I bet dollars to donuts your kids don’t want any of the toys on this list. In fact, if you show them this list and say, “Hey, do you want to ask Santa for this?” my guess is they’d shrug and say “Eh….”
We all were kids once and we know the lure of the trendy toy item; we also all know where fad toys end up….stuffed in a corner under the bed or played with for one afternoon and then discarded for another Youtube video….
But here’s a little secret….your kids do not want any of the toys I am about to mention but I bet they will end up LOVING them. Why? Because no kid can resist a good challenge, no kid can resist a puzzling game or an invitation to create something magical….I call these gifts: “Smart Toys” and my kids have never put a single one on their holiday list.
This post contains affiliate links.
So here’s sneak peek at the Smart Toys I’ve purchased over the years:
10 Toys Your Kids Don’t Want:
- Q-Bitz Game Ages 8+ though some reviewers say 6+
- Keva Planks Ages 7+
- Pattern Play Ages 3+
- Snap Circuits Kits Ages 8+
- Wooden Marble Run Ages 4+
- Mastermind Ages 8+
- Set Card Game Ages 6+
- Suspend Game Ages 6+
- Magna-Tiles So worth the investment! Ages Preschool +
- Melissa & Doug Block Set Ages Preschool +
That’s it! Surprise your kids with a few of these this year; you can always say…”Wow, Santa must think this is an amazing toy!”
More things your kids don’t want…
Be sure to also check out 10 games your kids won’t be asking for this holiday season (but that they will love!):

What your child’s favorite toy they never asked for? Let me know in the comments section.

So funny! I already own four of those toys and, yes, my children love them and still okay with them years later. A favorite is the snap circuits lights.
woo hoo! I am probably am the most excited about that one!!!
What lucky kids to have a mama who buys them what they don’t *want* – but are going to love anyway!
My 4 and 6 year olds play with Magna Tiles every day and have for 2 years straight. They are sooo worth the investment. I also love SET. My 6 year-old enjoy the Circuit set.
Yes! Magana-tiles are the best toy investment ever!
For what age groups would you recommend these toys? My daughter is age six. She has enjoyed Snap Circuits Jr since last year. Do you feel these other toys will last for a while at her age? Thanks!!
Great question! Your daughter is at a great age for most of these. The games are listed ages 8 & up but if she enjoys Snap Circuits she may be ready for them at her age. The wood blocks, Pattern Play and Magna tiles are listed for kids as young as preschool so they may be less engaging for your daughter for years to come though they are open ended toys so they can be appealing to a variety of ages.
Thanks for this. unfortunately, I had to learn which toys my kids just can’t stand the hard way. Hopefully, this will help me never to make that mistake again.
🙂