Toys & Books
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This post was in partnership with KiwiCo but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

Summer Full of Birthday Parties? Here’s the One Gift for Kids of All Ages to Stock Up on Now

written by KATHY SISSON

This post was in partnership with KiwiCo but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

Graphics by: Anna Wissler
Graphics by: Anna Wissler

“I can’t wait for Naomi’s birthday party on Saturday,” said my 6-year-old as she hopped into the backseat of our car at school pick-up. “Saturday,” I asked. “This Saturday?”

“Yes, this Saturday!” my daughter exclaimed. It was Friday.

I wracked my brain to remember if I’d found a paper invitation in her backpack or seen an e-vite. But I’m one of those people with the red notification on their phone’s email app that usually shows somewhere around 20,000 unread messages. I did a quick search for “e-vite,” and sure enough, I’d missed the email birthday party invitation. After quickly checking our calendar, I responded “yes” with a heartfelt apology to her friend’s parents for the late RSVP. Meanwhile, I mentally added another item to our to-do list within the next 24 hours: Buy a kid’s birthday present.

 

Prepare for Summer Birthdays Now

Whether or not you’re like me on the unread email front, there’s one way to be prepared for a party sneaking up on you: Buy a handful of birthday gifts ahead of time. Once your child gets to a certain age, birthday invites will probably start to come folded in backpacks, through emails, in texts, and, every so often, in the mailbox. And when your kid goes to a birthday party, they usually bring a gift, right? So it helps to have a one-stop place to online shop for birthday gifts that kids will love—and that their parents will too, which is why we shop at KiwiCo.

Why? Well, as parents, we know what happens after a birthday party. Your kid has a ridiculous number of new toys, some of which they’ll never play with (I tend to store a few out of sight to bring out for rainy days). So non-toy birthday gifts like art projects, books, or learning toys are a parent’s favorite—and a crate from KiwiCo can check all of those boxes. With plenty of spring and summer birthday parties surely on the horizon, now is a great time to stock up on gifts the birthday kid will love—and their parents will too! Especially because right now, KiwiCo is offering our readers $10 off a Store purchase of $50+ using code TEMKIWI at checkout.

 

kiwico birthday gift

kiwico birthday gift

 

The Best Birthday Gifts by Age and Interest

Shop KiwiCo’s storefront by age, interest (like games, art projects, animals, or science experiments), and trending bestsellers to find the perfect gift for the birthday kid. For example, I sort by my kids’ ages since their friends will be the same age. If you want to get your child’s input, ask them to choose a few favorites they’d be excited to receive as gifts. Here are some of our favorite KiwiCo items within every age group:

Ages 0-2

KiwiCo
Atom Bead Maze

This cute science-inspired, beaded toy maze allows your little one to practice fine motor skills while being introduced to STEM concepts at the same time. The best part is that it comes with a mini flip book that expands on atoms and molecules.

Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+!

Shop now
KiwiCo
Rainbow Ball Run

These musical towers make such a sweet sound as the ball travels down the slope. The bright colors and different heights help little ones explore their senses.

Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+!

Shop now
shape sorter kiwi
KiwiCo
Cell Shape Sorter

Help your little one develop fine motor skills with this adorable science-themed shape sorter toy that comes with an accompanying book. Would make an extra-special gift paired with the Atom Bead Maze toy above.

Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+!

Shop now

Ages 2-4

KiwiCo
Giant Bubbles

The fun is limitless with this giant bubble wand. From customizable strings to unique holders, this outdoor activity is both educating and entertaining.

Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+!

Shop now
kiwico birthday gift
KiwiCo
Mini Cake Decorating

For the little artist in your life, this cute cake decorating kit is all the fun without the mess. Practice piping techniques or just go freestyle—who knows? Maybe you've got a pro-baker on your hands.

Plus, it's birthday themed!

Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+!

Shop now
KiwiCo
Window Garden Book Set

Looking for a long-term project that still boasts all the fun? Try out this window garden book set, which comes with all the tools for you and your little one to create your own mini garden as well as read about what you're growing.

Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+!

Shop now

Ages 5-8

kiwico
KiwiCo
Draw & Grow Planter

This little chalkboard planter is the cutest gift for any little one looking to flex their green thumb and artistic muscles at the same time.

Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+!

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drawing kit
KiwiCo
Monster Mix & Match Art Pack

This art pack is ideal for summer road trips or traveling. From the compact carrying case all the activities come in to the engaging activities themselves, this one is on the top of our lists.

Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+!

Shop now
kiwico
KiwiCo
Science of Cooking: Ice Cream

Anyone else make ice cream as a science project back in school? Bring the project home with this kit that has it all for you. Equipped with a recipe book and kid-friendly recipes, this one is just as fun as it is sweet.

Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+!

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Ages 9-12

kiwico birthday gifts
KiwiCo
Light-Up Wire Art

What's a better form of self-expression than making your own decor? Test out this light-up wire art kit any birthday kid will enjoy. They can use a template or create their own, but ultimately, the options are endless.

Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+!

Shop now
kiwi co birthday gift
KiwiCo
Splash Blasters

This splash blaster kit is all about DIY. From constructing to customizing the blaster to how you want it, the hands-on experience is all the fun here.

Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+!

Shop now
kiwico domino machine
KiwiCo
Domino Machine

The only thing more cool than a domino run is a domino run that's custom designed by you—with a robot! This kit includes everything you need to build this fun toy, including 100 domino pieces to use.

Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+!

Shop now

 

Plus, KiwiCo Comes in Cute Packaging with Parent-Approved Supplies 

KiwiCo doesn’t just think about learning and fun for kids, they also keep parents in mind. Their directions clearly state caregiver involvement needed for each project. Additionally, for any crafts or science projects that might create a messy workspace, they include supplies like gloves and mess mats for easy clean-up. Not to mention KiwiCo products arrive in brown boxes that look like “crates,” so they’re easy to gift wrap, fun to open, and reusable as storage, building bricks, or future kid projects.

 

kiwico logo

This post was in partnership with KiwiCo but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.