The Best Holiday Gifts for Toddlers and Young Children

Make every kid’s room just a little bit more magical with a Jeff Koons limited edition balloon animal. Beyond his massive Balloon Dog sculpture, Koons created a smaller collectible version that is still extremely hard to come by. However, Artsy has a few available, including this cute balloon rabbit, which makes for an excellent start to any child’s lifetime art collection.

Buy it: $26,500, artsy.com

As a kid, everything seems larger-than-life, but with this massive chess set from Neiman Marcus, it really is. The pieces, constructed from lightweight resin, each come in between 17-25 inches tall. The massive pieces are also built to withstand play both indoors and out on the lawn. Just make sure to pick up the giant chess board to pair with the pieces too.

Buy it: Pieces, $700, Board $350, neimanmarcus.com

If there’s one gift that is guaranteed to bring a smile to every kid’s face it’s a giant stuffed animal. And this four-foot-tall stuffed giraffe by Melissa & Doug is no exception. The plush giraffe is designed to look just like the real thing with true to life patterns, big eyelashes, and tiny adorable horns. Grab one for a new nursery, or to place in the corner to inspire the future generation of travelers to get out on a safari as soon as they’re old enough.

Buy it: $100, NeimanMarcus.com 

Every kid on Earth loves to play house. But, instead of giving the little ones around you a basic set, go big with the Milton & Goose play kitchen. The chic design is both playful and functional. And, because it’s crafted by Amish artisans using sustainable Baltic birch and solid North American maple, you know it will last a lifetime. The kitchen comes with an extra-large oven with a pull-down door, an under-sink cabinet with shelf for extra storage, hooks for play pots and pans, porcelain on steel chalkboard, and more.

Buy it: $800, neimanmarcus.com

There are some classic children’s toys that just never go out of style. A good tea set falls firmly in that category. The tea party set by MacKenzie-Childs comes with a classic print pattern including a tablecloth, cups, saucers, pot, teaspoons and more. Though everything is dishwasher safe the company recommends hand washing to ensure the tea set stays like new for years of tea parties to come.

Buy it: $150, neimanmarcus.com

Speaking of collection starters, all the kids on your “nice” list deserve a signed copy of a classic Children’s book like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This particular book is one of 2,500 numbered copies, signed by Salvador Dali on the title page. The staggeringly rare book comes with its original etching in colors and 12 full-page color plates by Dali. Just maybe deliver this one in a glass case too.

Buy it: $12,000, RaptisRareBooks.com

Any little one who slides into these fluffy, stylin' sandals is sure to be ready to cozy up for wintertime. 

To buy: nordstrom.com, $65

The holidays are the perfect time of year to give a little globe trotter a set of wheels—and we think this lightweight scoot is a pretty sleek ride. The scooter features a a T-bar handle and easy-to-master steering.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $140

Who doesn't love trains? Give the little one in your life the train set of a lifetime with this deluxe set from BRIO, featuring 106 wooden pieces perfect for post-holiday playtime.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $420

For young adventurers—especially any little snow bunnies—these ski goggles are a great way to get the ski setup started just in time for prime ski season.

To buy: net-a-porter.com, $140

Not only is this onesie possibly the most adorable onesie of all time, but it is sure to keep any todler toasty through the holidays.

To buy: net-a-porter.com, $390