40 Design-Friendly Gifts for Modern Kids

This little monkey bean bag is a comfy seat for your little monkey. They also make them for your little owl, your little elephant, your little whale, and more in a range of bright colors. They are all so cute it's hard to choose!

60cm across at base x 85cm high
$99.95 each

Your child will discover the mixed media artist inside with this complete art kit. I recommend picking up a few extra canvases to go along with this.

Kit includes 8 non-toxic paint colors, 14 reusable stencils, 2 brushes, 1 stencil sponge, glitter, glue, chisel tip marker, and 1 stretched canvas.

12" W x 1.5" D x 12" H
$29.99

Houzz team member Adi says, "Last year, we snagged the 'Let's Rock' wall art design for our kids' bedroom. Kids love it because it's not too baby-ish. Their parents like it because it works well with the room's modern decor. All in all, a great gift if you need to satisfy parents and kids alike."

12" x 12"
18" x 18"
24" x 24"
36" x 36"
From $69

This preppie whale is a chalkboard decal that can be applied to any wall without leaving a mess behind. It also comes in an elk shape.

Whale: 36" W x 23.5" H
$76

There are more than 800 pieces in this great LEGO model for ages 8 and up. Once this model of Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous built work is completed, no one will want to take it apart. I know most 8 year olds usually want the LEGO airplanes and such, but perhaps this will bring out a new interest for a budding architect.

$88.99

Houzz team member Lily says, "These cloth-bound books would make a beautiful addition to any child's library. I can see one or two of them becoming treasured heirlooms handed down for generations to come."

$16.99 each

This fun puzzle is a perfect green gift (made from recycled paper) for puzzle and elephant lovers of all ages. When you're done, you can put it away to fasten together another day, or keep in on a shelf as a sculpture.

Suitable for ages 3 and up
$12.50

"This orange ceramic pig bank is adorable," says Houzz team member Adi. "It's a great gift for teaching young kids about savings while adding some color to their room."

Ceramic
$29 (prices vary; other colors available)

Whenever I want to find homemade gifts I hit up Poppytalk Handmade's carefully curated suggestions. These maple bowling pins are fun to play with and will keep parents who have an aversion to plastic toys happy, as they make a beautiful home accessory.

Sanded satin smooth and a light local beeswax and organic jojoba oil finish enhances the natural beauty of the wood. A small engraved logo is found on one of the pins.

Ten maple pin profile blocks (6" H by 2" W)
Two 2" hardwood balls
$35

This mini foosball table packs in all the fun of regular Foosball without the hefty price tag or space requirement.

Each game comes with detailed little players, two soccer balls, two individual scoreboards and a wood grain finish.

Assembly required
20" x 12" x 4"
$36

This colorful storage box will keep 9"x12" puzzles in the right place. Be sure to throw in a new puzzle to go with it.

10.5" x 9.5" x 14"
$39.99

These handmade animals were originally made by Iris Savir to cheer up children who were having a hard time. They are special enough to leave out all the time as a decoration, and totally play friendly.

Organic felt, wire, cotton
Zebra 9.8" W x 7.9" H
Elephant 13.8" W x 13.8" H Rhino 13.8" W x 9.8" H
Giraffe 9.8" W x 15.7" H
$80

These are blocks a modern mommy won't mind seeing on the floor. Featuring Alexander Girard's font and designs, these cheerful blocks are a set to keep for life.

Made of locally grown sustainable bass wood and printed with non-toxic inks
For ages 3 and up
Made in the USA
Blocks: 1.75" cube
Kit: 2.5" H x 14" W x 9" D
$120

This wooden rocking horse has stood the test of time—it's been in production for more than 50 years. Thus, it will be passed to your child's children, and their children after that.

Birch ply, painted face
12" D x 34" W x 18" H
Seat: 9" H
$149

I admit I have no memory of how to play Yahtzee. I just remember it being a blast, and loving being able to yell out "YAHTZEE!" Great for ages 8 and up, this kit from L.L. Bean is compact enough to take along on family trips.

Comes with a set of five dice, a score pad and pencils, instructions and a canvas-covered dice cup that doubles as a storage container when the game pieces are not in use.

5½" H x 3" diam.
$16.95

This little storage bench also serves as a desk and and a chalk table (the top is a chalkboard). It's easy to roll it from place to place and easy to wipe clean.

P'kolino Nesting Birds not Included
Fiber Board
2 to 6 years
21" L x 13" W x 12" H
$69

Who needs paper, crayons, markers and stickers when the table top is a chalkboard? This stylish kids' table will provide hours of fun, and its top will change on a daily basis with your child's art proudly displayed on top!

Black vinyl with molded plywood legs
D30" H18"
$499

I was just watching an episode of Modern Family in which the only craft the mom could come up with for her kid's birthday party was beaded comb sheaths. If you are also craft-impaired, don't fret. This little kit is full of ideas and supplies, all in one place.

Includes 16 cardboard shapes, 1 Crack & Peel tissue art shape, 100 tissue paper squares, 20 pipe cleaners, Popsicle sticks, giant wiggle eyes, giant pon-poms, 8 crayons, safety scissors, white glue, feathers , alphabet stickers, construction paper, ric-rac, foam heart stickers, crinkle paper, puffy flowers, paper doilies, crepe paper and fringed paper.

For children age 2 and older
$22.99

Houzz team member Sheila spied this whimsical jungle friends mobile that's also good for the jungle as it is made from eco-friendly renewable bamboo. Your child will be full of delight as he stares up at it from the crib; you'll delight when you walk in the room and catch it at eye-level.

100% bamboo (carefully sourced in China by a U.S.-based manufacturer of environmentally friendly materials), clear thread.

Each laser-cut piece is 1/8" thick. Total hanging height is approximately 20".

Each piece is laser-cut from bamboo plywood, an earth-friendly renewable resource.
Minimum assembly required.
$68

This colorful piece of classic Eames provides a way for kids to learn to the good habit of hanging up their clothes.

The Hang-it-all's welded steel wire frame has a white powder-coat finish and attaches directly to walls or other surfaces. The hooks are made from solid maple and painted in nine colors.

Attachment hardware included
19.75" W x 6.5" D x 14.625" H
$179 ($152 at hivemodern as we go to post)

Houzz friend Ali of Asiz's Child says, "As a kid I always dreamed of waking up to a massive bike loosely wrapped in gift wrap waiting for me under the tree, so I think it is only fitting to suggest an Early Rider bike. These wheels are seriously hip."

FSC certified birch marine ply, pneumatic tires with aluminum rims, branded flame and logo detail, tire hot patches, embroidered faux leather seat pad, notched fork ends for quick assembly.

Two steering settings, restricted and unrestricted, allow a child to learn at his or her own pace. The adjustable seat and reach ensures that the bike grows with your child.

21" H x 32" L
$160

This the miniature version of the EVA chair, made from the same foam used in sneakers. They are soft, weather-proof, and provide a good perch for when favorite stuffed animals are sitting down for a tea party.

Each set of two items will include one with the lighter color as the outer stripe and one with the darker color as the outer stripe.

Constructed of EVA foam layers
3.5" W x 4.75" H x 3.75" D
$25 for set of 2

Houzz contributor and remodeling expert at Calfinder Margaret (a.k.a. txranchgirl) says, "While you're working on creating your farmhouse-chic house, let your little one get in on the fun with a farmhouse to go. A nod to classic fold-and-go playhouses, this quaint little baby will keep your little one busy for hours. Moo."

Two-story barn is stocked with seven realistic plastic farm animals, a wooden ladder and a folding corral. Chunky handles let you take your bit of "country" wherever you go!

Dimensions: 11.25" x 13.5" x 7"
Assembled recommended Ages: 3+ years
$49.99

Margaret adds, "If you’re into prefab, why not let the kids in on the fun? This chic little villa will provide minimalist fun and a bit of prefabulous architectural education."

From 3 to 9 years old
54 €

Another great idea from Margaret of Calfinder: A classic toy with a modern twist, "This sleek rocking horse will fit stylishly into any space in the house—whether you have kids or not," she says.

AGE : 1+
Made of European wood, paint is made and imported from Germany
Seat height 300 mm
Designed in Sweden
$169.99

"For the little culinary artist looking to up their pretend play," says Margaret, "this all-wooden kitchen will delight tiny tots while not offending your own aesthetic sensibilities. If only they could really make dinner." Comes complete with a stove-top, oven, cupboard, and sink.

Included with the kitchen: 2 plates 2 forks 2 knives 1 spatula 1 serving spoon 1 saucepan with lid 1 skillet 1 salt shaker 1 pepper shaker 1 fried egg 1 pizza 1 carrot (splits into halves) 1 cheese slice 2 mushrooms 1 loaf of bread (splits into 4 slices).

Made of wood with completely non-toxic, child-friendly paints and finishes.

Some adult assembly required
Not intended for children under 3
21.25" W x 32" H
Counter height: 20"
Kitchen stands 9" off the ground
Oven door is 9.25" across Sink depth: 0.5"
$109.99

This fun little dollhouse is lightweight, made out of cardboard, and has plenty of openings for little ones to play house with favorite action figures and dolls inside.

With 8 secret rooms, stair openings, spy holes and an attic for storage.
Easy-to-assemble for hours of play and easy to carry.
Easy-to-store: it folds down flat in its box.
8.75W x 14D x 18H. Weight 2.35.
Made of 100% recycled cardboard, 100% biodegradable
No sharp corners and edges
Ages: 3 years and up
$32

Houzz team member Adi says, "My kids received this frog as a holiday gift two years ago. Instead of having many sponges and toys in the bathtub they are all scooped in the frog."

Detachable scoop makes collecting and cleaning tub toys a cinch. Built-in shelf holds shampoo, soap, and bath products.

Mildew-resistant hard plastic
Includes set of adhesive strips
$34.99

Houzz Team Member Lily has chosen this unexpected APPLAUSE light box sign for you child's room. Perhaps it will inspire him or her to become the next Johnny Carson!

12" W x 4" D x 5" H
Cord: 6' long
Bulb: 25 watts, type T (not included)
$39

Houzz team member Lily found this alphabet jungle print for your child's room. An especially great gift for expectant parents who don't know if they're having a boy or a girl. The pleasing color scheme could inspire the entire nursery color palette.

Petit collage animals have found their matching letters in this 3-color screenprinted poster. A key of animal names is printed on the bottom of the poster.

Hand-silkscreened in Oakland, CA
100% post-consumer recycled paper; printed with water-based inks
18" x 24"
Frame not included
$50

Houzz team member Lily found on Etsy.com one of the most beautiful baby blankets around. This is hand-printed and hand-sewn quadruple Japanese gauze fabric.

Toxic-free water-based inks
Front: quadruple gauze
Back: double gauze
Approx. 100cm × 100cm / 39" ×39"
100% cotton; machine washable
$60

These decorative bird cages bring fanciful vintage style to a child's room. Scrolling metal wire aviaries have an antique feel and style and a working door. It's topped with a ring for lifting and hanging.

Small: $29
Medium: $39
Large: $44
Set of 3: $9

Houzz team member Sheila spied this wonderfully refined small table and chair set. A great gift for a child who loves to throw tea parties, it's also a good spot for arts and crafts projects.

Crafted of solid hardwood and veneers
Distressed, aged white finish with rubbed edges and soft grey patina
Nylon glides on feet
Assembly required for play table

Table $229
Chairs (set of two) $199

The letterpress text trend was made for children's rooms! Help a favorite little one learn to spell by ordering the letters of their name, or by spelling out a favorite word.

Inspired by antique typesetting blocks
Raised letters are set in a serif typeface with a vintage aesthetic
Carved letter has a lighter finish to contrast with the dark espresso base
Both letters and base are distressed for a feeling of time-weathered authenticity
Hollow-core base makes it easy to hang
8" square
$18

Flexeez are these cool little pieces your child can bend, twist, wrap and snap into any shape imaginable, from a ball to a spaceship, and any made-up sculpture in between.

200-piece set
Recommended for ages 5-7
$14.99 (on sale as we go to post)

Get your aspiring little architect used to the drafting table early. This set includes the stool and a paper roll holder that fits into a slip-free guide.

Made of environmentally friendly particle board and painted with brightly colored non-toxic paint, the table stands 26" high. Matching stool stands 14" high. Both feature wide bases that resist tipping.

30" W × 20" D (76 cm × 51 cm) blackboard work surface
$119.99

What are you giving the kids in your life?