Gifts for Kids That Will Last Far Beyond the Holiday Season

If there’s a new baby in your life and you’re stumped on the perfect gift, a Lovevery subscription is a great, generous choice. The first box, for babies aged 0-12 weeks, features items that’ll help them build new brain connections and process their surroundings. The spiral mobile, sensory toys, silicone rattle, and more are all perfect first playthings. ($80 per box, Lovevery)

With this adorable little piano, kids 6 months and up can either create their own songs or play pre-recorded favorites. It’s designed for babies and toddlers, but it’s fun for everyone — chances are it’ll be a playroom favorite for many years to come. ($28.14, Amazon)

Take the kids' bedtime routine to a whole new level with Moonlite. This series includes digital books and a projector with slides to accompany the story; download the app, and you can pair up gentle sound effects and background music to complete the immersion while you read aloud to your child. Choose from beloved book collections like Disney princesses, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, and classic fairytales. ($38.50, Amazon)

You can add the names of up to three kids and boom — an entire adventure book custom to them. How freaking cool is that? Their names will appear throughout the story and on the cover, plus alter ego names can be included, too. Their illustration can also be tweaked, including hair color, skin tone, and hair style. You'll love reading it to them and they'll love searching for their tiny illustrated selves. Waldo, who? ($39.99+, Wonderbly)

If you’re looking for a baby gift under $15, this is it. This large mirror has a supportive easel back and is perfect for those early months when the floor is their playground. (It also has a high-contrast ladybug, crinkle leaves, and a rotating bumblebee to engage their curiosity.) Tummy time just got way more fun. ($14.39, Amazon)

Personalization is always a good idea. Delight your favorite kid with these handmade, nontoxic crayons just for them. You can choose up to 14 letters, in either solid or swirl colors. ($7+, KagesKrayons via Etsy)

This push-around car for toddlers, which comes in three colors, is bound to become their new favorite form of transportation – especially if they’re car superfans. It has an adjustable seatbelt, and it’s durable enough to serve multiple siblings well over the years. ($72.24+, Amazon)

You can’t go wrong with a pair of PJs for the holidays. This adorable graphic set from Hanna Andersson is soft and thick enough to keep them warm, but breathable enough for the summer months, too. Check out tons of other patterns (including lots of holiday options) here. ($46, Hanna Andersson)

It’s not complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. This card game will have the whole family laughing, imitating animals, and possibly icing their hands after overenthusiastic card-pile slapping. It’ll be a hit at game nights — with older kids and grown-ups, too. ($7.97, Amazon)

This budget-friendly set has plenty to love, including a mini oven that spins each Play-Doh pie when it’s done “cooking,” and all the molds they’ll need to make their favorite toppings. The tiny pizza box is the best part. ($14.85, Amazon)

Get ready, because this thing is gonna come out at every playdate, and the adults will get sucked in every time. All you have to do is load up a rocket on the launcher, then stomp as hard as you can and watch it soar. (This version has dueling launchers for the inevitable competition that will ensue.) ($19.97, Amazon)

They’ll spend hours building houses, castles, cars, and more with these multicolored magnetic tiles. There are plenty of expansion sets to check out (like ones with safari animals and construction tools), but even if you “just” stick to the regular ones, you’ll find the whole family gravitating toward them. ($119.97, Amazon)

This huge paper sheet is 10 feet long and covered in ocean-themed imagery. Roll it out on the floor, grab some crayons and markers, and get going. ($29.95, FriendsArtLab via Etsy)

One side has a chalkboard, and the other has a whiteboard — plus space for a large roll of drawing paper. Underneath you’ll find room for all their art supplies, from chalk to paint. Creative play, this way. ($96.90, Amazon)

This inkless art board will allow them to create their own pictures with a simple swipe of water. It comes with a stand, a bamboo water brush, and a reservoir you can pour the water into. All they have to do is dip the brush into the water and paint. The board will reset over time as the water dries, so they’ll have a blank slate to draw something new. PS: This makes a great gift for adults, too. ($37.95, Amazon)

This ferry boat toy, which comes with two mini cars, is made from recycled plastic milk jugs, and perfect for bath time or summer days in the pool. The kids might not appreciate this part, but unlike so many water toys, it’s also a breeze to clean — it can go right in the dishwasher. ($20.97, Amazon)

Introducing the gift that’s so nostalgic you might want to keep it for yourself. These colored pencils are made from recycled paper and have scents that’ll last for up to two years. Gift them fragrances like rainbow sherbet and watermelon to liven up their coloring, homework, and more. ($15.99, Amazon)

This adorable doggy alarm clock has a light that turns red at night to let kids know they should still be in bed. When it’s time to wake up, the light will turn green and the alarm will go off. There’s an option to turn off the alarm completely and just utilize the light feature — and there’s a nap timer, too. Plug it into an outlet or power via three AA batteries. ($34.99, Amazon)

Ah, to love anything as much as kids love bubbles. This dolphin-shaped machine can blow hundreds of bubbles per minute thanks to multiple built-in bubble wands, so it’s perfect for long afternoons outside. They’re about to be obsessed. Psst…Don’t forget four AA batteries. ($24.99, Amazon)

This 12-ounce Thermos bottle is perfect for school, park days, or long car trips. It’s easy to open and will keep their drinks nice and cold. It also comes in tons of different patterns — so whether they’re into Minecraft or Peppa Pig, you’re covered. ($13.48+, Amazon)

This comes with everything they need to create an adorable hub for chia seed sprouts. And it’s based on one of our favorite books of all time, Eric Carle’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” The terrarium itself is shaped like a giant apple, and they can decorate it with the included stickers. Just add the potting mix, rocks, and chia seeds to prep — then water each day with the included spray bottle, and after about five days, sprouts should start to grow. ($14.99, Amazon)

Keeping them occupied? The gift that keeps on giving. This colorful set has bean bags, cones, and rings perfect for indoor or outdoor play. Relay races, tossing games, and more, coming right up. ($29.99, Amazon)