2020 Holiday Gift Guide for Kids Ages 7 - 12
Disclosure: Please note that some of these recommended products were gifted to me by the associated brands/companies, but all opinions shared are my own. Also, if you purchase via the included Amazon links, note that I may receive a small commission via your purchase.
2020 may feel different in every possible way, but we can still do our best to embrace the spirit of the holidays! Below are a few of my favorite gift options for kids ages 7-12 for this season. Let's spread joy and smiles however we can this year.
Stocking Stuffers
Masks
You can't go wrong with stuffing stockings with masks this year! No matter how high our hopes are for 2021, the need for masks is not going away anytime soon, so you might as well grab the very best ones and have some fun with them.
Airband Masks: With all of the masks we have tried over the last eight months or so, these masks are by far the big favorite for our family. The kids and adults are in agreement that these are the easiest to breathe in and most comfortable to wear. We've worn them all day long -- through soccer games and day long hikes and bike rides and games of tag. If you need a mask that works for a long day or for playing outdoor sports, this is it.
Masks Picturing Your Pets' Faces: If you have beloved fur babies in your home, then imagine the kick your loved ones will get out of seeing their sweet faces on some new masks! Pet Party does a great job with these pet photo masks.
Books
If you are looking for book recommendations for adults, feel free to follow me on Goodreads as I'm an avid reader and always try to rate books as I completed them. You can also check out my completed list of 2019 books.
We love gifting books to our children, who are currently ages 8 and 10, for all special occasions. Here are a few that will appear under the tree this year or have been gifted recently:
This book is part of a fabulous partnership between National Geographic and ESPN, and it's perfect for the young soccer lovers in your life. It includes a foreword filled with tips and personal anecdotes from soccer superstar Alex Morgan! Soccer fans will read about many of the soccer greats – such as Mia Hamm, Lionel Messi, and Abby Wambach – while learning how digits, math and simple equations can help them to improve upon their very own skills.
GIRLS CAN! Smash Stereotypes, Defy Expectations, and Make History
This powerful new book shines a light on how dozens of iconic and little-known women across the world are making waves and shaping the future in every field. Throughout the book, kids will find tips, advice and exclusive interviews with great female role models — such as Oprah Winfrey, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Roxanne Gay, Alicia Garza, Nancy Pelosi, Alex Morgan and more — that will challenge girls to be themselves and empower them to change the world, too.
Kingdom Keepers Boxed Set: Featuring Kingdom Keepers I, II, and III
If you have older kid Disney fans in the house, this mystery series which takes place right within the Walt Disney World Resort Parks is a perfect choice!
Pages & Co.: The Lost Fairy Tales
Both my 10 year old son and my 8 year old daughter have been loving this trilogy. They are a mixture of adventure, references to classic literature, and meetups with well-known book characters.
National Geographic Atlas of the National Parks
We are big fans of learning about National Parks and visiting them. This book is a beautiful treasure for the whole family to share.
Toys & Games for Kids Ages 7 - 12
The Geomag Mechanics 86 Magnetic Motion Set allows children to build incredible and exciting inventions. The bigger they build the more dynamic it gets. With magnetizing, rotating and chain reactions they can make anything they wish. Geomag stimulates creativity, inventiveness, and intelligence to allow a child to master mechanical and magnetic forces. Ideal for children aged 7+.
If your kids love playing catch in the house or if you're looking for a non-screen way for children to entertain themselves, these hand operated drones are perfect. Easy to use and lots of fun!
If your children are like mine and won't be owning their own cell phones anytime soon, this is a fun way to extend independence in the neighborhood or on the ski slope a bit. Of course, they are also just fun to play with around the house and out in the yard.
If you remember Tamagotchi from your youth, know that they are now back for this generation's kids. They are a fun choice for any child who loves pets or taking care of animals.
The World Game - Geography Card Game
If you have a geography obsessed child like I do, you are probably also always on the lookout for fun, new ways to keep them challenged. This game is a great option for the whole family.
Mr. Root Beer Home Brewing Root Beer Kit
If you have a budding scientist at home who also appreciates her special treats as I do, then this home root beer brewing kit is a perfect combination.
If you have a child who loves to draw, this projector offers incredible options for teaching kids to draw almost anything. My son is extremely into architecture, so I know he will love this along with the accompanying architecture set that teaches you how to draw some of the most iconic architecture buildings throughout history.
Outdoor Fun Gifts
Merrell Kids' Chameleon 7 Access Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
My kids both have these hiking boots, and I can't recommend them enough. That stand up to all kinds of hikes, they are truly waterproof, and the grips are excellent. 'Tis the season for masked outdoor adventure! It's a healthy and safe way to keep the fun going in our lives during the pandemic.
Snowshoeing is a fun option for more outdoor adventure when the hiking boots aren't cutting it in the snow anymore.
It's a great year to learn how to ice skate or to get back out on the ice! It's a way to be active in nature (choose outdoor ice skating this season) and to see friends (masked) safely.
What are your favorite gifts for kids ages 7-12 this year? Comment below and let us know!
