Best Gift Ideas For Six Year Olds

Budget: Under $30

Our Pick: Kids Scavenger Hunt ($29.99)

Why did we choose this?

Make coordinating scavenger hunts easy! Kids Scavenger Hunt is an active game that can be played indoors or outdoors. This means it is the perfect game for children to play rain or shine! Children actively seek objects based on the cards in their hand. The first team to collect all the clues is crowned the winner. 

What are the benefits of a Scavenger Hunt game?

• Builds problem solving skills
• Teaches children how to follow a set of clues
• Encourages teamwork
• Great for the body and mind - children move around to find objects and have to think carefully about where to find them

Honourable Mentions:

• Children’s Compass ($11.99)
• Weaving Loom by Goki ($24.99)
• Kidzlabs Colour Lab Mixer ($25.99)
• Pocket Swing by Hape ($29.99)

• Hybrid-Powered Water Pump STEM Kit ($29.99)

• Aqua Robot STEM Kit ($29.99)

• Salt-Powered Truck STEM Kit ($20.99)

• Planets Pocket Puzzle - 100pcs ($20.99)
• Coggy Puzzle ($23.99)
• Wooden Chess Set ($26.99)

Budget: $30 - $50

Our Pick: Crayola Paint and Create Easel Case ($34.99)

Why did we choose this?

Not only is this art set an amazing gift for the budding artist, it comes in a handy case that keeps all the materials in one, organized space. This makes it easy for children to independently set up and put away. The set comes with a small, compact easel that allows children to create art on a vertical surface, which has many physical benefits. 

What are the benefits of the Crayola Paint and Create Easel Case?

• Engaging in art activities is great for fine motor skills development, hand-eye coordination and to strengthen the muscles in the hands and arms
• Using a vertical surface for art, like an easel, allows children to use bigger arm movements, which helps to strengthen the muscles in the joints of the hands, arms and shoulders
• Develops shoulder/elbow stability and strength
• Enhances proprioception and bilateral coordination
• It encourages midline crossing - the child has to cross the midline of the body with the dominant hand in order to reach the entire surface of the paper
• Strengthens the core and posture
• Encourages creativity and art appreciation 

Honourable Mentions: 

• Plus Plus Basic Colour Mix - 600pcs ($44.99)

• Pancake Pile-Up Relay Game ($34.99)

• Dice of Fury ($40.99)
• Spindoodle ($43.99)

Budget: $50 - $100

Our Pick: Q-BA-MAZE 2.0 Starter Stunt Set ($59.99 - on sale)

Why did we choose this?

This patented Q-BA-MAZE 2.0 Stunt Set puts the law of motion to the test! The pieces interlock in endless configurations, while double-exit cubes keep children guessing which way the marbles will go. This starter set includes: 56 cubes, 1 Speed Sprocket, 1 Roto Catcher, 15 steel marbles and instructions. The cubes and stunts are made from phthalate-free and BPA-free ABS plastic. Marbles are nickel plated steel balls. They are not magnets.

What are the benefits of the Q-BA-MAZE 2.0 Starter Stunt Set?

• Develops logical thinking skills and engineering skills
• Builds spatial awareness
• Develops fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
• Encourages creativity and building skills
• Improves problem solving skills, concentration, patience and perseverance

Honourable Mentions:

• Elenco Snap Circuits® Junior Select ($56.99)

• Elenco Snap Circuits® My Home or Elenco Snap Circuits® Arcade  ($99.99)

Budget: $100 - $200

Our Pick:  My Forest Floor ($129.99)

Why did we choose this?

This beautiful set of loose parts is perfect for open-ended play. The pieces can be used to sort and stack. The beautiful woodland theme allows children to create magical woodland play scenes. The lid is removable and can be turned around and used as a chalkboard on which to create a forest floor. The wooden compartments can also be removed, allowing children to fill the box with sand to enhance the play experience. The set includes: 6 grey flat pebbles, 4 multi-faceted rocks, 3 cone trees, 8 twigs, a snail, a moth, 6 little toadstools, a large toadstool, 10 leaves, 2 acorns, 3 beetles, 4 tunnel pieces and a bird's egg.

What are the benefits of My Forest Floor?

• Loose parts play has benefits for children of all ages
• Develops creative and critical thinking skills
• Encourages the use of imagination and experimentation
• Strengthens fine motor skills and hand eye coordination
• Supports curiosity
• Develops concentration and focus

Honourable Mentions:

• Elenco Snap Circuits® 300 ($109.99)

Budget: $200+

Our Pick:  Southlands Stable ($299.99)

Why did we choose this?

The Southlands Stable provides the perfect backdrop for any play scenario. It is beautifully handcrafted in Canada and requires no fasteners or tools for assembly. Paired with peg people or Holztiger animals, a miniature world of open-ended, imaginative play can emerge. The natural and unfinished design allows children to add their own personal touches, making this stable a blank canvas both physically and for the imagination. 

What are the benefits of the Southlands Stable?

• It requires no fasteners or tools to assemble, making it easy to disassemble for storage
• It is incredibly durable and can withstand a lot of weight (approx. 300 lbs)
• It has a roof that is removable, allowing easy access to the interior, as well as removable sides so animals can roam freely
• Children’s imaginative play is often related to real-life experiences and usually includes props and tons of language. The Southlands Stable allows children to play out experiences from the world around them
• Helps to develop language skills, storytelling skills and social-emotional skills
• Encourages open-ended, imaginative play
• Provides children with an avenue to express their feelings through role play

Honourable Mentions:

• Brooklyn House ($224.99)