Are you sure you’re making the right decision on picking gifts for children? Toys, video games, books, it can’t be that hard to get a child a gift, right? We asked the children whose parents work at Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard what they wanted and you’ll be surprised to hear their answers.
If you’re shopping for a kid who loves collectibles, music, staying in style, or sports, this list is for you. Here’s what your kid actually wants for Christmas.
Related: Yeti shot glasses, Carhartt knit gloves plus 8 other Christmas stocking stuffers
Little live pets
Little Live Pets My Really Real Puppy - Patches the Beagle is the most lifelike puppy you’ll ever meet! With ultra-soft faux fur, adorable blinking eyes, and over 60 sounds and reactions, Patches responds to your touch just like a real pup.
Other toys like this
From Walmart: Little Live Pets Gotta Go Flamingo - $15 (was $20)
From Target: Little Live Pets My Baby Monkey - $30
From Amazon: Little Live Pets My Walking Penguin - $16 (was $20)
Crocs
Stay comfy and stylish with the Squishmallows Cozzzy Sandal, featuring everyone’s favorite calico, Cam the Cat. With an all-over print and plush lining, these squishy slides keep your feet cozy and adorable. Customize them with Jibbitz charms for added flair.
Related: Yeezy Foam Runner dupes? Crocs drops Echo Wave at half the price of Kanye West’s infamous brand
More Crocs for kids
From Crocs: Kids’ Classic Tie-Dye Graphic Clog - $39 (was $45)
From Amazon: Unisex-Child Kids’ Classic Clogs - $35
From Walmart: Crocs Fun Lab Kids Pokemon Classic Clogs - $33 (was $50)
Hoverboard
Featuring Bluetooth speakers and LED lights, it offers built-in entertainment and effortlessly connects to your smartphone for music playback.
More hoverboards for your kid to try to ride and then give up on
From Walmart: Gotrax FX3 Hoverboard - $88
From Target: Jetson Pixel Hoverboard - $105 (was $150)
From Best Buy: Hover-1 - Ranger Electric Self-Balancing Scooter - $130 (was $200)
Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera
Built to match your active lifestyle, the INSTAX MINI 12 instant camera is always ready to capture the moment with a quick twist of the lens. Twist again to activate Close-up mode, ideal for selfies. With its well-placed selfie mirror, automatic flash control, and INSTAX MINI instant photo capability, the INSTAX MINI 12 is your ultimate selfie companion.
Find other Fujifilm Instax Mini Cameras at these locations
From Walmart: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 - Instant camera charcoal gray - $75
From Target: Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera - $80
From Amazon: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Camera with Fujifilm Instant Mini Film (20 Sheets) Bundle - $110
“Cheap record player”
The Victrola Journey+ Record Player lets you enjoy your favorite records, stream music from your phone or tablet, or wirelessly play your records on a Bluetooth speaker with ease.
More “cheap record players”
From Kohl’s: Victrola Re-Spin Sustainable Bluetooth Suitcase Record Player - $99
From Target: Victrola Journey 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Record Player - $48
From Urban Outfitters: Crosley UO Exclusive Ryder Bow Record Player - $99
Owala water bottle
The FreeSip is designed to give you versatile hydration options—sip upright using the built-in straw or tilt back to drink through the wide-mouth opening. Your hydration, your way.
Buy more Owalas from these locations
From Target: Owala Special Edition 32oz Stainless Steel FreeSip Classy Christmas Water Bottle - $38
From Dick’s Sporting Goods: Owala 24 oz. FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle - Snowed In - $33
From Walmart: Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle - $20
70-pound hanging punching bag
The Elite Nevatear Heavy Bag is ideal for training, featuring a dual hanging strap system that offers a quieter and smoother experience compared to traditional chain systems.
Other bags your kid can punch
From Dick’s Sporting Goods: Everlast Core Freestanding Heavy Bag - $100
From Walmart: Venum Classic Punching Bag - $78
From Target: HolaHatha Inflatable Indoor/Outdoor Kids Standing Punching Bag - $55 (was $66)
“Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch”
Embark on a globe-trotting 3D adventure with Mario, using new abilities like cap throw, cap jump, and capture to collect Moons, power the Odyssey, and rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. This sandbox-style game, the first since Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine, is packed with secrets, surprises, and thrilling gameplay in unique worlds beyond the Mushroom Kingdom.
Compare prices
From Best Buy: Super Mario Odyssey - $45
From Target: Super Mario Odyssey - $60
From Dell: Super Mario Odyssey - $60
“RC cars.. LEGO Technic RC”
This remote-controlled racing car toy boasts interactive features and holds the title of the fastest vehicle in the LEGO Technic CONTROL+ collection as of August 2024.
More LEGO RC cars
From Walmart: LEGO Technic App-Controlled Transformation Vehicle 42140 - $218
From Amazon: LEGO Technic Audi RS Q e-tron 42160 - $144 (was $180)
LEGO Star Wars Dark Falcon
Explore a unique twist in the LEGO Star Wars universe with The Dark Falcon buildable toy vehicle set (75389), showcasing a dark reimagining of the Millennium Falcon from the LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy Disney+ special.
Get the Dark Falcon at these locations, too
From Amazon: LEGO Star Wars The Dark Falcon Buildable Starship - $180
From Walmart: LEGO Star Wars The Dark Falcon Building Set - $180
From Best Buy: Star Wars The Dark Falcon Buildable Toy Vehicle 75389 - $180
Jewelry organizer
The jewelry box features drawers with varied layouts, offering designated spaces for earrings, bracelets, watches, and other accessories. It also includes a necklace holder with two side doors, each fitted with eight bronze hooks and a wooden tray to keep necklaces organized and scratch-free.
More Jewelry organizers with different price points
From Walmart: Jewelkeeper Girl’s Ballerina Musical Jewelry Storage Box - $27
From Target: Three Drawer Organizer Jewelry Box - $40
From The Container Store: Stackers Supersized Jewelry Box Collection - $43
Pokemon Cards
These exciting card packs deliver a strong punch! Each pack includes one random Ultra Rare Pokémon card, along with 100 common and uncommon cards, plus a bonus of 10 rare or holo cards with minimal duplication.
Start trading Pokemon with these sets, too
From Walmart: Scarlet & Violet: Paradox Rift Build & Battle Box - $17 (was $30)
From Target: Pokemon Sword & Shield Silver Tempest - $50
From Best Buy: Pokémon - Trading Card Game: Paradox Wisdom Premium Collection - $50
PlayStation
Enhance your Fortnite adventure with the PS5 Digital Edition - Fortnite Cobalt Star Bundle. This bundle features an Outfit, Back Bling, Pickaxe, Wrap, Drum Instrument, Boost, Wheels, Trail, and 1,000 V-Bucks!
Get PlayStations at these locations
From Walmart: PlayStation 5 Disc Console Slim - $486
From Target: PlayStation 5 Console (Slim) - $425 (was $500)
From Best Buy: Sony - PlayStation 5 Slim Console - White - $425 (was $500)
Electric bike
Ideal for quick trips around the neighborhood, the eco-friendly battery pack offers a range of up to 17 miles per charge, allowing you to complete errands and return home without the need for frequent recharging.
More electric bikes for kids and teens
From Walmart: Wanan 24V Electric Bike for Kids - $300 (was $500)
From HiBoy: Hiboy BK1 Electric Balance Bike For Kids - $200 (was $400)
From Lectric eBikes: XP Lite 2.0 Lectric Blue Long-Range eBike - $999 (was $1364)
Crazy Aaron putty
Enjoy putty infused with delightful food-inspired scents, available in six varieties: Scoopberry (berry vanilla ice cream), Gumballer (bubblegum), Pizzarazzi (cheese pizza), Snackerjack (caramel corn), Chocolotta (double chocolate), and Orangesicle (orange cream).
Want more slime? Check these Crazy Aaron textures and scents
From Walmart: Crazy Aaron’s Playful Puppy Putty - $10
From Target: Crazy Aaron’s Intergalactic Thinking Putty Tin - $10
From Kroger: Crazy Aaron’s Popp’n Thinking Putty - $10
Yummiland lip gloss maker doll
Kids can craft their own lip gloss with guidance from their favorite Yummiland and Num Nom characters from the upcoming streaming series. This delightful gift set includes a scented doll with interchangeable outfits, a styling comb, a Num Nom with DIY lip gloss, and a complete lip gloss kit featuring color, scent, and a clear base.
Find more of the cutest lipgloss dolls
From MGA Shop: Yummiland Large Doll + Lipgloss Pet - Bianca Bubblegum - $25
From Target: Yummiland Large Doll + Lipgloss Pet - Rory Blueberry - $25
From Walmart: Yummiland Lipgloss Truck with DIY Lip Gloss Kit - $25 (was $30)
iPad
The iPad combines power, simplicity, and versatility with its stunning 10.2-inch Retina display, A13 Bionic chip, and Ultra Wide front camera featuring Center Stage. Perfect for work, play, creativity, learning, and staying connected—all at an exceptional value.
Create an iPad kid at these locations
From Walmart: 2021 Apple 10.2-inch iPad Wi-Fi 64GB - $250 (was $330)
From Best Buy: iPad mini (A17 Pro chip) - $450
From Target: Apple iPad 10.9-inch Wi-Fi (2022, 10th generation) - $280 (was $350)
Furbys
This interactive toy creature responds to voice commands with 5 modes and over 600 phrases, jokes, songs, and more to explore. Use commands like Dance Party, Copy Cat, Tell My Fortune, Let’s Chill, and Lightshow to guide Furby’s actions.
Make sure Mom and Dad get nightmares with more Furby options
From Walmart: Furby Tie Dye Plush Toy - $33 (was $60)
From Target: Furby Tie-Dye: Interactive Animal Figure - $34
From Amazon: Furblets 2-Pack, Mini Friends Ray-Vee & Hip-Bop - $20
Need more Christmas gift guides? Check out these stories
For real Upstate New Yorkers
Stocking stuffers
For Kids
For Mom
- We asked moms what Christmas gifts they actually want this year - Here are their answers
- 7 Christmas gifts for mom under $100: Bath bombs, journals, bags, more
For Dad
- We asked dads what Christmas gifts they actually want: Here are their (surprising) answers
- 7 Christmas gifts under $100 dad would actually love to get this year
More Shopping and Deals
- L.L. Bean’s tote bag collab with Noah Kahan is starting to sell out - Get the bag for $50
- The Michael Kors Outlet is having a 25% off sitewide sale during Black Friday Week
- UGG is having the biggest sale on its iconic boots and slippers - Get up to 40% off
- Target has a ton of Early Black Friday deals - Here are our favorites
- Walmart slashes the price on the Oura Ring 4 ahead of Black Friday - Get $100 off