Holiday gift-giving season will be here before you know it. I’ve learned from my procrastinating tendencies in the past that the first week of school quickly rolls into costumes and candy, then snowballs into turkey and pie feasts, and avalanches right into a slew of winter holidays. I’ve always been the type of holiday shopper that you see at the mall the night before Christmas, walking fast, and swiveling my head from right to left in search of the next, great last-minute gift. This year, I’m vowing to do things differently. I’m planning ahead.
I already have some fun ideas that will keep the kids entertained and engaged long after the season’s rush is through. For example, I remember getting a Super NES one year and it was the best present my brother and I ever opened. So I’m planning to recapture that joy by giving the kids a Nintendo 2DS system that will let them explore things (and have fun with my old pal Mario) in a creative, kid-appropriate 2D environment. I’ll also stack some other fun goodies under the tree for them.
Need a little gift-giving inspiration? Check out this round-up of hot toys for 2017. Each idea here will keep your kid entertained long after the holidays are over.
1. 6-Sided Fidget Cube
This psychedelic, stress-relieving toy is the perfect way to occupy kids at the doctor’s office, restaurants, and anywhere else you need them to chill and sit still.
Learn more: Walmart
2. Nintendo 2DS with the New Super Mario Bros. 2 game pre-installed
This white console is the perfect backdrop for the colorful, action-packed, kid-friendly antics of Mario and Luigi as they adventure across the Mushroom Kingdom. (Note: New Super Mario Bros. 2 has been rated EVERYONE with Comic Mischief by the ESRB.)
Learn more: Nintendo
Visit the Nintendo Holiday Gift Guide
3. Learn to Code Challenge Card Set
Foster kids’ coding skills with this game that helps them sharpen their sequencing, problem-solving, and logical thinking skills.
Learn more: Amazon
4. BONK Board Game
This rolling ricochet game requires timing and teamwork as players try to score against each other.
Where to find it: Target
5. My Geek Box
A monthly subscription box of books, toys, and other character-centric goodies will keep your kids engaged and excited until 2019.
Learn more: Geek Box
6. Nintendo 2DS with the Mario Kart 7 game pre-installed
I grew up with Nintendo, and it’s even better now. This Electric Blue 2 Nintendo 2DS system is the perfect way to introduce your kids to Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach as they cruise through age-appropriate challenges. (Note: Mario Kart 7 has been rated EVERYONE with Comic Mischief by the ESRB.)
Learn more: Nintendo
Visit the Nintendo Holiday Gift Guide
7. American Girl Truly Me Doll
These customized dolls can be tailored to look exactly like your kiddo.
Learn more: American Girl
8. Exploding Kittens Card Game
Pig-a-corns, All-Seeing Goat Wizards, and Taco Cats all populate this Kickstarter-funded card game. The whole family will love trying to outmaneuver the exploding kittens.
Learn more: Amazon
9. LEGO Star Wars Last Jedi BB-8
This 1,100 piece set will keep tweens and teens busy building and playing with their own droid for weeks.
Where to find it: Target
10. Fingerlings
These interactive little monkeys love to hang around, literally. They respond to your child’s touch, movements, and voice to keep kids endlessly enthralled.
Learn more: Wowwee
11. Mystic Emoji Ball
With prophetic messages like, “Ask Grandpa,” “Geez not sure,” and “LOL for sure,” your kid is bound to seek advice from this new 8-ball incarnation over and over again.
Learn more: Amazon
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