Honestly, I’m getting sick of buying my kids all the noisy, light-up, battery-operated toys on their Christmas lists. I mean, wouldn’t it be fantastic if the stuff your kids wanted was stuff you actually wanted to get them? Even better, what if it was something you might secretly enjoy playing with, too? We bought my daughter a programmable robot for Christmas last year, and I swear we kept it out and continued playing with it long after she went to bed.
Shopping for gifts can be exhausting and angst-producing, but make it all worthwhile by choosing gifts that the whole family can have fun with. From crafty projects to techy games and accessories, we’ve got a seriously epic list of gifts your kids will love (that you’ll secretly enjoy). Check ’em out, and find the perfect fit for you (I mean your child!).
Gifts for Your Kids (That You'll Secretly Enjoy)
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Virtual Reality Maze Builder
Okay, so not only can you have fun building a maze with with little pegs on a board ... but then you can literally go inside your maze by inserting your smartphone into the viewfinder. Um, how cool is that?
Price: $60Photo: Uncommon Goods
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3Doodler Start Kid-Safe 3D Printing Pen
How insanely cool is this 3D printing pen that uses biodegradable eco-plastic?! Have a blast creating and bringing your ideas to life in 3D.
Price: $45
More infoPhoto: Target
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Ombré Hair FX
Not gonna lie, if I got my daughter this awesome ombré hair chalk, you would definitely find me sneaking into her bathroom to use it from time to time!
Price: $10Photo: Walmart
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CodeGamer
It's never to late to learn to code, and this awesome game will teach you how while solving puzzles and completing challenges in this innovative video game.
Price: $149.95Photo: Thames & Kosmos
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Electric Light Blocks
Maybe it just looks like Duplo, but these blocks light up as you use them. Build something awesome together, and then let the kids take it to bed as a nightlight!
Price: from $30Photo: Uncommon Goods
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Design Your Own Headphones, Street Art Kit
With stencils, paints, and markers, your kids can create some seriously cool street art-inspired headphones (that you will probably want to borrow!).
Price: $30Photo: Amazon
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The Art of Disney Notecard Set
I'm always in need of new stationery, and now that my daughter can write, so is she! How adorable is this Disney princess themed stationary set? Perfect for Christmas thank you cards!
Price: $20Photo: ModCloth
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Fashion Plates Deluxe Kit
I couldn't resist putting Fashion Plates on the list. I used to spend hours creating the perfect look and then transferring the images onto paper. Fun for fashionistas big and small.
Price: $26.95Photo: Fat Brain Toys
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LEGO Creator Ferris Wheel
I think my husband secretly likes building LEGO even more than my 6-year-old does. Why not get the two of them an awesome kit they can build together?!
Price: $200Photo: LEGO
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Smartphone Projector
I mean, have you ever seen anything so smart? Turn your phone into an oversized screen and get the fam together for the hippest slideshow ever.
Price: $50Photo: ModCloth
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Osmo Coding Game
Another amazing gift for future programmers! A friend of mine has this and it's the coolest interactive game for teaching logic/problem solving skills.
Price: $49.95Photo: Amazon
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ARTrageous!
This is a fun and super creative one for you and the kids to enjoy together. The book is filled with all sorts of cool painting, drawing, and mixed media projects you can do together.
Price: $13Photo: Amazon
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Tesla Kit
Parents and kids will have fun learning how technology works with this neat kit. Build circuits, learn to code and have fun while you do it!
Price: $100Photo: MoMA Store
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Star Wars Egg Molds
Got any Star Wars fans in the house? What about picky eaters? These hilarious egg molds could be a fun way to get your kids more involved with cooking.
Price: $8Photo: Bento & Co
