Story Warren’s 2026 Gift Guide for Creative Kids

ByKelly Keller

It’s that time of year again…when we rack our brains to figure out what to get the creative kids in our lives. We want to encourage them towards imaginary play and creativity, but we don’t want them, say, rewiring the small appliances or endlessly dressing up the dog.

A few weeks back, I put out the help signal to your fellow parents, and they came through with a ton of suggestions. I’ve picked out the best of the best and linked to them below. I hope some of these serve your creative kids in exploring new ways to dream and do. Plus, the dog will thank you.

To serve both parents and kids, consider a set of walkie-talkies. These function as great spy thriller accessories, but can also help you keep track of the kids. Anything that helps you call people inside without running all over the neighborhood is a win in my book.

Every kid goes through a phase where they love a camera, and we love an old-school kind of model. Here’s a digital option without a screen. It’s sturdy, rechargeable, and lets you print the photos without spending an arm and a leg. I foresee this one living through a lot of camping trips and family outings.

Speaking of old school options, does anyone own a pogo stick? If you don’t, why not?! Though I am of the age where a “pogo ball” was a brief trend, I maintain that nothing holds a candle to this classic. Since I grew up with a gravel driveway, my sister and I used to pogo stick in the garage, which was risky for a different reason: the ceiling. Anyway, get your kids a pogo stick so that they can amaze friends and neighbors, and get your spouse a pogo stick to get funny, disastrous videos of them trying to impress the kids.

Once we have all injured ourselves on the pogo sticks, let’s bring it inside for some less hazardous activity. These plushie sewing kits are adorable—of course there is a rabbit!—and easy for beginners. If they are not so much sewing kids, but more weaving kids, try one of these bookmark loom kits.

Kids who are inclined towards painting will find inspiration in quality watercolor boxes (there are lots of sizes). Plus, I learned this year that there are actual Bob Ross for Kids sets for any child who desires to paint some happy little trees.

If you have a nature enthusiast in your home, maybe they would love one of these: Bug Under Glass. They are amazing!

If one of your kids is in a sending-real-mail phase, some personalized stationery and a sealing wax kit would be fun. Grandparents would be so happy to receive some letters, I am sure!

Whatever you choose to wrap up for Christmas this year (can we suggest some of the new goodies from the Story Warren Store?), raising creative kids is certainly messier, louder, and more chaotic than putting kids in front of a screen all day. Be encouraged: this is normal. And in the Year of Our Lord 2026, it is counter-cultural and difficult. We’re cheering you on from here!

(Amazon links are affiliate links.)

Kelly Keller
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