Updated for 2024
It’s gifting season and that means it’s time for us to showcase some of our favorite gift ideas for Los Angeles kids and their families. We always like to include Experience Gifts as well as ones you can unwrap!
Whether you’re hitting the Mall on Black Friday, Shopping Small at a store in your community on Small Business Saturday, or grabbing an online deal on Cyber Monday, we’ve got a great list of ideas for you this year.
We’ve got gift ideas for Dads, Moms, older kids and younger ones, and gift ideas the whole family can enjoy together. And check out our special list of Made-in-Los Angeles gifts!
This article contains some affiliate links and some sponsored placements from our partners.
The Best Gift Ideas for Los Angeles Families
- Best Gift EVER: Our book: Los Angeles with Kids
- Best Gift for Grandparents: Framed Artkive Mosaic Print
- Top Toys for Kids:
Disney Princess Style Collection Deluxe Day Spa
Disney Princess Style Collection Fresh Prep Gourmet Kitchen
Disney Princess Style The World Traveler Play Suitcase
The Simpsons Talking Krusty the Clown Doll
Wild Manes Cherie’s Tea & Treats
Disney ILY 4Ever I Heart Stitch Doll
Target Checkout Stand Toy
Target Cash Register Toy - Best Gift for Toddlers: Fisher-Price Climbing Jungle Gym Play Set
- Best Gift for Teens: Sharper Image Bumper Rivals Road Rage Remote Control Cars Set
- Best Gift for the Whole Family:
Experience Astra Lumina together
Get Tickets to Lite Brite: Worlds of Wonder as a family
Get Slimed at the SlooMoo Institute
One Weekend Only: Unicorn World in LA December 14-15 - Best Gifts for Moms:
Deluxe Foot Massager from Sharper Image
Bedsure Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders
Sharper Image PowerBoost Pro with Hot and Cold Compact Electric Hand-Held Massager
Reversible Pashmina by Youzey
Crossbody Puffer Bag by Youzey - Best Gift for Dads:
Sharper Image Portable Steamer Sauna Portable Spa
Sharper Image Portable Ice Bath Cold Plunge
Read on for all the details!
Our #1 Pick for Best Gift: Our Book! Los Angeles With Kids!
Los Angeles with Kids – by MomsLA!
We are 100% biased of course, but we think Los Angeles with Kids: 250+ Ideas for Ways to Have Fun, Explore SoCal, and Never Have a Boring Weekend Again would make a great gift this holiday season. Give it to your friends with Toddlers or give it to your friends with Teens! Give it your friends who live here, or give it to your tourist friends – and everyone in between!
Buy it on Amazon and it’ll be shipped right to your door. Then you can use it to get out and have fun all over Southern California!
Perfect Gift for Grandparents: Artkive Mosaic
Framed Mosaics by Artkive
We love kids’ artwork, and so do Grandparents! For a unique gift this year, we highly recommend getting the Framed Mosaic from Artkive. Choose 25 treasures made by your kids – and fill up your Artkive Box. Their professional team will transform it all into a beautiful mosaic.
Not ready to choose? Artkive Gift Cards are the perfect gift for busy parents to preserve their family’s creativity.
Our Top Picks: Holiday Gifts for Kids
Disney Princess Style Collection Deluxe Day Spa
PRETEND SELF CARE: Dive into a world of glamour and self-care with the Deluxe Day Spa vanity featuring a working sink and contemporary play skincare tools including play facial steamer and 2 pretend face masks, a spa headband, pretend cleanser bottle, wash cloth, and more
FAUCET & RUNNING WATER: Real running water sink ensures endless and interactive fun
REALISTIC PLAY STEAM: Features a realistic facial steamer for the perfect play beauty routine
PLENTY OF STORAGE: Accessories fit inside the vanity for easy and convenient clean up
GREAT GIFT IDEA: Deluxe Day Spa makes a great gift idea for birthday, holiday, or gift for Disney Princess fans
INCLUDES 20+ PRETEND PLAY ACCESSORIES: 1 Tabletop Vanity, 1 Pretend Facial Steamer, 2 Play Masks & Bags, 1 Spa Headband, 1 Wash Cloth, 1 Hairbrush, 1 Canister & Lid, 3 Pretend Face Pads, 1 Cleanser Bottle, 1 Aromatherapy Bottle & 5 Sticks, 1 Pretend Soap Bar, 9 Hair Bands
Requires 6 AAA batteries, not included. Suggested for ages 3+
Made by Jakks Pacific.
Disney Princess Style Collection Fresh Prep Gourmet Kitchen
UPDATED MODERN DESIGN: Take play cooking to a whole new level!
REALISTIC “STEAM”: Includes an ALL NEW “steam” feature for the most realistic stovetop cooking experience with light up & sounds stovetop burner that recognizes the Pot and Fry pan with boiling and sizzling sounds.
OPEN ENDED PLAY FOR HOURS: Complete with 5 interactive appliances (Sound effects recipe card reading Tablet, Lights & Sounds Microwave, Lights Sounds, & “Steam” Stove Top, Sound Effects Faucet and Dishwasher)
INTERACTIVE MAJESTIC MEALS KIT: Pretend to prepare a gourmet meal with the included Pasta Night Kit which includes kitchen tools, play food pieces along with color changing noodles in icy water, and a recipe card that interacts with the interactive tablet
GREAT GIFT IDEA: Fresh Prep Gourmet Kitchen makes a great gift idea for bithday, holiday, or gift for Disney Princess fans
Includes 35+ Pretend Play Accessories: Pasta Night Meal Box, Interactive Recipe Card, Pasta Box, 1 Serving of Spaghetti, 3 Florets of Broccoli, 2 Garlic Bread Slices, 1 Serving of Meatballs, Can of Tomato Sauce, Fry Pan, Pot, Lid, Oven Rack, Fridge Shelf
Herb Garden Box, 3 Rosemary Sprigs, 3 Parsley Sprigs, 3 Basil Leaves, Trash Can, Olive Oil Bottle, Brush, Sponge, Cutting Board, Knife, Serving Spoon, Spatula, Ramekin, Dish Rack, Colander, 2 Dinner Plates, 2 Spoons, 2 Forks, 2 Knives, Glass, 2 Ice Cubes
Adult assembly required. Requires 3 AA batteries, not included
Suggested for Ages 3+
Made by Jakks Pacific.
Disney Princess Style The World Traveler Play Suitcase
The World Traveler Play Suitcase stands over 14” high (without handle extended), with a refreshed stylish look to the outer-case, inspired by today’s high end luggage
Pretend “Plug and Play” feature includes a cord that plugs into suitcase and then into the play tablet or play headphones in order to pretend a “charging” feature
3 Tablet inserts include mobile tickets and “screens” for entertainment
Includes faux combination lock on outer-case and sticker sheets to decorate your case and fill the passport
Offers retractable handle and back wheels that roll
Attach the Trendy Travel Backpack to the retractable suitcase handle for the perfect carry-on luggage companion (sold separately)
14 Piece Toy suitcase includes Play Headphones, Play Tablet, “Charging” Cord, 3 Double-Sided Tablet Cards, Eye Mask, Passport, 2 Sticker Sheets (one to decorate outer-case and one to use inside Passport), Toothbrush w/ Case, Play Toothpaste and Hand Sanitizer
Suggested Ages 3+
Made by Jakks Pacific.
The Simpsons Talking Krusty Doll
OFFICIALLY LICENSED: The Simpsons Talking Krusty Doll stands 16” inches tall and features a soft plush body and sculpted head
PULL STRING FEATURE: The Talking Krusty Doll includes a pull-string feature with memorable phrases from the classic Treehouse of Horror III episode, offering both good and evil versions of Krusty
GOOD AND EVIL PHRASES: Features two modes of play and has 10+ phrases between both good and evil mode. Change modes by flipping the switch on Krusty’s back. Requires 3 LR44 batteries (included)
ORIGINAL PACKAGING: The Krusty Feature Plush comes in the original packaging as seen in the Treehouse of Horror episode, adding an extra layer of authenticity and nostalgia for fans
KRUSTY LOVES YOU: Perfect for any Simpsons fan or collector, the Talking Krusty doll will be a fun addition to any Simpsons collection. Collect the full range of toys and collectibles inspired by The Simpsons with this Talking Krusty Doll by JAKKS Pacific
Wild Manes Cherie’s Tea and Treats
Cherie’s gold color streak stands for her overwhelming generosity—she loves to treat her friends to fun, finery, and Parisian glamour!
Cherie has articulated front limbs to pose in her haute couture.
The wheeled Tea and Treats cart connects to Cherie with a harness and features macaron and tea set accessories.
Cherie can hold her frilly fan and other fashion accessories with the help of signature horse shoe-shaped clips.
Cherie also comes with a styling brush and stuffed animal in her classic gold-and-white color scheme!
Made by Jakks Pacific.
Disney ily 4EVER i HEART Stitch Doll
Disney ily 4EVER i HEART Stitch doll is a tidal wave of stylish fashion
Two complete mix-and-match outfits to create your own Stitch-inspired looks!
Includes a shiny collectible Mickey Mouse ring
Stylish rooted hair and fully poseable body with bendable joints; neck, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles
Includes doll, jacket, sweater, one-shoulder top, pants, skirt, backpack, purse, sneakers, sandals, necklace, sunglasses, and girl size ring
Suggested for ages 6+
Made by Jakks Pacific.
Target Checkout Stand Toy
Free-standing wooden Target themed Checklane for pretend shopping with interactive lights & sounds
Includes hand-cranked conveyor belt, beeping scanner, bagging area, credit card swipe machine, and working cash register with microphone, cash drawer and working buttons with beeping sounds
Dual play – shopping on one side and ringing up items on the other
Shelving for displaying or using for storage
Includes Shopping Bag, Target essentials, groceries & pretend money
Ideal for ages 3 & up (small parts)
52 inches tall
Made by Jakks Pacific.
Target Cash Register Toy
Target themed cash register with 25+ sounds & phrases
English & Spanish modes, move the switch on the back of the screen to select English or Spanish.
Real working calculator
Includes Shopping Bag, groceries & pretend money
Batteries included (Two AAA LR03/R03) Batteries included are for “Try Me” purposes. If performance diminishes after purchase, replace with fresh batteries.
22-piece set
Press button to open drawer, use key to lock/unlock drawer, counterclockwise. If key is lost, use credit card or paper clip to open drawer
Ideal for ages 3 & up (small parts)
Made by Jakks Pacific.
Top Gift Idea for Toddlers
Fisher-Price Climbing Jungle Gym Play Set
Bring the playground home!
Encourages healthy, active play
Includes durable multi-color poles ideal for climbing and stability
Includes added slide
Features toss game panel with bean bags
Ages 2 – 6
Max weight 55 lbs
Made by Jakks Pacific.
Best Gift for Teens
Sharper Image Road Rage Bumper Car Remote Control Toy Set
RC BUMPER CARS: Take your road rage to the (mini) streets with these RC Bumper Cars from Sharper Image!
PLAY HEAD TO HEAD: Battle it out with a friend and play for the win in fast-paced bumper duels. The set comes with two cars and two remotes for exciting 2-player action!
CRASH AND SEND YOUR OPPONENT FLYING: Give your rival’s racer a bump and send him flying! The character ejects from the car with awesome sound effects.
OMNIDIRECTIONAL STEERING: Turn left and right to dodge your opponent, then gas it like a pro or throw it in reverse! It’s easy to navigate since the car can turn in any direction.
WIRELESS CONTROL: Control from a distance using the handy wireless remote controls. And since everything is powered by batteries, there’s no need for plugging in or charging. Each car uses 4 AAA batteries (not included) and each remote uses 2 AAA batteries (not included).
Best Gifts for Moms
Sharper Image Shiatsu Foot Massager
Long day spent on your feet? Soothe tense and sore toes with the Heated Foot Massager from Sharper Image! Steady vibration and cozy warmth come together to relieve soreness and tension. If it’s just a chilly night and you’d like to warm up your feet, turn on the independent heat function without the vibration. The fleece-lined pockets will heat up and soothe your chilly feet. If you do want to use the massage function, you can choose between two levels of vibration strength: moderate for a gentle massage or intense for very sore feet. Any mom, dad, friend, brother, husband, wife or sister will enjoy the effects of a soothing heated massage! Know someone who spends lots of time on their feet? Or someone who lives in an especially chill climate? Gift them with the heated foot massager-their toes will thank you. And it’s sized up to a men’s 12 or women’s 14 to fit most feet.
Bedsure Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders Pain Relief
Comfortable Warmth: Experience quick, consistent, safe warmth powered by PTC/NTC heating wire technology. This heating pad comes with 6 heating levels and 3 time-settings for personalized coziness
Safe: This heating pad is ETL certified, and its default 2-hour auto shut-off prevents the pad from overheating and potential risks, so you can relax and enjoy its warmth with complete peace of mind
Convenient: The wired controller lets you easily and conveniently set your heating pad to your desired temperature and timer
Perfect Gift: The velvety 270 GSM ultra-fine micro mink and the 200 GSM premium sherpa provide a soft and warm experience, making the heating pad the perfect gift option for special occasions
Versatile: Get the much-needed supplementary warmth with this Bedsure heating pad at home, office, in cubicles, or just use it as a regular blanket
Designed for standard 120V AC wall outlets at 60Hz, our heating pad operates at just 80W—consuming about one-thirtieth of the energy of traditional heaters. Enjoy cozy warmth while keeping your electricity costs down.
Sharper Image PowerBoost Pro with Hot and Cold Compact Electric Hand-Held Massager
Experience unparalleled deep tissue massage with Sharper Image® Powerboost® Pro+ Compact.
Instantly switch between heat (115°F) and cold (38°F) with the advanced dual-temperature attachment.
Enjoy a peaceful massage anywhere with the ultra-quiet brushless motor.
Customize your massage with 4 distinct attachments and an intuitive dial control.
Compact and long-lasting design ensures on-the-go relief with a 2-hour runtime per charge. Contemporary design.
Reversible Ultrasoft Pashmina Scarf in Cranberry by Youzey
This soft cashmere like pashmina is perfect for cooler weather. And I love the colors! One color on each side makes this scarf super versatile as well as stylish. Fringe detail at bottom adds whimsy and fun. Terrific paired with jeans, pants, or under a coat or jacket. Under $50!
Cloud 9 Puffer Crossbody Bag in Black by Youzey
This soft, quilted crossbody bag is a traveler’s dream! Measuring 18″ across and 12″ inches tall, this bag has a durable nylon lining with a separate zippered compartment. The strap is 2″ wide and made out of the same soft quilted fabric for all day comfort. Large enough to carry all of your essentials and more, yet folds up compactly and neatly. Easily fits into your suitcase without extra bulk and super lightweight! This is the perfect bag for traveling near and far! Doubles as a pillow when you’re on the airplane! Under $50.
Best Gifts for Dads
Sharper Image Portable Steamer Sauna Portable Spa
Experience spa-like luxury at home with the Sharper Image® Steamer Sauna Portable Spa. This portable sauna is expertly designed for effortless setup and ultimate relaxation, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of steam therapy without stepping outside. The included 2.4L steam generator produces a generous flow of steam, enhancing circulation, rejuvenating skin, and reducing stress. Its steam diffuser evenly distributes warmth, creating a consistently soothing environment. Additionally, the folding chair provides optimal comfort, supporting muscle recovery and relaxation post-exercise. The sauna’s collapsible design ensures quick assembly and disassembly, making it incredibly convenient to use. With intuitive controls, you can easily adjust the temperature and set the timer to customize each session to your liking, making each sauna experience uniquely beneficial and enjoyable.
Sharper Image Portable Ice Bath Cold Plunge
Elevate your recovery and mood with the Sharper Image® Ice Bath Portable Cold Plunge. Designed for comfort and convenience, this portable cold plunge makes ice therapy more accessible to all athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone serious about health and wellness. The spacious ice bath measures 31.5 in. x 29 in. and easily fits adults of various body types, up to 6.5 ft. tall or a max weight of 250 lb. The tub walls feature tri-layer insulation to maintain temperature and reinforced with 8 supports for enhanced stability during use. Its user-friendly spigot, complete with a hose, allows for hassle-free drainage and cleanup. The lightweight and portable design makes it easy to setup in a variety of locations, and when not in use, it neatly folds, making it a perfect fit for spaces with limited storage. Regular use not only aids in reducing muscle soreness and speeding up recovery but also offers holistic benefits like mood elevation and stress reduction through cold immersion therapy. The Sharper Image® Ice Bath combines functionality and wellness, providing a comprehensive solution for enhanced recovery and overall well-being.
Experience Gift Ideas for the Whole Family
Lite Brite: Worlds of Wonder
395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica 90401
A DAZZLING ADVENTURE AWAITS! Opens November 7th! Step into a vibrant world where color and light come alive, sparking imagination and wonder. This immersive experience offers a magical journey for all ages, blending creativity and awe in every moment. Experience 11 fully interactive rooms. Explore a 360° LED theater featuring 3 themed worlds: Underwater, Prehistoric, and Outer Space. Continue the fun in the Lite-Brite Game Room. Discover sensory play stations for the young and young at heart. Transform yourself into a pixelated person in a Lite-Brite photo booth. Get tickets with our affiliate link!
Related: Christmas Events in Los Angeles and SoCal
Unicorn World – December 14 + 15 – Get Tickets Now
LA Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa Street, LA 90015
Unicorn World is the only experience that lets you walk-thru and get up close to life-like and life-size unicorns. Be transported to the magical world of unicorns and enjoy a day of fun-filled unicorn activities for the whole family. Unicorn World was created by parents on a mission to Make Everyday Magical™ for kids, families, and the communities Unicorn World interacts with. You’ll be immersed in the magical world of unicorns. From meeting our unique, animatronic unicorns, to exploring the enchanted forest, to unicorn themed arts and crafts – Unicorn World will be like nothing you have experienced before!
Astra Lumina
South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates 90274
Astra Lumina returns to Los Angeles for an enchanted night walk at the South Coast Botanic Garden inviting the audience to discover the wonder of visiting stars. Opening on November 8th for its third year & better than ever! Be the first to experience again this magical celestial journey. Tickets are selling fast! Set off across mysterious grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Get tickets with our affiliate link.
Sloomoo Institute
157 Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles 90036
The entertainment capital of the world has officially been SLIMED! America’s #1 slime museum is now open and that means you can take the kids to play with Slime any time you want! With 13,000 sq ft of fun, your kids are going to love it! They’ve got a DIY Slime area, plenty of sensory experiences – and the best thing? You don’t have to do any clean up! Get tickets now via our affiliate link.
Games and Puzzles for the Whole Family
We love any gift that helps us spend time together, and games and puzzles are just super fun. Video games, boards games, easy and challenging puzzles – We’ve got a list of our favorites in our Amazon Shop, so click over then you get a chance.
Related: Homemade Holiday Food Gift Ideas
Great Books for Kids
There are so many great books for kids that we couldn’t possibly list them all, but here are a few of our all-time favorites: Goodnight Moon, Don’t let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, the Captain Underpants series, the Lemonade War series, The Story of Ferdinand, and the list could go on forever! Check out our Amazon Shop to see a list of others we love HERE.
And if you’d prefer, you can get an Amazon Audible Membership here and listen to books.
If you’re looking for a local, independent bookstore instead of Amazon, check these out.
Gifts Especially for Moms, Grandmas and Aunties
You can’t go wrong with flowers and we love the beautiful gift boxes and arrangements designed by Valley Brink Road or Farmgirl Flowers — they deliver almost anywhere and we promise you’ll score big points. Plus you can always find Kitchen Essentials, Clothes, and Beauty/Skincare picks in our Amazon Shop as well.
Gifts for Dads, Uncles, and Guncles
Not sure why we really need to separate gifts by gender, but it’s a tradition, so here we go! Grooming kits are a big hit with Men these days, as are cooking gifts, tools, and workout gear. Check out all our picks in our Amazon shop.
Food Gifts
Here in LA you can get some amazing gifts made locally. See’s Candy is one option, perfect for the Holidays, and it’s never a bad gift in our opinion. We also love the mole sauce made by Guelaguetza, named the “Best Oaxacan Restaurant in the country” by Jonathan Gold, may he rest in peace. Plus there are tons of food gifts you can order from our Amazon shop.
Cookbooks
Maybe the person you’re buying for really would like to make their own food, or needs to find a way to feed their family healthy and delicious meals – or possibly they are cookbook addicts like some people we know… Check out the latest from our friend Catherine McCord: Smoothie Project. Or any of the terrific books by our friend Katie Chin, like Everyday Chinese Cooking. See all our fave cookbooks in our Amazon store.
Workout Gifts
After all the food gifts and cookbooks, and let’s face it, all the Holiday Parties, we’re all going to need to get busy! We recommend some fitness gear in our Amazon Store, but we also wanted to mention some super cute outfits by Athleta we’ve seen lately, and C9 Champion at Target is not only on trend, it’s on budget.
Pet Gifts
Our Furry family needs to get in on the gift action, too. Why not have something fun for Fido or Fluffy to open and enjoy? Dogs love a Kong toy and you can use it to hide treats, which add to their enrichment. Plus have they ever said No to frisbee catch? Cats always like a feather game, and catnip is a great treat. Check out all the ideas we have on our Pet Gifts list in our Amazon Shop.
Tech Gifts
Tech always makes a great gift because whatever you choose usually solves a problem for the recipient, and what’s better than that? We have Google Homes and Amazon Echos, we know lots of neighbors who have the Ring Doorbell, and of course, we have computers and phones. They all need accessories, too. Check out our Tech Gift List on Amazon.
Quick Links:
Great Made-in-Los Angeles Gifts
SoCal Artists with Handmade Gifts on Etsy
Christmas and Hanukkah Events to Experience with your Family
This article contains some affiliate links and some sponsored placements from our partners. Each are labeled. The rest are our editorial team’s picks.
Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
