Your Updated Gift Guide for 2025

The best gifts don’t just entertain—they help kids grow. This season, we’ve curated a collection of playful, meaningful items that support emotional development in children of all ages. These tools can help kids name their feelings, regulate their bodies, build empathy, and connect more deeply with the people around them.

Here are some of our favorite gift ideas that support emotional well-being while encouraging play, curiosity, and bonding. Follow our colleague, Lindsay Stenzel, LCSW, (@lindsaystenzelcounseling) for more great info! 

🧸 For Young Children (Toddlers & Preschoolers)

Fisher‑Price Big Little Feelings Sharing Kit – A playful way for little ones to practice kindness, sharing, and emotion language, making social‑emotional learning part of everyday play.

Express Your Feelings Sensory Bottles – Helps young children identify and express emotions through visually engaging sensory movement — a gentle tool for self‑awareness and calm.

Hand2Mind See My Feelings Mirror – Encourages toddlers to recognize and name emotions, building early emotional vocabulary and self‑connection.

🌈 For School‑Age Children (6–11)

Big Feelings Pineapple Deluxe Set – A fun, interactive way for children to explore a wide range of emotions and talk about how they feel, promoting emotional literacy.

Spark Emotions Toolbox – Includes 50 calming strategy cards to help kids learn helpful techniques when they feel upset, frustrated, or overwhelmed.

Daily Affirmations Flashcards for Kids - Simple daily reminders that help kids develop mindfulness and emotional awareness as part of everyday routines.

A Little SPOT Emotional Regulation Box Set - A collection of children’s books that teach naming and managing emotions in fun, engaging ways.

✨ For Teens (12+) 

Conversation Cards for Teens - Great for encouraging empathy and reflection through conversation starters that deepen understanding of self and others.

Self-Love Journal For Teen Girls - This journal is filled with positive affirmations and reflective prompts that encourage girls to express themselves, better understand their emotions, and celebrate what makes them unique. 

✨ For All Ages 

NeeDoh Nice Cube Squish Toy – A classic fidget toy to help kids of all ages soothe big emotions and stay present when feelings feel strong.

Weighted, Heated & Scented Stuffed Animal - A cozy lavender‑scented microwavable elephant plush that offers warmth and comfort, perfect for helping teens, adults and children calm their bodies and soothe big emotions.

💡 Why These Gifts Support Growth

Choosing gifts that encourage play, emotional expression, and connection helps children build self‑awareness, regulation, empathy, and confidence — skills that matter far beyond the holidays. Social‑emotional learning tools help kids notice their feelings, understand others, and develop the inner resources to handle life’s challenges with resilience. (lovevery.com) 

If you are looking to foster connection more deeply with your child or help them regulate their emotions, feel free to reach out to us and let us know how we can support you.