy afternoons or family game nights, it’s a gift that brings everyone together for laughs, learning, and a little friendly competition!
“My granddaughter was over the moon with this camera! She’s been snapping pictures left and right. Such a wonderful and creative gift!” – Caroline
🔥 5,000+ Pieces Sold
The Mini Photographer Digital Camera is a total hit with little shutterbugs!
Made just for kids, it’s easy to use, tough enough for adventures, and packed with fun extras like filters and frames. It’s the perfect way for kids to be creative and tell their stories through photos.
Whether they’re snapping everyday moments or big family memories, this camera makes capturing the world fun and exciting!
“My son can’t put this down! He loves playing games and taking ‘photos’ just like Mom and Dad. It’s a fun way for him to feel grown-up, without me having to worry – Kelly
🔥 5,000+ Pieces Sold
Frequently Sold Out
The Interractive Kids Smartphone has it all—games that teach, a camera for their “masterpieces,” and a sturdy case that laughs off drops. It’s the training wheels of tech, perfectly made for little hands.
Watch them solve puzzles, snap like a mini paparazzi, and proudly show off their “cool phone” to everyone (even the dog).
A simple, safe first gadget for big imaginations, full of “look what I made!” moments you’ll love.
“My grandson loves the Drill ‘n Build Board! He spends hours creating and staying focused, building his motor skills and creativity.” – Martha
🔥 3,000+ Pieces Sold
The Drill ‘n’ Build Interactive Board is every little builder’s dream. With real, kid-safe tools, it turns creative play into a mini workshop adventure they’ll love.
Kids can drill, design, and assemble their own masterpieces while figuring out how pieces fit together.
It’s hands-on fun that builds coordination, sharpens problem-solving, and gets those little minds buzzing like pros.
“I gave this smartwatch to my son, and he’s been hooked! From tracking steps to setting reminders, it’s been amazing to see him feel so grown-up and excited about his day.” – Michael
🔥 2,000+ Pieces Sold
The Kids’ Multi-Purpose Smartwatch is a mini marvel for your little tech explorer. Packed with games, a camera, fitness tracking, and more, it’s as fun as it is functional.
This clever gadget helps kids learn time management while snapping “masterpieces” and staying active.
Whether they’re mastering independence or showing off their best dance moves, this watch brings a world of fun right to their wrist.
“RoboBuddy has been such a hit! Watching my son create challenges and learn through play is pure joy.” – Karen
🔥 3,000+ Pieces Sold
High Demand
RoboBuddy is your kid’s new best friend. It chats, sings, dances, and shares fun facts—all while feeling like their new best friend. Science? Second languages? RoboBuddy makes it as easy as playtime.
From practicing silly moves together to chatting about stars or dinosaurs, this buddy turns every moment into something memorable.
It’s a teacher, a playmate, and a friend rolled into one smart package—perfect for those endless “why’s” and boundless energy.
15. 3D Magic Pen Set
“My daughter was amazed by this pen! She started with simple designs and quickly advanced to making small 3D figures. So rewarding watching her develop new skills” – Anna
🔥 5,000+ Pieces Sold
High Demand
Bring their imagination to life with the 3D Magic Pen Set! This nifty pen lets kids draw in the air, creating sculptures, doodles, and designs that leap right off the page.
I’ve seen my kids go from drawing flat shapes to building mini models—it’s truly inspiring to watch their creativity come alive!
“My granddaughter loves her little camera! She’s been snapping photos of everything and proudly showing off her photos—it’s so heartwarming.” – Linda
🔥 10,000+ Pieces Sold
High Demand
The LittleLens Kids Camera is perfect for tiny photographers with big imaginations! With fun filters and frames, this kid-sized camera turns their everyday world into a canvas for self-expression and storytelling.
Easy to hold and built to last, it’s tough enough for all their adventures.
From giggling selfies to “documenting” the family dog, your child will explore, create, and capture moments that will make everyone smile.
“This rocket launcher was a hit at our family gathering! The kids had so much fun competing and cheering each other on. Best outdoor toy we’ve found in a while” – James
🔥 2,000+ Pieces Sold
Launch playtime to new heights with the Dual Toy Rocket Launcher! Kids will love competing to see whose rocket soars highest, adding excitement and friendly rivalry to outdoor fun.
Easy to set up and even easier to enjoy, it keeps everyone moving and laughing.
Trust me, stomping and launching these rockets is just as fun for grown-ups as it is for the kids!
“Kids need iPads sometimes—it’s life in 2024. But the LED tablet keeps my 4-year-old busy longer, protects her eyes, and lets her create. She’s happy, I’m happy.” – Sarah
🔥 5,000+ Pieces Sold
For little artists with big imaginations, the Colorful LCD Writing and Drawing Tablet is pure magic. Every swipe brings their wild ideas to life in bright, bold colors.
No markers to lose, no mess to clean up—it’s the perfect sidekick for road trips, rainy days, or sneaky quiet time while you sip your coffee.
My best friend’s kids use it for everything—from drawing wacky animals to practicing their ABCs, and yes, absolutely crushing me at quick-draw!
“This card reader has been fantastic for building my child’s vocabulary. She loves swapping cards and hearing the words—it’s made learning so enjoyable.” – Alice
🔥 3,000+ Pieces Sold
The TiniTalker™ Card Reader makes learning words a hands-on adventure. Kids simply insert a card to hear and see the word, turning language practice into pure fun.
It’s like having a pocket-sized teacher who’s always ready to play.
I’ve seen my grandkids giggle their way through new words, and honestly, it’s the sweetest kind of learning.
“This VR headset blew my kids’ minds! They’ve loved exploring all the different experiences and learning in such a fun, immersive way.” – Pat
🔥 3,000+ Pieces Sold
High Demand
The Interactive VR Headset takes kids on adventures they’ll never forget—right from the living room.
They can dive under the sea, journey to space, or play games that make learning feel like magic.
Seeing my grandkids explore these worlds with wide-eyed wonder was priceless—it’s curiosity on a whole new level!
“The pogo ball has been a huge hit! My son practices every day and has become quite the balancing pro. It’s so much fun!” – Danielle
🔥 2,000+ Pieces Sold
The Balance Pogo Ball turns playtime into a high-energy adventure kids can’t resist.
They’ll hop, bounce, and test their balance, all while having a blast and getting stronger with every jump.
Watching my little ones master new tricks and laugh themselves silly? Pure joy!
“My kids love these binoculars! They’ve been exploring the yard and learning about nature. It’s a great way to encourage curiosity and outdoor play.” – Ellen
🔥 2,000+ Pieces Sold
These Learning Toy Binoculars turn the great outdoors into a world of discovery for curious kids.
With optical eye protection, adjustable focus, and kid-safe design, they’re perfect for spotting birds, bugs, or the neighbor’s cat.
Seeing their faces light up with each new find? Absolutely priceless!
“My daughter can’t get enough of this kit! She’s made bracelets for everyone in the family and loves creating new designs. It’s a great bonding activity.” – Marie
🔥 2,000+ Pieces Sold
This Bracelet-Making Kit turns crafting into hours of shared joy for kids and parents alike.
With vibrant beads and fun charms, kids can create one-of-a-kind bracelets to share or keep.
Sitting side by side, designing keepsakes with my daughter? Those are moments I’ll always hold close.
“This activity book is a lifesaver on trips! My son stays entertained for hours, learning and playing. It’s educational and fun.” – Jake
🔥 5,000+ Pieces Sold
Designed for little hands, this Portable Montessori Book makes learning an adventure.
Interactive pages and hands-on tasks keep kids engaged, whether at home or on the go.
Watching my friend’s kids discover letters, numbers, and shapes while playing? That’s the kind of learning that sticks.
“These flower toys are adorable! My daughter spends hours creating different gardens. It’s great for her creativity and dexterity.” – Sara
🔥 10,000+ Pieces Sold
Watch your grandkids’ imaginations blossom with these Educational Garden Flower Toys.
Kids can build their own flower gardens, mixing and matching petals and stems to create something uniquely theirs.
It’s hands-on, creative fun that feels like crafting their very own little world!
Making Christmas Unforgettable 🎄
There’s nothing better than seeing your grandkids’ eyes sparkle with excitement. These gifts are all about bringing laughter, creativity, and a touch of holiday magic to their day.
Here’s to making this Christmas unforgettable! 🎁✨
Warm wishes,
Jessica
Jessica “Jessy” C.
Mom-on-the-Go & Chief Toy Tester
I’m Jessica, a busy mom who’s always on the hunt for toys that keep my kids entertained and learning at the same time. Writing for Play Tested, Family Approved lets me share my finds with other parents. When I’m not writing, I’m playing referee for sibling dance-offs or trying to snag a quick coffee break during my kids’ epic LEGO sessions.