Best Winter Gifts for Kids: Fun Ideas They’ll Actually Love

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Winter is a magical season for families, filled with cozy indoor days, festive celebrations, and outdoor adventures in the snow. For kids, it’s a time of wonder and excitement, from building snowmen to snuggling up with warm cocoa.

Finding the perfect winter gifts for kids can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with winter living or are at a loss for what will make a kid tickled with glee. As a family that lives in a snowy climate, we have a solid background in what is not only useful but also fun!

This guide to the best winter gifts for children offers a selection of thoughtful ideas designed to bring comfort, warmth, and joy to kids of all ages.

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you purchase from them. This is at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we truly think are helpful.

Top Three Winter Gifts For Kids

These are our top three picks from our full list of winter gifts for kids.

• MOST FUN: Sonic Snow Tube
• MOST USEFUL:  Columbia 3-in-1 Kids’ Interchange Jacket
• YUMMIEST GIFT: Thoughtfully Gourmet Hot Chocolate Gift Set

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Outdoor Winter Adventure Gifts for Kids

For kids who love to play outside, winter is the perfect time for snowy adventures, from sledding down hills to building snow forts and exploring winter trails. These outdoor winter gifts and snow toys are ideal for keeping kids active and engaged during the cold season while helping them enjoy all that winter has to offer.

L.L. Bean Sleds

Nothing brings winter excitement like sledding; a quality sled can make all the difference for those snowy hills! Yes, you can get a $6 plastic sled, but if you really want to upgrade your gift-giving, a sled from L.L. Bean is the only way to go.

• The  Sonic Snow Tube from L.L. Bean is the top choice for a kids’ winter gift thanks to its durable construction, fast ride, and comfortable design. Made from rugged, puncture-resistant materials, it’s built to handle tough terrain and will last for years. With a slick bottom for speed, sturdy grab handles, and a cushioned seat, it’s both safe and exciting, ensuring a smooth and thrilling sledding experience. These are FAST! Perfect for an adrenaline-seeking kid.
• The L.L.Bean Polar Slider is an excellent alternative for children who want more control while sledding. Designed with a lightweight yet sturdy plastic build, it’s perfect for both gentle hills and more thrilling slopes. The Polar Slider has comfortable grip handles, making it easy for kids to steer and hold on tight while gliding down the snow. Adults will love that the lightweight design makes it easy for kids to carry back up the hill.
• Lastly, the L.L. Bean Kids’ Pull Sled and Cushion Set is a fantastic winter gift for younger kids. It combines comfort, safety, and classic design. Made from durable polyethylene, it glides smoothly over snow and is perfect for leisurely rides while being pulled by an adult. The set includes a soft, cozy cushion that keeps kids warm and comfortable, along with a sturdy pull rope for easy maneuvering. This sled is ideal for snowy walks or gentle hills, providing a safe and enjoyable winter experience.

Snowshoes

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• The MSR Tyker Kids Snowshoes are lightweight and easy to strap on. Designed specifically for kids, they provide excellent traction, making it easy for them to navigate snowy trails with the whole family. You can compare prices on REI and Amazon.
• The Tubbs SnowGlow Snowshoes for Kids are perfect for kids who love a little flash. The snowshoes feature LED lights that activate with each step, adding a fun element to winter walks. Made with durable materials, these are a great first snowshoe for kids. They’re uncomplicated, easy to put on, and light up. What more could you ask for? You can compare prices on Backcountry and Amazon.

Snow Fort Building Blocks

The Snow Brick Maker is the ultimate tool for building sturdy forts, igloos, and castles—whether in snow or sand! This easy-to-use mold creates perfectly shaped bricks that stack easily, helping kids bring their winter fort-building dreams to life. Unlike traditional shovels or scoops, this brickmaker creates uniform blocks, making structures stronger and more impressive. It’s a versatile, fun way to encourage creativity and outdoor play, transforming snowy landscapes into imaginative worlds.

Snowball Maker

The Snowball Maker Mold is a must-have for the ultimate snowball fight! It’s one of the best winter toys for kids you can get that is affordable and loads of fun. This handy tool shapes perfectly round snowballs quickly and easily, giving kids the edge in friendly snowball battles. The mold lets you create uniform snowballs in seconds. We used ours to have a sort of “organized” snowball fight. First, we created a BUNCH of snowballs, and then we had an epic snowball fight!

Indoor Activity Gifts to Keep Kids Entertained All Winter

When the weather keeps kids indoors, engaging activities can help them stay entertained, curious, and creative. These indoor winter gifts are perfect for sparking creativity, encouraging learning, and providing hours of entertainment on cold, snowy days.

Creative Craft Kits

Encourage kids’ creativity with hands-on craft kits that allow them to make fun projects and even bring a touch of the outdoors inside.

• A winter-themed craft kit from Creativity For Kids, which allows kids to create their own mini snow globes complete with glitter and fun figurines, is a fun way for them to bring a winter wonderland indoors. 
• The DIY Wooden Snowflake Kit is a delightful, hands-on winter craft that comes with six wooden star shapes, allowing kids to paint them and add their own personal touch. Complete with paintbrushes, paint, and rustic jute twine, each snowflake can be hung as an ornament or displayed as festive decor.
• The DIY Winter Gnome Painting Kit is a fun kit that includes everything you need to paint and personalize two adorable wooden gnomes. With options for two different beard colors and three color themes, each gnome can be crafted to reflect your unique style.

Educational STEM Toys and Games

Make learning fun with STEM toys that teach kids about science, technology, engineering, and math. These toys provide an engaging way to learn and experiment, making them an excellent choice for indoor playtime that’s both fun and educational.

• Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs: Snowy Science kit is filled with fun, winter-inspired experiments, such as making instant snow, creating snow globes, and crafting sparkly “snow slime.” It’s an excellent way for kids to explore chemistry with a festive, wintery twist. 
• The National Geographic Ultimate Crystal Garden is a fascinating and fast-growing crystal kit for kids that lets them create a beautiful crystal garden in just six hours! Unlike traditional crystal kits that can take days, this kit offers an instant wow factor, making it an excellent choice for kids eager to see quick results. With vibrant colors and easy-to-follow instructions, this crystal-growing experience is both educational and exciting, introducing kids to introductory geology and chemistry in a hands-on way. 
• The National Geographic Magnetic Marble Run offers a creative twist on classic marble runs, using magnets instead of traditional click-together pieces for easy setup and endless reconfiguration. With strong magnetic tiles, kids can quickly build intricate marble tracks on any magnetic surface, allowing them to experiment with gravity, speed, and angles in a fun and intuitive way.

Winter-Themed Books

Books are perfect for quiet, cozy days at home, offering winter-themed stories that bring warmth and wonder to chilly afternoons. These selections blend entertainment and relaxation, inviting kids to explore snowy adventures, seasonal tales, and the magic of winter through the joy of reading.

• World Full of Winter Stories: 50 Folk Tales and Legends from Around the World is a magical collection of winter-themed tales that transports young readers to snowy landscapes and festive traditions across different cultures. With beautifully illustrated pages, this book shares 50 enchanting folk tales and legends about winter, each offering a glimpse into how different people around the world celebrate and embrace the season. It’s a perfect winter gift for kids, sparking curiosity and a love for storytelling while teaching them about global traditions.
• Little Homesteader: A Winter Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom is a delightful guide for young readers to explore the joys of winter through hands-on activities. This beautifully illustrated book combines cozy recipes, nature-inspired crafts, and simple tips for enjoying the season, perfect for little homesteaders curious about winter traditions and seasonal living. It’s an ideal winter gift for kids, offering wholesome family projects that celebrate the magic of the colder months. From baking treats to creating homemade crafts, this treasury encourages kids to embrace winter’s wonders with warmth and creativity.
• Only the Trees Know is a beautifully illustrated picture book for younger children that gently explores themes of nature, change, and resilience. Set in a quiet, snow-covered forest, the story follows the life cycle of trees and the subtle mysteries they hold through the seasons. With poetic language and captivating art, this book invites young readers to reflect on the wisdom and beauty of nature during the winter months. It’s a thoughtful winter gift that encourages mindfulness and an appreciation for the natural world, making it perfect for quiet storytimes and sparking meaningful conversations with little ones.

Tasty Winter Gifts For Kids

Winter is the perfect time to indulge in cozy, delicious treats, and these yummy winter gifts for kids are sure to delight their taste buds. What child isn’t delighted at getting sweet treats?

Thoughtfully Gourmet Hot Chocolate Kit

The Thoughtfully Gourmet Hot Chocolate Gift Set is a delightful winter treat that’s perfect for kids (and adults!). Packaged in charming holiday character designs, this set includes a variety of decadent hot chocolate flavors, including Rocky Road, Cookie Butter, Pumpkin Pie, and more. Each flavor offers a unique twist on the classic winter beverage, making it a fun and flavorful gift for the holiday season. The set also comes with marshmallows, making it a complete and cozy gift that will bring warmth and joy to any winter day.

The Astor Chocolate Ultimate S’mores Kit

Winter is the season for S’mores! Gift a kid an Astor Chocolate Ultimate S’mores Kit, and you’ll have a fan for life. The kit includes everything needed to create the perfect s’mores: rich Astor Chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and graham crackers. You can even throw in a set of fun Marshmallow Roasting Sticks to complete the set.

In the Mix Ninja Gingerbread Kit

The In the Mix Gingerbread Cookie Kit: Ninja Edition is a fun and unique twist on the classic gingerbread cookie kit. Instead of traditional gingerbread men, this kit allows kids to bake and decorate gingerbread ninjas in various action-packed poses. The kit includes pre-measured ingredients to create the perfect dough, a ninja-themed cookie cutter, icing, and decorations. It’s a cute kit that is sure to delight young ones.

Cozy Winter Gifts for Kids to Keep Them Warm

When the temperatures drop, nothing beats the cozy comfort of warm clothing and accessories. While they may not be “toys,” they are certainly useful!

REI Co-op Trailsmith Sweater

A soft fleece sweater is an essential winter wardrobe piece that provides warmth without bulk. The REI Co-op Trailsmith Fleece Jacket is a great choice, offering lightweight warmth and a comfy fit for outdoor adventures or lounging at home.

READ NEXT: 12 Stylish Outdoor Brands You’ll Want To Wear Everywhere

Columbia 3-in-1 Jacket

The Columbia 3-in-1 Kids’ Interchange Jacket is the ultimate winter jacket for kids, offering unbeatable versatility for any weather. While it’s on the pricier side, this jacket can be worn in three ways. There’s a waterproof outer shell for rainy days and a warm insulated liner for snowy weather. The two can be zipped together for ultimate warmth and protection in the coldest conditions. Whether your child is heading out in rain, snow, or frigid temperatures, this jacket has them covered all winter long, making it a smart investment for year-round outdoor adventures. We use the Bugaboo, but the Whirlibird is excellent for severe, cold weather temperatures.

Bogs 3-Season Boots

The Bogs 3-Season Boots are the perfect choice for kids who need reliable footwear in rain and snow. These boots are designed to handle various weather conditions, offering waterproof protection, warmth, and comfort. Durable, insulated materials keep feet dry and cozy during wet, snowy, or muddy days. The Bogs 3-Season Boots offer long-lasting quality and performance, making them an excellent choice for kids who need a boot that can withstand all kinds of weather, season after season.

Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks

The Darn Tough Kids Polar Bear Ski & Snowboard Socks are designed to keep little feet warm and comfortable during all their winter adventures. Made from moisture-wicking merino wool, these socks provide the perfect balance of warmth and breathability, ensuring feet stay dry and cozy, whether on the slopes or playing in the snow. The over-the-calf design offers extra coverage and protection, while the midweight thickness makes them ideal for skiing, snowboarding, or any other cold-weather activity. With a lifetime guarantee, these socks are designed to withstand countless winter seasons.

Touched By Nature Pajamas

For those chilly nights, a cozy pair of winter pajamas is perfect. The Touched By Nature Pajamas come in fun winter-themed prints and offer the softest, coziest fit for a good night’s sleep.

L.L. Bean Kids’ Sweater Fleece Slippers

The Kids’ Sweater Fleece Slippers are the ultimate cozy footwear for keeping little feet warm and snug during the colder months. Made from soft sweater fleece, these slippers provide a comfortable, plush feel that is perfect for lounging around the house or after outdoor play. With a slip-on design, they’re easy for kids to wear, and the durable soles offer grip, making them safe for indoor use. Available in fun, playful designs, these slippers are a great way to keep feet warm and toasty while adding a touch of winter charm to a child’s wardrobe.

I hope this guide to fun winter gifts for children helped you find the perfect present.

Happy Adventures!

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