Updated on Dec 9, 2024 at 12:55 PM
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Shopping for gifts for kids can be tricky, whether you're shopping for a 4-year-old or your favorite tween. Depending on the occasion (like a birthday, Christmas, or "just because"), you want it to be special and something that resonates with their hobbies. And more importantly, you want them to actually use it — which puts some added pressure on you as the gift buyer.
Another obstacle? Shopping for kids who seemingly have everything. What do you get them? In this case, finding an uber-unique gift that will knock their socks off is key. Being thoughtful is what matters most — and having an eye for the uncommon won't hurt. Sometimes, nostalgia and integrating in gifts that you loved as a kid is a great place to start. (And this list has lots of that!)
An added bonus: there are tons of affordable options. Most of the gifts on this list are under $100. We found a range of tech gifts, crafts, decor finds, and so much more. These 16 gifts will bring a smile to any kid's face — even if you think they already have everything. Keep reading to shop our top gifting picks for kids ahead.
01
Best Unique Gift For the Scientific Sweet Tooth
Thames & Kosmos Rainbow Gummy Candy Lab ($9, originally $20)
This gift is the perfect find for the sweet-toothed little one in your life. The gummy candy lab will provide them with all the necessary ingredients to make their own delicious a rainbow-, unicorn-, and cloud-shaped gummies! Plus, they'll get a scientific lesson on the side as they learn what it takes to work with natural polymers.
02
Best Unique Gift For the Mini Interior Designer
Butterfly LED Lights ($14, originally $16)
Kids will love to decorate their room or play area with these colorful Butterfly LED Lights. This set includes 40 PVC butterflies that come with adhesive, so you can stick them anywhere. The colorful LED lights also have blinking modes that you can change to make your butterflies really flutter.
03
Best Unique and Nostalgic Gift
Tamagotchi ($18, originally $20)
This iconic digital pet toy from the 90s has made a comeback. Kids will love to play and take care of their Tamagotchi as it grows from an egg to an adult. It comes on a keychain, so they can add it on their backpack or carry it around with them wherever they go.
04
Best Unique Gift For the Robotics Enthusiast
Klutz Lego Gear Bots Science/STEM Activity Kit ($19, originally $25)
If they love building things and have a keen interest in robotics, this activity kit is something they'll love to get their hands on. They can create eight physics-driven kinetic creatures that will teach them the basics of engineering by utilizing axles, cams, cranks, and more. It's perfect for kids eight and up.
05
Best Unique Gift For the Target Lover
Target Toy Shopping Cart ($20)
If you're shopping for the kid who's obsessed with Target, they'll be over-the-moon happy getting this Target Toy Shopping Cart. It simulates the Target shopping experience right at home featuring a tiny shopping cart that is just too adorable. Your little one can also place a baby doll on the cart's child seat and it even features a cup holder for their sippy cup or a toy drink. The set comes with a coffee cup, coffee cap, coffee sleeve, coffee cup holder and seven grocery items, like pasta, grapes, a croissant, milk, ice cream sandwiches, and more.
06
Best Unique and Vintage Gift
Jambo 16-Inch Beautiful Magma Lamp ($29)
You can't get more groovy than a "lava" lamp. This Jambo 16-Inch Beautiful Magma Lamp is 16" tall and spews a colorful "magma" within the lamp that will give any kids room a colorful glow and far-out vibes.
07
Best Unique Gift For the Slime Obsessed
Stationery Ice Cream Slime Kit ($30)
Slime has been all the rage for the little ones in our lives and if you want to truly give them a treat, this Stationery Ice Cream Slime Kit is the way to go. Perfect for ages eight to 12, this present comes with everything they need to make colorful butter slime, cloud slime and foam slimes. Plus, the ice cream theme just adds extra fun to the activity.
08
Best Unique Gift For the Active Kid
Gotrax KS1 Kids Kick Scooter ($35)
If you're looking for a fun gift for the kid who loves to be outdoors, the Gotrax KS1 Kids Kick Scooter will impress. Available in several different colors, this scooter has LED light-up wheels and adjustable height handlebars so they can continue to use it as they grow. It also has a wide, anti-slip deck, and it's perfect for kids ages two to eight.
09
Best Unique Gift For the Budding Photographers
Anchioo Instant Camera ($40)
Kids can start learning photography skills early with this fun Anchioo Instant Camera. It uses thermal paper to print out black-and-white photos instantly. Plus, there are stickers, filters and mirror effects included to expand their creativity. Besides taking pics, it has an MP3 music player and can also print out puzzles and games to keep any kid entertained. It comes with SD storage, so you can also add photos to any digital device.
10
Best Unique Gift For the Future Geologists
National Geographic Break Open 5 Jumbo Geodes Earth Science Kit ($40)
If you're shopping for the kiddo who's showing interest in collecting rocks, this earth science kit will be an incredible treat. With this set, they'll be able to get hands on experience with breaking geodes and uncovering crystals. Plus, the set comes with display stands too so they can proudly showcase their discoveries.
11
Best Unique Gift For the Adventure Seekers
Metroller Roller Skates ($40)
Roller skating is another activity making a serious comeback with kids, so make sure your little one is on trend with these adjustable roller skates. These are designed for ages 4 and up to adult — so feel free to grab yourself a matching pair. The best part? The wheels light up for style and safety.
12
Best Unique Gift For the Kid Who Loves Forts
National Geographic Creative Indoor Fort Building Kit ($54, originally $70)
With this fort-building kit, your kid can use bendable poles, connectors, and clips to create the ultimate hideaway without taking over your dining chairs and couches. The 135-piece kit has everything they need to create a foundation for tents, castles, dome-shaped forts, and whatever their heart desires. Just be sure to supply them with extra blankets and cushions, too.
13
Best Unique Gift For the Marvel Fan
Echo Dot with Limited Edition Marvel Iron Man Stand ($63, originally $90)
Marvel fans will freak out by having their very own Jarvis in their room, and this limited edition Echo Dot bundle will do just that. Your little one can ask Amazon's Alexa questions about school work, ask it to set timers and reminders, and so much more.
14
Best Unique Gift For Crafty Kids
Sculpd Home Pottery Kit with Paints ($65)
Your kid will love to use their hands and create unique ceramic pottery with this pottery kit. The air-dry clay also comes with a varnish to make it look shiny, as if it actually spent some time in the kiln. In addition, you also get access to pottery video tutorials if you (or your kid) are beginners.
15
Best Unique Gift For Gamers
Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard ($100, originally $200)
Got some gamers in your house? This Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini Gaming Keyboard is a fun gift to make their gaming experience even better thanks to its compact design and gamer-friendly customization features. The best thing about it? The individually backlit keys, which give it more color and pizzazz.
16
Best Splurge Unique Gift For Kids
PlayStation 5 Console ($424, originally $500)
The kid in your life may have everything, but maybe not the PlayStation 5 Console. If they are super into gaming, and have been asking for the coveted PS5 for months, now's your chance to snag one as the ultimate splurge gift. It's got vivid graphics, speedy reaction and processing times, and offers an immersive gaming experience.
— Additional reporting by Anvita Reddy
Emily Shiffer is a freelance writer living in Pennsylvania. She is a former online staffer at Men's Health and Prevention magazines who currently contributes content to PS; Women's Health; Runner's World; Shape; Health; Reader's Digest; Eat This, Not That!; Parents; and more.
Anvita Reddy (she/her) is an assistant editor for PS Shopping. She has a passion for products and reviews home gadgets, cookware, tech, and more. Having dealt with acne as a teenager and into adulthood, her expertise lies in beauty. She tests skin care, makeup, and hair care, plus countless other beauty products.