If you're searching for holiday gift ideas, I have the ultimate gift guide for you! If you need gifts for boys, girls, tweens, teens, babies, or even the special adults in your life, then check out my categories below. The Jersey Momma Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide features over 100 gift ideas in 15 different categories with something for everyone. I create this gift guide every year, and each item is hand-picked by me. You'll also find helpful links and photos of every suggestion. Everything is clearly labeled with bold headlines for easy reading. Don't forget to check out my toy shopping tips at the end of the post, too.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Some toys and gift suggestions were sent to me as samples, but I promise you I wouldn't feature items in my guide if I didn't totally love them myself! So rest assured, these items all have The Jersey Momma stamp of approval.
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Here's an important disclaimer about my Holiday Gift Guide (please read!): I put a great deal of thought into my Holiday Gift Guide every year. I always strive to create a guide that is helpful to shoppers and honest with buyers. I only include items that I actually like, enjoy, and have seen or tried in person - not just items I received for free or was paid to feature. Here's a repeat message from last year's guide: Don't believe every influencer or blogger you see on social media, sharing toys they received for free from companies and marketing firms. Just because they're featuring them (or 'unboxing') doesn't mean they're great toys. Most influencers feature toys so they can get more free toys, plain and simple (or get paid, which they don't always disclose). I receive HUNDREDS of emails from PR and toy companies that say, "Will you include our toy in your gift guide?" but refuse to send samples, even when I ask. I'm certainly not going to recommend something to you if I've never even held it in my own hands. That being said...
Here's what you will find in my guide:
(copied and pasted from last year's guide because it still holds true):
-9 toy suggestions in 15 different categories (that's over 100 suggestions!)
- Photos that you can click on to enlarge or screenshot to your phone for shopping references.
- Quick shopping links that mostly lead to Amazon, but I wholeheartedly support local business, so if you want to find these toys at your favorite local shop, go for it.*
- A Jersey Momma 'Favorite Pick' in each category, so you know which one I absolutely loved (although I love everything I picked in each category, truthfully)
*Quick reminder that I cannot price shop for you. Toy prices fluctuate so be sure to price compare before making your final purchase. It's also up to you to figure out if the toy is age appropriate for your child. My picks are not organized by age.
For even more toy suggestions, reviews and round-up posts, be sure to visit my Toys & Gift Guides Page, as well as The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2024.
Lastly, I use bold headlines for easy scrolling. I apologize for the ads in between, but these ads help finance my website.
Board Games, Puzzles and Family Gifts
Board games and puzzles make great gifts for a variety of ages. Some of these make great hostess gifts, too, or gifts for families to play together.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: I know it's a bit pricey, but I love the wooden game Skittles from Carrom Games. It will last a lifetime (if not more) and it's a game that various ages can enjoy. It's also a focal point in our house- everyone who visits asks, "What's this?" and we usually immediately show them how to play.
STEM and Building Gifts
These gift ideas are for kids who enjoy Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or kids who just like to build, learn and explore.
Jersey Momma Top Pick: My son was a big rock collector when he was little (we STILL have rocks left from his toddler days!) so I can't resist the Rocknoculars. Also, the BLDR sets are surprisingly cute and fun.
4. BLDR Squishmallows and Sanrio Sets
Plush, Stuffed Animals and Character Gift Ideas
I am a huge fan of plush so it's tough for me to pick just 9. I also included some character toys that aren't plush, but more like interactive companions!
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: Pluzzles are one of my new favorites (you can find them at Five Below), as well as the Fur Real Maggie the Feed & Follow Cow. She's sooo cute!
Playset, Playhouse and Dollhouse Gifts
This category is for regular dollhouses, indoor playhouses and playsets that vary in size, and picks for all genders.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: Gabby's Dollhouse is truly amazing with its interactive features. I can see it keeping kids busy for hours!
Doll Gift Ideas
Dolls will never go out of style. Check out these picks for both boys and girls.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: I'm glad to see retro dolls making a comeback. Rainbow Brite and Strawberry Shortcake are my favorites this year.
7. Winx Club Dolls (available at Target)
Craft, Art and Fashion Gifts
If you're looking for an 'artsy' gift, I've got ya covered! These are perfect choices for kids who like art, fashion and creating.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: Sticki Rolls are so creative and the handbag kit makes them even more fun to play with.
1. Snoodles
Collectibles, Figurines and Blind Boxes
Most of the items in this category can also be used as stocking stuffers. Blind Boxes never seem to go out of style and are even a favorite for teens and tweens.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: The Calico Critters 40th anniversary sets are precious, even if you're not a collector. And truth be told, I obsessively collect the Peanuts Crystal Surprise characters. I have them along my kitchen windowsill (they replaced my Disney ones! lol).
1. AniRollz Hersheys Surprise or Pet House (use code JERSEYMOM10 for 10% off on AniRollz site!)
3. Crystal Surprise Peanuts or Grinch collections
4. Funko Bitty Pop Minions or Sanrio
Gifts for Gamers, YouTubers & Tech Enthusiasts
I've been a gamer most of my life, so I take this category seriously! It's hard for me to pick just 9 since there are so many great games on the market. These are for a variety of different ages so check the ratings for each game carefully before you buy.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: Nex Playground is a hit in almost every family I know that owns it. I also love my own MetaQuest so I will never not recommend one to others. The Switch 2 or Switch Lite is great for young gamers, as well.
6. MetaQuest 3S
Video Game Suggestions for Various Ages
NEW CATEGORY THIS YEAR! As a Gamer myself, I thought I needed a separate category to share some of my favorite games of the year across different platforms. I put the rating next to each game, but it's up to you to find the right console (XBox, Switch, Playstation, PC, etc.). Most of my suggestions are XBox or Switch since those are our consoles at home (but the games come in other formats, so be sure to check).
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: I play Hello Kitty Island Adventures every day. It's one of my favorite ways to relax! But note that I only own the deluxe edition so I cannot attest to value or worth of the gift box edition. Little Nightmares is also creepy but extremely cool. Sonic Racing Crossworlds has a fun Minecraft mix. My teenage son votes for Eldenring, stating that it was well thought-out and fast paced.
6. Doom: The Dark Ages (rated M)
Gifts for Teens and Tweens
I'm the mom of a teen so I know how challenging it can be to shop for them. Hopefully, these ideas will help.
Jersey Momma Favorite: The LEGO Botanicals Happy Plants are adorable and even tweens will love them. I have them on my own desk at home. The Hello Oregano line of desk accessories is also pretty cool and not something you'll find in-stores.
3. Tokyo Treat Box (use code JERSEY MOMMA for $5 off your first box)
6. Magic 8 Ball
Outdoor, Sports and Ride-On Gifts
There are so many fun choices this year for outdoor play. These picks are for both boys and girls.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: The Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Dinosaur is a fun twist on the classic Cozy Coupe car. It also comes in a Jurassic Park version.
Gifts for Book Lovers
As an author and former teacher, book recommendations are one of my favorite things to share. I tried to find books for all ages here.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: I know I'm biased, but of course I'm going to pick my own book as the favorite. Go get your copy of Key of the Darkhouse today!
2. Beach Santa (written by a local New Jersey author!)
3. Key of the Darkhouse by Deborah Zelasny (written by ME!)
Cars, Trucks, Trains and Remote Controlled (RC) Gifts
Hot Wheels and Matchbox usually dominate this category, but I have other choices for you to consider, too, including trains.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: The Goodyear Pretend Car Engine is amazing for kids who are interested in how cars work. The Fisher Price Little People Christmas Train is a classic toy (we still have the one that belonged to my son years ago).
Baby, Toddler and Preschool Gifts
Sometimes babies and toddlers can be just as challenging to shop for as teens and tweens. These picks are not just stuffed animals and baby rattles. Find something your little one will really use and enjoy!
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: Although I find Elmo a tad bit annoying (sorry, Elmo), the Hokey Pokey Elmo is actually really amazing. It can do some fun dances that would delight any child for sure.
Gifts for Adults (Treat Yo'Self!)
Yes, you deserve to treat yourself after shopping for everyone else. Here are some of my favorite picks for you.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick(s): The Ezvalo sound machine is on my own wish list- they had this is in our room at HeartSong Lodge & Resort in Tennessee and I loved it! The Advent Romance book is also a very unique idea and would make a great gift for you or someone else.
2. Sakuraco (use code JERSEY MOMMA for $5 off your first box)
3. David's Cookies (use code JERSEYMOMMA for 20% off your entire purchase)
Bonus: Experience Gifts
Why not consider an experience gift, too? SEA LIFE New Jersey at American Dream is one of my favorites, as well as LEGOLAND New York (their season pass sale is hard to beat). Season passes or any-day tickets to these locations would make great gifts. Gift certificates to local locations is also a terrific gift idea.
4. Madam Tussaud's New York (fun for teens and tweens)
5. Hersheypark
6. Miss Belmar Whale Watching Cruise (gift certificates available)
7. TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park (gift cards available)
8. Adventure Academy or ABCMouse 2 (learning platforms for kids)
9. Beaches Turks and Caicos (ok, I know this is a stretch, but if you have the means, I highly recommend it!)
Jersey Momma Toy Shopping Tips
I copied and pasted many of these tips from last year's guide because they still hold true. I also added new suggestions and warnings, so please read through carefully.
-I can't stress it enough - SHOP EARLY. If you see it, buy it. Don't wait. And be sure to check those sales!
-Beware of fakes, especially on Amazon and especially from well known brands like LEGO and Squishmallows. I don't recommend buying those from third party sellers. Beware of price gouging, especially on Amazon. Know your toy's value and don't overpay.
-Beware of third party sellers on Amazon. Look for reputable brands and not storefronts with unknown names from foreign countries. Some third party sellers are fine, but research their storefront and ratings before making a purchase.
-Avoid Temu and imitation brands. There are no safety regulations on toys like this and many are ripped off from other brands and designers.
-Check all of your sources. Don't just rely on Amazon. Some toys are exclusive to Target, Walmart, or even Costco. Search multiple sources, especially your local mom and pop shops. Walgreens, CVS and even Shop Rite all carry toy selections.
-Another tip is to buy straight from the manufacturer. Some toy companies actually sell their items directly from their own sites or their own e-shops. This is true for Playmonster, Calico Critters (Epoch Toys), Squishmallows (Jazwares), and many others.
-Take advantage of pre-ordering. I know it stinks, but get the order in while you can- the earlier the better. This especially holds true for popular video game titles and exclusives sets like LEGO.
-Reach out to friends and family in other states for help. Different states have different stock, so it's possible someone else can find what you're looking for and ship it to you (but remember, the USPS recommended send-by date for priority mail is 12/18)
Please know that I poured so much heart and soul into this gift guide. I hope you find it useful and that it helps you with all of your holiday shopping needs. If you have questions about any of the toys on this list, send me an email, or reach out to me on social media.
I am so grateful to every person who reads and shares this gift guide. It's the best gift you could ever give me, so thank you from the bottom of my heart. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Be sure to check out my past gift guides here.
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