Which gifts for kids work at almost any age?

Books, art supplies and simple games for several players suit many age groups. Still, always check the manufacturer's age recommendation.

How do I choose a gift for a child I hardly know?

Ask the parents about current interests and what the child already has. A small gift such as a book or a card game is a safe choice when you are unsure.

Are there gifts that do not take up much space?

Yes, for example books, craft sets, card games or audio figures. They fit into small rooms and are easy to store.

What should I look out for with children under 3?

Toys with small parts that could be swallowed are not suitable for children under 36 months. Check the age label on the packaging and in the product description.

Gift Ideas for Kids: Gifts by Age and Occasion

Gift ideas by occasion

Christmas gifts for kids: ideas for every age Christmas gifts for kids should bring real joy and not end up forgotten in a box. A few simple questions help you find the right present sooner.
Advent calendars for kids: ideas that build excitement Advent calendars give each day of December its own little surprise. Here is how to choose one for a child, from small toys to 24 stories.
St Nicholas Day gifts for kids: ideas for the boot On the morning of 6 December, a filled boot waits by the door. Here are St Nicholas Day gifts for kids that stay small and still bring joy.
School start gifts: ideas for the big first day The first day of school is a milestone. These school start gifts, including ideas for the Schultüte, make the beginning easier and a bit more festive.
Party favours for kids: small, useful and fun A small thank-you at the end of the party is part of many children's birthdays. Here is how to fill party bags that please, without adding to the rubbish.
Small gifts for kids: joy without the big spend Not every gift has to be big. Here are small gifts for kids that work as a visit present, a comfort or just a nice surprise.

How to find gifts for kids that actually get used

Choosing a gift for a child is harder than it looks. Children grow quickly, tastes change, and last year's favourite can be forgotten by spring. On this page we sort the ideas by two simple questions: how old is the child, and what is the gift for?

Gift ideas by age, from 1 to 10 years

Every child develops at their own pace, but age groups still give you a first idea. Many one-year-olds like to grab, stack and post things into holes. Pre-schoolers often love pretend play and crafts, and many primary-school children enjoy collecting, experimenting and inventing things of their own. Each age has its own page with a small selection.

One thing matters for the youngest: toys with small parts that could be swallowed carry a warning that they are not suitable for children under 36 months. Always check the manufacturer's age guidance.

Gift ideas by occasion

Some gifts belong to a certain time of year. We have written separate guides for these occasions:

Christmas gifts and advent calendars for kids
Small gifts for St Nicholas Day on 6 December, a custom in Germany and several other countries
School start gifts and what goes into the school cone, or Schultüte
Party favours for children's birthdays
Small gifts for any day of the year

How to choose the right gift

Start with what the child is into right now. Do they build, draw, listen to stories or spend most of their time outdoors? Interests depend on the individual child, not on whether they are a girl or a boy. A gift that links to a current interest usually goes down better than one that is simply "typical for the age".

It also helps to ask the parents. They know what is already in the playroom and how much space is left. If several people are buying gifts, a quick chat avoids duplicates.

Who selects the products

The gift ideas on wimolino are put together by our editorial team. We choose them by age, type of play and occasion, and arrange them so they are easy to browse. The product cards link to amazon.de, the German Amazon shop, which delivers to many countries. There you can see prices, reviews and the manufacturer's details. We have not tested the products ourselves.

Frequently asked questions

Which gifts for kids work at almost any age?: Books, art supplies and simple games for several players suit many age groups. Still, always check the manufacturer's age recommendation.
How do I choose a gift for a child I hardly know?: Ask the parents about current interests and what the child already has. A small gift such as a book or a card game is a safe choice when you are unsure.
Are there gifts that do not take up much space?: Yes, for example books, craft sets, card games or audio figures. They fit into small rooms and are easy to store.
What should I look out for with children under 3?: Toys with small parts that could be swallowed are not suitable for children under 36 months. Check the age label on the packaging and in the product description.