Whether you're raising a future designer or just want to surround a young one with good design, we've got you covered. The following gift ideas amplify everything that's great about being a kid—from hands-on learning experiences to the freedom to lounge around. The best part is, these are items that both parents and kids can get excited about.
Vitra Eames Elephant
Charles and Ray Eames were known for being fascinated with certain animal figures—including elephants. Charles actually collected photographs of the animals from various inspirations around the world. In the 1940s, the couple designed the first version of their iconic elephant with molded plywood, which ended up requiring fabrication methods that were too complex to reproduce on a large scale. They only ever made two prototypes, in which only one exists today and is held by the Eames family themselves. Today, Vitra Design Museum produces the design with polypropylene in the same style as the Eames Molded Plastic chairs. Available in five colors, it holds GS and CE certificates that make it safe for kids.
ShopTegu 42-Piece Set
Brothers Chris and Will Haughey made the decision to plant their company headquarters outside Tegucigalpa, Honduras to positively impact the local community. Tegu employs workers from the area and partners with local Honduran cooperatives to harvest mature wood for its collection of magnetic block sets. Featuring a variety of shapes that are designed to work together, Tegu sets come in a range of sizes and color schemes, allowing kids to create projects big and small. The blocks are non-toxic with a water-based lacquer finish and durable enough to pass down through generations.
ShopTinkering Labs Electric Motors Catalyst
There are no step-by-step instructions to the Tinkering Labs Catalyst, which allows kids and parents to build electric motor prototypes using real hardware and tools. Instead, informational cards provide you with the basics for building your own projects—and the parts can be reassembled countless times, teaching problem-solving skills, promoting creativity, and building STEM literacy. Each box also includes 10 challenges like "Build a machine that can scramble an egg," each lasting 30-60 minutes, that jump-start the imagination. Catalysts also come in 10-packs for classroom use, and booster packs are available to augment the fun. Photo Courtesy of Tinkering Labs
ShopDo you have something to add to this list? Tell us your favorite kid-friendly gift in the comments below.
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