We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

    45 Products For Times When Parenting *Is* All Fun And Games

    These tiny humans sure have a whole lot of fun built into them.

    1. Mystic Maze — a family fun 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that's gonna reveal a secret "magic trick" when your family is finished. BTW, there are 50 Easter eggs hidden in the intricate design, making this mysterious puzzle a gripping game until the very last piece is in place. 

    paper bag filled with puzzle pieces next to the box showing a scene of a maze with magical creatures in it
    close up of the puzzle showing a little witch doing a spell in castle next to a restaurant and someone riding a tiger

    Fun fact: This was the most funded puzzle on Kickstarter, raising over $3 million.

    Promising review: "Just got this puzzle for something to do at home over the holidays. Seriously... I have never seen a puzzle quite like this! It’s very impressive and exceeded my expectations already. The packaging is beautiful inside and out. Everything about it shouts quality. I particularly liked the envelopes inside for the puzzle pieces and mystery. Heavy weight and substantial. The one holding the 1,000 puzzle pieces stays closed with Velcro! How cool! And the secret mystery envelope has a cool string loop tie. Makes you remember you can’t open it until the puzzle is done. The whole vibe of The Mystic Maze is quality and fun, and also looks like a challenging puzzle. Looking forward to getting started on this. Certainly a good stay-home fun activity. Highly recommend!" —Kyle Fletcher

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

    2. A Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas water table so well-reviewed you just might feel FOMO until it ships! Honestly, ~water~ you doing without this in your home?! It's an instant hit! 

    Reviewer's child playing with the water table
    Reviewer's child playing with the water table

    Promising review: "Pretty cool. My son loves water and I was getting tired of mopping the restroom after every bath or when he turned the knobs on himself. This helps get that energy out and keep the water outside. Pretty easy to assemble. Just make sure the water plug gets pulled through all the way (spent 10 mins and two YouTube videos trying to figure this out). He has so much fun and only wants to stop playing when he gets sleepy. Works for me!christine hernandez

    Get it from Amazon for $51.25+ (available with extra attachments). 

    3. An indoor-friendly scavenger hunt game that'll save the day when said day is cold, rainy, dreary, and dull. Rather than coming up with specific objects, this game gives your kids a chance to be extra creative by finding things that are "scratchy," "warm," "fuzzy," and more! 

    game packaging and cards
    several cards with subjects like scratchy, cold, fuzzy, and more
    Amazon

    Promising review: "These are a lifesaver for us during the quarantine. My 7-year-old is enjoying challenges that I time, having to find five things to match five cards in five minutes. There are also two games with instructions that are fun. My kiddos are being so creative finding things. My son found a compact mirror and breathed on it to steam it up for 'steamy.' Hooray for igniting thinking skills. Grandma gets involved finding silly things that make the kids crack up. I love the bag they come in and that it’s a compact card game that can be played anywhere." —Jami Lilo

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

    4. A toilet target light with a motion sensor and clear projection — this is sure to make potty training a surprisingly fun bright spot in your child's life.

    toilet tank with target light shining in the water
    Amazon

    To apply, simply clean the area with an alcohol wipe before attaching the light. Take the sticker off the back and press firmly against the lid for 90 seconds. That's it! Batteries are included.

    Promising review: "I got this thinking 'Dear lord I hope this works. If I drop my pants in pee again or have to scrub another wall I am going to go insane!' I thought the price was a bit much but it is okay now that I now it works! I don’t know why people are saying theirs don’t stay on. I’m truly hoping they cleaned the area first... but anyways. All I did was clean the surface of the lid with some rubbing alcohol and stuck this light on, like it said to do. My husband and son are in and out of the bathroom several times a day. Slamming the lid closed. Lights on and off all the time. This still lights up bright as ever and it’s going on three weeks. Now when I sit I sometimes might lean back into it but it’s really not an issue. I'm just overwhelmed with joy because this target works and I do not have to scrub any extra walls, floors, or pants!!! You better believe I’m getting one for every darn bathroom in my house!!!" —NoRestForTheWicked

    Get it from Amazon for $34.88.

    5. A sailing ship kite — this is likely gonna make all the kite flyers around your fam totally jealous. Why? Because this thing is the ship!

    A completed origami ship kite held in a model's hand
    The same kit flying
    Uncommon Goods

    Promising review: "This may seem like a goofy item for an adult to be excited about, but I have been eyeing this kite for a while and finally decided to go for it! I'm really excited to take this kite to the beach and see how it flies! It will definitely require strong winds to get it in the air, but until then, it also makes a nice decoration piece in our guest bedroom. BONUS, it was also fun and easy to assemble." —Sam

    Get it from Uncommon Goods for $50.

    6. A splurge-worthy rechargeable laser tag set so your kids can re-create their favorite video games IRL. The best part? There won't be any ammo covering the floors of your home/yard at the end of their matches! 

    The laser tag set box
    Reviewer's photo showing two people wearing the glowing vests and holding lit up laser guns

    The set includes four rechargeable guns, four rechargeable vests, and one charging station. You can play approximately eight games per charge. The cool LCD screens on the vest keep count of how many lives you have and the vest vibrates when you get shot, aka tagged. Play with up to four teams and eliminate your enemies to win the game. Recommended for ages 8+.

    Promising review: "Pew. Pew. Pew. Pew. My family loves these guns. Last weekend we literally ran around the house and through the woods for two hours playing with these laser guns. There is a stealth mode which is great for hiding and surprise attacks. Pro advice: While you're running, hit the butt of the handle against your thigh to reload. We set our sensors for 15 lives, and that lasted for about 20–30 min per each game. Great family fun, and you can play during the day or night." —Steve Austin

    Get it from Amazon for $199.99.

    7. A pair of GeoSafari Jr. binoculars your observant, pint-sized bird watcher is sure to adore. 

    A child model looking through the binoculars
    Amazon

    Promising review: "These are absolutely the best for preschool-aged children. There is no need for adjustment. You just look into the binoculars and see a clear image. My son used these this past summer for getting a closer look at the hummingbirds at our feeder. We also took these with us on nature walks. He really enjoyed using them and after a full summer's use, they are still in great shape. Anything that makes a child curious about nature and the environment gets an A+ in my book." —Rachael P.

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

    8. A sensory swing that'll help your children develop their motor and balance skills *while* having fun horsing around. The swing is designed with an extra spring, making it swing back and forth and up and down! I...want one.

    Child smiling while curled up inside the hanging fabric chair
    Different child using the chair as a jungle gym swing
    Another child swinging on their stomach, as if flying, onto a pile of pillows
    Rest Nests

    Tamar Rozman created these useful hammocks as a way to give parents "an extra pair of hands" both for entertaining older kids and for safely holding babies. The shop has baby hammocks that'll safely snuggle your baby and provide the necessary muscle support in early infant-hood. The larger versions are designed for creative play with older kiddos. All products are made from soft, organic materials.

    Promising review: "The quality of the material is amazing. It's very sturdy with just the right amount of stretch. I would highly recommend this. My kids are in it every day!" —Melinda Wallace

    Get it from Rest Nests on Etsy for $98.60 (available in 10 colors).

    9. A pack of parachute toys — these may become your new favorite thing if your kids are full of energy. Have them drop these, run down the stairs and retrieve them, and then run back up all those stairs to do it again. Over and over. Or at least until nap time. 

    Reviewer's video showing the red parachute being tossed from the top of the stairs
    Reviewer's photo of the parachute in the yard

    Promising review: "Durable and NO tangling! Leagues ahead of dollar store parachute men. Used for a game at a birthday party where 7-year-olds threw them off a balcony and tried to land in a corresponding colored circle for a prize. They LOVED it. Very satisfied." —Sarah

    Get a pack of four from Amazon for $7.98+ (available in two styles). 

    10. Bluey Grannie figurines that'll delight kids (and kids at heart) who would happily bow wow wow down to these two hilarious pups. 

    child holding two dog toys dressed up as grandmas
    myself holding the packaging with the toys inside
    Amazon, Mallory Mower / BuzzFeed

    Bluey is my personal go-to serotonin boost and *genuinely* my favorite show of all time. My parent friends recommended it to me and first introduced the show with the episode "Grannies." I have since become a ride or die Bluey fan! My husband got me these dolls for Christmas and it was, I'm not exaggerating here, the HAPPIEST Christmas gift I've ever been given. These little dolls now have a place of honor in our home. 

    Promising review: "My daughter loves this show and I find myself often hysterical while watching it as well. It's so funny and cute. These little figurines are from her favorite episode about grandmas. They are well made, small, and come with the right accessories — perfect for little hands." —Ella

    Get the grannies set from Amazon for $16.09 (available in seven set styles). 

    11. A game night masterpiece, Escape Room In A Box for families with older kids who need something more exciting than Candy Land if they're gonna be convinced to hang out at home for the night. 

    Packaging
    Illustration of included products
    Amazon

    This incudes three locks and 19 (mental and physical) puzzles you must solve before a mad scientist turns you into werewolves...and you've got *exactly* one hour to do it. You can even connect this to Alexa for a more immersive experience.

    Promising review: "We loved this game. We did it for my husband's birthday with some friends. We have done a few escape room games and they were very similar and easy. This was so much better and had great puzzles with different types of challenges. We would highly recommend this game to anyone who likes a good challenge and loves escape room–type of games." —Stacey Wilson-Rivera

    Get it from Amazon for $22.08.

    12. A bottle of drinkable glitter can convince your kids that their milk/water/juice is as fun as it is good for them. Just a spoonful of *glitter* helps the beverage go down! 

    A martini glass filled with sparkling rose gold liquid
    Amazon

    I'm such a sucker for weird/fun finds online. I impulse bought this the very first time I saw it and, ugh, I adore it. It is such an unnecessarily silly thing *and yet* it really has made for some fun, spruced up, sips. It has no taste, lasts forever (you need very little per cup), and it'll certainly brighten up a boring drink.

    Promising review: "The glitter was excellent and made the beer shimmer just as expected. Everyone loved it and stared at it with wonder and delight. The glitter does coat the glass, making subsequent beers glittery. I recommend jiggling the keg a bit, so the glitter doesn’t settle. This is a great product. I will definitely buy again." —Jennifer Konecky

    Get it from Amazon for $9.50 (available in 25 colors). 

    13. A bubble machine sure to be loved by your kids so much they will *burst* into smiles every time you turn it on. 

    reviewer's photo of their child enjoying the bubbles
    reviewer's photo of the bubble machine pumping out bubbles on their deck

    Promising review: "This is so much easier than giving your kids bubbles only to have them spill all over their clothes and the ground. It is truly a 'set it and forget it' item that provides hours of entertainment, even for a little ones! Such a great investment." —Allison A.

    Get it from Amazon for $29.97.

    14. And a giant bubble kit with a two-handle wand for getting parents in on the outdoor summer fun! This makes eye-bogglingly big bubbles! 

    Reviewer using the bubble wand to blow giant bubbles on the beach
    Reviewer's child using the bubble wand to blow a giant bubble

    The kit comes with the giant bubble wand, two pouches of bubble concentrate, and a booklet to help you become a skilled bubble creator!

    Promising review: "Love this!! Easy for kids to use — my six-year-old son figured it out pretty quick — and fun for adults as well (my husband and I might have played with it as much as our son did...) Makes amazing bubbles. The bubble mix it comes with is fantastic."—Thomas Durant

    Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in four styles).

    15. A sight word Bingo game can help your kiddo if they are frustrated by these tricky words. You can take away the stress of studying and turn reading into a great game with this clever set! 

    Word board with chips, cards, and packaging
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Our first-grader was feeling really discouraged with her sight words and I've been trying to think of ways to encourage her and get her excited to learn things she doesn't already know. She loved this game! We played with the whole family and her 3-year-old even enjoyed playing (we show her the cards and have her find the word that matches on her bingo card). I think this is a great way to make learning/practicing sight words fun! I am very happy with this purchase and I can see how it would be great for teachers in the classroom as well!!" —Jennie

    Get it from Amazon for $8.89.

    16. Toilet Paper Origami — give your kids something new to play with *without* filling your home with a bunch of new toys. Use what's already around your house! Thanks, toilet paper. 

    Toilet Paper Origami, on a Roll
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This is a delightful and fun book. If you've ever been to someone's home where their toilet paper is embellished, you would be thinking "how do they do that?' This is a fun, inexpensive way to spend some time relaxing and learning toilet paper origami. Who knew? My daughter and granddaughters love it as a craft. Don't bash it 'til you've tried it! You can even leave cute rolls of spare tissue around the bathroom." —Kindle Customer BGCW

    Get it from Amazon for $13.49.

    17. The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, a droolworthy cookbook that'll help ease the anticipation around you and your kids are counting down the days until your next Magic Kingdom vacation.

    Book cover
    Dole whip treat inside clear cup
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This is a beautiful hardcover cookbook with so many yummy Disney recipes from the parks! There is a lot of Disney foodie history in it, plus recipes that look easy to follow with high quality ingredients. There are fun maps of each of the parks inside where the food is located from, which makes it fun. As an avid Disney fan I have never seen a cookbook like this. I highly recommend this cookbook for any Disney fan, whether they cook or not! It would even make a beautiful decoration in a kitchen." —Nicole

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99.

    18. And The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook with recipes for honey baked baklava, jumbo pretzels, avocado margaritas (and more!) to go with it! 

    cover of book
    tart photograph from book
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This author helps us bring Disney home with us! Love the variety of recipes included, there are even festival recipes that we can enjoy once the booths have closed!" —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $11.54.

    19. A box of rainbow fire packets just might convince your kids to look at something other than their phones when you accidentally picked a campsite on your family trip that has, sigh, cell service.

    Rainbow campfire
    Similar photo from different reviewer

    Promising review: "These things are so awesome! HUGE hit with the kids. I can't wait to take some camping — the colors are gorgeous! We've been using them for about a month now. Teals, greens, and blues are visible toward the top parts of the flames, and in the innermost parts of the fire, you can see ultraviolet and deep pinks. Ordering two more right now and will be using these all summer!" —VWatson

    Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $11.50.

    20. A portable 120-inch screen that'll turn your family's regular movie night into a fun night out (at least, out to the backyard). This is lightweight, sturdy, and reviewers say it's a cinch to set up.

    Reviewer's large screen hung in the backyard during the day
    Review image of an outdoor movie party with the screen in use and half a dozen people watching it

    Promising review: "This projector screen is easy to set up and for the money, it is a great value. It is a stretchy material. The stakes are definitely needed if you set up outside as it is basically a big sail. When you have it strapped down, it does make it feel sturdy. So far we have used several times outside with no issues. It comes in a simple bag, which is nice to pack in the closet as well. This projector is worth the investment." —Kelly Wooten

    Get it from Amazon for $105.99.

    21. A reversible play mat — this BPA-free beauty is a tummy time must-have! Your adventurous baby is gonna love rolling, crawling, and lounging around on this ocean map. Honestly? This thing is a treasure.

    ocean map play mat with toys on top
    Coco Village

    Promising review: "This is nice and thick, easing my mind for falls as our little one learns to roll, sit, and stand up. It is super lightweight and easy to store upright as needed. I will buy another one." —Monika K.

    Get it from Coco Village for $149.99.

    22. A four-person waterproof tent that'll keep rain, wind, and flying bugs out of your cozy "home" on your next camping trip (as long as you pay atTENTion to the instructions when you put it together). 

    tent with extended cover and two people sitting underneath it
    four people inside the tent
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Our family has a lot camping experience. We have used many tents and, comparing other tents we have used, I can say that this family instant tent is really a good product with good materials and multi-functions. We are able to fit two full-sized air mattress and still have space for bags. It's super easy to setup and breakdown! The frame is very stable: there are very strong aluminum poles to support the frame. Airflow is good thanks to many screen windows in the interior tent – the rainfly also provides two large windows with flaps. It has protected us well on rainy days. And it has an extra pair of supported poles, which could make a sunshade when you support the front door." —Qunli Qiang

    Get it from Amazon for $139.90+ (available in six colors). 

    23. A kid-friendly Pillow Cube for tiny toddlers and big-kids alike. These are designed for providing comfortable neck support, helping your kid actually sleep through the night thanks to their new funny friend! 

    kid's pillow that looks like a shark
    a kids resting their head on the shark pillow
    Pillow Cube

    I love Pillow Cube! I switch from sleeping on my side to sleeping on my back at night and this is the best pillow for that. The kids' version above might be more fun than the traditional options, but Pillow Cube's loft design makes them all worth the splurge! You get a pillow based on your height, meaning it won't be too tall for you to comfortably snooze with. You can even take a quiz to make sure you get the best pillow for you! Love that.

    Promising review: "We have one of each and they are amazing. My kids absolutely love them and take them everywhere. I’m also enjoying my sloth. We are one happy family. Thank you for designing these adorable pillows." —Jennifer Florez

    Get it on sale from Pillow Cube for $69.99 (available in four styles).

    24. A beer can chicken roaster to show your kids that sometimes even grown ups enjoy playing with their food. Give your family a laugh and let this little setup help you put the pedal to the metal while cooking up your famous backyard BBQ.

    Roasted chicken being grilled with a beer and chicken stand that looks like a motorcycle
    Tom's Ridickulous Things / Etsy

    You can find a handful of wacky and wonderful things in this Toronto, Canada–based small biz.

    Promising review: "This is so fun. It's a great gift for anyone who likes to BBQ!!" —Emma Paynter

    Get it from Tom's Ridickulous Things on Etsy for $30.47 (available in three styles).

    25. A wavesurf shaper that'll turn rocky, uneven lake waves made by your boat into smooth, curved, and *perfect* ocean-like waves. 

    Reviewer boarding on a lake with a clear wave formed from the back of the boat
    Reviewer's before and after showing the difference in the waves with and without the tool

    Promising review: "Wow, just wow. Surfing with this has made a huge difference!!! I use this on my 2014 Moomba Mobius LSV. I now fill both the rear bags even to 900 lbs. each on both sides and this thing throws a clean long wave to whichever side its not mounted to. I don't have to list the boat anymore, making it much easier to drive and so much faster to switch riders from different sides. It looks the exact same as the picture shows, and it floats. I've never had it fall off during surfing and even forgot to remove it once and came up to speed 20+ mph before I realized it was still on and it never came loose. It floats so if you accidentally drop it while mounting it you don't have to worry about it sinking to the bottom of the lake. I wish I had bought long ago!" —Joel

    Get it from Amazon for $249.96.

    26. An ocean waves drip painting kit so your kids can enjoy a memorable (and only a little bit messy) at-home art class! Creating art together that they can keep forever? That's some thoughtful family fun.

    Blue and white drip painting on square canvas
    Maizen / Etsy

    You'll get a canvas, acrylic paint, pouring medium, pouring cups, and a connection activity card with this set.

    This woman-owned small business was founded by Mika in Seattle, Washington. I've followed the shop's Instagram account for ages, where you can see the steps their community takes for "unique personal growth, creative discovery, and zenful reflection." The DIY craft kits and journaling tools available are such a great way to tune into yourself and make something beautiful. Don't miss checking out their website while you're at it! 

    Promising review: "This was such a fun activity! I did this with my daughters, ages 5 and 7, and they loved it! The colors are gorgeous and the painting turned out beautiful! Shipping was also very fast. Thank you!" —Yoshie Kim

    Get it from Maizen Life on Etsy for $43.99 (originally $54.99).

    27. A Lego bouquet — a surprisingly lovely piece that's sure to look good botanic-all over your home. Best get at least three.

    lego flowers in a vase
    Amazon

    FYI, this product is backordered and expected to deliver by November 19–24. 

    Promising review: "This is as good as it gets when art meets engineering. Very happy about the purchase, and the price is a steal for what you get. Will last for many years to come, year around." —Jonas

    Get it from Amazon for $40.99.

    28. A pair of salt and pepper shakers — let your picky toddler sprinkle some (salty) "magic dust" onto their food and they just might start eating that broccoli without a fight! 

    meatloaf with salt shaker above it that looks like a magic wand
    Amazon

    Promising review: "What a fun way to salt and pepper your food. Makes great laughs at the table." —Renee J

    Get them from Amazon for $21.80.

    29. A campfire fishing pole so you can ~fish~ for a laugh while cooking up dinner and dessert during a camping trip or bonfire night.

    Reviewer holding the fishing pole with marshmallows over the fire
    Closeup of the hooks holding several pieces of shrimp

    Promising review: "This has been a hit for years, so I bought another one for my son. It is actually more functional than any of the other styles that are way boring! I take it camping and even strangers are entertained. It takes a little practice to get the fish to flip the hot dogs over but it is so worth it and fun once you get the knack of it. My 6-year-old granddaughter loves it because the hot dogs don't fall off." —Pony Expressed

    Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in four styles). 

    30. A SunPrint paper kit sure to spark the interest of artistic souls and clever kiddos. Gather leaves, flowers, and the like on your next nature walk and set them up on this kit while it sits in the sun. Then watch your natural craft come to life!

    Several papers with different leaves and sticks and flowers in the sun
    Finished product, with print of flowers on paper

    Promising review: "This works like magic! It's easy to use and makes a beautiful gift from the kids!" —Sj773

    Get it from Amazon for $26.49.

    31. A genius inflatable kayak for families who need clever storage solutions to fit outdoor gear in their tiny city apartments. I own this kayak and basically think it's nature's gift to city dwellers. It's only 31 pounds and a *dream* on the water! 

    kayak inflated and illustrated in front of a picture of a lake with wave sketches
    Retrospec

    Like I said above, this thing is a dream! It packs easily, weighs less than a hearty toddler, is puncture resistant, and can hold up to 330 lbs. I needed a kayak that I didn't have to put on the top of my car and this fit the bill! I own the two-seater and my husband and I love having it around for quick adventures. It includes a pump, a paddle, and a carrying case. 

    Get it from Retrospec for $499.99.

    32. A set of mini potted plants so your kids can have their own, manageable sized garden beside yours. They really do want to be just like you! 

    10 mini potted plants hanging from an old metal gate door
    reviewer's pots hanging from painted planks of wood

    Promising review: "This product is fun and colorful. Helped me repurpose an old atlas fence gate into a cute garden display." —Lydia Tinker

    Get 10 from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three colors sets). 

    33. And a pack of eight blooming lollipops to go with your pots — you won't have a ~lick~ of regret grabbing this fun treat. Just throw the sticks in your garden and soon you'll have "candy" plants peeking up outta the ground!

    Several small suckers with herbs around them
    Uncommon Goods

    How does the planting work? The lollipop sticks have seeds inside! Once the receiver finishes their treat, they can plant the sticks horizontally and cover them in soil, give them some sun and water, and watch their plants grow! Each set includes unique flavor combinations that grow different plants: sage/marshmallow (grows sage), lavender/lemongrass (grows lavender), peach/marigold (grows marigold), strawberry/basil (grows basil), champagne/rose (grows rosetta cosmo), rosemary/mint (grows mint), lemon/thyme (grows thyme), and vanilla/hibiscus (grows baby blue eyes).

    Promising review: "I like to garden and my grand-nephews like coming to the garden and picking plants they like. These lollipops are a great way to get them started planting, watering, and watching!" —Lori

    Get them from Uncommon Goods for $20.

    34. A machine-washable coloring tablecloth sure to put your easily bored babe in the right ~frame~ of mind when you expect everyone in the family to sit together at the dinner table.

    Child drawing in frame patterned color-in tablecloth
    Person throwing colored tablecloth into washing machine
    The Coloring Table

    This small business is owned by Kelly and Kristin and located in San Antonio, Texas.

    Promising review: "The kiddos love it and even the adults started coloring. Fun, fun, fun. So far it's a very nice product!" —jatandra

    Get it from The Coloring Table on Etsy for $29.99+ (available in three sizes).

    35. spaghetti strainer for when your family has a ~monstrous~ appetite and everyone needs their bodies full of carb-filled fun.

    colander with four small legs and two handles with an eyeball on either side
    Amazon

    Promising review: "My wife received this as a gift from me, and she smiles every time she pulls it out from its home in the cabinet. That alone makes it worth five stars in my book, but it's also sized nicely (just slightly smaller than a 'standard' colander), made of very strong plastic, and the extremely expressive eyes make for great handles. What's not to like?" —Gentlemen Rook

    Get it from Amazon for $24.95 (also available as a strainer). 

    36. And a food tray that'll satisfy parents of picky eaters. *Any* idea that gets picky kids to eat is a good one...even if that means playing with their food.

    Tray with divided sections that look like a space board game
    The same tray with a pirate theme
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Unbelievable!!! I'm sooo extremely thrilled with these plates. My granddaughter is four and she's been a very, very picky eater since she was two. We've tried every trick in the book to get her to eat her veggies (something other than chicken nuggets, spaghetti, mac and cheese). This plate changed that — now she asks for second helpings of broccoli!! I was so thrilled I ordered all varieties of these plates." —Lisa Sernick

    Get it from Amazon for $17+ (available in six styles).

    37. A set of five plastic pipes — these can keep your kiddo entertained in the bath long enough that you can actually get them clean. Washing your child without a tantrum will no longer be just a ~pipe~ dream!

    Baby sitting upright and pouring water into pipes attached to bathtub wall
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Our 18-month-old adores these. His older sisters (five and seven) have also been enjoying them in the tub. They work great and stick really well. The only negative is that we have temper tantrums now because baby boy wants to take a bath all the time. We can't get him out of the tub now!" —JKinSD

    Get them from Amazon for $14.55+ (available in two colors).

    38. An indoor ball pit your tots and their friends (or, in my case, felines) are sure to have a ~ball~ with every single day. Dreamy. 

    closeup of the sea shell top of the mini pool with pearl colored balls and a cat looking at it from above
    gif of my cats playing inside the ball pit looking for snacks
    Mallory Mower / BuzzFeed

    Obviously this precious ball pit is intended for actual HUMAN children, but my millennial pet parent heart couldn't help but get this for my house! I hide my cats' favorite treats in the bottom and they will dig around for ages trying to find them all. It's not designed to withstand pet nails, but it's held up really well. I can't rave about it enough!

    Minnidip is a small business started by Emily Vaca that makes designer inflatables for adults and kids (and cats!) alike. The products are trendsetting and oh so fun! Plus, the entire site is 20% off for small business Saturday! Be sure to check out all the ball pit colors available!

    Get it from Minnidip for $199.

    39. A packet of tastebud tablets that'll make sour foods sweet and entertain any bored teenager suffering from a really ~sour~ attitude.

    tablet on model's tongue
    reviewer holding packaging beside plate of sliced fruit

    I got these for my brother for Christmas and they were such a huge hit that I ordered some for myself the day he opened them. It is shocking, and totally fun, how well they work! After letting the tablet dissolve I tried lemons, limes, and a few other fruits and couldn't believe how tasty everything was! It was super satisfying to be able to bite into a lemon like an orange. And everything that wasn't already super sour, like oranges and apples, tasted delicious!

    Get a packet of 10 from Amazon for $16.99.

    40. Treat Yourself, a recipe book for families who like getting extra creative when dessert rolls around. 

    cover of book
    treat inside book that looks like dinosaur
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This is by far my FAVORITE food book EVER. It is SO easy to follow along and recreate her creative masterpieces. Complete with exact measurements, pictures, and molding templates, can design your krisp-creations super easily. The instructions are also easy enough to understand that you can tweak some and add your own creative twists. AND the writing is super witty and fun to read! There is a krisp for every occasion in the book and now that I've started making them at home, friends and family won't stop calling and asking how I did it! This is a really fun couple or family activity and makes for the perfect treat to bring along to parties. I can't recommend this enough!" —Rose Llyod

    Get it from Amazon for $14.95.

    41. A carbonated face mask to enjoy an oh-so-silly spa night that's sure to help you and your kiddos feel bubbly inside and out.

    Reviewer with large amounts of foam covering face
    Product packaging with brush

    This mask helps remove blackheads and exfoliate pores.

    Promising review: "Literally made my boyfriend's blackheads disappear! Made our faces feel so clean. I'm a mask junkie and have gotten masks from all the top brands from drugstores, Lush, Sephora, and Ulta. This is one of my new favorites! Also so much fun to watch it bubble up – feels like a spa treatment." —Katie Mitchell

    Get it from Amazon for $8.46.

    42. A chocolate bash cake — a whack-y gift (with a nine-month shelf life!) that'll probably be one of the most memorable things you ever give your kid. 

    gif of giant cupcake shaped chocolate being smashed open, revealing candy inside
    Dylan's Candy Bar

    Each bash cake is 7-1/2 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and has about 8 ounces of pretzels inside.

    Get it from Dylan's Candy Bar for $60.

    43. A set of 50,000 (!!) water beads — these micro dots expand into small, bouncy jelly-like balls of JOY when exposed to water. Sign me UP.

    A reviewer holding up a small container of tiny tiny beads
    A reviewer holding up the water beads expanded in their hand

    People also use these for fun games with kids, making stress balls, and home decorating — the world is their water bead oyster!!

    Promising review: "EXCELLENT value and they work perfectly! The kids are having so much fun with them and even added them to SLIME! Highly recommend, will be ordering these as gifts too. A little goes a long way, they arrive in a small container but make a huge amount!" —Jason

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99.

    44. A tin tea set, because tea time is a favorite pastime with little kids. Get them an heirloom style set and they're gonna enjoy many a precious tea party with their fluffy stuffies.

    forest themed tin set with storage case, tray, teapot, and several cups and dishes
    the same set with a floral and fairy pattern
    Amazon

    Each set includes 15 pieces. You'll get a teapot, four plates, four cups, four saucers, a serving tray, and a carrying case. 

    Promising review: "We gave this tea set to our 3 1/2-year-old granddaughter for Christmas and she loved it. The set is made of metal and is durable. The case is very cute. She is into the fairies!" —Beverly Ozane

    Get it from Amazon for $32.98 (available in four styles). 

    45. And finally, a windshield sun shade for parents who are all about finding fun (and functional!) items that add a little childlike magic to any plain ol' day. 

    reviewer's car with windshield shade that looks like eyeballs
    reviewer's old jeep with eyeball sun shade

    Promising review: "This turns heads and makes people smile. It's super cute and protects my car's leather seats from the sun. It seems sturdy enough to last a while." —Kari L.

    Get it from Amazon for $22.89 (available in four colors).

    Kids really do have a way of making the ordinary seem extra special.

    Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!

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