Great Family Gifts for December and Beyond

Published December 3, 2020

By Elena Epstein

We’ve got wonderful toys, books, music, games and gear for your holiday giving. These family products would also be handy and welcome any time of year.

Robo Wunderkind Explorer Prime Kit: These robotics kits empower children as young as 5 to learn to code through the joy of play. Young inventors can build their own robots and gadgets, customize them with Legos and program them through the intuitive apps. $249, ages 5-14

‘Songs Across the Pond’: This transatlantic alliance pairs acclaimed U.S. kids musician Brady Rymer and standout UK family music maker David Gibb, who have created a hooky, sunny ’60s-flavored rock ’n’ roll collection the whole family will enjoy. $13.99

Jeepers Peepers The ‘Ask and Answer’ Question Game Party Pack: Am I a monkey? A hamburger? An astronaut? A car? That’s the question on everyone’s mind – or glasses. This hilarious family game includes 208 cards, 12 pairs of glasses, a spinner, bingo chips and game ideas. $59.85, ages 6+

Pinkfong Baby Shark Dancing DJ: Boogie to the beat with Dance Detection Technology. When you move and groove, the Baby Shark will dance with you! Plays seven fun songs and popular remixes, plus three interactive games. $39.99, ages 2+

Under-The-Sea Mermaid Palace: Splash into an undersea adventure with exciting play spaces, including a royal throne, slides, clamshell bed, seashell vanity, working gate and swing. $49.99, ages 3-8

Sharon, Lois and Bram’s ‘Skinnamarink’: Based on the classic folk song made famous by a beloved trio of children’s entertainers, this picture book is best sung aloud! A timeless anthem of love and inclusion.$17.99, ages 3-7

‘Band Together’: Duck is a solo act. He loves the peace and solitude of his beachside home, strumming his ukulele beneath the stars. But, after helping stranded band players Bear, Fox and Seagull, he learns to expand his comfort zone. A delightful book about the joys of friendship. $14.99, ages 4-8

Ripclear Kid’s Shield: Makers of the advanced protective film for outdoor sports eyewear have created a children’s face shield designed to provide extra protection from the COVID-19 virus. Shields are available in pink bunny and panda, lined with ¾-inch foam around the forehead to reduce pressure points, and held in place with a soft elastic headband. The product has received medical device certification from the FDA. $19.99/five-pack, ages 4-9

Insulated Sportee Bottle: Made for active toddlers, this bottle offers chilled drinking with a big-kid look, featuring an insulated base to keep drinks cool and easy-grip sides. $13.99, ages 2+

The Monkey Mind Meditation Deck: Help children become more present, confident and capable of handling difficult emotions. This vibrant deck offers 30 simple practices that explore the transformative power of mindfulness in a playful way. $17.95, ages 4+

‘All the Ladies’: Joanie Leeds has written a new collection of songs focused on gender equality, female empowerment and breaking glass ceilings. The album is produced, recorded and performed entirely by women. $10, ages 5-8

‘Ways to Make Sunshine’ by Renée Watson: From Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Renée Watson comes the first book in a middle-grade series about Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit, kindness and sunshine. $16.99, ages 7-10

‘Hello Friend/Hola Amigo: A fun, bouncy bilingual song from 123 Andrés’ Grammy Award-winning album has been brought to life in a whole new way that’s perfect for storytime sharing. $8.99, ages 1- 6

‘Imagine That!’ The Sesame Street Music of Joe Raposo & Jeff Moss: Broadway/TV actress Rena Strober is joined by friends Jason Alexander, French Stewart and DOTZ, the blind children’s choir, to celebrate classic music from Sesame Street. A portion of all sales goes to Guide Dogs of America & Gavin’s Groupies. $9.99 (Digital Album) $14.99 (CD)

Click to read our Jingle holiday gift guide!