Could you use a gift guide for the creative children or young adults in your life? Iโve put together a list of items that I think would make fabulous presents for anyone with a free spirit and a creative heart. They are listed according to age group, so keep scrolling to see gift ideas for creative younger kids!
I still remember the things from my childhood that kickstarted my creative spirit, and set me on the path to becoming a maker of all kinds of things. So how did I decide what to include on the list? I asked this kid right here:
Thatโs me when I was about 3 years old. My inner child is still hanging around, so it was easy to make a list by including things I loved as a child, things I still use today (even though Iโm technically an adult), and some things Iโve got my eye on for the future!
I was not paid to mention any of these items. But the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links, meaning that if you use my links to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you), which helps support this site. I hope this post gives you some new ideas and inspiration to choose a gift for the creative kid in your life!
Gift Ideas for Creative 14 to 19 Year Olds:
ROKR Marble Travel London 3D Wooden Puzzle with LED
- ใROKR Marble RunใNo manual cranking needed. A USB-C port powers this miniature London, driving a precision motor system. Watch as the steel ball runs in a smooth, endless loop, bringing the cityโs landmarks to life with perpetual motion.
- ใ3D Wooden Puzzles for AdultsใFeel like an engineer with this 431-piece ROKR puzzle. All parts are laser-cut for a perfect fit and assemble without glue using traditional mortise and tenon joints. The result is a sturdy, intricate wooden model that showcases the beauty of mechanical design.
- ใUnique Mechanical LinkageใMore than just a track, this model features interactive London landmarks. Watch as the marble rings Big Benโs bell, raises the Tower Bridge, and is lifted by the London Eye. Each iconic site is a unique mechanical device, showcasing the true charm of a ROKR puzzle.
List Price :
Offer: 47.99
Go to AmazonThese laser-cut wood kits look so cool! Theyโre like half puzzle and half sculpture. They come in many different styles, including marble roller coasters (like the one above), trains, animal models, rubber band guns, and music boxes, so Iโm sure youโll find something to make your young friend happy.
Some of them work with a hand crank, some have motors, and some even have solar panels that power them! I think they look very steampunk, and sophisticated enough for any age. I kinda want one of my own!
Tulip Brand Ceramic Mug Painting Kit
- Includes 4 textured ceramic mugs, 8 paint pots, and 4 paintbrushes โ Total 16 Pieces
- Paint is microwave, dishwasher, and food safe after baking
- Make a mistake or want to change a color before baking? No problem! Erase and correct designs with glass cleaner or warm water.
List Price :
Offer: 26.24
Go to AmazonThis kit lets you decorate your own mugs with the included paints. Set the designs by baking the mugs in the oven, and the artwork then becomes permanent, and dishwasher/microwave safe, to boot! They would make such great gifts, and Iโm thinking of getting a set for myself. They also have kits to paint your own dinner plates or even pet bowl. So sweet! I really like (and constantly use) the Tulip brand fabric paints and fabric markers, and I trust the quality of their art supplies.
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
- 27 Unique built-in stitches: The XM2701 includes 27 built-in stitches including decorative, blind hem, zigzag, and stretch stitches and an auto-size buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin: This sewing machine includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes the thread through the needle and a convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
- Included accessories: The XM2701 comes with 6 sewing feet, 3-piece needle set, twin needle, 4 bobbins, manual and more
New starting from: 129.99
Go to AmazonWhen I was about 12 years old, I learned how to use a sewing machine. I started with my motherโs vintage machine, and when I ran that into the ground, my parents bought me a sewing machine like this one. These days Iโm still all about the fashion design, and I love thinking back to the early days when I was a kid using my momโs vintage machine on the kitchen table.
One reason Iโm recommending this particular machine is because it comes with an instructional DVD. So if your creative kiddo likes to learn by observing, the DVD should make it easy to pick up on the basics of threading and using the machine. If they need some ideas for their first few projects, I have quite a few sewing tutorials posted (including some very beginner-friendly ones like DIY fabric flowers and my bath mat made out of T-shirts).
Pixiss Foam Clay (300g, Black + White)
- For All Ages and Skill Levels โ Less messy and more convenient than typical molding clay for sculpting. Our sculpting foam makes a great air dry clay for adults and kids of any skill level.
List Price :
Offer: 19.98
Go to AmazonI also have foam clay in my studio. You can use it to mold just about anything, and it air-dries to a lightweight and durable foam. Shape it with your hands, use a mold, or even sand your finished project to fine-tune the details. Use it to make Halloween accents, sculptures, cosplay accessories, handle and tool grips, or just about anything else you can dream up! It is soft, like silly putty, so be aware that it will slump and slouch if you try to make a sculpture with no support. It comes in a few basic colors, but the finished project can be painted any color youโd like.
I made this fun octopus bottle using foam clay. Check out my full tutorial where I demonstrate how to make an octopus bottle, and give some helpful tips for working with foam clay.
Jewelry Making Kit with Pliers, Tools, Beads, Charms, Wire, and Assorted Findings
- What You Get: 4 Layer jewelry making kit, include 16pcs jewelry making tools, 28pcs jewelry charms and wire, 656pcs jewelry making findings, 1362pcs jewelry making beads in 32 styles. See detailed description for a list of items.
New starting from: 25.47
Go to AmazonThe jewelry-making products that I recommend for younger children all use stretchy beading cord, but older kids are ready for a serious jewelry-making kit! This one has everything teens need to get started making professional-quality earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. They can accessorize their own outfits, make items as gifts, or even sell jewelry at craft fairs. The 4-layer organizing box comes with a large array of hardware, tools, clasps, beads, and charms. (Over 2,000 pieces in total!)
Dremel 8250-5 Cordless Rotary Tool
- ADVANCED BRUSHLESS MOTOR TECHNOLOGY: Delivers exceptional performance with more power, more runtime, and durability โ extending the life of your tool.
- CORDED POWER IN CORDLESS FORM: As Dremelโs most powerful cordless rotary tool, the 8250 delivers 20% higher power versus the 4300 & 100% more runtime versus the 8220.
- MAXIMUM VERSATILITY: Compatible with all Dremel rotary accessories & attachments, ideal for the widest range of applications including cutting, sanding, drilling, cleaning, grinding, sharpening, & more. The patented EZ Twist Nose Cap makes accessory changes fast & easy without the need of a wrench.
List Price :
Offer: 99.00
Go to AmazonI use my cordless Dremel rotary tool for all kinds of things: shaping, etching, carving, polishing, sanding, cutting, and more. This set includes a bunch of different attachments which will be infinitely useful for any older teen who can use tools (and safety glasses!) responsibly. The cordless Dremel is a great blend of light weight/intricate detailing, with power/versatility. I love mine!
UV Resin Jewelry Making Kit
- ๐ใUV Resin Jewelry Kitใ๏ผUV Resin Jewelry Kit includes 300G of high transparency clear resin, upgraded UV lamp, 3 pcs of multi-shape resin molds, 12 colors of glitter, 12 kinds of cellophane paper, 12 kinds of dry-pressed flowers, 3 colors of gold foil paper, multi-shape two-color border pendant, two sheets of stickers, necklace cord, key ring, ear hook, resin tape, tweezers, silicone cups, stirring rod and plastic stirring rod, Gloves, user manual.
New starting from: 42.99
Go to AmazonThis resin jewelry kit comes with so many different shapes and sizes of silicone molds, resin, tools, and accessories. Making your own jewelry is a great introduction to resin casting. In fact, I have a whole tutorial about casting resin jewelry for beginners!
Your creative teen can really go hog wild with this kit, and I think it would be a great activity for a sleepover party (with adult supervision, of course).
InstaMorph Moldable Plastic Beads, 3 oz
- LIGHTWEIGHT & STRONG: InstaMorph is a lightweight polyester thermoplastic which acts like clay when warm, but when it cools, itโs a strong plastic. Mold it with your hands, tools, or press around an object to make a mold. It can be painted, machined, carved or attached to other materials.
New starting from: 9.99
Go to AmazonInstamorph is another product that I currently have in my studio. Itโs moldable plastic that comes in pellet form and melts at a low temperature. You put the pellets in warm water, and when they have softened, you can mold and shape the plastic into custom parts. The possibilities are endless, and you can re-melt and re-shape the same material if you want to! Try using it to make customized cosplay accessories, board game pieces, unique beads and pendants, stencils, stands and brackets, buttons, models/miniatures, keychain fobs, zipper pulls, or a thousand other things!
12 Pack Diamond Painting Kits (12 X 16 inch)
- AMAZING VALUEโFirst off, the pictures came flat, not rolled or folded in half, full diamonds. 12 Waterproof Hd canvas (12X16 inch/30x40cm). 12 * Extra-reflective resin diamonds ( matching the canvas color codes).12 Diamond painting tools(12* drill pen,12* wax ,12 *grooved organizing tray).Spend less get more.
List Price :
Offer: 27.99
Go to AmazonThe last thing on the gift guide for creative teens are these diamond painting kits. The technique is similar to a paint by number, but instead of paint youโre using colored rhinestones to create a stunning, sparkly picture.
You can even make your own customized diamond painting kit by uploading one of your own photos, and making a kit thatโs one of a kind!
Gift Ideas for Creative 10 to 14 Year Olds:
Lulu Jr. My Comic Book Making Kit
- My Comic Book โ Create Your Own Comic! is the newest version of the award-winning comic book making kit for children.
- This new version features an updated โComics in Actionโ guide book that navigates your child through creating their characters, settings, panels, words and artwork for their comic book
- Everything contained in the My Comic Book kit allows a child to write and illustrate their own full-color, 18 page, professionally printed comic book
List Price :
Offer: 29.65
Go to AmazonThis awesome kit lets you draw your own comic book, send it off in the mail, and receive a professionally printed comic book featuring your own story and artwork! I actually bought one of these kits, but Iโm not through drawing it yet. Itโs such a great idea, and I couldnโt resist getting one for myself! I also spotted this kidsโ guide to creating your own graphic novel, which would make a nice additional gift to provide some pointers and kick-start a few ideas.
33-Piece Glitter Tattoo Kit
- Glittery Creativity Set: The Original Stationery Glitter Art Kit inspires young artists with 33 pieces, including 24 stencils for kids and 6 vibrant colors. Ideal for stocking stuffers for girls, it enhances festive gatherings with colorful flair
List Price :
Offer: 16.14
Go to AmazonIโm kind of laughing as I realize that I still use so many of the items on this list. I adore temporary tattoos, but here are a couple of fun ways to design your own! The glitter tattoo kit comes with stencils, or you can freehand a design. Iโve used my kit over and over to make fun glittery tattoos that last a surprisingly long time.
Temporary Tattoo Paper for Laser/Inkjet Printer, 6 Sheets 8.5" X 11"
- ๐จ๏ธ Printable & Customizable: The A4 size printable temporary tattoo paper works with Laser and Inkjet printers (Mirror Image Printing Required). Let you print custom temporary tattoos at home! Use any patterns, names, texts, logos, or any artwork you love to create unique tattoo designs for parties, events, or gifts.
New starting from: 12.29
Go to AmazonThe other temporary tattoo option is one I havenโt tried yet, but itโs on my wish list. Itโs temporary tattoo paper that goes in your printer! If you can print it, you can turn it into a tattoo. Try making tattoos featuring your own digital artwork, searching for free clipart on the internet, or using your favorite photos. It works with inkjet or laser printers. I think it would be an amazing activity for a slumber party, just for fun, or even making custom accents for Halloween or a cosplay event.
250x USB Digital Microscope
- Hobby Focused: Useful and fun for educators, collectors, testers, and anyone interested in exploring the microscopic world. Use as an electronics microscope, soldering microscope, USB coin microscope and more.
New starting from: 59.95
Go to AmazonI had a microscope when I was a kid, and I still remember the amazing feeling of looking at hair, fingernails, butterfly wings, etc. Pretty much everything is fascinating when itโs viewed up close. This microscope plugs into a USB port, so you can see your findings on a computer or laptop screen.
Crackle Glass Beads, 1350 Piece Set
- ใWhat will you get ใ The Crackle glass beads bracelet making kit comes with more than 1350 pcs of round glass beads with holes in 48 crackle colors, charms,pendants ,spacer beads, jump rings, Strings,and scissors .
New starting from: 21.99
Go to AmazonThis gorgeous assortment of beads is sure to kick-start anyoneโs creativity. Kids can mix and match colors, create necklaces or bracelets for their friends, and practice honing their eye for design. It even comes with extras like jump rings and stretchy beading cord!
61-Key Beginner's Keyboard with Lighted Keys
- STANDARD SIZE ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD: Complete with 61 keys, 255 timbres, 255 rhythms, 50 demo songs, 32 types of keyboard percussion, and a starting tempo of 120 BPM
- ULTIMATE BUNDLE, GREAT GIFT: With an H-style keyboard stand, music stand, padded stool, and more, it makes for the perfect birthday or holiday present for any aspiring musician
New starting from: 199.99
Go to AmazonOne of my very favorite gifts that I got when I was about 12 was a keyboard like this. It displays notes on the screen, and the keys light up to help you become familiar with the notes. I played with mine for YEARS! The built-in teaching modes gave me a kid-friendly musical foundation that Iโve carried with me (and built on) ever since. Fast forward to now, and I still adore music. I occasionally play keyboard and guitar for church.
KumiKreator Friendship Bracelet Braiding Machine
- Boost creativity & friendship: The KumiKreator Bead & Braider bracelet maker fosters imagination and strengthens friendships while creating bracelets and necklaces together
- Easy & mess-free fun: Effortlessly spin to create braids in minutes. Choose a pattern, load spools, and kids will see the jewelry come to life before their eyes
New starting from: 39.99
Go to AmazonGuys, I have a Kumi Kreator of my own. Yes, Iโm positive that Iโm an adult. Itโs a braiding machine that makes friendship bracelets and necklaces, and I think itโs mesmerizing.
You can make different designs, depending on which slots you load with cord and what colors you use. It comes with 56 spools of cord, and some easy-to-use clasps. If you need more cord, you can get refill kits.
National Geographic 150-Piece Magnetic Marble Run
- A KICKSTARTER SUPERSTAR โ This patented marble racetrack is the most backed Kickstarter magnetic super puzzle of all time! Each track and trick has its own unique propertiesโjust move them around to adjust or add exciting new pathways!
- DESIGN, BUILD, TEST, CREATE โ This wildly creative super puzzle includes a motorized marble lift, 70 tracks & connectors, 32 trick pieces, 25 marbles and more for infinite building combinations and endless amounts of creative fun!
List Price :
Offer: 79.98
Go to AmazonI adore marble runs, especially the magnetic ones that can be endlessly re-configured to make different designs. This magnetic marble run from National Geographic would be great for almost any age: any kids past choke-on-a-marble-age, all the way up to teens and adults, too. It has lots of fun parts included. Even a motorized spiral marble lift so that the marbles return to the start all on their own! Itโs a fantastic way to turn a refrigerator, locker, whiteboard, filing cabinet, etc into a fun STEM activity. Design and then re-design a marble run over and over again!
Fashion Design Sketchbook with Stencils, Stickers, and Design Guide
- DIGITAL DREAM FASHION DESIGN: Unleash your childโs creativity with this sketchbook kit, featuring emoji and food-inspired templates and 110 stickers for trendy fashion design fun.
- ALL-INCLUSIVE DESIGN KIT: Everything needed to start designing is includedโsketchbook with design guide, stencils, puffy stickers, and more. Perfect for aspiring fashionistas.
New starting from: 9.99
Go to AmazonI just had to include a fashion design sketchbook on the list! This one makes the basics of designing easy for beginners. It comes with stencils, stickers, guides for choosing harmonious colors, and some tips for drawing proportionately.
Gift Ideas for 6 to 10 Year Olds:
Just Like Rube Goldberg: The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines
List Price :
Offer: 16.39
Go to AmazonWho doesnโt love Rube Goldberg and his crazy contraptions? This book is all about Rube and his hilariously over-complicated ideas for doing simple tasks. Kids will love the biography and imaginative cartoons.
UV-Reactive/Glow-in-the-Dark Pony Beads
- Packing: Coming with 700 pieces in 7 different Colors. Include yelllow, violet, blue, pink, indigo, orange, fuchsia, 100 pieces per each.
New starting from: 9.99
Go to AmazonThese plastic beads look plain at first, but when you take them outside, they change into different bright colors. And they also glow in the dark! I still have UV-changing and glow beads in my jewelry-making supplies, and kids think theyโre magic. You might also want to get a roll of my favorite stretchy beading cord to go with them.
Kizzikids Construction Tools for Making Cardboard Creations
- ENDLESS CARDBOARD FUN: With the Kizzikids EXPLORE Cardboard Tools, kids can turn cardboard into amazing creationsโa dream house, a dinosaur, a rocket, and more! Itโs pure, big fun for boys and girls alike, and loved by children, trusted by parents and teachers
List Price :
Offer: 36.97
Go to AmazonThis set of kid-safe cutting tools and reusable connectors is a great way to turn cardboard boxes into awesome creations! Little makers can let their imagination run wild, and find all kinds of ways to upcycle cardboard into whatever they can dream up. I would also consider this kid-safe cardboard cutting machine to complete the gift. You know how they say kids always play with the box the gift came in? Well, this is a fun way to level-up their bonus gifts (the cardboard boxes)!
Klutz Press Activity Bundle, Wings of Fire Stained Glass Art Book with Markers, Ultimate Invisible Ink Hidden Messages Book
- DUAL BOOK BUNDLE: Includes Wings of Fire Stained Glass Art Book with markers and The Ultimate Invisible Ink Activity Book for endless creative fun
- CREATIVE ACTIVITIES: Stained Glass Art Book features dragon-themed designs to color and display, while Invisible Ink Book reveals hidden messages and surprises
New starting from: 39.95
Go to AmazonI had two books by Klutz Press when I was a kid, and they were both huge favorites of mine. Most of the books come with parts and pieces to construct crafts, practice activities, or build things. (This book comes with parts to build 8 different contraptions!) I kind of wish I was a kid again now!
Washable Hair Chalk Pens, 10 Colors
- Great Girls Gifts & Unique Present: These rainbow hair chalk are perfect gifts for girls birthday, Valentineโs Day, Easter, Halloween, Christmas, New Year to kids and teens aged 3 4 5 6 7 8 9-year-old and plus.
List Price :
Offer: 17.98
Go to AmazonHair chalk is another item that I still use. Itโs a fantastic way to give yourself a fun, temporary burst of color in your hair.
I still put hair chalk in my hair when Iโm helping out at a kidsโ event, or when Iโm wearing a costume. I love the look! It washes out when youโre ready for it to go.
K'NEX Power & Play Motorized Set, 529 Pieces
- 529 ASSORTED PIECES โ The KโNEX Power and Play Motorized Building Set contains 529 parts, including different sizes of connectors, rods, and wheels. These can be clicked together easily for a myriad of 3D configurations.
- MOTOR INCLUDED โ The KโNEX Power and Play Motorized Building Set is the only set on the market that includes a motor. Watch your childโs creations come to life when you attach the battery-powered motor to them!
New starting from: 48.79
Go to AmazonI had a building set when I was little, and I made so many things with it! The possibilities were pretty much limitless, and you could make the pieces into new designs over and over. It was so empowering to dream something up, and then bring it to life. I still feel that way about making things today, even though my methods and materials have changed a bit since then! This set even includes a motor that kids can use to power their creations.
You can also add on to your set if you want to make larger and more complex contraptions. I love seeing some of the wild things people can make with this kind of toy, like the kinetic ball machine in the video above.
Gift Guide for Creative 3 to 6 Year Olds:
3-Pack Reusable Water Painting Books for Kids
- ใ3-Pack Reusable Water Painting Booksใ Timetome water painting books set includes 3 magical watercolor books (Fairy Tale, Animal & Dinosaur themes) + 3 water brushes. Kids reusable painting books reveal vibrant colors with just waterโno messy paint, perfect for ages 3+
New starting from: 33.99
Go to AmazonI have incredibly vivid memories of using paint-with-water books when I was a kid. I loved them! They were like magic to me, and Iโm sure my mother loved the fact that they donโt make a mess, because you only use water on your paintbrush. The books helped me practice holding a brush, and staying inside the lines. The books I used to paint werenโt reusable, so itโs really cool that the ones available now can be reused over and over again!
60 X 40 Inch Reusable Water Painting Mat with Accessories and Hopscotch Mat
New starting from: 27.99
Go to AmazonThese play mats are another mess-free paint-with-water item. The mat is 60โณ X 40โณ, so itโs big enough for lots of art. And when the water evaporates, the mat changes back to plain white and it can be drawn on all over again! This one comes with water brushes, stencils, stamps, a carrying bag, AND the back side is a hopscotch mat!
Lakeshore Turn & Learn Magnetic Gears
- Kids just stick the gears on a magnetic surfaceโฆand turn the built-in handles to set their colorful creation in motion!
- Sturdy plastic pieces easily slide together any way kids likeโfor no-fail designing
New starting from: 33.00
Go to AmazonI confess that I still sometimes play with a set of magnetic gears. They are also great for kids though, lol. These gears go on the refrigerator, and interlock in many different configurations. They are fun to rearrange and rotate, and in the process they help kids practice coordination and motor skills.
Bankers Box Large Colorable Treats N' Eats Playhouse
- UNLEASH THE CREATIVITY: Transport your child into their own world with our creative color in playhouses
- MAKE IT PERSONAL: Kids can decorate the color in the Treats โNโ Eats Playhouse in any way they want with markers, crayons, or paint, allowing them to exercise their creativity
- COLLABORATIVE FUN: Encourages family and friends to all join in on the fun. Each house features operable windows and doors providing hours of interactive play and the best hangout spot
List Price :
Offer: 34.99
Go to AmazonKids always wish they could color on the walls, right? Now they canโฆ on the walls of their own little house, that is! These fun cardboard playhouses come in several different styles. They are ready to decorate with crayons, stickers, or even streamers and other craft supplies. Thereโs plenty of room inside for a toddler or two to play and color.
Boon Cogs, Pipes, and Tubes Toddler Bath Toy Set
- Bath Toy Bundle: This bundle of Boonโs favorite bath toys includes Boon Pipes, Boon Tubes, and Boon Cogs to create the ultimate chain reaction with building toys in the tub
New starting from: 32.99
Go to AmazonThis water play set attaches to the bathtub wall using suction cups, and is safe for kids 12 months and up (with supervision). The kiddos can configure the different pieces, then pour water into the tubes to make the cogs and gears turn. The pieces are able to be arranged in many different configurations, keeping playtime fun and fresh every time. Helps tiny ones to learn cause-and-effect, as well as the basic principles of motion and physics.
Five-In-One Musical Toy, for 18 Months to 4 Years
- VARIETY OF MUSICAL OPTIONS: With multiple instrument settings, including piano, guitar, solmization (do-re-mi), trumpet, glockenspiel, and xylophone, drum, your little ones can explore endless musical possibilities
- KEEP TODDLERS ENGAGED and HAPPY: The cool drum lights up and it has a ton of different songs and melodies, they will love to follow the rhythm to shake right away and dances to the music. It even has a whack-a-mole game, which is the perfect companion for playtime, allowing you to take care of other tasks
List Price :
Offer: 31.99
Go to AmazonThe last item Iโm recommending for creative 3 to 6 year olds is a 5-in-1 musical toy. Iโve been drawn to music for as long as I can remember, and I loved musical instruments even when I was tiny. A combo toy like this gives kiddos a chance to try out different musical skills.
So there you have it, my ultimate list of gift ideas for creative kids and teens. I hope you have some great new ideas for gifts that will make your young friendโs day. If you have any other suggestions or want to tell us about toys that you loved as a kid, be sure to drop them in the comments section below. Iโd love to see them!
