The Best Gifts for Kids

Posted on December 20, 2022 | Updated on September 30, 2025

Sidney Madden

A family shops at Timeless Toys in Lincoln Square Nov. 23, 2020. (Jose M. Osorio / Tribune / Getty)

Still looking for gifts for the kids in your life? We have some last-minute ideas from a few local businesses.

Toys
Toys et Cetera. Pursue the Hyde Park toy shop’s holiday catalog, and you’ll see gifts for every type of kid: We’re talking rockets, crystal kits, darts, board games, and more. [Varies]

Timeless Toys. Shop by age or department at the Lincoln Square store — or add a little ~spice~ to the gift exchange with a mystery box. [Varies]

Books
AlleyCat Comics. Pick up all types of comics at the Andersonville shop — from DC to Marvel, indie to manga. [Varies]

Just Like Me! book box. Sign your bookworm up to get books with characters of color every month. For kids up to 12, the Chicago company curates the box for your child’s level. Plus, it includes book swag! [$35.99/month]

Harry Potter: Magic at Play. Take your budding wizard to the immersive experience at Water Tower to play Quidditch, try on the Sorting Hat, and more 🪄 [$37.50/adult, $29.50/kid]

Clothes
Little Peach Fuzz. Deck out your kid in all things Chi from this Humboldt Park store: onesies, beanies, and more. [Varies]

The Second Child. Shop for kids up to 8 and maternity clothes at this sustainable resale shop in Lincoln Park. Baby moncler jacket anyone? [Varies]

Art
Beverly Phono Mart. Grab new and used records from the Black and AAPI–owned shop. Not sure what your young music lover wants? Can’t go wrong with a gift card. [Varies]

Chicago Theatre Week. More than 100 shows will play across the city Feb. 16–23. Take it from a former theater kid — it’s worth the wait. [$15+]

Sports
Ultimate Ninjas. Does your kid want to run, jump, and swing through obstacles like on “American Ninja Warrior?” Nine-time competitor Mike “The Stallion” Silenzi told the City Cast Chicago podcast why kids love the Chicagoland gyms. [$25/class]

Little Rippers Skateboarding. Book a private lesson at this Jefferson Park indoor skate park. [$50+]

Animals
Chicago Animal Care & Control. Has your kid been begging for a pet? Rescue a dog or cat! Walk-in adoptions happen every day, except Christmas Day, at the Lower West Side center from noon to 7 p.m. [Varies]

Golden's Tropical World. Get fresh and saltwater exotic fish from this longtime family business in Gresham. [Varies]

Shopping for other people on your list? Check out our Chicago, foodie, and personalized gift guides.