Finally, a way to contain the madness

Stuffed animals falling off shelves, superheroes poking you behind pillows, and LEGO bricks underfoot (ouch!). If your house is anything like ours, it’s total toy chaos. But rather than resign yourself to a house of disorder, we’ve rounded up the best, most clever toy storage ideas that all but guarantee to work organizational wonders for the toys and gear growing like gremlins. So whether your house is being overtaken by art supplies or a precarious stack of board games, we have a solution for you!

Best Toy Storage Solution for Stuffies

Problem: A hoard of stuffed animals is crowding your kid out of their bed.

Solution: Stuffed animals have a tendency to multiply faster than rabbits. Take advantage of an unused corner by storing toys in a hanging hammock. Now your little one will have a space on the bed to put their second, third, and fourth-best lovey.

To buy: LittleWoodPiece via Etsy, $43

Best Toy Storage Solution for Jumbled Messes

Problem: The toys are jumbled together in one bin and no one can find the item they want.

Solution: Snag storage containers with individual bins, like IKEA’s Trofast system, but take it to the next level by labeling each one so there’s no confusion as to where each toy goes when playtime is over—making it super easy to find the toy they really want when it’s time to play again. Snag a custom set of vinyl labels from Made by Sunni—they’re not only well-made, but the pictures also make it easy for pre-readers to know what goes where.

To buy: IKEA, $35 & up

Best Toy Storage Solution for LEGO

toy storage ideas
Swoop Bags

Problem: Too many LEGO sets, not enough time to sort them all.

Solution: We know that even the best laid-out LEGO storage system is no match for a kid who is asked to put their LEGO away. It's hard to keep bricks color-coded or grouped by type—eventually—everything winds up mixed all together. Make it easy on yourself (and your kids) by ordering a few Swoop Bags. These bags have a six-inch edge to help contain small pieces, come in small, medium, or large (they're big enough to play with those LEGO inside the bag), and you can choose between all sorts of fun colors. It's a storage and carryall solution (thanks to the handy pull-cord that doubles as a carrying strap) in one! 

To buy: Swoop Bags, $54 & up

Best Toy Storage Solution for the Recycler

toy storage ideas using a paper bag
Hello Wonderful

Problem: You don't want to buy yet another storage container. 

Solution: Make your own toy storage out of paper bags. We love this cute DIY storage bag from Hello Wonderful because it's easy to make, practically free and it makes a one-stop spot for loose toys. All you need is a few paper bags and paint.

Best Toy Storage Solution for Artists

toy storage solutions for art supplies
Amazon

Problem: Your Picasso-in-training can't find their favorite colored pencil when they need it.

Solution: Pencils and markers rolling all over the place? Set up an artist station with a lazy Susan carousel. This one comes with removable storage spots (art on the go!) that can also pull double duty as craft central: think puff balls, paint brushes, and paints. There's (finally) a home for every sharpened pencil, animal-shaped eraser, gel and glitter marker set, and more. 

To buy: Amazon, $30

Best Toy Storage Solution for (Outgrown) Stuffed Animals

toy storage ideas for stuffed animals
Amazon

Problem: Your kid has outgrown their loveys on display but isn't ready to donate them.

Solution: All those stuffed animals are turning into monster-sized dust bunnies and while your kid is old enough to not (really) need them, they're too young to want to get rid of them. To make everyone happy, fill this storage-cum-bean bag by Posh Creations for an extra cuddly (and dust-free) spot to sit.

To buy: Amazon, $24

Best Toy Storage Solutions for Board Games

 

Problem: Flimsy cardboard puzzle boxes lead to lost and mismatched pieces while stacks of board games stuffed in a cupboard end up never being used.

Solution: Enlist the help of mesh bags and a storage bin.  Not only will they be easily accessible, but the storage bin will up the design factor in your family room and free up closet space.

To buy: 24-count mesh bags on Amazon, $19, storage bins on Amazon, $38

Best Toy Storage Solution for Bunk Beds & Cramped Bed Space

a bed caddy is a good toy storage idea
Walmart

Problem: Bedtime buddies and books don’t have any place to go when it's time to sleep.

Solution: You know better than to suggest your little ones drop extra loveys and books onto the floor to make some space to sleep which is why this solution is what you both need—easy-to-access pockets to stuff those stuffies and books while making room for a full night's sleep (finger's crossed!). This genius storage solution is especially clutch when you have an awesome bunk bed or loft bed situation. 

To buy: Walmart, $11

Best Toy Storage Solution for Figurines

Problem: Barbie, Ken, and their friends are all looking for a place to crash.

Solution: Your kid will be able to locate Black Panther, Ironman, or Barbie and friends in no time thanks to this toy storage idea that uses an over-the-door shoe organizer. Best part? When you want to keep the toys out of sight, just shut the door.

To buy: Amazon, $26

Best Toy Storage Solution for Awkward Spaces

clever toy storage ideas for kid's room
Chris Loves Julia

Problem: Your home has an awkward nook, cranny, or closet and it's hampering any creative toy storage solutions.

Solution: Lean into the awkward spot and use it to your advantage. Build out the space and turn that sore spot into an extra special space with a built-in play house (that can also house those stacks of toys behind closed doors). 

For the indoor playhouse how-to: chrislovesjulia.com

Best Toy Storage Solution for Book Fanatics

Problem: Your kid’s reading obsession (while great) is bordering on book hoarding.

Solution: Take advantage of walls by installing an open-faced bookshelf so your little bibliophile will have access to all their favorites. If there are too many books in your collection, do a monthly rotation so they all get some love.

To buy: joykids.com, $250

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

There’s no doubt about it: kids are sponges when it comes to learning (and picking up on swear words, turns out). We’ve rounded up some fun facts for kids that will entertain and wow them (and you!). For those in search of trivia for teens, we’ve got you covered as well! Try to stump your kids at the dinner table or go all in for a family trivia night. In the mood for even more fun? Try out these hilarious jokes for kids, the best minute to win it games, and some selections from the 100+ movies every kid needs to see before they grow up.

Fun Facts for Kids About Space

fun facts for kids about space
NASA via Unsplash

1. The moon is very hot (224 degrees Fahrenheit, average) during the day but very cold (-243 degrees average) at night.

2. Venus spins clockwise. It’s the only planet that does!

3. One teaspoon of a neutron star would weigh six billion tons.

4. Sally Ride was the first American woman to fly in space, on June 18, 1983.

5. One million Earths could fit inside the sun!

6. Even in an airplane, a trip to Pluto would take about 800 years. 

7. Ham the Astrochimp was the first hominid in space, launched on Jan. 31, 1961. 

8. Neptune’s days are 16 hours long.

9. It takes eight minutes and 19 seconds for light to travel from the sun to Earth.

10. The footprints on the moon will be there for 100 million years. 

11. A neutron star can spin 600 times in one second. 

12. Jupiter is the fastest-spinning planet in the solar system (it only takes about 10 hours to complete a full rotation on its axis). 

13. Sound does not carry in space. 

14. The Earth's core is as hot as the surface of the sun. 

15. The very first animals in space were fruit flies...they were sent up in 1947 and recovered alive. 

16. In 2011, ten-year-old Kathryn Aurora Gray discovered a supernova (a star that has run out of energy, explodes and then collapses before it dies) that no one else had seen before. 

17. Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, has saltwater geysers that are 20x taller than Mt. Everest. 

18. Saturn's rings are made from trillions of chunks of orbiting ice. 

19. Alpha Centauri isn't a star, but a star system. It is 4.22 light years away. 

20. One day on Venus is almost 8 months on Earth. 

21. Jupiter's Great Red Spot is a storm that has been raging for over 200 years. 

22. There are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on Earth.  

Looking for more space facts? Check them out here

Facts for Kids About Food

find out about hot dogs with food trivia for kids
Unsplash

1. The world’s longest French fry is 34 inches long.  

2. Garlic bulbs are full of Vitamin C, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and more. It also has 17 amino acids.

3. On the South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha, potatoes were once used as currency.

4. The strawberry is the only fruit that bears seeds on the outside.

5. According to Tori Avey, coffee became a popular drink in America after the Boston Tea Party of 1773: Making the switch from tea to coffee was considered a patriotic duty.

6. The double coconut palm produced the biggest seed in the world: 45 pounds.

7. Ice cream was once called “cream ice.”

8. Pound cake is so-called because the recipes once called for a pound of butter, a pound of sugar, a pound of eggs, and a pound of flour. 

9. Peanuts aren't nuts! (They're legumes.)

10. Carrots weren't always orange: they were once exclusively purple. 

11. Cherries are a member of the rose family (Rosaceae) as are quince, pears, plums, apples, peaches, and raspberries! 

12. Lima beans have an amazing ability to command wasps as a defense. If insects are eating the lima bean's leaves, the plant gives off a substance that acts as a signal to parasitic wasps to swoop in and destroy their enemy (i.e. the leaf-eating insects).

13. Apples float because they are one-quarter air! 

14. Ripe cranberries will bounce like a ball. (Go on, try it!). They also float. 

15. German chocolate cake is not from Germany. German is the last name of the man who invented a kind of baking chocolate (Sam German). 

16. Cilantro and coriander are considered to be the same. 

17. SPAM is a mash-up of the words "spice" and "ham."

Amazing Facts for Students About History

library where you can find fun facts for kids and trivia questions for kids
iStock

1. The Wright Brothers only flew together once (though both piloted the planes individually): on May 25, 1910, they took a six-minute flight piloted by Orville with Wilbur as his passenger.

2. Regardless of their size, naval tradition declares submarines to be called “boats” rather than “ships.”

3. Hedy Lamar was a famous Hollywood film actress who also invented what became modern-day Wi-Fi. 

4. Walt Disney started sketching regularly when he was just four years old.

5. Abraham Lincoln lost five separate elections before he became president of the U.S. (Never, ever, ever give up!)

6. Pablo Picasso entered art school around the age of 10. The Picasso Museum in Barcelona, Spain includes many “early works” from his childhood.

7. Frederick Douglass taught himself to read and write.

8. Before European contact (which caused populations to diminish rapidly ) California indigenous tribal groups spoke more than 200 unique dialects. 

9. Amelia Earhart first saw a plane at the age of 10 but didn't take an airplane ride until 1920 when she was 23 years old. 

10. Abe Lincoln was a professional wrestler long before he became the 16th President of the United States. 

11. After landing in Ireland after her first solo Atlantic flight, a farmer asked Amelia Earhart where she was from. When she said America, he almost didn't believe her! 

12. Frederick Douglass's birth name was Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey. When he married he chose the last name Douglass after the hero clan in Sir Walter Scott's famous poem, Lady of the Lake

13. Frida Kahlo created 143 paintings. Of these, 55 were self-portraits. 

14. Babe Ruth was the first baseball player to hit a home run in the All-Star game, at Chicago’s Comiskey Park in 1933.

15. The Olympics used to award gold medals for art

16. George Washington didn't chop down a cherry tree. 

Fun Facts for Kids About the Weather

fun facts for kids about lightening
Sean McAuliffe via Unsplash

1. Some tornadoes can be faster than Formula One race cars!

2. There are 2,000 thunderstorms on Earth every minute.

3. The wind is silent until it blows against something. 

4. There are ice caves in Iceland that have hot springs.

5. The fastest recorded raindrop was 18 mph! 

6. The US gets over 1200 tornadoes a year.

7. Lightning can strike twice.

8.  Clouds look white because they are reflecting sunlight from above them.

9. Yuma, Arizona gets over 4000 hours of sunshine a year, making it the sunniest place on Earth. The least sunny place is the South Pole, where the sun only shines on 182 days a year. (Which would you rather live in?) 

10. Rain contains vitamin B12. 

11. A bolt of lightning is five times hotter than the sun. 

12. A hurricane releases enough energy in one second to equal that of 10 atomic bombs. 

13. It can be too warm to snow, but never too cold. 

14. Tropical storms and hurricanes started getting "named" in 1953. 

15. You can tell the weather by counting a cricket's chirps! 

16. Worms wiggle up from the ground when a flood is coming. 

Animal Trivia for Kids

kids can learn about manatees with animal triva for kids.
NOAA via Unsplash

1. Many people believe that early mermaid sightings can be attributed to dehydration + manatees.

2. Sloths cannot shiver to stay warm, and so have difficulty maintaining their body temperature on rainy days.

3. In the wild, some reindeer travel more than 3000 miles in a single year.

4. Only half of the dolphin’s brain goes to sleep when asleep and the other half stays awake.

5. Other than humans, emperor penguins are the only warm-blooded animals to stay in Antarctica for the winter.

6. The biggest fossil of a spider was found in China. It is one inch long and 165 million years old.

7. The largest living animal is the blue whale, which can measure as much as 100 feet. 

8. Nearly 10% of all of a cat's bones are in its tail.

9. In the wintertime reindeer grow their facial hair long enough to cover their mouths, which protects their muzzles when grazing in the snow. Beard-os! 

10. Dolphins have been seen wrapping sea sponges around their long snouts to protect them from cuts while foraging for food.

11. Shrimp's hearts are in their heads. 

12. While pandas sometimes eat fish or small animals, 99% of their diet is bamboo. 

13. An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain. 

14. A fox uses its tail to communicate with other foxes. 

15. Dogs have wet noses because they secrete a thin layer of mucus, which helps dogs smell! 

16. The female hummingbird builds the world's smallest bird's nest (approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, around the size of a walnut!). She weaves it from spiderwebs which allows it to expand as the chicks grow. 

17. The largest land animal in Antarctica is an insect: the columbola (which looks like an earwig). Penguins are considered marine animals. 

18. There are 222 owl species in the world. Most are nocturnal, but a few are active during the daytime, such as the Barred Owl.

19. Sloths are strong swimmers, especially good at the backstroke. 

20. Sharks do not hunt humans or consider humans food. Shark incidents occur when sharks are hunting for seals, dolphins, or other "human-sized" prey. It's a case of mistaken identity!  

21. A koala's fingerprints are so similar to human fingerprints that they could taint a crime scene. 

22. The loudest animal in the world is the Pistol Shrimp. It can collapse its jaws so fast that creates a bubble that collapses and creates a sonic blast.

Get more fun facts about animals here.

Sports Trivia for Kids

Sports trivia for kids includes fun facts for kids about Babe Ruth
Wikimedia Commons

1. In 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single NBA basketball game. No one has broken this record (not even Steph Curry!).

2. Babe Ruth began his career as a pitcher: Ruth was both a left-handed pitcher and a left-handed batter.

3. The record for the long jump is held by Mike Powell: 29 ft. + 4 inches. That’s like jumping the length of two minivans!

4. The most medals won for Olympic basketball (male or female) are both held by women: Teresa Edwards and Lisa Leslie with four gold medals each.

5. Wilma Rudolph (who set the world record in 1960 for 100, 200, and 4x100-meter relay) had polio, scarlet fever, and pneumonia as a child, leading doctors to believe she’d never walk again.

6. NFL Super Bowl referees also get Super Bowl rings. 

7. In 1919, Cleveland Indians pitcher Ray Caldwell was struck by lightning in the middle of the 9th inning. He kept playing! 

8. The 'G' on the Green Bay Packers helmet stands for "greatness" not Green Bay! 

9. Baseballs last an average of seven pitches. 

10. Manon Rheaume is the only woman to have played in an NHL game.

11. Golf is one of only two sports ever played on the moon. In 1971, Alan Shepard hit a ball with a six-iron while on the moon as part of the Apollo 14 mission. The other sport was a javelin toss, during the same visit. 

12. The shortest player in the National Hockey League (NHL) was goaltender Roy Waters who measured 5 ft. 3 in. tall.

13. The tallest player in the NHL is Zdeno Chara, who is 6 ft. 9 in. tall. 

Get more fun facts for kids about sports here.

Fun Facts for Kids About the Human Body

little girl in bookstore learning fun facts for kids and trivia for kids.
iStock

1. The nose can detect a trillion smells! 

2. One-quarter of your bones are in your feet. 

3. Human teeth are as strong as shark teeth! 

4. Your blood is as salty as the ocean. 

5. Not only does everyone have unique fingerprints, but humans also have unique tongue prints!

6. The average brain weighs about three pounds. A newborn brain weighs about 3/4 of a pound. 

7. Your nose and ears never stop growing. 

8. A human body contains almost 100 trillion cells. 

9. Fingernails can grow 4x faster than toenails. 

10. Eyelashes live for about 150 days before falling out. 

11. Humans are the only animals with chins. 

12. You can't breathe and swallow at the same time.  

 

 

 

Every special, musical, comedy, and classic kids’ Christmas movie your family will want to watch together this holiday season. And trust us, they all deliver tidings of comfort, joy, and laughter

The holiday season is here. That means the tinsel’s been unleashed, every meal includes sugar cookies, and all the screens in the house are tuned to family Christmas movies. From seasonal specials and animated comedies featuring your little ones’ favorite cartoon characters to jazzy musicals and instant yuletide classics that you and yours will treasure for years to come, the following curated list is a festive smorgasbord of kids’ Christmas movies. So grab that batch of cookies from the oven and dig in!

Family Christmas Movies on Netflix

Family Switch

Family Switch is a new family Christmas movie on Netflix
Netflix

Queen of the body switch, Jennifer Garner of 13 Going On 30 fame stars in this identity switcheroo with Ed Helms from The Office. They star as parents of two who feel their once-tight-knit bond starting to fray. Come the holidays, however, the two are determined to make meaningful memories with their kids. It’s a wish that magically scrambles the families’ identities and leads to a slew of holiday hilarity.

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Netflix

The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday

If you and your littles loved the original Bad Guys film as much as we did, then you’re in for a treat. The menagerie of very bad animals is back for another heist, this one tangled up in tinsel and twinkling lights. But before they can carry out the perfect crime they’ve just masterminded, they have to save Christmas.

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Netflix

Strawberry Shortcake’s Perfect Holiday

Baking their way through the yummiest season of the year, Strawberry Shortcake and her Berry Besties are using flour power to have the most perfect Winterswirl Eve yet. The only problem is Peculiar Purple Pieman has snagged all the cinnamon. Gather the little ones for this tasty adventure that decks the halls in pink frosting and rewrites the holiday songbook with the cutest tunes. 

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Netflix

Trolls Holiday

Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, and Zooey Deschanel hit all the right notes in this addition to the happiest little franchise ever. Released in 2017, Trolls Holiday sees its brightly coiffed creatures celebrate Glitterpalooza, the day every troll indulges in song, dance, and glitter bombs. Should you want to keep the glitter flying with the 2021 installment, Trolls Holiday Harmony, it’s over on Hulu.  

Recommended Ages: 7+

Available on Netflix

A Boy Called Christmas

Fans of Paddington will find similar comfort in this wintry adventure that gives Father Christmas an origin story full of elves, reindeer, and enchantment. When a little boy named Nikolas heads out to find his father, he, with his talking mouse, Miika, and his flying reindeer, Blitzen, discovers the magic of the Far North’s village called Elfhelm.

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Netflix

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol

A christmas carol is a classic family christmas movie
Netflix

If you prefer an animated version of Dickens’s classic Christmas story, Netflix offers Scrooge: A Christmas Carol. With a supernatural bent, this musical adaptation promises something for the whole family. 

Rated: No Rating

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Netflix

Alien Xmas

A young elf receives an alien she believes is simply a toy but is, in reality, much more. While this movie has a brief 42-minute runtime, it will entertain the young and old alike. 

Rated: TV-Y

Recommended Ages: 2+

Available on Netflix

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

Released in 2020, this charming live-action musical about a toymaker is part Steampunk and part Dickens. Featuring a predominantly Black cast, including Academy-Award-winning Forest Whitaker, the once-betrayed and disgruntled toymaker finds new hope with his granddaughter. 

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 8+ 

Available on Netflix

Klaus

The first original Netflix animated film follows the story of a plucky mailman and a toy maker in a bleak, remote village. They form an unlikely friendship when they decide to spread joy by delivering presents to kids.

Rating: PG

Recommended Ages: 7+

Available on Netflix

A StoryBots Christmas

StoryBots fans will love following along as Bo heads to the North Pole to get gift advice from Santa only to discover that the Jolly Old Elf has gone missing.

Rating: TV-Y

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available on Netflix

The Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2

Netflix

After two siblings accidentally crash Santa’s sleigh, they head on an all-night journey to get things back on track. Starring Kurt Russell, this crowd-pleasing film got a sequel in 2020 with Goldie Hawn as Mrs. Claus, and it’s just as fun as the original. 

Rated PG

Recommended Ages: 10+

Available at Netflix

Supermonsters Save Christmas

Celebrate the holiday season in Pitchfork Pines with this special starring the Super Monsters. Christmas Eve finds the Super Monsters lending Santa a magical helping hand to find his missing reindeer.

Rating: TV-Y

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Netflix

White Christmas

Dreaming of a white Christmas? You can’t get much more classic than a Christmas movie featuring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney, with tunes from Irving Berlin. It may not have cartoon adventure, but it does have musical numbers and an emphasis on love and family.

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Netflix

Kids’ Christmas Movies on Disney+

Dashing Through the Snow

Dashing Through the Snow is a new family Christmas Movie on Disney+
Disney+

Lil Rel Howery dons the Santa suit for this festive Disney+ original. It costars Chris Bridges, who Mom will know better as Ludacris (the lyricist behind her favorite 2000 hip-hop hits), as a social worker who learns the true meaning of Christmas after a series of misadventures with his daughter. 

Recommended Ages: 10+

Available on Disney+

The Naughty Nine

Retooling heist films like Ocean’s Eleven and The Italian Job for the younger set, this family-friendly romp sees nine youngsters learn they’re on Santa’s Naughty List. Not about to accept a coal-only Christmas, the crew hatch a plan to hit the North Pole and take back the gifts they think they deserve.

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Disney+

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

Reimaging the original tale of sugar plum fairies and the little girl who dreams them up, the House of Mouse offers a dazzling and poetic fantasy film emphasizing the importance of love and courage. The magic swirls around Clara as she visits four realms while searching for the key to a mysterious box.  

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Disney+

The Santa Clauses

While technically not a movie, this mini-series and the latest installment in this modern Christmas franchise finds Santa hanging up his red hat, shaving off his pearly white beard, and retiring. His retirement is short-lived, though, when he realizes he may have hired the wrong replacement and endangered not only his elves but the whole holiday. 

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Disney +

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

Kevin Bacon appears in this hilarious and festive holiday special from Marvel Studios: the Guardians take a trip to Earth to find a Christmas gift for Quill. Parents should keep in mind that the original film was rated PG-13, and while the holiday special has not yet been rated, it may be best suited for older kids.  

Rated: Not yet rated 

Recommended Ages: TV-14

Available on Disney +

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas is a classic family christmas movie
Walt Disney Studios

The three sweet holiday tales in this anthology star Mickey and his pals in reimaginings of classic stories. Make this viewing a double feature with the sequel Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas, also available on Disney +.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Disney +

Santa Buddies

What’s more playfully fun than a bunch of talking puppies trying to save Christmas? The adorable Santa Buddies are lending their paws to save the big day at the North Pole.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Disney+

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Are your little elves torn about whether their favorite holiday is Christmas or Halloween? Then give ‘em a dose of both. This holiday classic is a little offbeat, a little spooky, and full of a whole lot of crazy stop-motion visuals. It’s perfect for kids who crave a different kind of Christmas movie—and those old enough to enjoy the eerie effects.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 7+

Available at: Disney+

The Santa Claus

Older kids will get a laugh watching Tim Allen (a divorced, uninvolved, turkey-burning dad) take a turn as Santa. The scenes at Santa’s workshop and the North Pole are amazing, but practice some Christmas caution: Allen gets the Santa gig because the original takes a fatal topple off a roof, there’s a lot of talk about divorce, and even a slightly scary scene with police.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 9+

Available on Disney+

The Muppets Christmas Carol

There are a lot of versions of this story out there, but how many of them feature Michael Caine as Scrooge and the big-hearted Kermit as Bob Cratchit? Throw in all the fun musical numbers and Gonzo as the Charles Dickens narrator, and you’ve got a movie night to remember. Fair warning: his job is to scare Scrooge, so the Ghost of Christmas Future is pretty scary.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Disney+

Noelle

Ever wonder what it’s like being Santa’s kids? Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader star in this super fun story about how filling the big man’s shoes might be a little too much pressure. Is the Christmas spirit truly hereditary? Find out!

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Disney +

A Christmas Carol

Jim Carrey takes on this classic tale as Ebenezer Scrooge as only he can. Watch as he’s visited by three spirits, and learns the true meaning of Christmas in this live-action film.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Disney +

Beauty and The Beast: An Enchanted Christmas

Inspired by the classic fairytale, this movie is a great way to celebrate the holidays as Mrs. Potts tells the story of the Christmas that almost didn’t happen. Kids will enjoy seeing their favorite characters and the new songs in this tale of friendship and love.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Disney +

Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year

Tiny viewers will love watching Pooh and his friends help Rabbit discover the true meaning of the season. It’s an animated story about friendship and staying true to who you are.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available on Disney +

Family Christmas Movies on Apple TV+

A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas
Lee Mendelson Film Productions

For wise kids (and those who have a soft spot for Snoopy), you can’t go wrong with the Peanuts gang. Charlie Brown has some deep thoughts about Christmas commercialization and the holiday blues, but the end is all kinds of merry: the true meaning of Christmas and snappy music to boot.

Special note: A Charlie Brown Christmas will be offered to non-subscribers on AppleTV+ from December 16 – December 17.

Otherwise, subscribers can stream it anytime. 

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 3+

The Velveteen Rabbit

Based on Margery Williams’ classic children’s book first published in 1922, this film adaptation stays true to the original story of a little boy who loves the plush bunny he got for Christmas so much it comes to life, but also injects a little modern-day flair. Blending live action with 2D animation, this family-friendly gem explores themes of friendship and unconditional love.

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available November 22 on Apple TV+

Frog and Toad “Christmas Eve” Special

Frog and Toad are best friends, and though their amphibious DNA might make you believe they’re pretty similar—they’re nothing alike. Now, it’s Christmas Eve, and the adventurous Frog is stuck in town, while creature-of-comfort Toad worries his buddy will miss the holiday entirely. 

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available December 1 on Apple TV+

The Snoopy Show Christmas Special

A holiday special that’s part of a stellar series, The Snoopy Show’s “Happiness Is Holiday Traditions” tags along with Snoopy and Woodstock as they visit the beagle’s brother, Spike, out in the desert. Not to let a few prickly cacti ruin their Christmas spirit, they conquer misadventures for the best holiday ever.

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available December 1 on Apple TV+

Shape Island Winter Special

Based on the best-selling picture books written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen, Shape Island molds its narratives around three shape friends: Square, Circle, and Triangle. In “The Winter Blues,” the series’ holiday special, Square is sad, so the others try to cheer him up with a new Yeti-centric holiday. 

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available December 1 on Apple TV+

Sago Mini Friend New Year’s Eve Special

The colorful crew of Sagoville are celebrating closing one chapter and beginning another in “New Year’s Eve Steve.” The special unfurls as Harvey, the floppy-eared dog, gets help from a firefly to stay awake to see the clock strike midnight. One scavenger hunt and a ton of laughs later, the brood just might get their wish. 

Recommended Ages: 2+

Available December 22 on Apple TV+

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse

The book on which this snowy special is based was written and illustrated by Charlie Mackesy, and it’s a beautiful work of art that would make the perfect gift for loved ones of all ages. The moving short film, another masterpiece, brings the titular four to life through traditional hand-drawn animation, following along as the friends ponder love, kindness, and hope on their journey home.

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Apple TV+

Spirited 

Spirited is a family Christmas Movie on Apple TV+
Apple TV+

Enjoy this musical with the older kids, as Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, and Octavia Spencer hold nothing back as players in a rejiggered take on Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Reynolds stars as Clint Briggs, a miser whose ghostly visits teach him the true meaning of Christmas. Meanwhile, Ferrell embodies the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Spencer plays the gift he wants to unwrap.

Recommended Ages: 13+

Available on Apple TV+

Mariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues

This year, the self-proclaimed Queen of Christmas is spreading cheer on the stages of the country’s biggest cities during her holiday tour, but if hard pants and big crowds aren’t your family’s style, just queue up this immersive sequel featuring Mariah Carey, her beloved songs, and a few fancy friends. Should you want a quick link to the 2020 original, here you go!

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available on Apple TV+

Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne

Apple TV+ has so. much. Peanuts. content, so go nuts! With For Auld Lang Syne, Lucy takes center stage, missing her grandmother and throwing a NYE party to cheer herself up. The first new holiday special in the Peanuts canon in nearly 20 years, this brilliantly animated short film is already an instant classic. 

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Apple TV+

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

This stop-motion classic family Christmas movie about Rudolph and his unusual nose is a must-watch for every generation in your house. Parents can join their children on a nostalgic journey to the unforgettable Island of Misfit Toys. 

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Apple TV+

Family Christmas Movies on Amazon Prime

A Christmas Story

A Christmas story is on Amazon Prime
MGM Entertainment

Warning: Watching A Christmas Story is likely to result in nonstop quoting of all those hilarious one-liners (Go ahead and say it with us: “You’ll shoot your eye out!”). Double warning for the younger tots: “Fudge” is substituted for the F word, one poor kid gets his tongue frozen to a flagpole, and let’s not forget that fishnet stocking leg lamp.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available at: Amazon

Candy Cane Lane

Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross team up for a holiday adventure about a family man who makes a pact with an elf to get a helping hand in winning his neighborhood’s holiday decorating contest. Of course, things don’t go as he expects, and the 12 Days of Christmas come to leaping to life.

Recommended Ages: 9+

Available November 30 on Amazon

Merry Little Batman

Damien Wayne is home alone and determined to keep a bunch of supervillains from ruining his Christmas, so he turns himself into Little Batman and shows those filthy animals who’s boss. If it all sounds familiar, that’s because this animated tale is DC’s super-twist on Macaulay Culkin’s 1990 classic.

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available December 8 on Amazon

It’s a Wonderful Life

It certainly isn’t new, but no holiday is complete without watching Frank Capra’s seminal holiday film, It’s a Wonderful Life. A heartwarming story that explores the human condition in all its forms, kids young and old always find much to love about George Bailey, a businessman who gets a glimpse at what life would look like without him. 

Recommended Ages: 9+

Available on Amazon

The Preacher’s Wife

A remake of The Bishop’s Wife from 1947, this musical drama starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington is another holiday must-watch. Featuring a beautiful holy soundtrack sung by the late pop diva, the film sees Denzel’s Dudley help a family in crisis around the holidays.

Recommended Ages: 10+

Available on Amazon

Yogi’s First Christmas

This classic kids’ Christmas movie finds Yogi and his affable sidekick Boo Boo joining in on the holiday fun, even though they should be hibernating. Kids will love meeting other Hanna-Barbera favorites like Huckleberry Hound, Snagglepuss, and Augie Doggie. 

Rated: No Rating

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Amazon

The Legend of the Christmas Witch

Legend of the christmas witch is a family christmas movie
Lucky Red Morena Films

This 2018 Italian film tells the story of an ordinary school teacher who, at night, transforms into Befana, the magical witch who bestows gifts upon all the good children. Available in Italian with English subtitles or a dubbed English version

Rated: Not Rated 

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Amazon Freevee

Alone for Christmas

What’s cuter than puppies? Christmas puppies! This is basically the plot to Home Alone, but instead of a kid—you’ve got an adorable pup! 

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Amazon

Jingle All the Way

Arnold Schwarzenegger is willing to go to any length to get his son the latest and greatest toy for Christmas in this 1990s film. While there are some funny moments, some are also violent, and the movie may be better for older kids.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Amazon

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas

The Cat in the Hat is back again, making a messy party for all of the guests. But when the party is over, The Cat in the Hat, Sally, Nick, and the Fish discover a poor lost baby reindeer they are determined to help find his way home. 

Rated: G 

Recommended Ages: 2+ 

Available on Amazon

Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You

Inspired by Mariah Carey’s instant holiday classic song “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” this sweet little cartoon features a young girl named Mariah who wants one thing for Christmas—a puppy! (Again, puppies + Christmas = love). Plus, it features voices by Mariah Carey, Breanna Yde, and Henry Winkler.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available on Amazon

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas

Fans of the affable monkey won’t want to miss this adventurous holiday story featuring George and the Man in the Yellow Hat. They both work hard to find the perfect gifts for each other.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Amazon

Frosty the Snowman

The whole family will be a bunch of jolly, happy souls when they watch this classic family Christmas movie about the snowman who was brought to life with a magic hat and some love.

Rated: Not rated 

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Amazon

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town

Santa Claus is coming to town is a family christmas movie
Rankin/Bass Productions

Narrated by Fred Astaire, this classic holiday movie tells the story of Santa’s humble beginnings. The kids will get a kick out of seeing the movie’s take on how certain Christmas traditions began (like the flying reindeer and why Santa comes through the chimney).

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Amazon

Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch

This 2018 retelling of the classic Dr. Seuss story about the green grump who wants to stop Christmas is packed full of fun and laughs. Pharrell Williams narrates, while Benedict Cumberbatch voices the cantankerous Grinch. 

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Amazon

The Snowman

Based on the classic picture book by Raymond Briggs, The Snowman is worth a watch with your tiny tots. This wordless movie follows the adventures of a young boy whose snowman comes to life. It’s a simple but whimsical story that still offers a healthy dose of holiday magic.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Amazon

The Polar Express

Based on the beautiful best-selling book, this classic family Christmas movie follows a young boy on his journey to the North Pole, where he discovers just how real Santa’s holiday magic is.

Rating: G

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Amazon

It’s a Very Muppet Christmas Movie

The classic story of It’s a Wonderful Life gets a kid-friendly twist thanks to the Muppet gang. In this version, the Muppet Theater is in trouble, and a stressed-out Kermit wonders if the world would have been better off without him and his friends. Luckily, his guardian angel (David Arquette) shows him what matters most—with the help of fun musical numbers and a star-studded cast.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Amazon

Arthur Christmas

What’s the lovable youngest son of Santa to do when he discovers that one child hasn’t received her Christmas present? Go on a madcap mission, of course! You’ll love the family spirit of this movie as we meet Arthur and the whole Claus clan. 

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Amazon

Home Alone

Home Alone is a family christmas movie
20th Century Fox

A member of the John Hughes movie family, Home Alone is a full-fledged faceoff between eight-year-old Kevin and a couple of witless burglars. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen this one, you may not remember just how violent the slapstick gets. Still, it’s worth a view for older kids who understand the Christmas consequences.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 10+

Available on Amazon

Elf

Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny muggins (pardon our language) and miss out on watching the story of our favorite innocent “elf,” Buddy. This is another family Christmas movie you’ll be quoting all season long. Though a few spots may run a bit boring for little ones, kids will still love seeing the holidays through Buddy’s enthusiastic eyes.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 7+

Available on Amazon

Miracle on 34th Street

This 1994 remake of a 1940s classic has all the tried-and-true favorites of a family Christmas movie: a precocious kid, a lovable Santa, and a smiley ending. But keep in mind, Mom and Dad, that the little girl in the movie does question the existence of Santa Claus—so if this isn’t a hot topic in your house yet, you might want to skip this one!

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Amazon

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

We can’t settle the age-old debate of old Grinch vs. new Grinch—but we’ll admit that the classic ‘toon version holds a special place in our “two sizes too small” hearts. Add it to your holiday movie lineup to get your yuletide dose of Seuss and Whoville.

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available on Amazon

Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas

There’s a “Gift of the Magi” element at play in this 1977 Jim Henson wholesome classic Christmas tale that is as adorable as it is lively, with original songs by Paul Williams. Kermit the Frog’s turn as the narrator is both funny and adorable. 

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available at: Amazon

Full Court Miracle

This Disney original Hanukkah movie, which happens to be based on a true story, follows a beloved basketball coach as he becomes the coach of a yeshiva in Philly.

Rated: TV-G

Recommended: Ages 8+

Available on Amazon

 

with additional reporting by DeAnna Janes

 

This list includes some of the best movies for kids of all time. How many have you seen with your family?

Looking for the best family movies? With the endless array of TV and movie options (including free full-length options on YouTube), it’s hard to pick a flick that the whole family will love. Well, bicker no more. From The Karate Kid to The Incredibles, we’ve made the decision easy with a definitive list of must-see childhood movies for children under 12. So grab some fun snacks and get that family movie night started!

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
There’s a reason people still watch this holiday classic year after year: Parents to tweens will appreciate this timeless tale of a once-hopeless man realizing the value of his own life with the help of a guardian angel.

Not rated.

Recommended for ages 9 and up.

2. E.T. (1982)
Still one of the best science fiction movies ever, E.T. is all about friendship and childhood. From Reese’s Pieces to the classic phrase “E.T. phone home,” every moment of this movie will live with your extraterrestrial forever.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

3. Spirited Away (2002)
This animated film is a magical adventure and is considered one of Hayao Miyazaki‘s masterpieces. It stars a strong female protagonist but parents of younger kids beware: there are scary creatures, the parents turn into pigs, and in one scene a river dragon lingers on the verge of death.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 9 & up.

4. Coco (2017)
Based on the Mexican holiday, Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead, Coco tells the tale of 12-year-old Miguel who finds himself in the Land of the Dead and with the help of his musician great-great-grandfather dives deep into his family history (and their generations-old ban on music!). There are strong family vibes in this blockbuster, and your kids will love the whimsically colorful, melodic story!

A note for parents—this movie deals with the concept of mortality and could be slightly upsetting for young kids.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

5. Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2 (2019)
This Disney classic (and its sequel) is one of the best movies for kids. The films about sisterhood, family, and love will surprisingly warm your hearts, fill your home with song, and should come with a disclaimer: For months afterward, your kids won’t sing anything but Let It Go, Into the Unknown, and Do You Want to Build a Snowman.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

6. Soul
This family movie from Pixar and Disney follows jazz musician and teacher Joe as he travels from life to the Great Before (instead of the Great Beyond). He’s not ready for his life to be over, so he’s determined to make it home. The first-rate cast including Jaime Foxx and Tina Fey, the amazing animation, and the wonderful music are just a few of the reasons to love this movie for kids.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

7. Yes Day
Inspired by the beloved children’s book by the same name, Allison and Carlos decide to give their three kids a “Yes Day,” where there’s no saying no to anything the kids ask for or to do (within reason). Chaos ensues, and it becomes clear that all yes all the time isn’t always the best idea.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

8. The Sword in the Stone (1963)
From rags to riches, it’s the story of King Arthur in true to Disney style. Your lil’ knight will be giggling, dancing, and bopping to the wizarding whimsy of this animated musical.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

9. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
A shrink ray accidentally goes off and sets a group of kids on a journey back home (even though they never leave their backyard) while their parents search high and low for them.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

10. Cool Runnings (1993)
Everything seems stacked against these athletes who are completely unprepared for the cold, let alone bobsledding. Loosely based on a true story of the Jamaica national bobsled team, Cool Runnings is a real inspirational film for young dreamers.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

The Star Wars saga is one of the best movies for kids
Walt Disney Studios

11. Star Wars Series (1977-)
Now is as good a time as any to introduce this epic space opera. Your space lover will be on the edge of his or her seat during this story of lightsabers, telepathic powers, space-flight adventures, and the biggest plot twist in cinematic history. Our inner geek is giving this PSA: Please remember to start your Jedi with A New Hope and not The Phantom Menace.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

12. A League of Their Own (1992) 
If your kids ever ask you why girls don't play Major League Baseball, you can tell them, "They did"—and then show them this film, which tells the real-life story of the 1940s All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.  Tom Hanks shines as the grumpy coach in what is one of the best family movies around.  

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 8 & older

13. Willow (1988)
For today's Harry Potter generation, a viewing of Willow will surely be of interest. The adventure is easy to follow and full of school-age humor, and two forest fairies provide comedy with their slapstick, strange voices, and snappy one-liners. Lucas' fantasy has interesting-looking characters and villages, gothic castles and, most of all, magic. Willow is an excellent choice to give young kids a taste of fantasy.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 8 & older

14. Tangled (2010)
Get lost in Disney’s retelling of Rapunzel, which is a lot more exciting than the original story. Hint: She gets to leave the tower and goes on a thrilling journey of magic, song, and self-discovery.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

15. Finding Nemo (2003) 
Laugh until your tummy hurts as this timid clownfish dad searches the great ocean for his son. Every underwater creature has a catchphrase that’ll become your guppy’s new mantra. Just keep swimming … just keep swimming!

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

16. Princess Bride (1987)
Part comedy, part romance, part adventure, part fantasy and 100% perfect—Princess Bride is the ultimate family movie for storytime lovers, big, small, boy, or girl. And yes, there is some kissing.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

17. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
A perfect movie for the littlest film-goers, this endearing film follows A.A. Milne's classic bear as he bumbles about Hundred Acre Wood learning lessons on friendship. There's no offensive or scary content in the film, which makes it great for younger kids.

Rated G

Recommended for ages 3 & up.

18. Shrek (2001)
One unforeseeable plot twist on the classic fairytale? Coming right up! An ogre sets out to rescue a princess with a talking donkey—plus all the characters from your cupcake’s bedtime stories.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

19. The Muppet Movie (1979)
Way before Jason Segel starred in the 2011 Muppet movie, there was The Muppet Movie, which goes way, way back to before Kermit the Frog was in show business. Fans of those classic fuzzy puppets will love watching this origin story.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

20. The Lion King (1994)
Grab a tissue for that one scene (you know which one we’re talking about), but after that, the rest of the movie is all song, dance, and excitement for your lil’ monkey.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

Related: The Ultimate List of Dinosaur Movies for Kids

The Sandlot is one one of the best movies for kids
20th Century Fox

21. The Sandlot (1993)
Your short stuff will definitely relate to Scotty as he makes new friends on a ragtag baseball team and goes on grand adventures involving tree houses, rival groups, a legendary ball-eating dog, and all the things that childhood memories are made of.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

22. The Little Mermaid (1989) 
Ignore the original Hans Christian Andersen (that ending is unfortunately not very happily ever after), and opt for Disney’s The Little Mermaid for a family movie night with the kids. It’s got unforgettable songs, enchanting characters, and, best of all, a happy ending.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

23. Home Alone (1990)
This perfect Christmas movie will give your tots a movie dose of bravery, when it comes to being by themselves, as they watch a smart-aleck eight-year-old defend his home from a pair of bumbling burglars. Note: There is some sibling squabbling that isn't all that nice.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

24. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
No movie portrays the spirit of Christmas better than Miracle on 34th Street. Save this one for the holidays because it’ll definitely make your little helper feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

25. Spider-Man (2002)
If you're looking for a good starter superhero movie, this 2002 origin story follows Peter Parker (Toby Maguire) as he gets bitten by a radioactive spider and becomes the witty hero we all know and love. Some explosions and tense Green Goblin moments may frighten sensitive viewers, but most tweens will love every bit of it.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 11 & up.

26. Toy Story 1, 2, 3, 4 (1995 - 2019) 
Every kid will love the iconic warm-hearted tale of the secret life of toys. From the very first film to the fourth, which hit theaters in 2019, follow the saga of Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and their fellow toys as they navigate the trials and tribulations of being Andy's toys. Each film is special in its own right.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

 

Whale Rider is a wonderful movie for kids
South Pacific Productions

27. Whale Rider (2003)
Before Moana set out on the seas on a quest to save her village, a courageous girl named Pai did it first. The film is set in the Maori community of New Zealand, where modern culture threatens to quell ancient traditions. Twelve-year-old Pai sets out to prove that even though she is not the male heir her father wanted, she has the bravery, wisdom, and skill to lead. There are some adult themes (including a mother and child who die during childbirth, as well as some references to marijuana), but tweens and parents will appreciate the inspiring message.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 11 & up.

28. The Sound of Music (1965)
How else is your musical tot going to learn the lyrics to Do-Re-Mi? The Sound of Music is completely captivating with equal parts song, romance, and family bonding.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

29. Wadjda (2013)

The first movie to be directed by a Saudi Arabian woman, this story is of a spunky, independent 11-year-old girl who wants to ride a bike, wears Converse sneakers, and loves to compete against her (male) best friend. Beautifully done, the film explores topics such as religious traditions and laws, but it's also an incredible study of female empowerment. Follow along, and cheer for Wadjda as she fiercely makes a place for herself in the world.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages  8 & up.

30. Despicable Me, 2 & 3 (2010, 2013, 2017) 
Kids and adults alike will love this bad-guy-turns-good-guy fairy tale about a curmudgeonly villain who learns to love an orphaned trio of little girls. The sequels are just as much fun as the original.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

31. Free To Be You And Me (1974)
In a compilation of shorts that were edgy at the time of this film's release, Free To Be You And Me explores things like gender roles, working mothers, and racial stereotyping with the help of celebrities including Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, Marlo Thomas, and a young Michael Jackson.

Not rated.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

32. Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Your magical creatures won’t be able to get enough of the Harry Potter adventures. Everything from the food to the spells is a unique discovery. Start off with The Sorcerer's Stone, which introduces the wizarding world. The film series is completed, but the rest of the films skew for an older audience.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

33. Bedknobs & Broomsticks (1971)
Starring the legendary Angela Landsbury and Mary Poppins alum David Tomlinson, this classic Disney film focuses on three siblings who are evacuated from London during World War II and end up in the care of an apprentice witch. Chaos ensues, and there's a fun animated section where they all end up on the island of Naboombu. While the slow parts may bore young children, and the presence of Nazi invaders might bring up questions, all and all, this is a fun classic film for families.

Rated: G

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

34. Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Julie Andrews fans can rest assured that this remake by Rob Marshall is an ode to the near-perfect original. Emily Blunt charms, Lin-Manuel Mirada shines, and the sequel plot means that viewers will see how Jane and Michael are faring some 20 years after Mary Poppins first came into their lives. Be on the lookout for a very special cameo from the one and only Dick Van Dyke!

Rated: PG

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

Related: Not-So-Spooky Halloween Movies for Kids

How to Train Your Dragon is a great movie for kids
Dreamworks Studio

35. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Follow the adventures of the reluctant dragon-slayer Hiccup, who, after capturing the rarest dragon of all—the Night Fury—befriends it instead of killing it. Raucous adventures follow as Hiccup shows his fellow Vikings that not all dragons are dangerous. Note: Sensitive kids may be troubled by the initial scenes of violent dragons attacking the village. 

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

36. The Karate Kid (2010) 
This remake of the 1984 classic is geared toward a slightly younger audience with the help of the talented Jaden Smith, who stars as the new kid on the block who struggles to learn karate to fend off bullies and win the girl.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 9 & up.

37. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton’s delightful holiday fantasy film redefines Christmas for all our lil’ lovers of spook. Get carried away into a new world that celebrates two holidays in one—candy and presents? Every tot’s dream.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

38. Moana (2016)
Girl power is at its best in this modern Disney classic that puts a strong-hearted young girl on a mission to return the "heart of the ocean" to its rightful owner. Besides the memorable songs and moving story, this film stands apart from most Disney flicks in that there are no princes (or romances of any kind) to be found during the whole 113 minutes.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

39. Beauty and the Beast (2017) 
The "tale as old as time" gets a modern retelling that stays true to its trademark Disney sweetness, with Emma Watson starring as a Belle every little girl will want to be. Note: Because it's live-action, some of the scenes (like the ones with the wolves chasing Belle) can be a little scary.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

40. The Journey of Natty Gann (1985)
Set in the Great Depression, this Disney movie tells the courageous story of a young girl who is determined to find her father after he set out across the country to find work. While there are some depictions of extreme poverty and mild violence, overall this family movie—starring a young John Cusack—will warm your heart to the strength and bond between a father and daughter and what they'll do to make a better life for each other. 

Rated: PG

Recommended for ages 9 & up.

41. Bend it Like Beckham
Featuring a diverse cast, this story of a British girl of Indian descent who hides her passion for the game of soccer from her parents is ultimately a wonderful show of strength and determination to go after your dreams.

Recommended for ages 10 & up.

An American Tail
Amazon

42. An American Tail (1986)
Long before Nemo and his dad were separated by oceans, a lanky immigrant mouse named Fievel journeyed to find his family "somewhere out there." One of the most classic family movies of the '80s, it's just as sweet today as you might remember.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

43. Spellbound (2003)
Kids will be spelling out E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G after watching this fun documentary that follows a group of elementary school students across America as they prepare for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The uplifting film shows the value of hard work and studying (your kids' teachers will approve!).

Rated G

Recommended for ages 8 and up.

44. Freaky Friday (1976)
Like mother, like daughter—the hilarity that ensues when this mom and daughter duo switch bodies also gets across the important lesson of family bonding.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

45. The Secret of Nimh (1982)
This movie has some scary parts, but kids ages eight and up will love the tale of extraordinary courage. The story centers around a group of super-intelligent rats who escape an animal laboratory and a family of field mice who enlist their help.

Warning: Sensitive children may find some scenes disturbing (including a sword fight that ends in the death of one rat).

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

46. Space Jam (1996)
Animation, live action, comedy, and sports—it’s time to introduce your sports fan to the legend that is Michael Jordan and his greatest achievement… Space Jam. 

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

47. Free Willy (1993) 
Animal lovers will enjoy seeing this feel-good film about a boy becoming best friends with an orca. Your swimmers will be so engaged, that they might even shed a tear or two for Willy.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

48. Fern Gully (1992)
If you were a '90s kid, then you know (and probably love) this classic eco-toon. Featuring the voices of some of the most famous actors of the time (Samantha Mathis, Christian Slater, Robin Williams, Tim Curry), join fairy-queen-in-training Cyrsta as she resues surfer-dude Zak from falling trees, and himself. Featuring a strong environmental message, it's a wonderful way to help show kids the value of a strong ecosystem. And, the music rocks, too.

Note: There are a few scary parts, in particular when Hexxus is released from the tree. 

Rated G

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

Related: 16 Kids’ Movies That Parents Love Too

Carmen and Juni in Spy Kids
Buena Vista Pictures

49. Spy Kids
Adventure-loving kids will love this rollicking action movie about Carmen and Juni, the children of two infamous spies (who have gone undercover as boring parents). When their parents are kidnapped, the resourceful kids must summon their courage and jump into action.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

50. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Golden ticket. Chocolate factory. Everything candy. Your sugarplum will remember the zany world of Willy Wonka for the rest of their life, though sensitive kids may be frightened by some scary moments.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

51. Charlotte’s Web (1973)
This animated musical about Wilbur, the runt of the litter, and Charlotte, a friendly spider, is as touching as the novel by E.B. White. Prepare a package of tissues for the ending: It’s both sad and happy.

Note: We also love the 2006 remake, which features an adorable Dakota Fanning as Fern. 

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

52. Lassie (1994)
Loyal, brave, and affectionate… your youngest will want a Collie after seeing all the extraordinary feats Lassie can do, from saving his owner from a mountain lion to snuggling with him all night.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

53. Babe (1995)
Perseverance, friendship, and making your dreams come true—who knew a pig could teach us all that? Psst … at the start of the film, there is a bit of frightful honesty about animals being used for food, so keep an eye on your tiniest animal lovers.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

54. Enchanted (2007) 
Fairytale characters are thrown into the modern world in this live-action musical that shows what happens when a young maiden from the fictional "Andalasia" falls in love with a jaded New York City lawyer. Julie Andrews narrates this infectiously-sweet story. Note: There is a scary part at the end featuring a fire-breathing dragon that may rattle sensitive tots.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

55. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
For enthusiastic readers with a wild imagination, The Neverending Story will take them for an exciting ride as a young boy tries to save the world of Fantasia.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

56. A Boy Named Charlie Brown (1969)
This was the first of the Peanuts movies, and it introduces Charlie Brown as the sweet and sensitive little boy who can't seem to get anything right. The film follows him as he works to compete in a national spelling bee with the help of his faithful buds, Linus and Snoopy.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 4 & up.

57. ELF
Will Farrell is at his best in this classic holiday film about a boy raised as one of Santa's elves but sets out at age 30 to find his real father in New York City.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

 

Related: 10 Best ’90s Movies to Watch with Your Kids

Up is one of the best family movies of all time
Pixar Animation

58. Up (2008)
An upbeat boy and a grumpy old man make an unlikely team… inside a floating house. They go on a journey that has a little bit of danger, a lot of humor, and a grander story of love.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

59. Newsies (1992)
This Disney musical inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 follows a group of street-savvy kids who form a union and go on strike against the money-hungry newspaper typhoons of their time. The movie features catchy music and energetic dance numbers—and inspired the 2012-2014 Tony Award-winning Broadway show.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 9 & up.

60. Hook (1991)
For all the inspiration that Peter Pan gives a rambunctious child, Hook shows how grown-ups can still have fun. Your Lost Boy (or Girl) will be hugging you tight throughout this movie.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

61. BIG (1988)
For every kid who talks about growing up all the time, have them watch BIG because jumping from 12 years old to 30 years old is only a good idea in theory… and on film.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 10 & up.

62. Labyrinth (1986)
Set in a bizarre world that’ll delight the most imaginative kiddo, Labyrinth will captivate your imagination with Muppets, riddles, and a lighthearted sense of danger.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

63. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) 
This animated Spidey film follows a teen who becomes a new Spider-Man and meets a slew of other Spider-people from parallel universes. It's a little less intense than the live-action Spider-Man iterations, making it a better choice for younger viewers. Still, there is a lot of violence, and two major characters are killed—so be wary if you don't want your kids to be exposed.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

64. Trolls (2016)
With an awesome pop-rock soundtrack that you'll want to download, like, asap, this light-hearted flick is about a duo of trolls (Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick) who partner up to rescue their friends from the troll-hungry bad guys.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

My Neighbor Totoro is a good movie for kids
Studio Ghibli

65. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki, this family movie is appropriate for all ages. Two girl protagonists move to the countryside in 1950s Japan and are befriended by the magical creature, Totoro, who helps them when they have a problem related to their mother, who is dealing with a long-term illness.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 4 & up.

66. Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Everyone loves this classic tale of a little girl who falls asleep and gets whisked into a nonsense world where "Everyone is mad."  Alice grows bigger and smaller and encounters all sorts of wild characters—some of which are mildly inappropriate (like the hookah-smoking caterpillar and a head-chopping queen), but all in all this tale of silliness is fun and engaging.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 4 & up

67. LEGO Movie (2014)
An ordinary LEGO minifig must save the universe from a tyrannical business lord. Forget Frozen, your LEGO maniac will be singing Everything is Awesome even before the movie ends.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

68. Mary Poppins (1964)
A magical nanny uses her unique brand of lifestyle to bring a family back together. If your munchkins loved Sound of Music, this one is a must-add to their movie list.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

69. The Dark Crystal (1982)
Fantasy lovers will jump right into the dark world of The Dark Crystal. Think of it as a more family-friendly version of Lord of the Rings—it’s a hero’s story about an elf-like creature on a quest to restore balance to his world.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

Princess and the Frog is a classic movie for kids
Disney Studios

70. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
A twist on the classic tale: A beautiful girl kisses a frog (who is actually a prince) and instead of him getting turned back into a human, she gets turned into a frog! With a jazzy New Orleans vibe keeping things cool, this modern fairy tale is also the first Disney movie to feature an African-American heroine, Tiana. Also unlike Disney's long-ago damsels, Tiana is strong and hardworking and doesn't need a man to get by in the world (though she doesn't mind having one as a friend).

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

71. Ghostbusters (1984)
So your tiny Ghostbusters may not be old enough to appreciate Bill Murray, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start now! It’ll be hard to find a “scary” movie that’ll have you crying from laughter like this one.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 10 & up.

72. The Parent Trap (1961/1998) 
A pair of twins set out to reunite their separated parents. Cue the chaos, humor, and aww moments! We’ll leave it up to you to decide to show the classic 1961 or 1998 one—both are that good.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

73. Aladdin (1992)  
Disney's retelling of the classic Middle Eastern folktale, Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, is filled with memorable music and a wise-cracking genie voiced perfectly by the late, great Robin Williams, who will entertain the grown-up viewers almost more than the kiddos.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

74. Cinderella (1950) 
Bippity bobbity boo! A story of a love so simple that even the smallest slipper wearer can watch this Disney classic in one sitting.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

75. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Ruby red slippers, flying monkeys, catchy songs, and the breathtaking transition from a world of black-and-white to color, The Wizard of Oz is a timeless story that’ll inspire your kiddo for ages.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

76. Big Hero 6 (2014) 
Disney's adaptation of the Marvel comic about a boy named Hiro and his robot creation, a "personal health companion" named Baymax, will delight little robot fans. But be forewarned: Much of the film deals with the idea of grief since the boy's older brother dies at the beginning of the film. Despite the sad beginnings, this family movie has lots of heart and a sweet ending.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

77. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
In a realm known as Kumandra comes the Oscar-nominated mythical tale of when dragons and humans fought together to fight the Druun. Fast forward hundreds of years, and one girl is determined to find the last dragon to join the fight again. The imagery and strong female protagonists, not to mention a funny water dragon, make this a great movie for kids of all ages.

Rated: PG

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

Related: Batter Up! 16 Movies About Baseball That Kids Will Love

Lionsgate

78. Akeela and the Bee (2006)
A little girl from a tough neighborhood in LA learns she's got a knack for spelling—and that she doesn't need to change herself to fit in. Lawrence Fishburn stars as the spelling tutor who coaches her to the Scripps National Spelling Bee while teaching her to believe in herself. Note: There is some mild profanity in the film, so parents who have a no-tolerance policy toward this may want to wait a few more years.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

79. Matilda (1998) 
Tiny magic lovers will be entranced by this film, based on the classic Roald Dahl book about a brilliant little girl who uses her special powers to right the wrongs in her school and at home.  

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 9 and up. 

80. Fly Away Home (1998) 
Anna Paquin stars in this inspiring story of a motherless little girl who learns to fly an ultralight aircraft so she can fly her adopted flock of geese south for the winter. Note: The death of the girl's mother at the beginning of the film may be upsetting for kids.

Rated PG.

Recommended for kids 6 & up.

81. Inside Out (2015)
Kids may not understand the big concepts at the heart of the movie (that they're watching the personified emotions inside a little girl's brain), but they'll be entertained just the same. We think the real value is for Mom and Dad, who may learn a little something about what's going on in their kids' crazy little heads.

Rated PG.

Recommended for kids 7 & up.

82. Peter Pan (2003)
This live-action remake has magic galore and will be a hit with big kids who have graduated from cartoons.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 9 & up.

83. Wall-E. (2008)
While there is minimal dialogue throughout the whole movie (not a word is spoken in the first 22 minutes of the film), the lovable little robot who is stranded on a trash-filled future Earth will steal your family's heart and make you think twice about your recycling habits. Messages about environmentalism—as well as our reliance on technology—ring loud and clear, even without words.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

 

The Incredibles
Pixar Animation

84. The Incredibles (2004)
Superhero family. Pixar. What more can we say? This spectacular animated film is simply made for a movie night with mom, dad, sis, brother, and babe.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

85. Ratatouille (2007)
Kids will love this cute story about a French rat who wants to be a gourmet chef; grown-ups will appreciate the jokes intended only for them. Overall, this tale about a little rodent defying the odds is fun and inspiring. And, if you're lucky, it'll teach your tot a thing or two about food.

Rated G

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

86. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
Sing-a-long adventures in a flying car! Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a comical adventure with a dash of danger. Fun fact: The script was co-written by Roald Dahl.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

87. Chronicles of Narnia (2005)
If your reader is devouring the book series, the movies are pretty captivating too. Your Narnian won’t believe that Azlan is made up of special effects and not a real lion.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 10 & up.

88. Cinderella (2015)
Disney's remake of its 1950 classic is just as magical with dazzling special effects and a live-action spin. Younger princesses may still prefer the original (this one has no songs), but parents longing to revisit the Cinderella story with their kids will find it to be a faithful and gorgeous retelling.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

89. Monsters Inc. (2001) 
Middle-of-the-night monsters won't be so scary anymore after kids watch this film and learn that they're the ones who have all the power.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

90. Vivo
A fun romp with fantastic music from Lin-Manuel Mirada, this story is about a monkey who travels from Cuba to Miami in the name of love, and "One Last Song" will have everyone singing from the start.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 5 & up

91. Encanto
Another hit collab from Disney and Lin-Manuel Mirada, this movie tells the tale of the magical Madrigal family and their village hidden in the mountains of Columbia. When the magic is in danger, the only member of the family to not receive a magical gift, Mirabel, might be their last hope. 

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

Related: The Best Movies & TV for Kids That Shatter Gender Stereotypes

The black stallion is a classic movie
Amazon

92. The Black Stallion (1979) 
This Francis Ford Coppola-directed film about a boy stranded on a desert island with a wild stallion who saves his life is a must-see, whether or not you're into horses. The film morphs from a wilderness survival tale to a root-for-the-underdog horse race. Note: The beginning shipwreck scene may be disturbing, even for adults, so feel free to skip to the island and go from there.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

93. Happy Feet (2006) 
This inspiring story about a penguin who can't find his song—but sure can dance—has a killer soundtrack and an uplifting message. Basically, you be you, penguin. There are also some not-so-subtle messages about environmental stewardship, as the penguins find themselves in a perilous race against a dwindling food source. 

Note: Some scenes with a particularly vicious sea lion might scare younger viewers. 

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up. 

94. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) 
Three loyal pets escape and journey through the West Coast to find their beloved owners in San Francisco. Your sidekick is going to be asking for a furry family addition after this classic family movie.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

95. Cars (2006)
Every kid who loves going "vroom vroom" with his toy cars will love this fast-paced film about a smooth-talking race car who learns the meaning of true friendship and the joy of the open road when he gets stuck in the small town of Radiator Springs.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

96. The Absent-Minded Professor (1961)
A classic family-friendly film that features a befuddled professor who, at the expense of his own wedding, manages to create an amazing compound he calls Flubber. You'll root for the Professor to outwit the greedy Alonzo Hawk, and the silly stunts (like basketball players that can jump to crazy heights) will make the whole family laugh.

97. The Mighty Ducks (1992)
If your budding athlete loves the sports movie formula of losers becoming winners, then she'll love this movie that follows a ragtag hockey team as they shape up and learn the value of teamwork and friendship. 

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 10 & up.

98. Zootopia (2016)
After an otter goes missing, it's up to bunny cop Judy Hopps and her fox-with-a-criminal-record sidekick Nick Wilde to solve the crime. Along the way, the duo meets some of the unique citizens that make up Zootopia and learn to appreciate (love, actually) each other's differences.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

99. The Incredibles 2 (2018)
The nearly 20-year-long wait for the sequel to one of Pixar's most popular movies was worth the wait. Watch Mrs. Incredible (aka Elastagirl) go back to work and leave Bob (Mr. Incredible) at home with a moody tween, homework, and a baby with multiple powers. Look for the return of fan-favorite Edna, and fellow superhero Fro-Zone. Some violence might be scary for younger kids, but the all-around message of teamwork is a home run for families.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

100. The Kid Who Would Be King (2019) 
This modern retelling of the legend of King Arthur has been described as a mixture of "Goonies" and "Lord of the Rings." The story follows a schoolboy who is chosen to save the world with the help of the mystical sword. There are some scary moments—including tense battle scenes and the destruction of a school—but older tweens will love it.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 10 & up.

 

 

From the LEGO Duplo Dream Town Playground to the Gobbler 3-Wheel Scooter, these holiday gifts for 2-year-olds are perfect for busy little ones

Toddlers, specifically 2-year-olds, are developing at a rapid pace and they’re known to bounce from one activity to the next at warp speed. Finding gifts that keep them engaged, nurture their curiosity, and spark excitement is like striking holiday gold. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of unique gifts for 2-year-olds that are up for the task. From games that get kids counting to toys that teach how to communicate emotions to a racetrack that offers hours of fun—here are the best gifts for 2-year-olds this season. Got kids of other ages? Check out our top picks for gifts for 18-24 month-olds, teens and tweens, and babies!

LeapFrog Number Lovin' Oven

LeapFrog

This oven does it all. Counting and cooking, serving and sharing; this is preschool prep for little chefs. Complete with 16 fun ingredients and easy take-and-go play—everything fits right inside.

LeapFrog Number Lovin' Oven ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Playskool Friends Sesame Street Elmo’s On the Go Letters

Playskool

Who better to teach your little ones their alphabet than Elmo? Comes with a carrying case to keep all their letters in one place, too.

Playskool Friends Sesame Street Elmo’s On the Go Letters ($23.75)—Buy Here!

VTech® Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Spiral Construction Tower™

VTech

Get ready for some construction fun with this giant construction tower set. Over 4’ wide and over 2’ tall, this set has a giant spiral ramp, a bridge, a crane, a conveyer belt, elevator, and more! Cruise over each Smartoint® on the playset to hear revved up responses that drive learning!

VTech® Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Spiral Construction Tower™—Buy Here!

Bath Beep Beep Stickers in the Tub

Alex Toys

These fun soft reusable foam pieces stick to the wall when they get wet, and with 38 stickers, there's no end to bathtime fun.

Bath Beep Beep Stickers in the Tub ($19.49)—Buy Here!

Uptown White Wooden Play Kitchen

KidKraft

How chic is this play kitchen? A play phone, chalkboard, and towel rack add to the realism (but we do have to warn you—please don't try to put it together the night before).

Uptown White Wooden Play Kitchen ($174.14)—Buy Here!

MAGNA-TILES Downhill Duo

Target

Car-loving kids will adore this set designed for little hands (but big imaginations).

MAGNA-TILES Downhill Duo ($69.99)—Buy Here!

Mini Vet Playset

Battat

If you have a little animal-lover on your hands, this vet kit will let them put their healing skills to use.

Mini Vet Playset ($17.99)—Buy Here!

Honeysticks Bath Colour Drops

Honeysticks

These non-toxic tabs fizz and change color in the water, and they're free from fragrance and residue-causing dyes and chemicals.

Honeysticks Bath Colour Drops ($19.95)—Buy Here!

Pretend Play Bandages & Tin

NEEDLE & GRAIN

Let them fix up their stuffed animal's and doll's boo-boos with these reusable, oversized felt bandages.

Pretend Play Bandages & Tin ($22.00)—Buy Here!

Colorful Play Road Tape Set of 4 Rolls

Msgic Playbook

Create colorful roads anywhere—tables, cardboard boxes, floors, and more. (This is one of those things that definitely requires parental help to set up.)

Colorful Play Road Tape Set of 4 Rolls ($24.00)—Buy Here!

Chocolate Cake Play Food

Design Life Kids

Not only is this pretend cake lots of fun, we can't get over how pretty it is. It's ideal for their first tea parties and pretend baking.

Chocolate Cake Play Food ($80.00)—Buy Here!

Shape Sorting Toy Garage

Battat

Your 2 year old can practice sorting and color recognition by organizing each car into their own garage and opening and closing them with their coordinating colored key.

Shape Sorting Toy Garage ($39.00)—Buy Here!

Globber Primo Foldable Scooter

Globber

This 3-wheel scooter helps little ones learn balance and folds down for easy storage. Available in both pink and blue.

Globber Primo Foldable Scooter ($89.44)—Buy Here!

Sensory Play Lightbox

KiwiCo

KiwiCo's Sensory Play Lightbox is museum-inspired to light up each shape to let them mix and match, see how each shape fits together, and shows them how different colors blend to create new hues.

Sensory Play Lightbox ($79.95)—Buy Here!

bilibo by MOLUK

Fat Brain Toys

The bilibo is anything your kiddo wants it to be. A turtle shell. A rocking seat. A doll cradle. A helmet. There's a reason the bilibo is so popular.

bilibo by MOLUK ($29.95)—Buy Here!

Dinosaur Alphabet Poster

Society6

Dino-obsessed minis will love putting this up in their bedroom or playroom, and it's another great way to keep them excited for learning the alphabet.

Dinosaur Alphabet Poster ($16.80)—Buy Here!

ADORA PlayTime Baby Doll

ADORA

A classic baby doll with realistic features, soft-to-the-touch materials, and easy-care cleaning. This one is definitely a doll they'll love for years.

ADORA PlayTime Baby Doll ($52.43)—Buy Here!

Where's Bear? The Hide and Find Stacking Block Game

Peaceable Kingdom

Where's Bear? is a fabulous first game for little ones. Take turns hiding and finding Bear under the nesting boxes—Where's Bear? is 5 games in one.

Where's Bear? The Hide and Find Stacking Block Game ($22.95)—Buy Here!

LEGO duplo Town Dream Playground

duplo

Every kiddo loves a building set, and the Town Dream Playground has everything they need to stretch their imaginations.

LEGO duplo Town Dream Playground ($49.95)—Buy Here!

Kids Mini Soccer Goal Set

Franklin

This set can be used inside or out and has all the gear they need to practice their shots.

Kids Mini Soccer Goal Set ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Musical Instruments Sound Puzzle

Melissa & Doug

When the pieces are correctly placed, they make instrumental sounds that are super realistic.

Musical Instruments Sound Puzzle ($11.75)—Buy Here!

Magnetic Car Loader Wooden Toy Set

Melissa & Doug

Includes 4 cars and 1 semi-trailer truck with magnetic crane.

Magnetic Car Loader Wooden Toy Set ($15.99)—Buy Here!

'Trashy Town' Board Book

Amazon

With rhythmic, repeatable refrain, this book about Mr. Gilly and his garbage truck will be a fast favorite.

Trashy Town Board Book ($7.99)—Buy Here!

Cheese & Charcuterie Board

Plan Toys

Get them started on a love of charcuterie with this darling set from Plan Toys.

Cheese & Charcuterie Board ($40.00)—Buy Here!

Toddler Musical Instruments

Amazon

Start their love of music early with this big assortment of instruments designed for little musicians.

Toddler Musical Instruments ($22.99)—Buy Here!

 

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

From a weighted basketball to infinite jewelry and games that will get them outside, these gifts for tweens will get a thumbs up from your hard-to-please older kid

Finding the perfect gift is tricky, especially for the tweens and teens on your list, because, let’s face it, they’re not easily impressed. Getting it right with this age group requires some serious legwork, but it’s so worth it! That’s why we’ve pulled together gifts for tweens that we know they’ll love—from the coolest decor for their rooms to games to keep them happily entertained; each one is a total vibe. Have younger kids at home? Check our gift guides for preschoolers and grade school kids, and don’t forget the stocking stuffers!

XBox Mobile Game Controller

XBox Mobile Game Controller for teens tweens

Hook your iPhone up to this handheld controller for a better gaming experience on the go. 

XBox Mobile Game Controller ($60)—Buy Here!

National Geographic Hobby Pottery Wheel Kit

National Geographic Hobby Pottery Wheel Kit gift for teens

Developed by professional potters, this potting wheel will get your tween making pottery on day 1. 

National Geographic Hobby Pottery Wheel Kit ($140)—Buy Here!

Powerhandz Weighted Basketball

This weighted ball helps you strengthen your wrists, fingers, and upper body to improve your skills on the court. 

Powerhandz Weighted Basketball ($54)—Buy Here!

Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler

All the rage, this tumbler comes in loads of fun colors to choose from. 

Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler ($35)—Buy Here!

STMT Infinity Jewelry Kit

STMT Infinity Jewelry Kit gifts for teen

Create 10 forever bracelets with no welding needed. Comes with infinity hooks and charms for a sleek look. 

STMT Infinity Jewelry Kit ($29)—Buy Here!

Dear Rebel: 125+ Women Share Their Best Advice for the Girls of Today

Through letters, poems, essays, self-portraits, and more, the authors tackle topics like overcoming obstacles, discovering your passion, and dreaming big.

Dear Rebel: 125+ Women Share Their Best Advice for the Girls of Today ($24)—Buy Here!

Jordan 1 Mid

Jordan 1 Mid gifts for teens

We love that this is still the hot shoe for tweens and teens. It comes in great colors to match any vibe!

Jordan 1 Mid ($75)—Buy Here! 

HP Sprocket Studio Plus Photo Printer

It's all the rage to print out old-style photos these days and this Wifi-enabled printer makes it easy. 

HP Sprocket Studio Plus Photo Printer ($150)—Buy Here! 

Posca Paint Pens

We love gifting these markers as they have a wide variety of colors and come with reversible tips in two widths. 

Posca Paint Pens ($29)—Buy Here!

Spring & Gege Classic Hoodie

Spring & Gege Classic Hoodie

Teens can never have too many hoodies, trust us. 

Spring & Gege Classic Hoodie ($26)—Buy Here!

Paris Hilton Mini Refrigerator and Personal Beauty Fridge

Walmart

Keep cosmetics and drinks cool, or keep towels and cosmetic wax warm with this adorable pink mini fridge. It also includes a mirrored door with light, so you have everything you need in one cute little package. "That's hot."

Paris Hilton Mini Refrigerator and Personal Beauty Fridge ($48.47)—Buy Here!

Funko Pop! Naruto

Anime fans will love this Funko Pop! character to display on their bookshelves. 

Funko Pop! Naruto ($13)—Buy Here!

Meta Quest 5 VR Headset

Meta Quest 5 VR Headset gifts for tweens

Immerse yourself in a VR world with this headset that's fun for teens and parents alike. 

Meta Quest 5 VR Headset ($299)—Buy Here!

Memory Locket Set

Memory Locket Set gift for tweens

Keep a special photo or treasure close to your hear in this fun geometric locket. 

Memory Locket Set ($48)—Buy Here!

SkateXS Beginner Starboard Skateboard

With loads of colors and styles to choose from, this beginner skateboard is just what they need to get started. 

SkateXS Beginner Starboard Skateboard ($121)—Buy Here!

Jump from Paper Backpack

This pop culture backpack will have them walking to school in style. 

Jump from Paper Backpack ($130)—Buy Here!

Tomato Table Lamp

Tomato Table Lamp gift for teens

This kitschy table lamp is so fun to display in your tween's room. 

Tomato Table Lamp ($99)—Buy Here!

Half Magic Light Trap Duochrome Highlighter

Half Magic Light Trap Duochrome Highlighter

Looking to add a little shimmer and glow this holiday season? Try this highlighter from Half Magic that's easily applied with fingertips. 

Half Magic Light Trap Duochrome Highlighter ($22)—Buy Here!

Society 6 Wall Tapestry

This tapestry comes in many different sizes and will brighten any bedroom. 

Society 6 Wall Tapestry ($37 and up)—Buy Here!

Learn to Draw Manga Basics for Kids

Learn to Draw Manga Basics for Kids

In this fun, instructional graphic novel, follow the creative journey of aspiring manga artist Lemon-chan to learn how to draw the fundamentals of the manga style.

Learn to Draw Manga Basics for Kids ($20)—Buy Here!

Glossier Lip Gloss

This fun gloss comes in two shades (plus clear) and is a fun addition to any stocking. 

Glossier Lip Gloss ($15)—Buy Here!

'What Happened to Rachel Riley?' by Claire Swinarski

What Happened to Rachel Riley?

In this indie bestseller, an eighth grader uses social media posts, passed notes, and other clues to find out why a formerly popular girl is now the pariah of her new school. 

What Happened to Rachel Riley? ($20)—Buy Here!

LectroFan Micro Sound Machine and Bluetooth Speaker

We love how this tiny speaker both masks noise and doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. Buy two for stereo sound. 

LectroFan Micro Sound Machine and Bluetooth Speaker ($35)—Buy Here!

Puma Palermo Sneakers

These classic sneakers are all the rage and come in many colors, perfect for all the teens on your list. 

Puma Palermo Sneakers ($90)—Buy Here!

Minecoins Gift Card

Buy skins, textures, and worlds with this Minecraft gift card. 

Minecoins Gift Card ($20)—Buy Here!

Eyes Open: 23 Photography Projects for Curious Kids

This book of photography projects will inspire your little photographer to get out there and work on their skills. 

Eyes Open: 23 Photography Projects for Curious Kids ($25)—Buy Here!

Chloe Sequins Beanie

Joyfolie

Staying warm never looked so good. Can you beat sequins? Nope.

Chloe Sequins Beanie ($29.50)—Buy Here!

Gudetama Talking Egg

Add this adorable talking figurine to your teen's desk this holiday season. 

Gudetama Talking Egg ($12)—Buy Here!

Holy Stone GPS Drone

Holy Stone GPS Drone

This fun drone is programmed to remember its "home" and return there when it loses power or is summoned. 

Holy Stone GPS Drone ($160)—Buy Here!

Yoglad Japanese Style Chaise Lounge Sofa

This swivel floor chair is as perfect for gaming as it is for cozying up with a good book. 

Yoglad Japanese Style Chaise Lounge Sofa ($220)—Buy Here!

Terrarium Candle

Terrarium Candle

Choose between poppy and cactus themes (or get both!) of these candles that smell as nice as they look. 

Terrarium Candle ($27)—Buy Here!

GoSports Slammo Game Set

GoSports Slammo Game Set

This fun game will bring your crew together for some good old-fashioned competition at home, the beach, or the park. 

GoSports Slammo Game Set ($35)—Buy Here!

Bunny Buns Squishy Dumplings

Bunny Buns Squishy Dumplings gift for teens

These cute squishies are both steamed buns and tiny bunnies and we know your tween is going to love them. 

Bunny Buns Squishy Dumplings ($10)—Buy Here!

Spotify Premium 6-month Subscription

Spotify Premium 6-month Subscription best gifts for teens

Gift the gift of ad-free music to your music lover this holiday season. 

Spotify Premium 6-month Subscription ($60)—Buy Here!

Tristan Strong Series by Kwame Mbalia

Tristan Strong Series books for kids

Author Kwame Mbalia brings this middle-grade book series to life with vibrant characters and historical references your kids will love. 

Tristan Strong Series ($31)—Buy Here!

BIC BodyMark Temporary Tattoo Markers

Bic BodyMark Temporary Tattoo Markers

These skin-safe markers are fun for kids who can't stop doodling on their bodies. 

BIC BodyMark Temporary Tattoo Markers ($29)—Buy Here!

Harry Potter™ Potions Book Velvet Jewelry Box

Harry Potter™ Potions Book Velvet Jewelry Box

Your Harry Potter fan can keep all their treasure in this hidden box that looks like a book. 

Harry Potter™ Potions Book Velvet Jewelry Box ($69)—Buy Here!

Crate and Barrell Backlit Dartboard

Crate and Barrell Backlit Dartboard

Your teen will love adding this dartboard to their wall. It also makes a great addition to a game room or garage. 

Crate and Barrell Backlit Dartboard ($199)—Buy Here!

Marvel Origins: A Sequential Compendium Poster

You'll love this compilation of scenes showing off the origin stories for various Marvel characters. 

Marvel Origins: A Sequential Compendium Poster ($40)—Buy Here!

Hydroflask Wide Mouth Bottle

Hydroflask Wide Mouth Bottle

While you might not think a water bottle is that exciting of a gift, teens and tweens are obsessed with this Hydroflask, especially when they can deck it out with loads of stickers. 

Hydroflask Wide Mouth Bottle ($50)—Buy Here!

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

These goodies are sure to become instant favorites they’ll use well beyond their first birthday

A pull-along snail, their very own turntable, an activity table with hidden storage, the bounciest unicorn, a beautiful balance bike, and bath toys that keep the water in the bath? These are the holiday gifts for one-year-olds that are sure to delight. And if you’ve got other littles on your list, check out our gifts for 18 to 24 months and 6 to 12 months.

Fisher-Price Mix & Learn DJ Table

The Fisher Price Mix and Learn DJ Table is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

If your babe’s been bopping their head to the beat since they first gained neck control, they’re going to love this music-themed, light-up activity table. As sitters, they can explore the piano, buttons, and toys, and brush up on their shapes and colors; once they can stand at the decks they’ll be dropping a beat while learning Spanish phrases and opposites.

Fisher-Price Mix & Learn DJ Table ($31)—Buy Here!

Plan Toys Pull-Along Snail

Proud new walkers love having a little buddy to follow them around, and this snail is just too cute as it inches along. Kiddos learn about cause and effect while working on their balance and fine motor skills.

Plan Toys Pull-Along Snail ($30)—Buy Here!

Joovy Tricycoo 4.1

Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Tikes can cruise in style for a long time with this solid 4-in-1 tricycle. It starts as a fully harnessed push trike with a parent handle and canopy and eventually evolves into a tricycle that three-year-olds can ride independently.

Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 ($130)—Buy Here!

Manhattan Toy Musical Lili Llama

Manhattan Toy Lili Llama is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

You’ll be amazed by how long toddlers entertain themselves with this musical llama friend. Lili’s got a xylophone, four spinners, a maraca, two gears, a washboard, 2 clacking saddles, and two mallets (conveniently stored in her head), so there’s never a dull moment.

Manhattan Toy Musical Lili Llama ($61)—Buy Here!

Joymor Foam Climbing Blocks

Joymor Foam Climbing Blocks is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Toddlers can get their beans out on these fun foam climbing blocks, exploring tunnels, ramps, and stairs, and parents can rest assured that any spills or messes are easily wiped clean with mild soap and water.

Joymor Foam Climbing Blocks ($236)—Buy Here!

Bouncy Inflatable Animal Jump-Along

Bouncy Inflatable Animal Jump-Along is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Giddy up! Let your little loose on one of these fun and bouncy inflatable animals, available in unicorn, grey bunny, fox, and green triceritops. Each animal comes with a hand pump and a unique birth certificate.

Bouncy Inflatable Animal Jump-Along ($57)—Buy Here!

Haba Fun with Sounds Wooden Discovery Blocks

Haba musical fun with sounds wooden discovery blocks is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Not only can little hands stack these colorful beech wood blocks, but each one is also ripe for acoustic exploration—from rattling and clacking to squeaking and tinkering. Plus, you can toss a few in your bag for on-the-go entertainment.

Haba Fun with Sounds Wooden Discovery Blocks ($49)—Buy Here!

Gund Muttsy Dog Plush

Gund Muttsy Dog Plush is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

For parents of dog-obsessed toddlers, a puppy stuffie is a no-brainer. They’ll instantly fall in love with this super-soft and extremely huggable Gund version.

Gund Muttsy Dog Plush ($27)—Buy Here!

Learning Resources Learn-A-Lot Avocados

Learning Resources Learn-A-Lot Avocados is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

There’s so much to learn from these adorable little avocados. Kids can color match the tops and bottoms, building fine motor skills while they do it, and get to know the different emotions on each fruit’s face.

Learning Resources Learn-A-Lot Avocados ($12.50)—Buy Here!

Anthropologie Frenchie Push Cart Toy

The anthropologie frenchie push cart is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Leave it to Anthro to design the most beautiful push cart of our dreams. As baby toddles, three Frenchie dogs bob up and down and their tails wag around on springs.

Anthropologie Frenchie Push Cart Toy ($70)—Buy Here!

Dragon's First Taco Board Book

Dragon's First Taco board book is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Not only does this bring the hilarious Dragons Love Tacos series to the littlest of readers, but the book itself is also shaped like a taco, which makes it extra fun for little hands to explore. Inside, baby dragons learn how to make a taco. Yum!

Dragon's First Taco Board Book ($7)—Buy Here!

Wonder & Wise Baby Busy Box

Wonder and Wise by Asweets Baby Busy Box is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Aesthetically minded parents will appreciate how this neutral play box fits in with their modern decor; kids will love the gears, puzzle, shape sorter, abacus, and more. From seated tots to two-legged toddlers, there's plenty of room to grow with this one.

Wonder & Wise Baby Busy Box ($149)—Buy Here!

Boon Pipes Building Bath Toy Set

This fun and stylish bathtime set includes five tubes that are shaped differently to be used separately or combined to make a big chain. The best part? The water finally stays inside the tub.

Boon Pipes Building Bath Toy Set ($18)—Buy Here!

SEREED Baby Balance Bike

Sereed Baby Balance Bike is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Perfect for indoor or outdoor play, babies can begin learning how to balance and get the feeling of riding a bike before graduating to a two-wheeled balance bike or training wheels. And since it’s under 4 lbs, mom or dad won’t have to break their backs carrying it home when a ride takes a turn for the worse.

SEREED Baby Balance Bike ($50)—Buy Here!

ALASOU Suction Cup Spinner Toys

ALASOU Suction Cup Spinner Toys is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

These genius suction spinners are the gift that keeps on giving, from the car to the bath to the high chair. They’re also live-savers on airplane rides—just stick them to the windows and let baby have at them! One Amazon reviewer said she puts them on the fridge, oven door, and dishwasher when she’s working in the kitchen and needs to keep her tot occupied.

ALASOU Suction Cup Spinner Toys ($10)—Buy Here!

Coco Village Wooden Activity Table

Coco Village Wooden Activity Table is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

There’s so much to love about this chic activity table, from its beautiful birch frame and soft muted hues to the two worlds for baby to explore: land and sea. The storage bag that’s hidden under the winding abacus is particularly brilliant.

Coco Village Wooden Activity Table ($150)—Buy Here!

Tender Leaf Peacock Colors

This take-along wooden toy introduces tikes to the art of color mixing and gives them a chance to look through each brightly hued acrylic screen to see the world in different shades.

Tender Leaf Peacock Colors ($28)—Buy Here!

Pottery Barn Kids My First Anywhere Chair

This is a timeless staple as far as first-year gifts go—with good reason! The tot-sized chair is a cozy place to read a book or explore a new toy. Pro tip: if you have the space you can size up to the kid version—my six-year-old still sits in his to watch TV.

Pottery Barn Kids My First Anywhere Chair ($129-$169)—Buy Here!

Farm Animals Toy Set

Farm Animals Toy Set is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Toddlers love taking things out and putting them back in and they’re sure to get their fill with this toy, a set of ten brightly colored barns with farm animals inside. Kids learn to color-match the barns and rooves, identify the numbers on each barn, and practice vocabulary like “put in” and “take out.”

Farm Animals Toy Set ($30)—Buy Here!

Fisher-Price Mega Bloks

With 80 blocks that transform into endless creations, this toddler staple lets their imaginations run wild. The chunky blocks are easy for wee hands to put together and pull apart, so maybe they’ll even play on their own for a few minutes.

Fisher-Price Mega Bloks ($16)—Buy Here!

Vilac Iceland Waterfall Ball Toy

Vilac Iceland Waterfall Ball Toy is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Oh la la! This French toy is gorgeous to look at but, most importantly, kids will love watching the adorable little animal balls slide down the snow-capped mountain to ring a dangling bell at the end.

Vilac Iceland Waterfall Ball Toy ($65)—Buy Here!

Djeco Finger Paint Tubes

Djeco finger paint tubes is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Yes, finger painting can get messy, but these brightly colored paints are totally washable and free from harmful chemicals. So throw down some newspaper, drop some colors on the plastic palette, and unleash your little artiste.

Djeco Finger Paint Tubes ($22)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
All images courtesy of retailers.

Get your supply of white sheets ready, because you’re going to need them for a few of these last-minute Halloween costumes

Feeling frightened that it’s almost trick-or-treating time, and you don’t have your kid’s costume ready yet? Check out these easy last-minute Halloween costumes for kids. Many of them can be made with things you have stashed in your closets and dress-up bin, and take less time to make than it takes to eat a supersized candy apple.

Ghost Costume

This has to be the easiest costume of all time. Buy a new white sheet, cut out the spots for the eyes and mouth, and you’re done!

Gold Medal Last-Minute Halloween Costume

Your kiddo can be an Olympian in less time than it takes to sing the national anthem. Pull out a tracksuit, or a leotard if you’ve got a gymnast at home, then dig out a medal from a fun run or a 5k. Have her throw her arms in the air and give a cheer for this easy DIY Halloween costume!

DIY Strawberry

Strawberry last minute halloween costume
Pretty Life Girls

Five supplies are all you need to make this sweet strawberry from Pretty Life Girls. After a quick trip to the craft store, you can whip up this no-sew costume that is adorable, but more importantly is comfortable for kids and adults, too!

Jane Fonda

Primary

Legwarmers, a pair of leggings, and a onesie are all you need to get your heart rate pumping with this DIY aerobics instructor costume. Bigger kids can swap a swimsuit for a onesie. We love that the key ingredients for this costume can be worn again. If you're itching to do a little crafting, check out Primary's DIY felt boombox to take this costume from low-impact fun to step aerobics queen.

Related: 17 Incredibly Clever Cardboard Box Costumes

Baby Shark

Hellow Wonderful

Cardboard, gray and white paint, and sharp scissors are all you need to make this easy DIY Halloween costume. Bonus: a fierce shark costume comes with a soundtrack that all the trick-or-treaters will be singing, "do do do." Find out how you can make one of your own over at Hello Wonderful. Check out more of our favorite cardboard box costumes here.

 

Last-Minute Mummy Costume

This version might look complicated, but the very easy DIY option requires a white sheet, coffee, white underthings, and not much else! Check out a stress-free tutorial here.

Ballet Dancer

Iiona Virgin via Unsplash

Dig into your kiddo's dance bag, and you'll find the key ingredients for a ballerina costume. Add a fancy updo and voila: you have a future New York City Ballet dancer costume. If you don't have a tutu, check out this easy, no-sew DIY tutu tutorial.

Bubble Gum

Jeff Mindell via Studio DIY

Chew on this cute DIY costume! Gather up balloons, felt, and silver ribbon: that's about all you need to create your own bubblegum costume. While this version features a pink dress, we think a pink t-shirt would work just as well for a kids' Halloween costume. Find the step-by-step instructions at Studio DIY.

Related: Family Halloween Costumes That Are a Freakin’ Delight

Basic Monster

Amber Gutebier

Dig out an old pair of pants and your trusty black Sharpie for this easy DIY Halloween costume. With a snip of scissors and a light coat of green makeup, you'll soon have Frankenstein's monster lurching out your front door. Get the tutorial here.

 

Bath Time

Cheerful and Co Via Primary

Clear and white balloons pop all over a set of white PJs for this easy DIY Halloween costume—it's bubble bath time on the go! Primary has all the instructions so you can make your own, and then take that rubber ducky for a spin around the block.

Emoji

Hello Wonderful

Pick your kiddo's favorite emoji and whip up this cute Halloween costume that's easy to customize. You'll be running after your smiley face trick-or-treating in no time. Hello, Wonderful shows you how you can make your own with not much more than cardboard and paint.

 

Trolls

Doranda Woestman via Watch Out for the Woestmans

Pull out a brightly colored skirt or a tutu and a light t-shirt or leotard, and your little ones will soon be trolls. The awesome hair-dos look impressive—but they're easy to pull off when you follow blogger Doranda's DIY tip. Troll or treat!

Related: Halloween Costumes for Girls Who Aren’t into Princesses

Paper Doll

Slapdash Mom

With not much more than a big piece of poster board, you can create a perfect paper doll costume. We love that this easy DIY Halloween costume costs way less than a pumpkin spice latte while still being extra eye-catching. Follow the step-by-step directions at Slapdash Mom.

Stick Figure

All for the Boys

This clever stick figure costume from All for the Boys is sure to get lots of laughs. We love that it's easy, affordable, and eye-catching. 

Star

Brit Co

Make your star a constellation this Halloween. Brit + Co's adorable, sparkly costume relies on a gold ribbon and glittery duds that your kiddo probably already has in her closet. They recommend using craft foam for the head-topping star—but cardboard plus gold paint will also work in a pinch.

Baby Doll

Hart Sew

This adorable wind-up doll is guaranteed to be one of the sweetest DIY costumes you'll find. Plus it's easy and cheap to make it yourself. Find how you can turn your toddler into a doll at Hart + Sew.

Related: 20 Halloween Costumes for Twins (Older Siblings & Parents, Too!)

Cat

last minute cat halloween costume
Paging Supermom

In less time than it takes to do the Monster Mash, you can make an adorable black cat costume. Paging Supermom calls it her Super Easy Kitty Cat Costume—and we couldn't agree more. It's a sweet option for preschoolers who change their minds about their costumes at the last minute. See our other favorite cat costumes here

Morton Salt Girl

last minute Morton Salt girl Halloween costume
Brit Co

We love this Morton Salt Girl costume because it's cute, clever, and takes almost no time to pull together. An extra bonus—since it relies on regular clothes, there's nothing that'll make sensitive kids uncomfortable while they're on the hunt for candy. But remember, as Brit + Co will tell you, the container of salt is a key accessory.

Jellyfish

A Casarella

This unusual animal costume is simple to make and packs a big punch. Dig out an umbrella and ribbon, then swim over to A Casarella to learn how to make your own easy jellyfish costume. We love her clever tip that'll give this daytime costume a spooky nighttime glow.

Cowboy (or Girl)

Dust off that denim, wrangle up a pair of boots and top it all off with a plaid shirt and a ten-gallon hat. You’ll have everything you need to be a cowgirl or boy costume—minus the horse, of course. If you’ve got a pool noodle left over from summer fun, you can turn it into a horse ready to ride off into the sunset. Yee Haw!

Pirate

Pirate Treasure Hunt
iStock

Shiver me timbers! It's easy to pull together a last-minute pirate costume. Grab a striped shirt and wrap a bandit around your kiddo's head. Pull out a pair of old pants and cut off the hem, using some shark teeth-style zigzags If you'd like a little extra flair, add eyeliner, a pile of necklaces, and make your tiny Blackbeard a cardboard cutlass. Don't forget to check our guide on how to talk like a sailor!

Athlete

RODNAE Productions via Pexels

Calling all sports fans! Dig out your kid's fave jersey—whether it's football, hockey, or basketball—and in no time you'll have a sporty Halloween costume. You can add an accessory like a helmet or a hockey puck, a swipe of festive face paint, and then get out the door. Candy's waiting!

Studies show that babies with October birthdays have strong minds and bodies

If your kiddo has an October birthday, they’re in great company. It should come as no surprise that people ranging from U.S. presidents to award-winning actors also have October birthdays because when it comes to sports and politics, health, and longevity, October babies seem to take first place no matter what they do. Wondering how you’ll celebrate your little pumpkin? Be inspired by 2023’s most popular birthday themes, party favors the kids will actually use, and unique birthday desserts you need to try.

October birthday
iStock

They’re Presidential

More U.S. Presidents are born in October than any other month of the year. Maybe someday your own POTUS will take their seat in the Oval Office like their fellow October babies Presidents Adams, Eisenhower, Carter, and Theodore Roosevelt.

They’re Award Winners

Politicians aren’t the only famous faces who are born in the season of pumpkin spice and everything nice. With several award-winning actors, like Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, and Julie Andrews born in October, you might want to start planning that acceptance speech for your young thespian now.

They Have Two Birthstones

The October birthstones are Opal, which is a whiteish stone that reflects rainbow colors, and Tourmaline, which is a deep pink stone. 

Related: People Born in August Are More Positive & Other Fun Facts

October birthday
Jessica To'oto'o via Unsplash

They’re Stronger 

Batter up! One study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine found that babies born in October and November performed better than those born in other months on tests of strength, stamina, and cardiovascular fitness.

They Live the Longest

While October babies have the highest risk of disease among all birth months, they don’t let that stop them from living very long lives. According to a 2011 study of over 1,500 centenarians (or people who live to be 100), babies born between September and November live the longest.

iStock

They’re Taller

If their athletic ability leads to a basketball career, October babies are in luck. A study from Bristol University found that babies born in the autumn months, including October, were, on average, slightly taller than their peers.

People Born in October Are Either Libras or Scorpios

People whose birthdays fall between Oct. 1 - Oct. 22 fall under the sign of Libra, and those born Oct. 23-Oct. 31 fall under the sign of Scorpio. Libras are known for their obsession with balance and symmetry. They tend to thrive in creative roles since they are drawn to art and intellectualism and can thrive in almost any social situation. Scorpios tend to be incredibly intuitive. They hold their cards close to their chest, and when striving towards a goal, they're most likely three steps ahead of others. 

Related: 11 Intriguing Facts About Babies Born in July

October birthday
Jordan Rowland via Unsplash

They’re Less Allergic

A 2017 study from La Trobe University School of Psychology and Public Health in Melbourne found that babies who were in utero for an entire grass pollen season were at lower risk of developing allergies and allergic diseases, like asthma, later in life. In the United States, grass pollen season typically runs from May to August, which means October babies get a full season in the womb.

They’re Making History

October is a month of many history-making firsts. The tenth month of the year has seen the first sale of the Ford Model T, the swearing-in of the first African American Supreme Court Justice, the start of the space age with the launch of Sputnik, and of course, the birth of your future history-maker.