The older kids get, the harder it can be to find them holiday gifts that make their eyes sparkle. And let’s be honest after all the stress of this past year, they could use a little extra sparkle.
But fear not. While they may have us bested when it comes to celebrity TikTok star knowledge, you have an advantage: #TeamMotherly. Our editors have combed through the internet looking for THE BEST recommendations for toys and gifts, which ensures you get to hang on to #coolmom status.
Here are the best gifts for the older cool kids in your life.
ooly
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$15.99
Paint-by-number is so 2000-and-late. This shimmery art kit uses self-stick gems to create an adorable llama picture. When they’re done, they can pop it into the included frame and easel to display their impressive handiwork!
Barefoot Books
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$12.29
The beautifully illustrated atlas will make learning geography skills fun and exciting. It includes over 450 reusable stickers and a world map poster they can hang in their room. Shh, we won’t tell them they’re learning in the process.
Sevenat
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$53.99
This real digital camera is the perfect way for your budding photographer to bloom. It’s easy to use without lacking any cool features. It’s HD and supports a 32GB SD card, so your child’s creativity can take over!
Beyblade B
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$49.99
Gift a little fast-paced fun this year with the Beyblade Burst Surge Speedstorm Motor Strike Battle Set game. The first Beystadium in the Beyblade Burst line that includes 4-in-1 tops, this supercharged set encourages strategy design and a little fun competition that even parents will want to take part in.
Harper Image
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$39.95
Convincing them to log off the computer and go outside is so much easier when they have a super fun reason to do so—like the Glow Drone from Sharper Image. It’s lightweight, easy to use and control, and sure to keep them entertained for hours. Plus, it glows!
Pipsticks
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$11.95
Fact: You are never too old to love stickers. The Pipsticks Kids Club sends a packet of fun and high-quality stickers each month, starting at just $11.95 per month. This is truly a gift that keeps giving and will help them stay excited (and thinking of you) all year long.
Brittanica Books
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$14.99
The truth is, most kids love gross stuff. For the kid that can’t resist a good poop fact or stinky world record, this encyclopedia is perfect. It’s brimming with interesting (and icky!) facts about the world. It covers a ton of topics kids love to learn about and will definitely come up in dinner conversation whether you like it or not.😬
Talking Tables
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$24.50
Puzzles have a calming effect on the brain, and we could all use a little more of that right now. This puzzle is so gorgeous that they may want to frame it when it’s done (which won’t be for a little while—it’s 500 pieces).
$18
The Bravery magazine is printed quarterly and inspires kids to be dreamers, doers and of course, to be brave. Each issue focuses on a female role model and shares stories, crafts and activities to help your child learn valuable lessons.
Emily Fischer
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$50
These kits are handmade in Bali and will be as fun to fly as they are pretty to decorate a room.
Flow
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$10.29
Art-loving kids will delight in this book (and honestly, you might, too). Each page is either a beautifully designed piece of paper to craft with or a mini paper-related project: origami, paper dolls, pen pal kit and more.
Crazy Aaron's
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$26.79
The verdict is in: Slime and putty are still cool—especially when kids can make it themselves. The Crazy Aaron kits get rave reviews. This one comes with the ability to make glow-in-the-dark, sparkle and heat-sensitive putty. And we love that “Thinking Putty is manufactured with the help of exceptional individuals challenged with disabilities.”
Neon MFG
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$159.99
Neon MFG makes the coolest neon signs that will transform any room into a teenager’s dream. You even have the ability to create a completely custom design!
$28
Sure, Wonderwoman and Princess Leia are cool, but they’ve got nothing on the likes of women like Malala, Susan B. Anthony and Rosa Parks. Celebrating real human role models with Piccolina’s inspiring Trailblazer T-shirts is a non-negotiable this year. They’re made from super high-quality cotton and feature colorful renditions of famous (and not surprisingly, not so famous) female icons designed by female artists from all over the world.
$26.99
Cara & Co. makes adorable bead kits for all the jewelry makers in your life. Their kids’ kits come in a ton of different styles, and includes everything your (not-so) little one needs to make unique jewelry.