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Shopping for school aged kids is so much fun! These gifts are a hint of nostalgia since so many of the toys I played with at this age are cool again. But, of course, there are still some new things that I never would have even dreamed of having.
Gifts for school aged kids: new for 2022
Fancy Markers
Art is such a huge thing in our house right now, and these markers are an upgrade to the trusty Crayolas.
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Keyboard
This keyboard is a great, low stakes gift for kids who have shown an interest in learning piano. Plus, it comes with headphones so the whole family doesn’t have to go on the piano journey together! The description says it comes with 2 months of free online lessons too!
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Street Hockey Set
We have entered the sports ball era in my house, which means we are either playing sports or watching sports at all times. My kids don’t know much about hockey yet, and I love that they can set this set up outside. How long until someone gets hit with a stick?
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3D Doodle Pen
Bring doodles to life with this 3D pen. No hot parts so it’s safe for kids!
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Harry Potter Origami
Kids always go crazy over origami, and this Harry Potter kit is really cute!
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Hidden Pictures Book
My kids are obsessed with these books! These would be great if you do a gift exchange with friends and need a budget friendly, kid approved option.
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Nintendo Labo
Think popular STEM building subscription box meets Nintendo, and you get Nintendo Labo. Each kit requires hands on building, which you can then program to your Nintendo Switch. Perfect for the video game kid, but with less screen time!
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Clay Craft Kit
Anyone else love Klutz books as a kid? They’ve expanded the line since Braids & Bows, and this hands on kit is just as adorable as you’d expect. Comes with the hardware to make the charms into a bracelet too!
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Lumi Pets Night Light
I cannot say enough good things about this USB charging (never look for batteries at bedtime again!), remote control operated, silicone night light! The remote has different color settings, as well as a timer, and there are a variety of animal options. Perfect for the big kid who doesn’t love the dark, but is too grown up for a traditional night light.
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Osmo Coding Kit
This Osmo Coding Kit works with your iPad (there’s an Amazon Fire tablet version too), and is perfect for kids 5-10 to learn the basics of coding. A perfect way to harness the power of screen time for good!
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This list consists of things that have been gifts and toys she’s enjoyed over the last few years. I tend to favor toys that can get multiple uses or forms of play out of them or toys that encourage physical movement. And I especially love toys that my kids will reach for time after time, and all of these on the list hit all of that criteria.
Gifts for the school aged girl
We Craft Box
Subscription services are so fun for kids, and this one is perfect for craft lovers. Use code CRAFT21 to get 15% off your first box!
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Little Passports Subscription
Isla got a year long subscription to Little Passports last year, and she has loved it! She is really interested in learning about different countries and cultures, and each month she gets to explore a new one with Little Passports. A perfect gift if you’re looking for an experience that will last all year long!
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Underwater Camera
The only thing more impressive than this little camera is the little price tag. It takes incredible pictures, video, and even has games on it. It also comes with a mount so your child can attach it to their helmet or bike. Beyond impressed with this!
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Rainbocorn Sequin Surprise
Surprise toys are all the rage, and this one is actually pretty cute.
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Orbeez Foot Spa
An Orbeez Foot Spa is the perfect girly girl gift. It even comes with toe separators and nail polish for the full spa experience.
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Unicorn Umbrella
This unicorn umbrella is great for rainy walks to and from school, and is way sturdier than I expected a kid’s umbrella to be. There are also tons of other animals available too!
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Disney Legos
I love that LEGO has really increased the products they have for girls. I know toys don’t have genders, but to see them be more inclusive of characters that interest girls is pretty cool. Whatever gets the girls building! These Disney Princess Story Book Adventures are reminiscent of Polly Pockets, hit the imaginary princess play note every 6 year old girl wants, but also increases their spatial/building/engineering skills. Plus, they fold up like little books which is adorable.
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Fairy Lights with Clips
These string light clips have been awesome for displaying artwork (so it stays in her room and off the kitchen table!). Bonus- it also doubles as a nightlight!
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Fuse Beads
I loved fuse beads when I was a kids, and Isla does too. Who am I kidding? I still love to sit down and do them with her!
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Waiting Is Not Easy
We looove Mo Willems books in our house, but these Elephant and Piggie books are especially great for new readers. Waiting Isn’t Easy is a favorite in our house because we’re always working on increasing our patience.
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And The People Stayed Home
This is a fun way to commemorate a crazy time, and the illustrations look beautiful.
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Gemstone Dig Kit
This gemstone excavation kit was another thing that seemed so simple, yet so thrilling for my kids. Even better- it takes a while to complete it. I love when a toy last more than 5 minutes! Pro tip- do it outside, or on a tray to catch the dust. The gems that come out are really pretty and Isla has been using them in her pretend play as treasures, so the fun really goes beyond the excavation activity too!
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Walkie Talkies
We took walkie talkies camping and we were all shocked at how much the kids loved them. We’ve also taken them on hikes, which wards off the inevitable whining for a bit. Caution- use these *outside* only, LOL!
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If you have a kiddo with sensory needs, this platform swing is incredible. The weight limit is up to 400 pounds, so multiple kids can go on and once, and I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been on it a few hundred times. We put it on our swing set, but I have also seen frames sold separately. A bit of an investment, but so invaluable to get those wiggles out!
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Unicorn Helmet
A helmet is also a good idea to go with the skates. You’ll definitely get a compliment every time you wear this unicorn helmet!
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Knee Pads
You’ll need a set of pads to go with those skates!
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Inline Quad Combo Skates
This pair can be swapped out for in-line wheels, and that they span a few sizes so they should last a while.
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Watermelon Ball
I don’t understand how it works, but this bounces under water, makes huge splashes, and is tons of fun.
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Grouch Couch
I can’t lie, the premise of this game doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. But that also means it’s a guaranteed win for kids. The wackier the game, the more fun! My kids crack up, and I have to admit it’s pretty fun once you suspend reality.
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Kerplunk
This classic game still holds up. Bonus- it’s great fine motor skill practice!
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Electronic Drum Set
Perfect for the aspiring musician in your family! This electronic drum set is foldable and comes with headphones – a big selling point for us! Ha!
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Highlights Magazine Subscription
My kids LOVE Highlights (yes, the same magazine from when we were kids!!) They look forward to it arriving every month.
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Remote Control Boat
This remote control boat is another fun pool toy that kids love!
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Goo Jit Zu Superheroes
Goo Jit Zu to become the ultimate squishiest, stretchiest and gooiest heroes ever! Each Marvel Hero character has a unique goo filling with a different texture and feel. Prepare for the ultimate squishy battle with the Spider-Man verses Venom Pack!
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Stomp Rocket
This stomp rocket launches durable rockets up to 200 feet in the air (ya know, if dad takes a turn). My kids absolutely love a stomp rocket and this is my go to birthday gift for their friends!
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Laser Tag Set
A laser tag set is great for a group of friends or siblings! This set comes with four guns and four vests. FYI – batteries are not included – major Santa fail on Christmas in our house, whoops!
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Razor Scooter
This is a great starter scooter for those kids hesitant about two wheels. The price is right and it is super sturdy.
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Custom Minecraft Art
If you’re looking for a unique gift, we recently got the boys drawn as Minecraft characters and they turned out SO cute. We plan to frame it for their room. This is the exact listing we purchased and the seller was quick and responsive. Highly recommend.
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Nintendo Switch
Gaming consoles will always be a top pick for our tech lover. We aren’t quite ready for PS5 or XBox but the Nintendo Switch has been a great starter console, if you will. Pro tip: if a gaming console is on your list, make sure you buy it early, they are a hot ticket item and will sell out fast.
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Trampoline
If you’ve got an active kid you know how much a trampoline helps get those wiggles out! We have this model in our tiny backyard and it is one of the best things we’ve ever bought.
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Little Passports Subscription
Isla got a year long subscription to Little Passports last year, and she has loved it! She is really interested in learning about different countries and cultures, and each month she gets to explore a new one with Little Passports. A perfect gift if you’re looking for an experience that will last all year long!
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Gemstone Dig Kit
This gemstone excavation kit was another thing that seemed so simple, yet so thrilling for my kids. Even better- it takes a while to complete it. I love when a toy last more than 5 minutes! Pro tip- do it outside, or on a tray to catch the dust. The gems that come out are really pretty and Isla has been using them in her pretend play as treasures, so the fun really goes beyond the excavation activity too!
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If you are looking for more books, we’ve got a great list of Children’s Books You Need In Your Collection. Books always make great gifts, and these are our absolute favorites that kids will love for years to come.
[…] our own kids, which is why I’m writing the 6 Year Old Boy Gift Ideas post and Heather handled the girl version. Obviously, there are no gender assignments to toys. There are a ton of things on my list a girl […]