Chanukah’s coming, and so are the gifts! The perfect toy roundup for every personality

For the Stylish One

My First Styling Kit / Lakeshore Learning

With a blow-dryer that actually blows (without being muktzeh!), the set feels perfectly authentic. But don’t worry — the makeup is completely pretend, so no faces will be painted in the process. Everything packs neatly into a sturdy carry case for easy cleanup and storage. And check out the matching boys’ shaving kit!

For the One On-the-Go

Radio Flyer UPS Delivery Truck Ride-On / Radio Flyer, Target

This definitely delivers for the energetic, imaginative child! The seat lifts to reveal storage for the cutest little packages, giving your little guy the full delivery-man experience. The truck glides smoothly, is gentle on wood floors, and its compact size makes it a perfect indoor riding option — though it’s great outdoors, too.

For the Little One

Learning Resources Smart Snacks Stack ‘em Up Doughnuts / Learning Resources, Amazon

Perfectly on-theme for Chanukah, this doughnut ring stacker is a sweet twist on the classic baby toy, designed by Learning Resources — known for quality, durability, and adorable design. Don’t be surprised if the older kids snag the doughnuts for their play-food stash.

For the Nurturing One

Let’s Play School / Lakeshore Learning

Who doesn’t love school when they get to be the teacher? This play school set takes the classic “school” game to the next level. It’s packed with tests, rewards, and all the bells and whistles (no pun intended!).

Tip: It’s a pricier set, so laminating paper accessories and using them with a dry-erase marker can stretch the value.

For the Inventive One

Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Exploration Kit / Snap Circuits, Amazon

This one’s for the kid who takes toys apart just to see how they work — a safe, fun introduction to electrical engineering. With over 100 guided projects, kids can build working lights, alarms, and fans simply by snapping the pieces into place. The instructions are clear and straightforward, yet still leave plenty of room for creative experimenting. Once they’re hooked, there are countless add-on sets to keep challenging their minds.

For the Competitive One

Blu Track Classic 15 Ft / Blue Track, Amazon

Let your son’s creativity go wild as he turns every surface into his personal racetrack. While the racing is thrilling, the real fun is in the setup. The suction cups easily attach the track to windows, furniture, or the top of the stairs, and the extra-long flexible design allows for endless bumps, hills, and loops. BluTrack is compatible with Matchbox cars and larger vehicles.

For the Artistic One

Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set -Tie-Dye / Crayola, Amazon

As a mother, I’ve never loved the oily pastels or messy watercolor trays that turned coloring sessions into cleanup sessions. This case sticks to the basics: classic, washable coloring tools you actually use on a daily basis. Best of all, once the set starts to fade (crayons crack, markers dry out), refill the case with your fresh Crayola supplies.

For the Independent One

ThinkFun Rush Hour Junior - Classic Traffic Jam Logic Game / ThinkFun, Amazon

Rush Hour is a one-player logic game that builds problem-solving and strategic-thinking skills. The goal is simple: Shift the blocking cars and trucks to clear a path to the exit. The Jr. edition includes easier starter cards designed for kids five and up, and it all packs neatly into a portable pouch.

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 970)