Welcome to the famous MPMK Gift Guides and congrats on finding the most comprehensive and easy-to-use toy gift guide on the internet – already viewed over 7,000,000 times!
(If you’re not familiar with our famous lists, learn all about them here)…
This guide is a little different than the others in that it’s really two guides in one.
The first half addresses the best toys for burning off steam when you’re stuck inside and, let me tell you, these finds can be an absolute life-saver on a rainy day.
The second part of this guide is all about getting outside. If your little one has an adventurous spirit, I say run with it!
Whether their fascination lies in the stars above, their own backyard, or testing out their own speed and agility, our finds will help you milk their curiosity for all it’s worth. And this stuff will help keep your kids fit too.
A pick or two off this list will keep the whole family happy and feeling good all year long.
Don’t forget – you can check out all 15 of our Gift Guides here!
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Now, here are ALL of my picks…
TOP 15 TOYS FOR GETTING THE ENERGY OUT
My son has been playing on one of these nearly every day for the past three months and it has been a complete lifesaver. It’s great for kids to use on their own, to try to build new skills or break their time record.
It’s also equally fun for siblings of various ages. You can rearrange the components to make countless numbers of new courses, too!
I also love that this version is both a ninja line and a slack line… This is the smartest way to make sure the kids are staying active this year!
#2 Pass Back Football $29.95
This arrived unexpectedly in the mail one day to review and I wasn’t quite sure to think… or even what it was. Once I figured it out, though, I was sold.
Throwing around the football is one of my oldest sons absolute favorite ways to stay active and I’m not exaggerating when I say he lit up when he started playing with this football.
The genius here is that he can play with it all by himself. He throws it like a normal football against the wall and it bounces back in all sorts of unpredictable ways. This thing is key in keeping my kids active this year!
#3 Hop on Air Hop Balls $34.99 (2 – 5 years)
My sister got hop balls like these for the kids several years ago, per my request. The bouncy ride-on balls were a fantastic way for the kids to get some energy out when stuck inside. (So much better then running around the living room and kitchen until someone inevitably gets hurt.)
The hilarious addition of the animal covers on this version are sure to delight!
We got a 15″ version for then 2-year-old S and an 18″ ball for then 4-year-old C (both of whom are tall for their age). They lasted and all three of my kids used them for years… In fact, we still have them 8 years later and my 6-year-old still loves them.
#4 Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow Kit $14.99 (3+ years)
Dueling Double Stomp Rocket Kit (3+ years) BLACK FRIDAY SALE $16.99 with coupon
and Ultra Stomp Rocket (8 – 16 years) BLACK FRIDAY SALE $14.99 with coupon
My kids both got to play with this at science camp a few summers ago, during their study of physics, and fell in love. They both, my son especially, get a little hyper in the afternoon and I knew we’d all love having this around for them to stomp to their hearts content in the backyard. Lucky for us, we got one for C’s 6th birthday and I was absolutely right.
The concept is simple, stomp (or jump) on the launch pad to send a foam tipped rocket up to 200 ft in the air. I like that both sets come with 4 rockets so the kids get to launch multiple times before running around to pick them all up and do it all over again.
Obviously the glow-in-the dark aspect of the Jr. Glow Kit is pretty cool. Siblings will love going together, and not having to take turns, and hosting friendly competitions with the Dueling Double Stomp Rocket Kit. In summary, these simple battery-free toys are multi-award winners and get great reviews. Plus they’re cheap – gotta love that!
#5 Educational Insights Magic Moves Talking Electronic Wand $19.93 (18 months – 9 years)
Normally I’m not big on electronic toys with lots of sounds and lights, but when said toy can help my kids get rid of all their pent-up energy inside on a stormy day, it becomes my new best friend.
This inexpensive magical wand uses 90 silly commands (sway, creep, stomp like a dinosaur, leap) and 26 songs, along with a light show to get kids moving. This is one of those rare toys that’s great for siblings of different ages to play together (my 7-year-old, 5-year-old, and 18 month old all love it).
It will keep the bigger kids interested (who doesn’t like having the mic and being the star of the show?) while developing listening skills in the younger set along with enriching their vocabulary and ability to follow directions.
Note: If animals aren’t your kids thing, there’s now also this gym version.
#6 The Adventure Guys Deluxe Lazer Tag Gun Set with Designer Case $149.99
For the older kids, this one is a total must buy!
The grandparents got this set for my son’s birthday and it was so worth it. Laser tag is the ultimate social distancing game that actually allows him to get together with his friends safely AND get some energy out.
He especially loves the multi game modes on this set, the super special case, and the little robotic spider that can be used as target practice.
This set can be used 1-on-1 or in up to 4 teams. Each laser tag gun has 4 different settings: PISTOL, SHOT GUN, MACHINE GUN and ROCKET to battle your opponent and claim victory! In addition to being ergonomically designed to fit both little hands and big. Plus, tactile vibrations, flashing lights and life-like sounds make for hours of non-stop fun!
Oh, and one more thing- THE BITSYBOT! This little guy scrambles quickly across the floor trying to escape your aim. Hit him with your laser tag gun and he flips over wiggles his legs and then hops back up continuing his mad dash to safety.
I especially love that both my sons and my daughter (ages 6 to 12) love playing together. It’s one of those rare finds that gets used again and again.
#7 Yoga Pretzels $14.99 (2 – 14 years)
This is a beautifully illustrated card set that can be used a myriad of ways. I like how there’s a story element to go along with each of the poses too. The set got such great reviews on Amazon that we bought them for the kids last year and we’ve pulled them out quite often this year when a case of “bouncing-off-the-walls-itis” hits.
One of our favorite things to do with the cards is to lay them on the ground in a circle and walk around them with music playing. When the music stops, each child attempts the pose they’ve landed on. There are partner and individual poses on the cards to make it even more interesting.
#8 Little Tikes First Slide $34.99 (18 months – 4 years)
A few years ago when we had a 20-month-old and a brand new baby, we bought an indoor slide and put it in the upstairs landing between the kids’ bedrooms and it was one of the best things we ever did.
A sturdy plastic slide used inside can be a life-saver when the weather is bad and the kiddos are restless.
This particular slide – highly rated for durability and usability for kiddos young and old – also serves double duty outside as an excellent safe place for toddlers to play while their big siblings scale taller play equipment.
#9 Little Tykes Easy Store Trampoline $59.99 (2 – 7 years)
Every day around 4:30 PM, when things get real, I wonder why we haven’t bought one of these yet. Such a great tool for getting kids’ energy out!
Two of my kids’ buddies had one and they each love to jump and jump and jump on it. If you’ve been on the fence about one of these, now is the time to finally get one!
Last year I finally asked my parents to get our toddler an indoor trampoline and recommended this one due to the great reviews… I did not disappoint! It has really been invaluable for getting out pent up energy on cold and rainy days.
#10 PlasmaCar $48.49 (3 – 8 years)
Check out the stellar reviews on this one and you’ll be sold. It’s a cool space-age car that’s powered solely by wiggling the steering wheel. This multi-award winning toy is one that will be enjoyed by kids of all ages for many years. Enough said.
Read on for over 40 of my favorite toys for keeping kids active inside and out, broken down into:
- Burning Off Steam Inside
- Yoga Games
- Bikes, Scooter, and Vehicles
- Sports & Games
- Exploring Nature
Special Note: In an effort to help you out as much as possible this year, I’ve included both prices and age recommendations for each item. Please take the age ranges as just that – recommendations – you know you’re child best after all!
Also, this time of year prices can fluctuate quite dramatically. So if you see something a little outside of your price range, it might not be a bad idea to click over and check it out anyway – you may get lucky and catch a sale.
Ready for the big list? Here we go…
YOGA GAMES
Not all active pursuits have to be high energy. Yoga is a fantastic way to get kids of all ages moving indoors.
We started making it a part of our routine after I read a Wall Street Journal article which reported findings that yoga improved students’ behavior, physical health and academic performance, as well as attitudes toward themselves and also that it reduces feelings of helplessness and aggression and, in the long term, helps emotional balance.
The benefits of yoga are particularly strong among children with special needs.
Yoga Pretzels $14.99 (2 – 14 years)
This is a beautifully illustrated card set that can be used a myriad of ways. I like how there’s a story element to go along with each of the poses too. The set got such great reviews on Amazon that we bought them for the kids last year and we’ve pulled them out quite often this year when a case of “bouncing-off-the-walls-itis” hits.
One of our favorite things to do with the cards is to lay them on the ground in a circle and walk around them with music playing. When the music stops, each child attempts the pose they’ve landed on. There are partner and individual poses on the cards to make it even more interesting.
Good Night Yoga: A Pose by Pose Bedtime Story $14.74 (2 – 7 years)
It’s definitely worth mentioning that along with the all the other wonderful benefits of kids’ yoga, it’s also fantastic for getting them to settle down before bed! This beautifully illustrated book is perfect for that purpose. From the publisher: This bedtime story is so much more than a story.
It’s a practice for kids and parents to end the day in a calming, mindful way. Turn the page and stretch like a tree, settle softly like a ladybug, float like a cloud, and you’ll be dreaming soon… And for the youngest yogi in your house, be sure to also check out Sleepy Little Yoga: A Toddler’s Sleep Book of Yoga.
The ABCs Yoga for Kids series (2 – 14 years)
I’ve seen this one recommended several places. I’m extremely tempted by the lovely illustrations. Along with the original book $16.95, there’s also a coloring book $5.95, a learning card set $17.05, a poster $9.08, and even a spanish version now available.
Yoga Games for Children: Fun and Fitness with Postures, Movements and Breath (SmartFun Activity Books) $12.95
The stellar reviews for this book really do say it best. One of my favorites: “I work with children. I am a paraprofessional in a special needs school, and was very excited to read this book… One of the things that I noticed right away is how many of the games and exercises were done in groups or pairs. This is fantastic in my opinion! It seems to me that these days kids are more isolated than in the past.
So, I was very pleased to find that there were things that there were games where the kids held hands or leaned back against each other. I believe this helps to build co-operation and understanding. There are also plenty of games where it is individuals alone. My favorite is Sun Salutations! It incorporates many basic yoga positions, and it will be a lot of fun for the kids.
The relaxation exercises are ideal as well. Sometimes kids, as well as adults, need to just let it go and breathe. This book gives several examples of how to do this”
Before moving on, I also wanted to mention that our beloved High Five magazine also often has a feature in the back that, while not yoga per-say, reminds me a lot of the kid yoga stuff I’ve seen in that it incorporates imaginary play with different poses and movement. S and C are big fans.
BURNING OFF STEAM INDOORS
This section was born purely out of necessity. With two rambunctious kiddos bouncing off the walls around here, I’m asking everyone in the family to think about gifting active toys this year!
Below is a carefully curated collection of my favorite picks for expelling energy when stuck indoors.
Toysmith Bamboo Kendama Game $11.72 (6 – 15 years)
Kendama is an extremely addictive wooden skill toy that comes from Japan. It strengthens hand-eye coordination, balance, and reflexes and can (and will!) be played by young and old alike. There are endless trick possibilities for both the beginner and the seasoned master.
The Kendama is made up of the “Ken” (handle) and the “Tama” (ball), which is connected by a string. The Kendama tricks are done by variations of juggling the ball in the 3 cups, spiking the ball with the Ken spike, and balancing both in new creative ways. Mastering the Kendama takes practice, focus, patience, and creativity- all great skills for kids to have. The price and size make it a great stocking stuffer too.
Alex Toys Monkey Balance Board $13.49 (3 – 7 years)
This is the stripped down version of the above balance board. It appeals to my purist heart (and my disdain for having to listen to noisy toys all day). Plus I think the happy monkey will make kids smile.
Prince Lion Heart Wheely Bug $69.99 (18 months – 6 years)
This is a very high quality riding toy equipped with multidirectional casters, an easy grip handle, and a comfy 1-inch sponge layer on the seat. It’s also made with non-toxic materials and is PVC free. You can pick from 6 friendly looking animal designs and two sizes (small for ages 18 months – 3 years and medium for ages 3 – 6 years). A good friend of ours has the ladybug and bumble bee and they are regularly played with at play dates by all our kids, ranging in age from 2 to 5. She’s had them for several years now and I can attest that they are built to last.
Rody Horse $49.95 (2 – 4 years)
We have a family membership to our local kids museum and hit it up on a regular basis. Every time we do, our daughter beelines for Rody. This is another excellent toy for burning energy and kids often like to use him for elaborate dramatic play scenarios as well. Best of all, his durability is legendary.
Hop on Air Hop Balls $29.99 (2 – 5 years)
My sister got these for the kids a few years ago, per my request. The bouncy ride-on balls have been a fantastic way for the kids to get some energy out when stuck inside. (So much better then running around the living room and kitchen until someone inevitably gets hurt.) We got a 15″ version for then 2-year-old S and an 18″ ball for then 4-year-old C (both of whom are tall for their age) and they are both still using them a year later.
BIKES, SCOOTERS & VEHICLES
Getting rid of excess energy when stuck inside is great, but I’m a big proponent of getting outside whenever possible.
Bikes, trikes, scooters and other vehicles are huge lures for getting kids to head outdoors and these are some of our time-tested favorites.
Mini Micro Scooter $69 (3 – 5 years)
Hailed as “the quality choice in 3-wheel scooters for young children” this scooter for bigger little kids has more than it’s fair share of rave reviews and awards (the Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio Gold and Platinum Award Seals for Best Toy, the Parent’s Choice Approved Seal, ‘Best Pre-School Scooter’ by Toy Report, ‘Best Outdoor Toy’ by Learning Express Stores and was featured on the NBC Today Show as part of its ‘Best Toys for Summer’ series). The key is the “learn to steer” design and back brake, both of which grant preschoolers an extra element of stability. Also, the Mini can be ridden inside while learning (or waiting for Spring) as the quality wheels, made especially for Micro, are non-marking.
Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Trike $71 (9 months – 5 years)
I never got one of these but always wanted one (probably because I see them EVERYWHERE at the park and on the playground). The clever 4-in-1 design easily converts from a stroller to a steering trike, learning-to-ride-trike, and finally a classic trike.
That means you have something fun for your little one to ride around in from the time they need to be pushed until they are ready to pedal all by themselves. The height adjustable handle and seat along with the removable canopy and tray allows for a lot of flexibility.
Little Tikes Cozy Shopping Cart $29.75 (2 – 5 years)
I absolutely love this cozi coupe because it’s like 3 toys in 1, is this shopping cart/cozi coupe. Kids not only get to push their dolls around, but also fill up a shopping cart and get in and drive away. So many awesome play possibilities both indoors and out at such a great price!
Radio Flyer Ultimate Comfort Wagon $159 (18 months+)
A quality pull wagon is a great way to get even the youngest kids outside enjoying nature. Bigger kids will enjoy riding along as well as pulling, so this is an item that you’ll get lots of use out of. I really like that this one comes with a canopy to be used on extra sunny days, as well as cup holders and padded 5-way flip and fold seats for a super comfy ride and lots of easy storage options for all your gear.
Radio Flyer My 1st Scooter $34.56 (2 – 5 years)
Our daughter discovered this when we went camping with friends last summer. The innovative design (two wheels in the front instead of in the back) made it simple for her to master even at barely 2 years old. But don’t get me wrong – her 4-year-old big brother loved it too. This is a versatile ride-on toy that will get lots of use from kids not ready for bikes and accomplished cyclists alike.
Ezy-Roller $99 (4+ years)
We did a giveaway with a large toy store last year and the owner wanted to give this away because he said it’s his best-selling toy ever. That right there says a lot. This is another fun non-bike option for getting some exercise outside. It’s also a great pick for bigger kids.
Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler $239.99 (3 – 7 years)
Ok, I admit it, Power Wheels don’t encourage a whole lot of activity, and the price can be prohibitive. Honestly, we don’t have one for those two reasons. However, a good friend of ours does and so do our neighbors and it’s truly ridiculous how much my kids beg to play with it every single time either of them pull them out. They even seem to enjoy being the passenger as much as the driver.
Also, I’ve noticed that these vehicles can lead to some pretty involved “lets act like grown ups and run errands, do yard work, etc.” dramatic play. So… if you have the budget to splurge this year and you want to see your kids’ eyes pop out of their head Christmas morning (or if you can justify the purchase because your child fights your every time you try to get them outside), this is definitely something to consider.
SPORTS & GAMES
Sports are excellent for establishing healthy habits and high self-esteem that will serve your kids for their entire life. While organized team sports can be great, at a young age I’m a big fan of keeping things low key and introducing sports and games in the backyard with the family. Here are some of our favorite picks for all playing together or for kids to practice on their own.
Sports
Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set $34.99 (2 – 5 years)
Once again a friend of ours has this hoop and, again, I can attest first hand to what a draw it is to young kids (and the stellar Amazon reviews definitely back me up here). Her hoop is kept inside but I like that this can be used outside too. I also really like that it grows with your child (height can be adjusted to 6 settings from 2 to 4 feet) so this is a toy that you’ll get lots of years out of for a very reasonable price.
Little Tikes TotSports T-Ball Set $19.99 (2 – 4 years)
Fisher-Price Triple Hit Baseball $29.99 (2 – 7 years)
Whether you want to go high-tech, or keep it simple, there are couple of great backyard T-ball sets available… Just like the Little Tikes Basketball Set, the Little Tikes TotSports T-Ball Set set gets stellar reviews as toy for introducing kids to T-ball and setting them up for success. The set includes an easy-to-use oversized bat, 2 oversize baseballs and an adjustable height “T” that adapts to a child’s developing skills.
It also has a special “hang-on-the-wall” design for easy small-space storage and you really can’t beat the price… For a little bit more, you can get the decidedly more fancy, Fisher-Price Triple Hit Baseball set with three fun ways to play that progress with kids to help them learn to hit like a pro. Beginners hit from the tee.
When they’re ready for a little more challenge, a simple adjustment converts this battery-powered trainer to pop-up pitch play for rookies: balls automatically pop-up from the base, one after another. And for pros, the trainer auto-pitches 3 balls from up to 10 feet away. Includes battery-powered trainer, bat and 3 balls and also gets lot of great reviews.
BSN Orange Throw-Down Bases (Set of 5) $15 (walking – 16 years)
Take any game of backyard T-ball or baseball up a notch with this set of durable and highly rated bases. I love how much easier these make it to have a real game on the lawn (and cut down on sibling squabbling over whether or not someone really touched the makeshift home plate!). An inexpensive must-have for the family that serious about pick-up games in the backyard.
6 ft. PUGG Soccer Goals $84.95 (walking – adult)
If you’ve got a soccer enthusiast at home, or just want an easy way to play with the kids in the backyard, these portable soccer goals are a great pick. They come in this 6 foot size as well as a smaller 4 foot set, both of which are well-made, durable, easy to set-up and break down and store away in the included tote. Our then 2 and 4 year olds got a set and a couple kid-sized soccer balls from their grandparents a few years ago after taking summer soccer classes and it’s been a great addition to our backyard.
Wham-O Mini Frisbee Golf Disc indoor and outdoor Toy Set $22.99 (5+ years)
You can probably tell by this point in the list, I love toys that can be used outdoors when the weather is good and inside when it’s bad. This could be one of those, but you’d probably need a pretty big house to make it work inside without injecting fear in your heart. (For that, I’d recommend this set instead.)
Nevertheless, this is still a super cool way to get kids outside and playing in a whole new way and a definite crowd-pleaser for playdates. It’s also a special toy because, like golf, it can be easily enjoyed when played solo or in groups – definitely a great buy.
Step2 Kickback Soccer Goal and Pitch Back $34.99 (3 – 7 years)
This versatile set gives you a lot of bang for your buck. It includes 1 soccer ball, 2 hockey sticks, 1 street hockey puck and 1 pitch back ball. That means young kids can use this to play soccer and hockey as well as to practice their pitching and catching with the pitch back feature of the net.
If you have a little sports lover, this set will give him or her lots of ways to have fun outside for a wallet-friendly price. Note: Reviewers report that the soccer ball size is small and suitable for small children.
Mini Hockey Goals – Set of 2 $30.79 (3 – 15 years)
And speaking of hockey, this indoor mini hockey set was recommended by one of our facebook fans and gets rave reviews as being perfect for all ages, from toddlers who are just starting out, to teens using it to play “knee hockey”.
It easily folds up and comes with two goals, two soft foam balls, and six sticks including goalie sticks and both right-handed and left-handed player sticks. This will make your house the place to be if you have a room spacious enough for it.
Firevision Sports Football $29.99 and glasses $8.99 (6+ years)
This is one of those toys that pre-teen boys (as well as younger boys and lots of girls) will just think is flat-out cool. Using unique Microprism Technology, anyone wearing the special glasses can see the ball light up a dark night sky at a range of over 100 feet.
The football comes with two pairs of glasses but you may want to pick up a few extra sets for group play – you can buy different colors for different teams. There is also a basketball and hoop, a hyper bounce ball, and a sports flyer disc available using the same technology.
Games
Melissa & Doug Flying Disks $6.99 (3 – 10 years)
We gave these to the kids to help inaugurate our new backyard and they really took to them. I think they were surprised how far they could fling the disks and they’ve spent many hours throwing and chasing them down. I was presently surprised by the durability and amount of fun derived from such small, inexpensive toys.
Mini Ogodisk Super Disk Set $23.99 (3 – 12 years)
This was another facebook fan suggestion and I love that it uses one of my favorite childhood toys, the koosh ball. The light weight set can be used as a flying disc that catches and throws balls up to 150 feet in the air. It adapts to many sports such as volleyball, baseball, and tennis, plus it floats on water and can even be used with water balloons.
This is one of those great open-ended toys that will not only get your kids moving, but will also spark their creativity as they come up with their own unique games to play with it.
90′ Eagle Series Seated Zipline Kit $149.99 (7 – 15 years)
Last but not least, if you’ve got an extreme sports athlete in the making, and the space, check out this highly-rated backyard zipline kit. This set boosts an easy 30 minute set-up and smooth, consistent speed with gradual stop due to the “slack at the end of the line”. Reviewers consistently report lots of fun for the whole family.
Exploring Nature
Of course, one of the very best parts about getting kids outside is giving them the opportunity to interact with, and learn about, the world around them.
All of these picks will help get your child excited about nature and ready to become a little scientist in their own backyard.
Little Tikes Gas ‘n Go Mower Toy $24.99 (walking – 5 years)
This toy is great for taking dramatic play outdoors and, honestly, it’s totally worth getting just for the adorable pictures you’ll get of the kids following around Dad (or Mom) while they mow the lawn. Seriously, this toy is a real winner – it has lots of parts to interact with (pull cord, vrooming engine, push throttle, turning key and more) but doesn’t require batteries. It will ignite the kids imagination and get them moving at the same time.
Everything Bug Book $7.95 (3 – 6 y years)
A great read for any child interested in all those creatures living in their backyard. This book would be excellent bundled with any of the other outdoor exploration toys listed here.
Live Butterfly Garden $19.99 (3 – 10 years)
Both kids had one of these in their preschool/toddler group classes but both missed the butterflies coming out of their cocoons due to not having class that day so I’ve always wanted to have a kit at home for them to experience.
Happily, S got a kit for her birthday so we’ll be trying it out soon. The stellar reviews this kit gets has me confident we’re going to have a great time with it and that it will get us spending even more time outdoors.
Step2 WaterWheel Activity Play Table $42 (walking – 7 years)
We have owned this water table for years and still get so much use out of it! My 18-month-old son plays with it so much that we gated off a portion of our deck, that also has doors into our living room, so that he can freely walk in and out to play with all day long. To my surprise, even after years of pouring, dunking, sailing, etc. my 5 and 7-year-olds still find themselves drawn to the water table too.
This is such an excellent toy for getting your kids playing outdoors and we use it all types of weather. It’s actually great fun to put on our rain gear and go play with it on the deck while it’s raining (plus there’s pretty minimal clean up for playing outside in the rain because they stay out of the mud).
I highly, highly recommend this one and so do the multitude of positive reviews. Toys I recommend playing with while at the water table (aside from basic cups, bowls, and measuring cups), include these water bugs and net, this set of cups and a ball, and these squirting toys.
Kids Handheld Crank Flashlight $5.99 (3 + years) (also available through Amazon here)
My kids absolutely adore playing with “grown-up” flashlights right now, both indoors and out. The problem is they keep leaving them on and draining the batteries. So we’re putting these in their stocking this year. I just know they’re going to think the hand crank power system is super cool. IKEA only sells them in stores but you can use the link above to get them online through Amazon.
Assorted Dinosaur Fossil Skeleton 5-6″ Figures, 12-Piece $7.65 (3 – 15 years)
Even some indoor toys can be great for getting the kids interested in exploring outside. This nifty set of fossil skeletons can be used for making play dough impressions during art time and then brought outside to play excavation site in the sandbox.
Backyard Safari Field Scope/Insecto-Scope $11 (4 – 12 years)
This scope’s large, easy-to-handle design is perfect for little hands. Kids can trap whatever they want under it, then use the light and knob for 6x magnification.
My, Oh My – A Butterfly: All About Butterflies $7.99 (4 – 8 years)
And who better than the cat in the hat to come along with us on our Butterfly exploration?
GeoSafari Jr. Bug Watch Kit $12.59 (5 – 9 years)
This is the perfect beginning science kit for any bug lovers in your family. A lot of parents also report kits like these helping their little ones to overcome their bug phobias.
Backyard Safari Vest $19.99 (5 – 12 years) & 6-in-1 Field Tool $7.46 (5 – 12 years)
Props like these are an excellent way to turn playing in the backyard into a full-blow exploration. I could see both of our kids having a blast excavating around the sandbox with the field tools, especially if he had the snazzy vest to hook them to.
*Post contains affiliate links.
Still want more ideas? Don’t forget to check out all 15 of the MPMK Gift Guides,organized by your child’s age:
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The Best Toys for Babies
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The Very Best Toys for Two-Year-Olds
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Go-To Gifts for Preschoolers
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The Most Exciting Gifts You Can Give a Kindergartner
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Go-To Gifts for Elementary Aged Kids
For the hottest toys of the year see:
Plus, the rest of our guides organized by interest:
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Best Toys for Fostering S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineerin, and Math) Skills
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Best Toys for Staying Active Inside and for Getting Outdoors
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Best Toys for Art & Craft Lovers
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Best Kid Games for Family Game Night, Playing with Siblings, or Playing Alone
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Best Learning Toys for Quiet Time & Independant Play
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Best Building & Construction Toys (Including Best LEGOs)
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Best Dramatic Play Toys
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Best Toys for Vehicle Lovers
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Best Toys for Doll & Princess Lovers
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Best Toys for Baby
Tens of thousands of parents use these lists every Christmas to find the perfect gift!
If you like these recommendations, I encourage you to pin or bookmark them for later when you’re ready to start shopping.
I would also love it if you forwarded the list to your parenting friends or shared it on facebook – trust me, your friends will thank you for the help and you get to be the cool mom (or dad) with all the best resources. It’s a win-win.
Also, don’t forget for even more recommendations and alerts when we spot our gift guide items on sale:
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