Best birthday gifts for kids of every age
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Louisa Sherlock
Contributing EditorWhen it comes to birthdays, your child has probably given you a long list of what they want (building blocks = yes, unicorn = no). But what should you buy that is fun AND that boosts your child’s development?
Especially as studies show children learn through play, while a recent Netmums survey found 79% of parents look for gifts that are beneficial for their child.
Luckily Hasbro has you covered with a huge range of toys and games. From preschoolers to teens and beyond, here’s our toy guide for kids of all ages.
Gift ideas for children aged 3-5 years
Your child is growing in independence and may even have started at school. Look for toys that let them use their imaginations and boost their fine motor skills. (These use the smaller muscles in their hands and wrists that they’ll need for school activities like writing or using scissors.)
Netmums picks …
Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Candy Delight playset
This fun set has a candy machine that lets your child make sweet treats including chocolate bars and gummy bears. They can pretend to serve the sweets to customers (that’s you!) in the little containers.
Buy here: Play-Doh Kitchen Creations
My Little Pony: A New Generation Rainbow Reveal Sunny Starscout
Making up stories is a great way to develop your child’s imagination. One way to do this is through playing with toys like My Little Pony. Your child can dream up adventures for Sunny Starscout and also have fun plaiting or curling the pony’s mane, with online hair tutorials.
Buy here: MLP A New Generation Rainbow Reveal Sunny Starscout
Hungry Hungry Hippos Launchers
Your child might be little but chances are they're starting to get a bit competitive. Challenge them to a board game like Hungry Hungry Hippos Launchers. The rules are simple: launch plastic melons into the hippos mouths. The most melons wins!
Your child will be practicing their hand-eye coordination and learning how to take turns.
Buy here: Hungry Hippos Launcher
Gift ideas for children aged 6-8 years
The way your child plays has changed from their preschool years. Fantasy play is on the way out and in its place are games with rules. So why not pick toys that teach your child how to follow instructions … and how to win OR lose.
Netmums picks …
Monopoly Junior
Your child is probably still a bit young for the traditional game of Monopoly. The Junior version is much simpler and still lets your child buy properties, collect rent … and try and avoid going bankrupt!
It’s also a great way to sneak in a maths lesson without your child even realising. The money is all in single banknotes which they need to count out to pick up their properties.
Buy here: Monopoly Junior
Nerf DinoSquad Stegosmash Blaster
If your child is eight or older, they’ll love this Nerf blaster with foam darts and cool dinosaur designs. Not only does it get them active, it also keeps them off their screens. Now that IS a toy with benefits!
Buy here: Nerf DinoSquad Stegosmash Blaster
Jenga Classic
There’s a reason some toys have been around for years. And Jenga, which was invented in 1983, is a total classic. Suitable for kids aged six and over, it’s great for your child’s hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and patience.
Buy here: Jenga Classic
Gift ideas for children aged 9-13 years
The tween and teen years are a time of big change for your child: from their emotions to physical changes. And one thing’s for certain, they are definitely more interested in their friends than you. Sob.
So pick a toy they can play with their mates and you’ll earn top brownie points. (Not that they’ll ever tell you that, obvs).
Netmums picks …
Nerf Fortnite SP-L Blaster and Nerf Ultra One Blaster
There’s no getting away from the fact that your child loves playing video games. So your mission is to prise them away from their devices and get them playing IRL with their friends. The Nerf Fortnite SP-L Blaster is perfect for this, inspired by the hugely popular video game that we have no doubt your children will love.
The motorised Nerf Ultra One Blaster showcases innovation in the blaster category with the farthest flying Nerf darts ever, blasting up to 120 feet! With these amazing features, it won’t take much encouragement to get the kids running around outside.
Buy here: Nerf Fortnite SP-L Blaster and Nerf Ultra One Blaster
Monopoly Super Mario Celebration Edition
Are your kids obsessed with Mario Kart? Then they’ll love this Super Mario themed Monopoly game. Your kids can buy Toad houses and Princess Peach's castles while the board features some classic Mario scenes including Yoshi's Island, Forest of Illusion and New Donk City.
It’s another great way to get them off their devices and playing with their friends or family.
Buy here: Monopoly Super Mario Celebration Edition
Gift ideas for the whole family
Looking for birthday presents that benefit the whole family? It’s got to be a board game.
Netmums picks …
Cluedo
You and the kids can become super sleuths with this classic ‘whodunnit’ board game. Make sure to leave no card unturned. Ask questions to uncover who, what & where the murder took place. This game promotes kids to use their memory and remember clues, whilst others take their turn to guess.
Buy here: Cluedo
Connect 4
You probably played this when you were little. Connect 4 is a great game to play with younger kids, and it helps them with basic maths and how to spot patterns.
Buy here: Connect 4
Trivial Pursuit Family Edition
Choose from 2,400 questions, divided up into kids and adults cards. Not only is Trivial Pursuit good for your general knowledge, it also sparks some healthy family competition. Good luck!
Buy here: Trivial Pursuit Family Edition
