10 gifts for kids they'll actually use
From the Still shopping? Our gift guide has something for everyone on your list series
Trying to please the under-10 set can be a puzzle for parents, whose kids either seem to have everything or want everything. How do you choose something that won't be collecting dust in the toy bin by New Year's Day? Thanks to creative gift subscription boxes, technology-geared toys and goopy slime concoctions, there are plenty of choices to please kids and parents alike. Here are 10 ideas sure to entertain your little ones and maybe help them learn something along the way.
Putty Scents
With Putty Scents, kids and parents can enjoy a pleasing aroma with this goopy substance that stretches and molds. A set of three includes cucumber melon, lavender dreams and water lily, and each tin includes a colorful clump - more than a typical mini tin. $10.95 for a pack of three, Amazon.
KiwiCo subscription crates
KiwiCo’s monthly subscription crates can be tailored to match your child’s age and interests. Their Kiwi crates deliver hands-on projects geared toward art and science minded 5- to 8-year-olds, but there are other options to choose. Pick the number of months you want to surprise your child with these STEM-minded toys. $17-$20 per month, kiwico.com.
Magformers
Magformers magnetic building tiles are a colorful way for kids to practice their building skills. A bit less expensive than some other magnetic building brands, Magformers easily attach to each other, are brightly colored and come in various packs with unique shapes. $39.99 for a 30-piece set, Amazon
Bunjo bungee chair
Give kids a fun chair, and maybe they’ll sit and read more! They can do so in style - and a little bounce - with a Bunjo bungee chair, which comes in a variety of colors. $34, Amazon.
L.O.L. Surprise! Doll Bigger Surprise
The L.O.L. Surprise! Doll Bigger Surprise has at least 60 new treasures inside, including dolls, pets and accessories. As with all L.O.L. series toys, this limited edition includes the spy glass, so kids can uncover clues to help find their pet. $89.99, Amazon
Ravensburger The Earth 3D Jigsaw Puzzle
After putting together the 540-piece Ravensburger The Earth 3D Jigsaw Puzzle, your explorer kid can then use it as a functional globe. $33, Amazon.
Bit Coding Robot
With Bit the coding robot by Ozobot, early coders (suggested age is 6 and up) can begin to code with the help of this pocket-sized toy. Activity book with STEM activities and markers are included with this already assembled robot that introduces two different ways to code. $56, Amazon
furReal Munchin’ Rex
The dinosaur-obsessed child will be taken with the furReal Munchin’ Rex, a hungry dinosaur doll that makes noises and talks when kids feed, pet or wave at him. Rex comes with his bottle, caveman cookie and broccoli. $47.99, Amazon.
American Trivia Family Edition
Family time is fun with American Trivia Family Edition. The cards have two questions - one for experts and one for kids still learning - so the entire family can play. $30, Amazon.
Paw Patrol Ultimate Rescue Fire Truck
With the Paw Patrol Ultimate Rescue Fire Truck, kids can use their imagination with the help of their favorite Paw Patrol pups. This new addition to the popular Spin Master collection features Marshall the pup and his firetruck with 2-foot extendable ladder, flashing lights and sounds, so your children can best replicate their own ‘ruff ruff rescue.’ $44, Amazon
Deadlines for getting your gifts in time for Christmas are here. Whether you're shopping for a child, grandparent, foodie, tech-lover or anyon…