If you're looking for holiday gift ideas, you've come to the right place. If you need gifts for boys, girls, tweens, teens, babies, or even the special adults in your life, then I've got you covered! The Jersey Momma Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide features over 100 gift ideas in 14 different categories with something for everyone. Every item in this guide is hand-picked by me and comes with helpful links and photos. 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 my annual speech about this Holiday Gift Guide (please read!): Every year I put a great deal of thought into my Holiday Gift Guide. I 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 in person - not just items I received for free or was paid to feature. I know what's popular and what's advertised on TV, but sometimes those "hot items" are not my favorites for various reasons (feel free to email me if you have a question about a toy's worth that is or isn't featured here). And 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 disclaim). And I can't tell you how many emails I get 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 hands. That being said...
Here's what you'll find in my guide:
(copied and pasted from last year's guide because it still holds true)
- 9 toy suggestions in 14 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.
For more detailed toy suggestions, reviews and round-up posts, be sure to visit my Toys & Gift Guides Page, as well as The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2023.
Lastly, I use bold headlines for easy scrolling. I apologize for the ads in between, but a blogger's gotta pay the bills, ya know what I'm sayin? Now, on with the guide!
STEM & Building Gifts
Here are 9 fun ideas for kids who enjoy Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or kids who just like to build.
Jersey Momma Top Pick: I love my Sea Monkeys- it's so peaceful to watch them swimming around. I also love Jellyblox, which are like a building and sensory toy wrapped up in one.
4. Star Wars Galactic Chemistry Lab (Walmart)
Plush, Character and Stuffed Animal Gift Ideas
I could make an entire gift list just with stuffed animals- there are so many to choose from. But these are my favorites, and I consider myself a bit of a plush expert, just sayin'.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: This year I have to say I really love Pluzzles. They might be a bit hard to find because they're brand new (check Five Below), but they're just adorable, super soft and such a clever concept since they all fit together like puzzle pieces. I also adore Yetigram (can be sent any time of year, not just Christmas) and Real FX Stitch.
1. Pluzzles
2. Bumpas
4. Cookiemonium (Claire's)
5. Care Bears Sea Friend (Amazon exclusive)
9. Yetigram
Playset, Playhouse and Dollhouse Gifts
This category is a combo of regular dollhouses, indoor playhouses and playsets that vary in size, and they're for all genders.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: Can you tell I love the Melissa & Doug selections this year? I have two of them in this category. High-quality, creative, adorable. Need I say more? I also love the Target Toy Checklane- so cute for little Target shoppers!
6. Peppa's Dance Party Playset (Amazon exclusive)
8. Target Toy Checklane (Target)
9. Friendship Heights Market & Cafe (Walmart)
Doll Gift Ideas
There are always so many fun dolls to choose from and it's nice to know there are other choices out there other than Barbie and American Girl (not that there's anything wrong with those brands, of course).
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: Disney Doorables Adoorbs are super cute for Disney fans, and I must say, I jumped on the Wicked bandwagon- those dolls are beautiful!
2. Yummiland
3. Decora Girlz
5. L.U.V. Fashion Doll Collection (Walmart)
7. Playskool Dressy Kids (Amazon exclusive)
Craft, Art and Fashion Gift Ideas
These are perfect choices for kids who like art, fashion and creating.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: The Worlds Smallest Art Kits are really amazing. They fit in the palm of your hand but they work like regular art supplies. You can make spin art, jewelry or even sketch with mini colored pencils. They make great stocking stuffers, too.
Board Games, Puzzles and Family Gifts
Board games and puzzles never go out of style. Some of these make great hostess gifts, too, or gifts for families to play together.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: The JoinAround Puzzle from Pennycake is so clever and a great way to get all ages together as a family. The Cats and Boxes was also a lot of fun to play (and cute!).
1. Hitster
4. Batman Connect Four (Amazon exclusive)
Collectibles, Figurines and Blind Boxes
Most of these choices can also be used as stocking stuffers, so it's a win-win. Blind Boxes are all the rage these days, and I don't see that changing any time soon. Collectors of the world, unite!
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: Disney Crystal Surprise are such a pretty little collectible that look so nice sparkling on a sunny windowsill. I also love Booksy - they come with a tiny book inside each one.
2. XOX Kweenies
3. Disney Munchlings (Walmart)
8. Strawberry Shortcake and Rainbow Brite Blind Bag Collectibles
9. LEGO Minifigures Space (6 pack)
Gifts for Gamers, YouTubers and Tech Enthusiasts
I'm a gamer myself so you can trust these picks. I have personally played all of the games I suggested.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: I love the new Zelda game for Nintendo Switch. It's filled with challenges and adorable, bright graphics. It's not too hard and not too easy - great for fans of quest games.
9. Fingerlings Baby Axolotl (Walmart)
Gifts for Teens and Tweens
I think teens and tweens are one of the most challenging groups to shop for. Hopefully these ideas will help.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: Anything from the Make it Mini collection is going to be a hit. They're so fun to assemble, even for adults.
1. Tokyo Treat Box (use code JERSEYMOMMA for $5 off your first box)
7. Fugglers
Outdoor, Sports and Ride-On Gifts
There were a lot of choices for outdoor ride-on toys this year. Every year the options get more and more creative.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: How could I not love that little Amazon ride-on? It's hilarious.
6. Nerf Wild Venompack (Amazon Exclusive)
Gifts for Book Lovers
The book category is one of my favorites- you can't go wrong with a book gift! And look at all of these fabulous titles. They're so easy to choose from.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: The Spider-Man Official Cookbook is beautiful and filled with great recipes. You can almost read it like a regular book as well as try the recipes, since it contains little stories and blurbs throughout about the Spider-Man universe.
Cars, Trucks, RC and Figures
Hot Wheels and Matchbox are iconic brands but there are some other fun choices in this category, too.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: I love the Minecraft RC Creeper. It's fun to watch him explode and then reassemble him again. I hear he's in high demand this year, though, so he might be hard to find.
8. Disney Princess RC Carriage (Walmart)
Baby, Toddler and Preschool Gifts
Babies and toddlers are fun to shop for. They're not picky and the toys and gift options are so cute. But hopefully I helped you narrow down your choices with some of my picks.
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick: Cloud Castle is durable, cute, colorful, and fun to play with. I also love that Fisher Price mug! So cute.
1. CreateOn Magnatiles Polar Bear - Eric Carle (ages 3 and up)
2. Cloud Castle : Foam Fort-Building Set
4. Number Blocks Sensory Bottles (ages 3 and up)
7. Crayola Musical Color Bug (ages 2 and up)
Gifts for Adults (Treat Yo'Self!)
Finally, here are some gift suggestions just for US! You deserve to treat yourself after all of that shopping, don't you?
Jersey Momma Favorite Pick(s): I love all of the Melinda Maria jewelry but I also was very impressed with the quality and packaging of the Calvin & Olivia scarf. It comes in so many colors and is wrapped in an adorable little box with a seal. It really makes a great gift. I personally own two of them.
1. Everyday Delicious Cookbook (Rocco DiSpirito)
2. You Have My Heart Pave necklace (use code DEBBIE for 10% off at checkout)
3. Calvin & Olivia scarf (so many colors to choose from!)
4. A Smart and Courageous Child book by Miki Yamamoto
7. Heiress ombre pink/ silver hoop earrings (use code DEBBIE for 10% off at checkout)
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. Season passes or any day tickets to these locations would make great gifts!
4. Madame Tussaud's New York (great for teens and tweens!)
5. Hersheypark
Jersey Momma Toy Shopping Tips
I copied and pasted many of these tips from last year's guide because they still hold true.
-I can't stress it enough - SHOP EARLY. If you see it, buy it. Don't wait.
-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.
-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. Learning Express, Walgreens, Fat Brain Toys, 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, 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, regular first class 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.
Happy Holidays! And be sure to
check out my past gift guides here.
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