Need some ideas for birthday gifts for the kids in your life? We asked some of our co-workers for their favorite, go-to birthday gifts for kids of all ages. These are the tried-and-true gift ideas that have worked for them and will work for you! Our fans tell us that Melissa & Doug toys are a hit with both kids and their grown-ups, for their playing power and their staying power. With their focus on open-ended, hands-on play and their ability to grow with kids through many ages and stages, Melissa & Doug toys make for gifts you’ll feel great about giving!
The Best Birthday Gifts for Kids of All Ages
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Toy-Buying Tip #1: Shop What’s New
“My go-to strategy for buying toys for nieces, nephews, or friends’ kids is to browse the What’s New page and buy them the toys that are the newest! That way I know they probably don’t already own it. In terms of favorite toys for gift-buying, I like to find ones that can easily be stored away, like these really cute, new play tents. There are a few different play tent themes that match different kids’ personalities.”
— Carrie Bova, who works in email marketing, and is mom to two young children with a third on the way
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Toy-Buying Tip #2: Think About Themes
“I like to do themes when buying birthday gifts. Melissa & Doug is known for themes such as farm, dinosaur, wildlife, ocean, and fairy tale. For example, for a dino-obsessed kid, I might buy this value set that includes a dinosaur-themed puzzle, stamp set, and an activity pad.”
—Traci Mosser, who works on the brand team, and is mom to two kids
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Toy-Buying Tip #3: Tunnes Are Tons of Fun
“The Melissa & Doug tunnels are great because they are fun for indoor and outdoor play. Kids get so creative with them. The camp chairs are great gifts too!”— John Freyer, who is on the ecommerce team, and is dad to four young girls
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Toy-Buying Tip #4: Water Wow Always Wows
“I love Water Wow. I always think back to the times I’ve been in the car or on planes with my own little ones, trying to give them a creative, mess-free way to play!”
— Jess Trichilo, who is on the HR team, and is mom to four children
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Toy-Buying Tip #5: Don’t Forget the Guests
“I love using Water Wow as birthday party favors.”
—Jill Germano, who is on the brand team, and mom to two young boys
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Toy-Buying Tip #6: When in Doubt, Opt for a Play Food Set
Kids love the realistic details in the Melissa & Doug pretend play food sets. Although they say age 3+, even older kids enjoy playing with the comprehensive sets. With their high-quality construction, these sets are sure to last for many years of play. Some favorites:
Melissa & Doug Prepare & Serve Pasta Set 
Melissa & Doug Top & Bake Pizza Counter 
Melissa & Doug Wooden Brew & Serve Coffee Set
Birthday Gift for 3-Year-Olds, 4-Year-Olds, and 5-Year-Olds
Birthday Gifts for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
“I always give the Rainbow Stacker for babies and toddlers and the Stainless Steel Pots & Pans, Cutting Food, or Tabletop Easel for toddlers and older kids.”
—Sara Erwin, who works on the creative team, and has two young daughters
