What to gift a child for their birthday? Best gifts of 2025

A wooden play kitchen for toddlers has become a hit in recent years: it sparks imagination and lets children safely imitate adults. Models like the Label Label kitchen set were awarded “Toy of the Year 2025” for their creativity and educational value.

The youngest children (ages 1–3) need gifts that stimulate sensory and motor development and encourage movement. In this category, leading toys provide tactile experiences, promote physical activity, and allow little ones to mimic everyday adult actions. Here are the top trendy gift ideas for the youngest kids:

A balance bike has been gaining popularity among parents and children over the past few years. This small pedal-free bike allows even two-year-olds to develop balance and coordination through fun play. The child pushes off the ground with their feet, experiencing independence and the joy of riding on their own.

A balance bike is an investment for several seasons: many models have adjustable seat heights and “grow” with the child. This gift encourages active outdoor movement and helps prepare the little one for transitioning to a regular bicycle in the future.

Sensory or creative cubes — toys that stimulate the senses — are an excellent idea for the youngest children. A great example is Jelly Blox cubes: bright, soft blocks filled with different materials (sand, foam beads, glitter, etc.) that help develop a child’s sense of touch and vision. Toddlers can squeeze, shake, and stack them, discovering various textures and sounds.

Another hit includes shape sorters and magnetic puzzles — they help children learn to recognize shapes and colors through play. Sets of tactile balls with different textures or soft building blocks (for example, made of foam) also support fine motor skills and curiosity development.

A wooden play kitchen — children love to imitate adults, so a toy kitchen with accessories is a gift that nurtures imagination and social skills. Wooden kitchens have been trending for several seasons: they are durable, stylish, and safe.

A child can “cook” lunch for teddy bears, play with little pots, or “brew coffee” for parents. The Label Label Bistro set (wooden kitchen, toy coffee maker, mixer) has won awards for its educational value. This toy develops motor skills (opening doors, stirring with a spoon), encourages role play, and provides hours of engaging fun, letting kids feel like grown-ups.

Preschool boys (ages 4–7) are an endless source of energy and imagination. At this age, they are often fascinated by toy cars and favorite cartoon characters, and they love building and constructing things. Building sets and cars are always a win — in 2025, LEGO sets and Hot Wheels cars are becoming increasingly popular. It’s best to choose a gift that develops creativity or encourages active play. Here are the most interesting and relevant gift ideas for boys aged 4–7:

A construction set (LEGO and others) is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. In 2025, sets inspired by popular movies, cartoons, and games that boys know and love are especially popular. LEGO offers series such as City, Ninjago, Star Wars, and superhero sets that allow kids to recreate scenes from the screen right in their room.

Polish building sets by Cobi are also a hit, featuring models of military vehicles, historical tanks, and airplanes — perfect for young fans of history and technology. Such sets develop fine motor skills and logical thinking during assembly. The finished model brings a sense of satisfaction and can be used for play afterward.

Regardless of the brand, a construction set is a long-lasting gift: a child can follow the instructions or unleash their imagination to create unique builds.

Hot Wheels racing track — small metal cars have been winning boys’ hearts for years, and this year they’re back at the top of popularity. The Hot Wheels brand offers many new track sets: from “loop-de-loops” and launchers to ramps and themed kits (for example, a multi-level garage or a jungle rally with obstacles).

A racing track is a dynamic and exciting toy — kids can organize competitions, launch several cars, and see which one reaches the finish line first. A popular choice is a large Hot Wheels set with a loop and launcher, allowing cars to perform spectacular stunts. This gift guarantees excitement and active play while also developing hand-eye coordination, as the child must control the launches and plan the race route.

A remote-controlled car — what could make a little car enthusiast happier than having his own RC vehicle? In 2025, store shelves will be filled with durable off-road models and fast racing cars designed even for younger children. An example is the Turbo Challenge series, awarded “Toy of the Year” for its sturdy design and diverse options for all age groups.

A remote-controlled car teaches kids focus and dexterity while maneuvering. They can race around the living room, navigate obstacles, or even compete with Dad in the parking lot. Modern models feature easy-to-use controllers, and some also include sound and light effects, making the play experience more realistic. A remote-controlled car is every boy’s dream — it gives a sense of control over a vehicle and pure joy from fast (yet safe!) driving in miniature form.

Girls aged 4–7 often love role-playing games — they enjoy dolls and reenacting everyday or fairytale scenes. In 2025, the legendary Barbie doll still reigns supreme, but new hits inspired by popular shows and characters are emerging. Little princesses also adore interactive pets and creative kits. The key is to choose a gift that lets them explore different roles and develop imagination. Here are the top gift trends for girls aged 4–7:

Barbie doll (fashion series) — Barbie is a timeless gift for girls, and this iconic doll is now experiencing a true revival in popularity. After the hit Barbie movie of 2023, interest in the doll has grown even stronger — new models, sets, and accessories have been released, sparking a collector’s passion.

In 2025, Barbie still tops the list of the most popular toys for girls. Particularly trendy are the Barbie Extra series (dolls in ultra-stylish outfits), Barbie Dreamtopia (fairy-tale princesses and mermaids), and themed sets (such as Barbie Doctor or Barbie Astronaut — encouraging girls to explore different professions).

This doll helps develop a child’s creativity through role play: they can invent stories at home, play with fashion, or recreate real-life scenes. With the option to buy outfits, furniture, and even entire dollhouses, Barbie remains a long-lasting and inspiring toy that lets a child build her own little world.

Gabby’s Dollhouse playset — Recently, the animated series Gabby’s Dollhouse on Netflix has gained massive popularity. Girls adore the main character, Gabby, and her cute kittens, so toys from this series are now in high demand.

The Gabby’s Dollhouse set is a colorful miniature house for the Gabby doll and her cats, filled with tiny furniture and accessories. Children can recreate scenes from the show or invent their own adventures for the characters. The sets usually include a Gabby figurine (a girl with cat ears) and several kittens — each with its own name and personality, just like in the series. It’s the perfect gift for young fans of the show, bringing the magical world from the screen into real life.

Playing with the dollhouse and figures develops storytelling skills, creativity, and a sense of care (as the child looks after their little pets). Gabby sets are bright, detailed, and guaranteed to bring a smile to any 5- or 6-year-old girl.

Cry Babies interactive doll — a series of adorable baby dolls that are becoming increasingly popular among children. Their special feature is that they can actually cry real tears — simply fill them with water, and when you press their tummy, tears flow from their eyes! Each Cry Babies doll has its own name and themed outfit (for example, a dinosaur, unicorn, or animal costume), which makes it unique.

If you remove the pacifier from the doll’s mouth, she begins to cry — the child then needs to “comfort” her by cuddling or giving the pacifier back. This toy not only entertains but also teaches empathy and care, as the girl learns to look after her “crying baby.”

Cry Babies is one of the hottest toy trends of 2025 in the interactive doll category: kids love them for their realism and the opportunity to play “mom.” New models now feature extra functions, such as baby sounds or light effects, making playtime even more engaging. This gift is sure to captivate any child for a long time.

Boys of school age (8–12 years old) usually already have certain interests: some are into science and technology, others collect figures and gadgets, and most love new and exciting challenges. In 2025, two major trends stand out — the growing popularity of STEM educational toys (robots, experiment kits) and the craze for collectible figures and gadgets (often inspired by internet trends).

Therefore, a gift for a boy aged 8–12 should either encourage creativity and hands-on skills or simply bring joy with something “cool” and modern. Here’s an overview of the top ideas:

Labubu collectible figure (Pop Mart) — one of the global toy sensations of 2025. These small, adorably weird creatures, resembling a rabbit with teeth and a doll-like face, come from limited blind box series made by the Hong Kong company Pop Mart.

What does that mean? The figures are sold in sealed surprise boxes — you never know which one you’ll get until you open it. Labubu has rapidly gained massive popularity in both Asia and the West; social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are full of “Labubu craze” posts, where collectors show off their sets, and new releases sell out instantly.

For a 10–12-year-old boy, a Labubu figure can be an ultra-trendy gadget to decorate his desk or backpack (many use them as keychains). Labubu represents a wider trend of so-called viral toys — toys that become popular through viral content. This little creature is “so ugly it’s cute,” making it perfect for kids with a sense of humor.

Such a gift will delight a young collector and might spark a new hobby of figure collecting (Pop Mart also produces other lines like Cry Babies, Hirono, and other collectible characters).

Mini drone for beginners — Tech gadgets are something that older kids absolutely love. A drone as a gift will make a huge impression on any boy — after all, it’s his own flying machine! There are small drones on the market designed for kids aged 8+, featuring built-in safety measures (such as propeller guards) and simple controls.

Such a drone can perform basic stunts (360° flips, circular flight), and some models even come with LED lights that look spectacular during night flights. A mini drone teaches patience and precision — mastering the remote control takes a bit of practice, but it’s deeply rewarding. It’s also a great reason to go outside and practice flying in the open air (though there are models suitable for indoor use as well).

It’s best to choose a model with altitude hold and beginner mode to make flying simple and enjoyable. This futuristic gadget will undoubtedly be the highlight of any birthday and stand out among traditional toys.

Educational programming robot — In an era where children learn programming from an early age, a robotics kit makes an excellent gift. A great example is the Polish-made Photon robot, designed specifically to teach kids coding through play.

This robot responds to commands from an app — the child can program it to follow a set route, avoid obstacles, make sounds, or flash colorful lights. Learning happens through trial and error, developing analytical thinking and perseverance. Alternatives include sets like LEGO Boost/Mindstorms or mBot, which let children build their own robot from parts and then bring it to life by coding simple sequences of actions.

In 2025, the focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) is stronger than ever — these toys combine fun and education, making them highly valued by parents and exciting for kids. Giving a boy his own robot means not only entertaining him with control and movement but also possibly sparking a lifelong passion for programming or engineering.

Girls aged 8–12 are entering the preteen (tweens) stage, when personal interests and tastes begin to form. Many of them still love toys, but not the same ones as younger kids — they prefer more creative, stylish, or collectible items that can also decorate their rooms.

In 2025, several trends stand out in this age group: the popularity of plush collections (like Squishmallows), the return of classic active games such as Hobby Horse, and a growing interest in DIY kits for crafting or jewelry making. When choosing a gift for a girl aged 8–12, it’s best to pick something that lets her express herself and her unique interests. Here are the top gift trends for this age group:

Squishmallows plush toys (collection) — Squishmallows are a line of unbelievably soft plush toys that have quickly captured the hearts of children (and adults) around the world. Each Squishmallow has its own name, appearance, and “personality” — from unicorns, cats, and dogs to cartoon characters and limited editions (like Pokemon and Disney).

What makes them special? They’re filled with a unique foam that makes them extra squishy and pleasant to touch — you can’t help but hug and squeeze them. Squishmallows have also become a hit in Eastern Europe — a must-have for decorating a teen’s room and a cozy companion for sleep. Girls love collecting them — they come in various sizes (from tiny keychains to huge 50 cm pillows) and themed collections.

Squishmallows have earned a beloved status among both kids and adults — a true phenomenon comparable to the Beanie Babies craze of the 1990s. Giving a girl a new Squishmallow (especially one she doesn’t yet own) is sure to bring her immense joy. These plush toys also make perfect room décor and are always there for a comforting hug on a bad day.

Hobby Horse (stick horse) — a game that in recent years has practically turned into a sport — and not just abroad. It’s about a plush horse head attached to a wooden stick. Girls (and not only them) ride these “horses,” organize jumping competitions, and even create show performances. Sounds unusual?

In fact, hobby horsing now has its own tournaments and a growing community of school-age fans. Stores offer beautiful handmade stick horses — for example, by the brand byAstrup — complete with brushable manes, bridles, and sometimes even accessory sets for “grooming.” This gift encourages active outdoor play, nurtures imagination (the child imagines being a rider), and teaches care and responsibility toward a “pet.”

For a girl who loves horses, it’s an absolute dream. In 2025, hobby horse has also become a social media trend — on TikTok, you can find videos of kids showing off their horses and jumps. Giving a stick horse as a gift might spark a new athletic interest — a healthy alternative to gadgets. Plus, it’s a charming retro-style toy that brings plenty of movement and joy.

DIY jewelry or accessory kit — Creative “do-it-yourself” gifts are always a hit, and for girls in this age group, kits that let them create something stylish and personal are especially appealing. In 2025, jewelry-making sets are among the most popular — complete kits with beads, charms, threads, and clasps that let young fashion lovers design their own bracelets, necklaces, or keychains.

A frequent bestseller is letter-bead sets, which allow kids to spell out their name or a favorite word on a bracelet. Other options include cosmetics-making kits (such as DIY lip gloss or bath bomb sets) or manicure studios (stickers and glitter for child-friendly nail art). This type of gift is perfect for girls who enjoy crafting and fashion fun. It’s creative and rewarding — after all, a handmade bracelet or decorated bag is something to be proud of.

DIY kits help develop fine motor skills, patience, and a sense of aesthetics. Another advantage is that the result is something wearable or usable — meaning the play leads to a real, tangible outcome. In an age when crafting is back in style, such a gift can nurture a child’s love for creating unique things.

Teenagers aged 13–15 are often drawn to more advanced gadgets and hobbies that feel “almost adult.” While many of them have shifted toward video games and electronics, there are still “toys” for teens that can truly capture their interest.

Trends in 2025 show that boys in this age range still appreciate iconic childhood brands in their evolved forms (like LEGO Technic or Nerf) and enjoy items that reflect their pop-culture interests (such as collectible models or movie figurines). It’s best to choose a gift that matches the teen’s passion — whether it’s technology, sports, or sci-fi. Here are the best gift ideas for teenage boys:

Nerf blaster (latest model) — Nerf has long become a legendary series of foam dart blasters that bring excitement to both kids and teens. For a 13–15-year-old, you can choose a more advanced model — for example, a semi-automatic, battery-powered blaster that fires bursts of soft darts, or a large Nerf sniper rifle with a scope.

Boys of this age often organize Nerf battles in the yard or at home — it’s a great team activity that encourages movement and competition, all without harm (foam darts are completely safe). The 2025 Nerf lineup includes the Ultra series with extended range and the Nerf Fortnite series, recreating weapons from the popular game. This gift is perfect for an action or shooter fan — it lets them bring the thrill of virtual battles into the real world.

A Nerf blaster is also a fun way to spend active time outdoors with friends. And while it may seem like a “kids’” toy, Nerf battles are exciting even for adults — so any 14-year-old boy would definitely be thrilled to receive such a gadget.

Advanced building kit (construction set or scale model) — During their teenage years, many boys discover a love for craftsmanship or model collecting. A large, self-assembly kit can make an excellent gift.

For example, LEGO Technic features complex mechanical models with many pieces — motorcycles, sports cars with engines, cranes, or even Formula 1 racers. Such a set is a real challenge that can take several days of meticulous work, and the finished result often includes moving mechanical parts (like a working piston engine or a functional winch). Another option is model kits for gluing — replicas of airplanes, ships, or cars in scale form.

Brands like Revell and Tamiya offer kits for both beginners and advanced builders, which need to be painted and assembled step by step. Technical constructors and model kits are gaining popularity — teenagers enjoy creating detailed constructions such as race cars or robots.

This kind of gift develops patience, attention to detail, and provides great satisfaction once completed. Moreover, the finished model can decorate a shelf or desk — a source of pride for a young builder. If the teen is interested in cars, aviation, or military history, a model connected to that passion will make an especially meaningful gift.

Collectible gadget from a favorite universe (Funko Pop figures and more) — Teenagers are often passionate fans of specific movies, games, or comics. To truly connect with them, consider giving a collectible figure or gadget tied to their favorite universe.

Extremely popular are Funko Pop! vinyl figures — small collectible characters representing icons of pop culture (literally anyone, from Marvel and Star Wars to anime heroes and even football players). Funko Pops are instantly recognizable with their big-headed design and are adored by teens as collectible items.

You can choose a figure of their favorite superhero or a character from a game they play — it’s sure to hit the mark. Other great ideas include a wall poster, a limited-edition comic, a tabletop game figure (like Warhammer or D&D) for painting, or a themed game item (such as a replica sword or an emblem pendant).

In 2025, geek culture has gone mainstream, and such items are in high demand. Collectible pieces allow young people to express their individuality and interests — whether displayed on a shelf or worn as an accessory. For a Star Wars fan, it might be a Stormtrooper figurine; for a Minecraft lover, a pickaxe-shaped lamp. These gifts bring genuine joy. Moreover, many of them increase in value over time (especially limited editions), making them not just toys but valuable collectibles for the future.

Girls aged 13–15 are almost young women, so they tend to be more selective about gifts. Many at this age want something fashionable, “grown-up,” or useful in everyday life. However, the child inside them is still there, so cute gadgets or creative kits can still bring plenty of joy.

According to 2025 trends, the most popular gifts for teenage girls include electronic gadgets for capturing memories, accessories related to social media, and iconic cute toys used as room décor. Here are a few ideas that can delight a girl aged 13–15:

Instant photo camera Instax — Instant photography has made a strong comeback in recent years, and Instax cameras (by Fujifilm) have become a favorite gadget among teenagers. This camera instantly prints the photo you take — as a small, stylish picture, much like a Polaroid. Girls love Instax because it lets them capture moments with friends at parties, school, or vacations and immediately create tangible keepsakes.

In the digital age, it feels original and tactile. New Instax Mini models come in pastel tones, and there are often limited editions with trendy designs (for example, floral Instax cameras or collaborations with fashion brands). You can also buy a cute case, a photo album, or film cartridges with colorful frames — all of which make using it even more fun. Instax is both a practical and creative gift: it encourages a girl to develop her photographic eye, create memory albums, and decorate her room with prints (it’s trendy now to hang Instax photos on a string with clips on the wall).

This gadget never gets boring — every new film pack means ten more moments to capture. If your daughter or niece loves photography and appreciates aesthetic things, an Instax camera will be a perfect choice.

Selfie and TikTok kit (tripod with light) — Social media plays a major role in the lives of modern teenagers. Many girls dream of filming cool TikTok videos or taking perfect Instagram photos.

A selfie kit can make those dreams come true. Typically, such a set includes a phone tripod (often telescopic, extending up to about 1.5 m) and a ring LED light that evenly illuminates the face with soft light — just like professional bloggers use. This makes videos and photos look much better, even in low-light rooms. Many kits also include a Bluetooth remote for taking photos or videos hands-free.

A girl can set up her phone on the tripod, turn on the light, and record dance moves, beauty tutorials, or take group selfies with friends — all without worrying about lighting or framing. This gadget has become extremely popular, as young content creators strive to improve the quality of their work — a ring light is now almost a must-have in any aspiring influencer’s room.

This gift shows that you understand the child’s interests and support her creative self-expression. It’s useful both for fun and for school (for example, recording projects) and helps boost confidence in front of the camera.

Jellycat plush toy (designer plush) — Although teenagers often feel they’re too old for toys, plush animals by Jellycat are a clear exception. These premium British toys have rapidly conquered the global market — during the 2024 Christmas season, one was sold every 15 seconds at London’s Selfridges!

What makes Jellycat special? These are incredibly cute toys with unique designs and ultra-soft, high-quality materials. The brand’s most famous product is the large Jellycat Bunny — super soft, with long floppy ears, and available in many colors. It’s become a true lifestyle icon — photos with Jellycats have flooded social media, and the toys even appear in photo shoots as charming accessories.

For a teenager, such a signature toy can be both a cuddle buddy and a stylish room decoration (it fits perfectly into tumblr, pastel goth, or even classic interior aesthetics). Moreover, during stressful school times, a plush friend offers comfort and a touch of nostalgia for carefree childhood days — many teens see them as a way to lift their spirits.

Gifting a Jellycat means saying: “I know that deep down, you still love soft toys — and that’s perfectly fine.” Choose a model that matches the girl’s personality — it could be a sloth, a llama, or the classic bunny or teddy bear. Jellycat represents the top tier of plush toys, sure to be appreciated even by a sophisticated young aesthete.

The year 2025 brings many exciting trends to the world of children’s gifts. We’re seeing the return of classics (like building sets and plush toys) in new forms, as well as the emergence of tech innovations designed even for the youngest kids. The key to a perfect gift is choosing it based on the child’s age and interests.

For the youngest, choose something that develops their senses and encourages movement; for preschoolers — toys inspired by their favorite cartoons or active play; for older kids — building challenges or trendy gadgets that let them express themselves.

Remember, the best gift is the one that brings a smile and creates lasting memories. Whether you choose a seasonal hit or something more timeless — what truly matters is giving it from the heart.

We hope the suggestions above have inspired you and helped you choose the perfect birthday gift for a child. After all, the joy on a child’s face from a well-chosen present is priceless — and 2025 offers plenty of ways to bring that joy. Happy shopping and a wonderful birthday celebration!