The 20 best gifts for kids for 2022

Research shows that when it comes to your happiness, it’s better to give than to receive — and we think that’s especially true when you bestow adorable presents on delighted children.

In fact, what could be more joy-inducing than seeing their sweet faces light up when they open a much-wanted treasure? 

This holiday season, there are plenty of amazing options for kids, from glittery stocking stuffers for dress-up to extravagant outdoor playthings. 

We curated 20 must-haves at every price for boys and girls aged 2 to 8.

Here’s a look at the entertaining toys and colorful togs that will brighten a little one’s day — and make you feel great, too.

Prehistoric pack 


A backpack.
7AM Enfant “Midi Dino” backpack, $65 at Bloomingdale’s
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Go totally Jurassic with this water-repellent backpack plated like a Stegosaurus’ back.

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Giddy up


Horse Girl book by Carrie Seim.
“Horse Girl” by Carrie Seim, $13 at Amazon
Carrie Seim

With a hilarious horse-obsessed heroine, a stubborn steed and an ultra-competitive clique at the stable, this 5-star chapter book is unbridled fun for young readers.

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Splash out 


Rainbow boots.
Hunter “Original First Classic” waterproof rain boots, $80 at Nordstrom
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Come rain or shine, these sparkly rainbow wellies precipitate outdoor fun.

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Level up 


A Mario-themed lego set.
“Cat Peach Suit and Frozen Tower” expansion set, $80 at Lego
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Featuring a Cat Goomba, Toad and Kamek figures, this Lego Super Mario set combines with a starter course for creative play. A brick tower and lots of coin-collecting challenges add to the excitement.

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Buckets of fun


A basketball book for kids.
“Basketball Legends Alphabet” book by Beck Feiner, $25 at Bloomingdale’s
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This A to Z of NBA greats is a slam dunk for mini hoops fans, with by-the-letter entries including C for Stephen Curry, J for Michael Jordan and V for Vince Carter.

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Cuddle buddy


A Vermont Teddy Bear.
“Giant Hunka Love” bear with bow tie, $209 at Vermont Teddy Bear
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Snuggle up with an irresistibly soft, 6-foot-tall, bow-tie-wearing stuffie.

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Bling rings


Rings for kids.
Super Smalls kids’ “Garden Get Together” ring set, $27 at Bergdorf Goodman
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A gem-tastic set of five adjustable bug, butterfly and bloom-festooned rings is sure to dazzle.

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T-rex kicks


Dinosaur Converse shoes.
Chuck Taylor All Star dinosaurs sneakers, $40 at Converse
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Colorful Chuck Taylor canvas high-tops look dino-mite.

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Speed dreams


A racecar sleeping bag.
Iscream race car sleeping bag, $130 at Saks Fifth Avenue
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A race car sleeping bag with a sherpa fleece lining is perfect for nighttime pit stops.

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Clearly collectible


A bear pendant.
Crystal Haze Jewelry “Nostalgia” bear resin pendant with 18-k gold-plated brass connector, $45 at Bloomingdale’s
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Your moppet can keep a teddy close to her heart with this precious pendant.

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Guiding light 


A scooter.
Globber “Primo” foldable scooter, $79 at Maisonette
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This is a smooth and illuminated ride, thanks to LED-lit wheels and a patented, secure-lock button that helps beginners scooter straight.

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Party piece


A rainbow dress.
Mini Boden rainbow tank dress, $96 at Nordstrom
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Rows of ruffles and rainbow colors make this frock extra festive.

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Stylish steps 


Butterfly boots.
Camper “Twins” boots, $120 at Nordstrom
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Wing it with fluttery butterfly-effect suede boots.

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True colors


A rainbow sweater.
Pullover, $64 at Hanna Andersson
Hanna Andersson

A cozy Hanna Andersson sweater with a rainbow motif goes with everything.

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Cool kicklets


Kid's socks.
“Polo Bear” crew sock (three pack), $18 at Ralph Lauren
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You’ll knock his socks off with this set of colorful Fair Isle, striped and “Polo Bear” skier pairs.

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Drawing interesting


A kid's art set.
Young Artist essentials gift set (64 pieces), $60 at Faber Castell
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Everything a future Matisse needs is packed in an elegant wood gift box, including high-quality watercolor pencils, oil pastels, Duo-Tip markers, artist paper and much more.

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Warm Fuzzies


A knit hat.
Knit hat, $75, at Stella McCartney
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Bundle up your babe in Stella McCartney’s happy hat and scarf made from organic cotton, forest-friendly viscose and recycled fibers.

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A kid's scarf.
Scarf, $95 at Stella McCartney
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Wheely epic


A kid's Lambo.
Freddo 12V Lamborghini Aventador one-seater ride-on car, $550 at Maisonette
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Rev up this mini 12-volt Lambo ride-on super car, which boasts scissor doors that open upwards, a built-in media player and working headlights (plus a seatbelt and parental remote control for safety).  

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Sunny chic


Product shot of yellow shoes.
Sam Edelman “Talia” Mary Jane pumps, $65 at Nordstrom
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She’ll put her best foot forward with Sam Edelman’s darling pompom-topped Mary Janes. 

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