Let’s be real: figuring out what kids want for Christmas can feel like cracking a secret code that changes every single year. One minute they’re obsessed with a particular toy or game, and the next, it’s completely forgotten in favor of the latest trend sweeping through their friend group or dominating social media. Parents, grandparents, and gift-givers everywhere face the annual challenge of choosing presents that’ll actually get used instead of gathering dust in the back of a closet come February.
But don’t worry—we’ve done the detective work for you, spending countless hours researching trends, reading reviews, and talking to actual kids about their wish lists. We’ve analyzed what kids want for Christmas across different age groups, interests, and personalities to create a comprehensive guide that takes the guesswork out of holiday shopping. Our research includes surveying parents, consulting with child development experts, and—most importantly—listening to what kids themselves are excited about this season.
Understanding what kids want for Christmas in 2024 means balancing the hottest trends with timeless gifts that offer lasting value. From screen time that slaps to outdoor gear that gets them moving, from creative outlets that spark imagination to educational tools disguised as pure fun—we’ve curated this definitive guide based on what kids want for Christmas most. These are the gifts that’ll make Christmas morning absolutely legendary, creating those magical moments of pure joy when kids unwrap exactly what they’ve been dreaming about.
When it comes to what kids want for Christmas, this gaming console consistently tops the list—and for good reason. The Nintendo Switch OLED has been dominating wish lists for years, and this upgraded version takes things up a notch with enhanced features that make gaming even more immersive.
What makes this one of the top items for what kids want for Christmas? The Switch plays both as a handheld device AND connects to your TV, offering incredible versatility that no other console can match. The OLED model rocks a gorgeous 7-inch screen with colors so vibrant they practically jump out at you. Kids can game during road trips, in their rooms, or level up on the big screen for family showdowns that bring everyone together.
The game library is packed with crowd-pleasers like Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, Pokémon, and Minecraft—all titles that consistently appear on what kids want for Christmas lists. Plus, it handles multiplayer like a champ—perfect for siblings who actually want to play together (miracles do happen). The console’s durability means it can handle the wear and tear of daily use, making it a smart investment for families.
Why it slaps:
Best for: Kids 6+ who are into gaming
Pro tip: Grab a Nintendo Switch Online family membership for classic games and online multiplayer access. Consider adding a protective case and screen protector to keep the investment safe.
LEGOs have always been iconic, but the Architecture line is quickly becoming what kids want for Christmas when they’re obsessed with building stuff and learning about world landmarks—it’s next level cool.
These sets let kids recreate famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, or the Great Wall of China with realistic proportions and legit details that capture the essence of these structures. Each comes with a booklet about the structure’s history and architectural significance—sneaky educational vibes that actually feel interesting rather than forced, which is why LEGO sets remain what kids want for Christmas year after year.
The building process is pure zen, offering hours of screen-free focus time that helps develop patience and attention to detail. And when they’re done? Boom—instant room décor they’ll actually be proud of displaying on their shelves. These sets also make great conversation starters when friends visit, giving kids a chance to share what they’ve learned. It’s easy to see why they’re consistently what kids want for Christmas when they love both building and learning.
Why it slaps:
Best for: Kids 10-16 who dig building projects or world history
Pro tip: Perfect for parent-kid bonding projects over winter break. Set aside dedicated building time to work on these together and create lasting memories.
Cheap art supplies are a buzzkill that can actually discourage creativity. Premium kits? Game-changer for young creators—and consistently what kids want for Christmas when they’re serious about their artistic pursuits.
We’re talking professional-grade pencils, watercolors, markers, and pastels that produce those actually vibrant colors that make artwork pop off the page. Complete sets usually come in wooden cases that make kids feel like legit artists with their own portable studio. The variety lets them experiment and discover their style—some kids who get quality art supplies end up hooked for life, developing skills that could turn into lifelong passions or even careers.
The difference between cheap and quality materials is night and day, which is why premium art kits have become what kids want for Christmas when they’re serious about creativity. Premium supplies blend better, layer more smoothly, and produce results that kids can actually be proud of. This builds confidence and encourages them to keep creating rather than getting frustrated with subpar tools.
Why it slaps:
Best for: Kids 7-17 who love drawing, painting, or any creative outlet
Pro tip: Add a quality sketchbook or watercolor paper to complete the package. Consider including an instructional book or online course subscription to help them develop their skills further.
Electric scooters = outdoor fun meets cool transportation with a dash of independence that kids absolutely crave. No wonder they’re consistently what kids want for Christmas this year, topping wish lists everywhere and becoming a neighborhood staple. They offer the perfect combination of excitement, exercise, and practical transportation that appeals to both kids and parents alike.
These battery-powered beauties hit 10-15 mph (thrilling but manageable for most kids) and run for 40-60 minutes per charge, giving plenty of time for adventures. Wide decks, responsive brakes, and solid construction keep things safe while kids cruise the neighborhood or visit friends without needing a ride from parents. It’s the perfect excuse to get them outside and moving, combating the sedentary lifestyle that screens can encourage.
Modern electric scooters are engineered with safety in mind, featuring anti-slip surfaces, LED lights for visibility, and reliable braking systems. They’re also surprisingly quiet, so they won’t disturb the whole neighborhood—one more reason why they’ve become what kids want for Christmas when outdoor fun is a priority.prisingly quiet, so they won’t disturb the whole neighborhood when kids are out riding.
Why it slaps:
Best for: Kids 8-14 with safe riding areas
Pro tip: Always include a helmet—safety first, cool tricks second. Check local regulations about where electric scooters can be ridden, and establish clear boundaries for where your kids can go.
Want to sneak in some serious learning? Coding robots make programming feel like play. They’re climbing fast on the list of what kids want for Christmas as STEM education becomes increasingly important—a rare win where education meets fun.
Kids build their robots from scratch, then program them through user-friendly apps to navigate obstacles, complete challenges, or even battle other robots. It teaches logical thinking and problem-solving while feeling like pure fun rather than a classroom assignment—which explains why coding robots have become what kids want for Christmas when they’re into tech. As they level up, the challenges get more complex—meaning the toy grows with them and continues to provide value for years.
These kits introduce fundamental programming concepts like loops, conditionals, and variables in ways that make intuitive sense. It’s no wonder they consistently rank among what kids want for Christmas as technology becomes more central to every career path.
Why it slaps:
Best for: Kids 8-15 interested in tech or engineering
Pro tip: Look for robots with online communities where kids can share projects and learn from others. Many brands offer expansion packs that add new capabilities as kids master the basics.
Plot twist: instant cameras are back and have become what kids want for Christmas this season. Kids are obsessed with them, craving tangible memories in our increasingly digital world.
In our digital world, physical photos hit different—which is why instant cameras have surged on the list of what kids want for Christmas lately. Kids snap a pic and watch it develop in minutes—creating real, holdable memories instead of forgotten smartphone files buried in cloud storage. Modern versions include selfie mirrors and Bluetooth connectivity for printing phone photos too, bridging the gap between digital convenience and physical keepsakes.
There’s something magical about instant photography that resonates with kids. The anticipation of watching a photo develop, the inability to delete and retake endlessly, and the physical nature of the prints all contribute to a more mindful approach to photography. Kids learn to think before they shoot, making each photo more intentional—exactly what kids want for Christmas when they’re developing their creative eye.
Why it slaps:
Best for: Kids 9-16 into photography or creative projects
Pro tip: Include extra film packs and a photo album to complete the gift. Film can get expensive, so consider making it part of a subscription or allowance arrangement to teach budgeting.
Skateboarding never goes out of style, which is why skateboards remain what kids want for Christmas year after year—it’s sport, art, and outdoor fun rolled into one awesome package that builds confidence and community.
Quality boards for beginners feature durable decks and smooth wheels that make learning easier and leQuality boards for beginners feature durable decks and smooth wheels that make learning less frustrating. Longboards are perfect for cruising and transportation, while traditional skateboards are all about tricks and technical skills—both consistently appear on what kids want for Christmas when outdoor sports interest them. Either way, kids get outside, stay active, and join a genuinely welcoming community that celebrates progression and creativity.
Skateboarding teaches persistence like few other activities. Kids will fall, get back up, and try again—building resilience and determination that transfers to other areas of life. The sense of accomplishment when they finally land a trick they’ve been working on is incredibly powerful for building self-esteem, which is why skateboards remain what kids want for Christmas generation after generation.
Why it slaps:
Best for: Kids 7-17 into outdoor sports
Pro tip: Full safety gear (helmet, pads) is non-negotiable, especially for beginners. Consider signing them up for lessons at a local skate park to learn proper technique and safety from the start.
For curious minds who love asking “why?” and “what if?”—science kits are what kids want for Christmas when they’re fascinated by how the world works. These kits bring the lab home and make learning feel like an adventure.
These massive kits pack dozens of experiments covering chemistry, physics, and biology, providing months of educational entertainment. Kids create reactions, build circuits, grow crystals, and explore scientific principles hands-on rather than just reading about them in textbooks. Clear instructions explain the science behind each experiment, making learning feel like discovery rather than homework.
The hands-on nature of these kits helps concepts stick in ways that reading alone never could. When kids see chemical reactions happen before their eyes or build a working circuit, they develop a deeper understanding of scientific principles that will serve them well in school and beyond.
Why it slaps:
Best for: Kids 8-14 who love science and hands-on learning
Pro tip: Set up a designated experiment zone with easy cleanup and supervise younger kids with chemicals. Keep a science journal to document experiments and results, reinforcing the scientific method.
For online gamers, a quality headset transforms everything—audio and social experience. It’s consistently what kids want for Christmas when they’re serious about their gaming setup, and for good reason.
Gaming headsets designed for kids feature comfy padding, adjustable sizing, and volume-limiting tech to protect hearing during those marathon gaming sessions. Clear microphones make multiplayer coordination actually work, eliminating the frustration of garbled communication, and most models play nice with consoles, computers, and tablets for maximum versatility.
The difference a good headset makes in gaming cannot be overstated. Kids can hear directional audio cues they’d miss with TV speakers, communicate clearly with teammates, and immerse themselves in game worlds without disturbing the rest of the household. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Why it slaps:
Best for: Kids 10-17 who game online regularly
Pro tip: Look for parental controls and chat with kids about online safety, including not sharing personal information and reporting inappropriate behavior. Consider headsets with detachable microphones for versatility.
Adventure kits are what kids want for Christmas when they love exploring the outdoors—they turn backyards and parks into exploration zones and make nature way more interesting for the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
These sets include binoculars, compasses, flashlights, magnifying glasses, and field guides for identifying plants and animals. Some add bug catchers or nature journals for documenting discoveries. Real outdoor equipment makes kids feel capable and independent while building observation skills and environmental awareness that will last a lifetime.
In an age where kids spend increasing amounts of time indoors, adventure kits provide the tools and motivation to get outside and engage with the natural world. They transform a simple walk into an expedition, encouraging kids to slow down and really observe their surroundings.
Why it slaps:
Best for: Kids 6-12 who enjoy outdoor activities
Pro tip: Plan family hikes to use the kit together and model outdoor skills. Consider joining local nature groups or participating in citizen science projects to extend the learning and give kids’ observations real-world purpose.
The secret to nailing what kids want for Christmas? Balance their desires with gifts they’ll actually use long after the wrapping paper is cleaned up. The best presents spark immediate joy and lasting engagement—whether through creative play, skill-building, outdoor adventures, or quality gaming time that brings friends and family together.
Every kid is different, so pay attention to what makes them light up throughout the year. Understanding what kids want for Christmas means recognizing that the tech-obsessed gamer needs different gifts than the outdoor adventurer or budding artist. When you match the gift to the kid’s genuine interests, you’re not just giving them something to unwrap—you’re showing them they’re understood and that their passions matter.
Figuring out what kids want for Christmas goes beyond following trends—it’s about recognizing their individual personalities and supporting their growth. The gifts that resonate most are those that align with who they are and who they’re becoming, whether that’s a future programmer, artist, athlete, or scientist.
This holiday season, whether you go high-tech or hands-on, remember: the goal is creating those magical Christmas morning moments that kids remember for years. Now that you know what kids want for Christmas, you can choose gifts that become part of their story, shaping interests and building skills that last far beyond childhood. Now go forth and absolutely crush your gift game. 🎁