10 Perfect Gifts for an Only Child
| $ = under $30 | $$ = under $60 | $$$ = under $90 | $$$$ = $90 and up |
It can be tough finding the perfect present for an only child. This list includes 10 engaging gifts that are ideal for solo play.
Sloth Puzzle ($)
This 500 piece sloth puzzle is beautiful and unique, with it’s picture in picture design and no corners or edges. Recommended for kids ages 8-16.
Prime Suspect ($)
Prime Suspect is for ages 8+ (including adults!) I LOVE a logic game. This is a simple set up, good for on the go, and is a solo game. There are 45 different cases to solve (with 3 different difficulty levels), and as you walk through each clue, you get closer to identify your prime suspect.
Marble Run ($$)
Marble runs are creative and fun for all ages. I love these sets by Hape. They are simple, great quality, and I find them more challenging than the plastic sets. This makes it perfect for kids ages 5-15. We have 3 different Hape sets, which all work with each other. So a rainy day means hours of fun combining all 3 sets to make a HUGE marble run. These work best on a hard surface.
Lifelines Flow Art ($)
Great gift for the artist or creator on your list. Or someone that needs a little more zen in their life. These line and dot pattern notebooks are a calming, stress free way to create beautiful art. The simpleness covering each dot with a color becomes meditative, and before you know it, you have a beautiful piece of art. And it’s an all in one, coming with the markers and a marker case that clips on to the notebook. Perfect for the tween or teen on your list!
Snap Circuits ($$$)
There are many different snap circuit kits, beginning with the Jr kits for kids around age 5 and going all the way into teen years. Check the age range on the one you’re buying. They are all great, with multiple projects demonstrating different ways to safely set up electrical circuits. Comes with step by step instructions. Engaging, well constructed stem toy an only child will love.
ChompSaw ($$$$)
This toy is genius. It’s a cardboard saw, designed for kids ages 3 to 103. There are so many creative projects kids can do with this safe cardboard saw. It easily and precisely cuts along lines and curves for endless cardboard project possibilities. Unsure of what to make? There are different kits and bundles as well, to give your creativity a jumpstart.
***BONUS*** use coupon code TheGiftGuideBlog for a discount on your chompsaw.
National Geographic Kids ($$)
A subscription–the gift that keeps on giving! Plan ahead, get one issue to give as the gift (and maybe a cute stuffy or animal socks?) and include a note explaining that the child will receive a magazine once a month for the year. Who doesn’t LOVE to receive fun mail! There’s a Little Kids Explorer for ages 3-5, and a Nat Geo kids for ages 6-8 (although I’d put it more like 6-12).
Rubik’s Cube ($)
Classic. For ages 8-18, this is the ultimate solo game that never gets old. Can be done anywhere easily. Consider including the 3×3 solve guide, which can easily be found online, with the gift.
Jumpin’ ($)
A simple game with endless fun. This small, contained logic/puzzle game will keep kids (and adults) endlessly entertained. Recommended for 7+. I LOVE it, and I’m 42. Could be a good one for a retiree who likes puzzles as well. Great for travel, quiet time at home, in the car, whenever! Solo game great for an only child!
Slackline Kit ($$$)
Saving my favorite for last, this slackline kit is only child approved, screen-free, outdoor fun for all ages. Slacklines are simple, fun, and versatile. They work on balance and strength. This one is a 2 inch wide line, which is beginner friendly. Set one up low to the ground and with a training rope up above for kids as young as 4. As they grow and build skill, move the line higher and take the training rope away. Fun to do alone or with others. Make sure you have trees near by that can accommodate this kit.