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 kitNike shoesDog toys and dog-themed toysReborn baby doll Wirecutter gift guide picks discussed:Wacom Intuos S drawing tabletVans Classic Slip-OnsCuisinart ICE-21P1 ice cream makerLava Lamp OriginalLevain Bakery Signature Cookie AssortmentWarmies Capybara stuffy toy  Robinson, Age 11 Items on Robinson's Personal Wishlist:Pokemon video games and cardsLEGOsDungeons & Dragons merch and itemsManga (specifically Shonen)Books Wirecutter gift guide picks discussed:Bearaby Nappling weighted blanketBrother CS7000X sewing machineLego Traditional Chess Set 40719Arteza Acrylic Paint (Set of 24)Planet (board game)Lego Creator 3in1 Birdhouse 31143  Chloe, Age 6Items on Chloe's Personal Wishlist:Remote control snakeSleeping bag (unicorn theme!)Barbie doll housePanda toy that comes with a baby bottle, toilet, and diaper Wirecutter gift guide picks discussed:L.L.Bean Sonic Snow TubeRazor RipRider 360 tricycle (or consider a two-wheeled bicycle)Magna-Tiles Downhill Duo 40-Piece SetKikkerland Postcard Paint BookLego Animal Crossing Isabelle’s House Visit 77049 Additional reading:43 Best Holiday Gifts for 6-Year-Olds of 202546 Best Gifts for 8-Year-Olds of 202531 Best Gifts for 9-Year-Olds of 202534 Best Gifts for 10-Year-Olds of 2025The 42 Best Holiday Gifts for TweensThe 59 Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids in 2025The 4 Best Kids Craft Subscription Boxes for 202511 Best Lego Sets for Kids of 2025  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.