Let's be honest, shopping for big kids is a little harder than shopping for a toddler or a baby. They now have (gasp!) likes and dislikes and a lot of the toys from just a year ago now seem "too baby" for them. So we've rounded up a handful of gifts that we think are sure to please even the pickiest big kid — and when in doubt, just give 'em a gift card!
Pokémon Advent Calendar
Most adults are guaranteed to have at least one Pokémon-obsessed kid in their family somewhere, so this advent calendar is sure to be a massive hit. Granted, they'll unwrap it December 1 instead of the end of the month, but unveiling a new figurine each day will be the gift that keeps on giving all month long.
Disney Codeillusion
$499
from
Codeillusion
Codeillusion is basically intensive coding lessons infused with the magic of Disney. This comprehensive program teaches older kids everything from web design to game development to media art to the four core programming languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Processing, all using familiar Disney characters. Kids can animate popular characters like Mickey, Elsa, and Wreck-It Ralph and place them in worlds to play games that they designed themselves. So cool, right? There's an Enchanted Package, which comes with a "Magic Book" that contains even more activities that can't be found online and a Prime Package which includes everything online, but not the "Magic Book." And between Nov. 27 and Dec. 5, the Enchanted Package will be 60% off, bringing the total down to $359, and Prime will be $249 at 50% off. It's the perfect family adventure for a COVID-19 year if you ask us!
Trolls: World Tour Lego Sets
We're loving these fun and colorful Trolls: World Tour-themed Lego sets and we're betting your older kids will too. There are multiple sets, but our favorites are the Pop Village Celebration and the oh-so-fun Vibe City Concert set where Poppy can actually go down a zip line with her hair!
App-Enabled R2D2 Droid
This is the ultimate gift for the kid that's totally into Star Wars. The life-size R2D2 can be controlled from a smart device, so kids can make it drive, waddle, flash lights, make adorable droid sounds, and even project holograms to explore iconic Star Wars locales like the Millennium Falcon and other parts of a galaxy far, far away. Not only can R2D2 interact with other Sphero droids, it can even "watch" films from the Star Wars saga with you and react to it.
Buildzi or Tenzi Game
Both Buildzi and Tenzi would make awesome additions to family game nights. They're challenging enough for the older big kids, and fun enough for the younger ones too.
MoonScope Telescope
Callling all stargazers! This real, working kids' telescope comes with a moon filter, two eyepieces (to provide 18x and 90x magnification), and a finder scope with a glow-in-the-dark ring to make spotting planets and the moon a breeze, as well as a 22-page activity journal.
