Gift Guide 2025: Kids Tell Us What They Want

The holidays are here, and that means it's time to tackle the hardest shopping challenge of all: finding the perfect gift(s) for the children in your life. In this episode, we skip the parental guessing games and go straight to the experts!

 

Rosie sits down with three brutally honest critics—Dior (8), Robinson (11), and Chloe (6)—to get the definitive, unfiltered word on what kids really want this year. Listen as they enthusiastically share their current wish lists and, more importantly, evaluate a handful of Wirecutter's tried-and-true, age-appropriate recommendations.

 

Their hilarious, insightful, and sometimes merciless critiques will help you cut through the noise, avoid the toys that will be forgotten by New Year's, and confidently pick a gift that will be a genuine hit.

 

If you’d like to receive hand-picked gift recommendations right to your inbox, subscribe to Wirecutter’s gifting newsletter, The Gift!   

 

Dior, Age 8 

Items on Dior's Personal Wishlist:

• A nail kit
• Nike shoes
• Dog toys and dog-themed toys
• Reborn baby doll

 

Wirecutter gift guide picks discussed:

• Wacom Intuos S drawing tablet
• Vans Classic Slip-Ons
• Cuisinart ICE-21P1 ice cream maker
• Lava Lamp Original
• Levain Bakery Signature Cookie Assortment
• Warmies Capybara stuffy toy

 

 

Robinson, Age 11 

Items on Robinson's Personal Wishlist:

• Pokemon video games and cards
• LEGOs
• Dungeons & Dragons merch and items
• Manga (specifically Shonen)
• Books

 

Wirecutter gift guide picks discussed:

• Bearaby Nappling weighted blanket
• Brother CS7000X sewing machine
• Lego Traditional Chess Set 40719
• Arteza Acrylic Paint (Set of 24)
• Planet (board game)
• Lego Creator 3in1 Birdhouse 31143

 

 

Chloe, Age 6

Items on Chloe's Personal Wishlist:

• Remote control snake
• Sleeping bag (unicorn theme!)
• Barbie doll house
• Panda toy that comes with a baby bottle, toilet, and diaper

 

Wirecutter gift guide picks discussed:

• L.L.Bean Sonic Snow Tube
• Razor RipRider 360 tricycle (or consider a two-wheeled bicycle)
• Magna-Tiles Downhill Duo 40-Piece Set
• Kikkerland Postcard Paint Book
• Lego Animal Crossing Isabelle’s House Visit 77049

 

Additional reading:

• 43 Best Holiday Gifts for 6-Year-Olds of 2025
• 46 Best Gifts for 8-Year-Olds of 2025
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