Christmas Day will be here soon, and since your child, niece, nephew, godchild or other remarkable little person is on the nice list (no one was naughty this year, right?), the holidays are the perfect time to give the gift of fun toys, a gaming console, new way to listen to “Baby Shark” or something retro that will get them rolling. Looking for something the entire family can enjoy? There’s a LEGO activity that will allow families to build together in New York City, so start planning now, and get your tickets early too. This holiday gift guide has options for kids of all ages and folks who are kids at heart. Enjoy holiday shopping, wrapping and experiencing the joys of making someone happy.
RELATED: 2019 Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking stuffers
Build it
Creative kids will love building monster trucks, dinosaurs, fossils, trains and more with LEGO, the ever-popular colorful interlocking plastic bricks, which keep kids consistently entertained. Kits have varying recommended ages and costs, so check which one is right for your child. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta (3500 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta) is currently offering one free admittance ticket for every $25 spent in the retail store. For future planning, LEGOLAND New York Resort will open July 4, 2020 and offer on-ride tracking technology, so guests will magically see themselves as LEGO minifigures. Children and adults of all ages will be welcomed at the park. Annual passes are $119.99-$209.99. 420 Harriman Dr., Goshen, NY. legoland.com/new-york
Portable instruments
Learning to play an instrument can be done at home with very little space. Opt for the Rock and Roll It flexible roll up piano or drum kit which, when unrolled, features real instrument sounds; include record and playback options; and connects to external speakers so kids can pump up the volume. Best for children 6 years old and up. $49.95 each. thegrommet.com
Colorful artwork
The Crayola Spin and Art Station is for kids who want to create art at home and hang it up too. They can experiment with styles on one or both sides with this no-batteries-required toy inclusive of gears, markers, ink and paper disks. Best for children 5 years old and up. $19.99. crayola.com
Sing along
If the song "Baby Shark" is played often from your phone or television, here's an alternative: plush cubes that plays four verses each. Produced by WowWee for Pinkfong, the cubes are available in three versions: Baby Shark in yellow, Mommy Shark in pink and Daddy Shark in blue. Best for children 24 months and older. $6.77-$8.89. amazon.com
Game console
Let the games begin with Xbox One X NBA 2K20 Special Edition featuring night sky design to replicate evening pickup basketball games plus two complimentary one-month Xbox passes. Recommended for teens and up. $499.99. xbox.com/en-us
Teething toy
Babies love to chew on things, so a teething toy gives them something to bite onto. Try Apple Park's organic plush sloth on a ring, comprised of 100% organic cotton Sherpa fleece and a phthalate-free rubber ring to help develop motor skills or soothe sore gums. Best for children up to 12 months old. $18. applepark.com
Activity walker
First steps and developing motor skills can be a fun activity with an iPlay, iLearn multi-use activity walker that also features a drawing board and game center. As a walker, babies can move seamlessly with wheels that glide on hardwood and carpeted surfaces; a handle helps support walking. Highlights of the drawing board include a colorful pen, board and magnetic doodle surface. The game center includes driving simulation and a detachable mobile phone for baby babble or first words. Best for ages nine months and older. $66.99. amazon.com
Hey, doll
Mattel is offering a 2019 holiday Barbie in an assortment of styles, including one in a luxurious red and white dress with festive holiday thread, a bow on the shoulder and silver earrings. Dolls are available in various hues so each child can have a doll akin to their complexion. Each one also includes a stand and a certificate of authenticity. Best for ages 6 years old and up. $48.12-$59.97. lolsdolls.com/en/barbie
Take a spin
Remember when kids played outside? With the Lydaz bubble mower, children will want to head outdoors for short and long walks with parents to see bubbles blowing out from the wheel while walking (or running) and hear sounds similar to a lawn mower. An 8-ounce bottle of bubble solution is included. Best for children 18 months old and up. $24.99. amazon.com
Roll out
Kids of all ages can hit the streets or a roller derby in vibrant retro roller skates from Planet Roller Skates. Styles range from indoor to outdoor to derby-specific in styles such as glittery, sneaker-like, holographic, leopard print and Rasta-inspired. Various sizes available for children and adults. Prices vary. planetrollerskate.shop
