Best Birthday Gifts for Kids

Extra Special Gifts for Extra Special Kids!

Searching for an awesome gift for a special birthday boy or girl? You've come to right place… This fabulous collection of toys features top notch, entertaining gifts for children of all ages. Most of these toys have won prestigious toy and parenting awards based on quality, creativity, educational and entertainment value. All toys have received outstanding consumer ratings and have been highly recommended. Several choices are gender neutral, making them fun for both boys and girls! These are presents you can truly feel good about giving. As an added bonus, they're also educational. But shhh! Don't tell the kids… they'll be having too much fun to notice!

Whether you are searching for a great gift for your own child, your child's friends or a special family member, there is something here for everyone! You simply can't go wrong with any of these crowd pleasers. . Enjoy this incredible selection of gift ideas perfect for birthdays, holidays or anytime,,,plus shopping and shipping is a breeze since all of these quality products are available online.

Birthday gift ideas have been grouped into the following toy categories for your convenience. Toy categories include: Board Games/Thinking Games, Indoor/Outdoor Active Games, Toys For Little Ones, Electronic Learning Toys, Imaginative Play Toys, Building/Construction Toys, Science/Discovery Toys and Arts & Crafts/Musical Toys. Each product contains a short description, a suggested age level and additional suggestions for related toy categories.

Denotes award winning toy

Board Games/Thinking Games

Bananagrams 2009 Toy of the Year. Multiple-award winning, fast paced, educational word game for ages 7-adult. Addicting scrabble-like game that has requires no board and allows for numerous players. For additional suggestions see toy category: Board Games & Card Games For Older Children (Ages 7-Adult)

ThinkFun Zingo Award winner! This exciting & educational variation of Bingo features 72 picture tiles which teach simple sight vocabulary and matching skills to pre-readers & readers ages 4-7. An instant favorite! For additional suggestions see toy category: Board Games & Card Games for Young Children (Toddler-Preschool)

Apples to Apples Party Box – The Game of Hilarious Comparisons Multiple award winning family & party game! Players pick cards that best describe the judge's card. Humorous comparisons of people, places and things. Includes over 1000 cards. Ages 12+. Also available Apples to Apples Junior – The Game of Crazy Comparisons! For additional suggestions see toy category: Board Games & Card Games For Older Children (Ages 7-Adult)

Cranium Hullabaloo A high energy game perfect for the preschool age group. Kids listen for commands that make them move, jump and dance on colored shapes and pads. Encourages listening skills, color & shape recognition and lots of giggles & fun! A little hard to find in stores, but well worth the hunt. They'll love it! Ages 4+. For additional suggestions see toy category: Board Games & Card Games for Young Children (Toddler-Preschool)

Jenga Loads of thrills and excitement with this delicate stacking game. Remove wooden blocks one by one without letting the tower fall. Great family fun for everyone. Ages 6+. For additional suggestions see toy category: Board Games & Card Games For Older Children (Ages 7-Adult)

Indoor/Outdoor Active Games

Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow Kit: Multiple awards winner! Incredibly awesome, reasonably priced air-powered rocket kit for ages 3-8. Stomp on blast pad to launch glow in the dark, foam rockets up to 100 feet. No batteries required…just "stomp power." Includes four 9"inch yellow foam rockets. Additional foam rockets available for purchase. Kids absolutely love stomping and watching rockets soar! See Ultra Stomp Rocket air-powered rocket kit for ages 8+. For additional suggestions see toy category: Indoor/Outdoor Sports & Games

Bop It A quick thinking- quick response action packed game! Bop It calls out commands to pull, twist or bop as fast as possible. A huge hit with kids! Different skill levels for solo or group play. Ages 8+. For additional suggestions see toy category: Indoor/Outdoor Sports & Games

Cosmic Catch – Talking Ball Challenging and incredibly fun game of catch! Talking ball calls the shots as players quickly pass the ball in a choice of 4 tricky games. Includes 1 durable electronic ball and 6 hand tags. Awesome party and family game, Ages 7-adult. For additional suggestions see toy category: Indoor/Outdoor Sports & Games

Loopz Game Crazy new musical game of skill & action. Players must correctly repeat the sequence of lights and music by waving their hands through the semi-circular motion sensors. Features 7 different games including solo or group play. Way cool! Ages 5-teens. For additional suggestions see toy category: Arts & Crafts/Musical Toys and Indoor/Outdoor Sports & Games

Wild Planet Hyper Dash Get kids movin' with this outrageously fun, award winning game of speed and skill. Electronic tagger calls out the instructions. Race around to tag targets as fast as you can based on colors, numbers, tagging patterns, simple addition/subtraction problems and memory tasks. It's tricky! 4 different game modes allow for solo, pair or team play. Great for coordination.A big hit with kids and adults! Ages 7+ For additional suggestions see toy category: Indoor/Outdoor Sports & Games

Pacific Play Tents See Me 6' Tunnel Pacific Play tents & tunnels are the leaders in playtime FUN!! Children absolutely LOVE this 6 foot play tunnel made from the finest quality 70 denier nylon and sturdy steel construction. Padded inner wires protect little knees plus the tunnel collapses flat for storage. This tunnel connects with other Pacific Play Tents/Huts for additional adventures. For additional suggestions see toy category: Indoor/Outdoor Sports & Games

Toys for Little Ones

LeapFrog® Learn & Groove Musical Table Music, learning & fun rolled into one! Choose from this amazing toy's words or music options. Learn about ABCs, colors, opposites, counting to 10 and primary shapes or play on piano keys, tap the drum, groove to over 40 songs and melodies, and listen to nursery rhymes & instrument sounds. Flip a switch to change from English to Spanish. Best of all, this toy grows with your child. It sits flat on the floor for babies and adjusts to toddler play by adding included table legs. Provides hours upon hours of visual, auditory and fine motor stimulation and skills practice. An educational wonderland sure to delight little ones from 6 months- 2+ years. For additional suggestions see toy categories: Award Winning Baby Toys & Electronic Learning Toys

Playskool Explore and Grow Busy Ball Popper Loads of sensory fun and gross motor skills practice with this lively interactive toy. Colorful balls spiral down the track and pop up the air powered tube at the press of the big mushroom button. 8 upbeat songs along with sound effects invite your child to dance, giggle, put & take balls and have fun discovering the concept of cause and effect. Surely a favorite for ages 9 months- 3 years. For additional suggestions see toy category: Award Winning Baby Toys

LeapFrog Fridge Farm Magnetic Animal Set Award winner! Extremely amusing and educational toy for ages 1+. Magnetic animal set plays learning songs, teaches animal facts and sounds. Mix and match animal bodies to create actual or wacky animal combinations, and enjoy the silliness. Plays 5 barnyard tunes. A real hit with toddlers! For additional suggestions see toy categories: Award Winning Baby Toys & Electronic Learning Toys

. Play-Doh: Fun Factory Super Set Winner of the Creativity Award, this Playdoh set includes over 35 cutters, design tools, an extruder machine, and 5 Playdoh colors. Hours upon hours of imaginative fun! For additional suggestions see toy category: Toys For Little Fingers (Toddler – Preschool)

Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube Award winning interactive musical cube lets little ones create 8 Mozart masterpieces. Cube sides include the harp, French horn, piano, flute, and violin which light up and play instrument sounds. Sounds can be played solo or added together to create a symphony. Features soft rounded edges and durable design. Fascinating musical toy for the wee ones! For additional suggestions see toy category: Arts & Crafts/Musical Toys

Toysmith Battat Ready Set Go Cars Colorful and durable set of 4 chunky cars great for little hands ages 1+. One of the few car sets safe enough for young tots. Pull back action sends cars zooming, with delightful sounds! Award winner! For additional suggestions see toy category: Toys For Little Fingers (Toddler – Preschool)

Electronic Learning Toys

V.Reader Animated E-Book System Multiple Awards Winner! Bring reading to life with the all new V. Reader. It's a perfect choice for pre-readers and early readers ages 3 to 7 years old. Young children can practice important core reading skills while having fun with this incredible and durable touch screen learning machine. Children see the words and illustrations, hear the story recited, and interact with the story by touching the screen to learn and do more. See Little Ones V. Reader toy review. For additional suggestions see toy category: Electronic Learning Toys

LeapFrog Scribble and Write Little fingers can practice the formation of letters and shapes with this fun learning machine. The child-size stylus along with screen lights make it easy for kids to draw simple pictures, shapes and eventually upper & lower case letters. Amusing learning games reinforce letter formation. A great way to teach writing skills. Ages 3-5. Also see Leapfrog Text & Learn. For additional suggestions see toy category: Electronic Learning Toys

Learning Resources Teaching Cash Register Talking cash register teaches basic math & money skills for ages 5-9. Includes make believe cash and coin reader. An exciting way to "play store." Multiple awards winner! For additional suggestions see toy category: Let’s Pretend Toys For Girls & Boys

LeapFrog My Pal Violet Adorable plush puppy which can be customized to learn your child's name and favorite things via a simple computer download. Plays lullabies, learning songs and teaches numbers, animals, food and more. Select from an additional 30 songs online. Awesome cuddly and educational toy for ages 6 months-3 years. Also available LeapFrog My Pal Scout (Green). For additional suggestions see toy category: Electronic Learning Toys

LeapFrog Learning Game System The original and best learning system on the market! Can't say enough about this portable gaming system that combines video games and learning! Kids will LOVE the huge library of interactive games (sold separately) which teach math, reading, phonics, spelling, critical thinking and more. Well-worth the investment. Also available: Leapster L-Max and Leapster2 which are compatible with TV or computer. Ages 4-10. For additional suggestions see toy category: Electronic Learning Toys

Imaginative Play

Melissa & Doug Cutting Food Box A marvelous 31 piece set of quality wooden fruits, vegetables, and bread along with a rounded edge wooden knife and cutting board. Realistic crunching sounds when food is cut. Great for developing hand/eye coordination, learning food categories and even introducing fractions (1/2, 1/4 etc.) A huge hit with children 3+. Guaranteed to be played with over and over again! For additional suggestions see toy category: Let’s Pretend Toys For Girls & Boys

Melissa & Doug Birthday Party Birthday Cake Kids love birthday parties! Throw pretend birthday parties whenever you wish with this adorable birthday cake set. Includes a six slice cake, serving plate, 19 toppings, 7 candles, wooden spatula and storage box. Ages 3+. For additional suggestions see toy category: Let’s Pretend Toys For Girls & Boys

Melissa & Doug Pizza Party Kids will have hours of imaginative fun with this wooden pizza set! Take orders and mix & match toppings. Set includes 50 toppings, pizza server, pizza cutter and wooden storage box. Ages 3+ For additional suggestions see toy category: Let’s Pretend Toys For Girls & Boys

Melissa and Doug Slice and Bake Cookie Set Fun for little bakers! This creative play set lets children bake and decorate 12 wooden, sliceable cookies with 18 toppings. Cookies store in a dough tube. Set includes cookies, toppings, wooden toy knife, spatula, cookie sheet, and oven mitt. Ages 3+. For additional suggestions see toy category: Let’s Pretend Toys For Girls & Boys

Dalmatian Vet CageGreat for pretend play! This adorable vet set includes includes carrying cage, mini puppy, and medical tools like stethoscope, hammer, tweezers, tongs, thermometer bandages and much more! Ages 3+. For additional suggestions see toy category: Let’s Pretend Toys For Girls & Boys

Learning Resources Pretend & Play® Doctor Set Award wining 19 piece doctor set with carrying case comes with realistic sounding stethoscope, pager and cell phone. Numerous medical tools and accessories for hours of imaginative fun! Ages 3+. For additional suggestions see toy category: Let’s Pretend Toys For Girls & Boys

KidKraft Deluxe Garage Set Award winning interactive wooden garage set. Features winding ramp from top floor to ground, working elevator & garage doors, helicopter & helipad, car wash with moving scrubbers, 6 cars & trucks, gas station, ticket booth and more! Loads of fun for ages 3-6. For additional suggestions see toy category: Cars, Trains and Vehicles That Move!

Corolle Special Feature Baby Doll Lila – 17" Doll Multiple awards winner! Precious interactive baby doll for ages 3+. Gently babbles, giggles, cries and sucks on bottle. Baby accessories included. Sure to become a favorite playmate! For additional suggestions see toy category:Dolls, Dollhouses, Dress Up & More!

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Folding Princess Castle Award winning, gorgeous solid wood Princess castle. Extra large castle folds for storage and is stunning with its pink and gold screened accents. This enchanting castle has turrets, balconies, buttress, flag and a working drawbridge. A perfect choice to delight all the princesses in your life! Quality & Exceptional Value! Ages 3-9. Also see Melissa & Doug Deluxe Folding Medieval Castle and Melissa & Doug Deluxe Castle Dolls Playset. Worth every penny, providing years and years of enjoyment! For additional suggestions see toy category: Dolls, Dollhouses, Dress Up & More! &Let's Pretend Toys for Girls & Boys

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Folding Medieval Castle Award winning, sturdy solid wood Medieval castle. Opens fully and folds for storage with detailed Medieval accents. This awesome castle includes 3 poseable play figures and has a working draw bridge, trap door, courtyard, turrets, dungeon, staircases and more! Fantastic toy will inspire hours of imaginative play! Ages 3-9. Also see castle dolls playset shown below. For additional suggestions see toy category: Let’s Pretend Toys For Girls & Boys

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Puppet Theater It's showtime! This quality wooden puppet theater is incredibly entertaining and boosts performer's self-esteem. Features sturdy construction, non-tip base, roomy backstage, velvet curtains, chalkboard, clock with movable hands and detailed designs. A childhood treasure for years and years of imaginative play. Ages 3+. For additional suggestions see toy category: Let’s Pretend Toys For Girls & Boys

Building/Construction Toys

LEGO Duplo My First Set The perfect introductory set designed for little hands. Includes sturdy storage box, 33 Duplo colored bricks, a window, cat and flower. Ages 18 months – 5 years. See Little Ones Special Feature: The Wonderful World of LEGOs. For additional suggestions see toy category: Building Sets & Creative Design Toys

LEGO® Pink Brick Box 216 Piece LEGO set especially for girls contains pretty pink colors along with a variety of other shades. Ages 4-10. See Little Ones Special Feature: The Wonderful World of LEGOs. For additional suggestions see toy category: Building Sets & Creative Design Toys

.LEGO Duplo Ultimate Building Set – 71 Pieces Colorful tub of building blocks for little fingers 18 months-5 years. Award winning toy provides hours of creative fun! LEGO also has a tremendous selection of building sets to delight children of all ages and interests. See Little Ones Special Feature: The Wonderful World of LEGOs. For additional suggestions see toy category: Building Sets & Creative Design Toys

LEGO Ultimate Building Set Great 405 piece starter kit includes sturdy storage tub, building plate, mini figure, windows, doors and wheels. Kit also contains instructions for 5 models plus ideas for 25 + models. See Little Ones Special Feature: The Wonderful World of LEGOs. For additional suggestions see toy category: Building Sets & Creative Design Toys

Quadrilla Marble Railway, Twist and Rail Award winning 97 piece marble run plus 50 marbles and play tips DVD. Endless designs and entertainment for ages 4-10! For additional suggestions see toy category: Building Sets & Creative Design Toys

ZOOBMobile Car Designer 76 Make movable creations with this awesome ZOOB building set. Design your own vehicles or follow easy instructions to build 12 different models. Includes 12 wheels which are notched to work like gears. All pieces are compatible with other ZOOB building sets. Endless possibilities and fun! Recently nominated for awards. Ages 6-18. For additional suggestions see toy category: Building Sets & Creative Design Toys

Science/Discovery Toys

Snap Circuits SC-300 Multiple award winning electronics kit makes building simple circuits and devices fun & easy. Over 60 snap on parts can create 300+ exciting projects with lights, sounds, motors and more. Hours of experimentation for ages 8-14. Also available Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100. For additional suggestions see toy category: Discovery Toys & Science Kits

Live Butterfly Garden Experience the magnificent metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly up close in your very own home. This Butterfly Garden is a reusable, collapsible habitat where children can observe 3 weeks worth of nature's "magical" changes which transform butterfly larvae into Painted Lady Butterflies. Simply mail in the enclosed voucher for 5 prepaid butterfly larvae along with special butterfly food. Kit includes clear and complete instructions, and a booklet of butterfly facts. Children will be amazed by this awesome and educational experience. Ages 4-14. For additional suggestions see toy category: Discovery Toys & Science Kits

Arts & Crafts/Musical Toys

Make A Plate Award Winner! This fantastic craft kit allows children to draw their very own plate design, mail their artwork away, and in a short period of time, receive a usable, dishwasher safe, break-resistant 10 inch melamine plate featuring their artwork! An absolutelly wonderful way to preserve children's drwaings. Makes an extra special keepsake to use each day or to give away to family members. This set includes 5 drawing sheets, markers, instructions, order form and one pre-paid certificate for processing one plate. Ages 4-10. For additional suggestions see toy category: Arts & Crafts/Musical Toys

IlluStory: Make Your Own Storybook Multiple Awards Winner! Imagine the sense of pride & accomplishment when your child creates and professionally publishes his/her very own storybook! This amazing set allows children to write and illustrate their own story on the special pages provided (or completely online using the Storymaker instructions.) Drafts are mailed in prepaid envelope (included) and in a few short weeks, your child will receive a color-copied, professionally hard bound storybook! Books can include About the Author, special dedication and title pages.This set includes 18 book pages, 2 cover pages, 10 washable markers, story web planner, instructions and order form. Encourages reading, writing and illustrating skills! Extra copies can be ordered for family members. A truly unique gift that lasts for years to come! Ages 5-9. For additional suggestions see toy category: Arts & Crafts/Musical Toys

Creations by You My Masterpiece – Turn Your Drawing Into A Work of Art Multiple Awards Winner! Professionally preserve your child's artwork for a lifetime with this awesome wall art kit. Your child's original artwork is enlarged onto your choice of background, and can be either placed into a wooden frame (your choice of colors) or changed into a museum style poster including the artist's name, artwork name and date. Many custom options are available including purchase of additional copies. Artwork can can done by hand or done completely online using Internet Production drawing & photo tools. Your child's masterpiece will be returned in a few short weeks. Makes an incredible gift for any occasion! Also makes charming artwork to hang in your home, office or child's room. Ages 3+. For additional suggestions see toy category: Arts & Crafts/Musical Toys

Wow Wee Paper Jamz Guitar – Style 4 Play like a rock star right away! This amazing circuit embedded "paper guitar" lets kids play instant guitar with the touch of their hands. Simply choose from the 4 modes of play to jam along with 3 included licensed hit songs. Each guitar style comes with a different pop music selection. In addition, have some fun playing free style, play real chords or make up your own songs. Built in speaker with volume control and guitar jack to plug in headphones (not included.) Open-ended possibilities and endless fun for an affordable price. Ages 8+. For additional suggestions see toy category: Arts & Crafts/Musical Toys