If you want to know what toys make up a classic toys list this is the list for you! I hope you enjoy this classic children’s toys list. This post is sponsored by SheSpeaks and Duracell.

My husband and I carefully select the toys and gifts we give our children. And it’s especially true during big gift-giving times, like Christmas and their birthday.
We always want to give our children gifts that will last, that will be cherished, that will be played with countless times.
We don’t want to waste our money, or limited apartment space, on the wrong gifts and toys. Nor do we want to regret buying a certain toy.
Most often, we give our children classic toys as gifts, things like balls, puzzles, books, dolls, coloring books, crayons, and Play-Doh. This is partly because we want to foster brain-boosting toys and foster creativity.
Another part is that they get played with again and again, and they last a long time.
I wanted to know what classic toys other parents out there recommended, based on the criteria that it has to be a toy that gets played with for months and/or years, withstands abuse, and is very loved.
The following list of toys were recommended from friends or myself as a mother of five as great classic kids toys.
Most of them are for younger children, but some are for the older grade school crowd as well.
And, of course, as a reminder, your child doesn’t need any of these, but classic toys are great fun and can help them pretend and learn too. I hope this will give you some inspiration!
RELATED: 50+ Best Toy Advent Calendars for Kids
Be sure that if you are picking up a toy that needs batteries, that you pick up some Duracell batteries. Duracell CopperTop All-Purpose Alkaline batteries will keep these toys up and running for as long as your child wants to play with them, as they are dependable and long-lasting.
In fact, they have a 10-year guarantee in storage with Duralock Power Preserve Technology. They are the ideal choice for toys and other electronics that see a lot of use. A 4-pack would be a simple stocking stuffer to go along with the cool gift under the tree. Pick up a pack or two.
The following list of classic toys are ones that kept coming up in people’s answers.

Classic Building and Engineering Toys for Kids
The following are amazing classic toys that get played with all the time and are so creative, so fun, and great for boys and girls.
I have included different brands, that are pretty much the same thing. I did this because they are slightly different, but all are great options!
LEGOs – Possibly the most given answer. It’s the ultimate classic children’s toy, even without special building kits
Duplos are classic toys for toddlers
MegaBlocks (A classic toddler toy that we have)
Marble Run – There are lots of different brands and styles. I do not know which is best.
Snap Circuits – My friend recommended these for older children and said they have excellent customer service too. It requires batteries.
Classic Ride-on Toys for Toddlers
Toddler/Infant Rocking Horse from Little Tikes
Spring Rocking Horse (3 AA batteries required – Use Duracell!)
Push and Ride Toys/Cars
Prince Lionheart Wheely Bugs
The Classic Ride-on Toy – Big Wheel
Classic Little Tikes Car
Classic Radio Flyer Tricycle
A Bicycle – Balance Bike, one with Training Wheels, or a Big Kid Bike
Outdoor Toys
Check out my other post for a complete list of the best outdoor equipment gifts for kids.
Basketball Hoops for Little Kids and the Big Kids
Classic Ball Toys for Kids
Lightweight Balls – Big, Small, and everything in between
Ball Popper is a great new classic ball toy for toddlers!
Balloons – Balloons are so much fun. They may not last “forever” but they will get played with for years. Plus, they are so cheap and last a decent amount of time for the cost. They are always at every birthday party for my kids to play with.
Classic Pretend Play Toys
Melissa and Doug Wooden Food/Cuttable Food
Dress Up Costumes! Check out my list of cheap and used Halloween costumes too.
Shopping Carts – This toy from Melissa and Doug and is super sturdy!
Dinosaurs! – A Classsic toy for boys!
My First Disney Princess Baby Doll – My daughters have four of these baby dolls because they love them that much! They’ve played with them for 2.5 years straight now, even needing to remove lip gloss stains from them!
Barbie Dolls. Love or hate them, they are a classic that will get played with over and over again!
American Girl Dolls – Girls around the world cherish these toys!
Hot Wheels Cars – You can also get race tracks, but all you really need are the cars!
Wooden Train Set – Thomas, Brio, Orbrium, Lionel or whatever brand. The great thing about the wooden sets is that there seems to be some uniformity among the various brands, so the tracks will work with any of them.
Little People Playsets and Products. We specifically have this Little People Nativity Set that we pack up and pull out each December (but you can check out other kid nativity sets), and it’s a huge favorite.
True Heroes Army Men – One of my friends said her boys loved these. I know my brothers loved their G. I. Joes as well.
VTech Digital Camera. My friend said this is a huge hit at her house, and based on how often my kids grab our real (older) digital camera and want to take pictures, I can imagine a real camera that is all their own and where they can personalize the images, would be a great hit. This one also requires 4 AA batteries, which are not included. Be sure to have that 4-pack of Duracell batteries!
Best Classic Toy Games Gifts
Nintendo. It doesn’t matter what edition, the Classic, the Super Nintendo, the N64, the Cube, the Wii, the WiiU, or the Switch. Nintendo gaming systems are awesome for kids to play on. And they will get played on countless times for hours and hours.
Uno is a classic, educational card game and is so easy to play. But, really, just having a simple deck of cards opens up hours of game plays, as well as the ability to stack them up in unique ways, and more.
Board games, like Sorry, are great to play over and over. There are SO many different board games that are favorites, like Guess Who?, Monopoly, Clue, Candy Land, Othello, Chess, and more.
Classic Puzzles for Kids
I also highly recommend puzzles! Floor puzzles, foam puzzles, wood puzzles, shape ones, whatever. Melissa & Doug is a great place to pick up a variety of awesome puzzles!
Classic Art Supplies Gifts for Kids
I also haven’t included art supplies, because they aren’t quite “toys” but are definitely a great gift! You can even check out arts and crafts subscription boxes for kids if you want some super fun and creative ways to gift creativity to your kids.
Crayons and coloring book last a very, very long time in my house and get used every single day.
But, tell me, what else did I miss? What do your kids love, love, love to play with? What has proven worthy of your money and your space?
Be sure to check out my gift guide ideas and other related posts:
- 33 of the Best Outdoor Gifts for Kids
- 8 Best Educational Subscription Boxes
- 11 Best Subscription Boxes for Babies
- 10 Best Monthly Subscription Boxes for Toddlers
- 8 Traditional Stocking Stuffer Ideas
- 30+ Scientific Board Games for Kids
- 5 Fantastic Elf on the Shelf Alternatives
- 27 Free Christmas Stocking Patterns and Tutorials
- How to Limit Christmas Gifts to Just 3 or 4 (Without Being a Scrooge)
MandyE says
Several of my favorites here! I just put that circuit set in my Ama.zon cart…glad to see it recommended here, too!
I’d add Wedgits to the list. I’m going to buy some expansion pieces for our girls. We have one marble run (as I told you), and I’m getting another. Those things are so cool (for the girls and Mommy and Daddy!).
Great list!
Katelyn Fagan says
I’ll have to look up these Wedgits you speak of. I’m glad you helped me make this list! Thanks Mandy!
Elizabeth says
Love this list. You have given me a few ideas for my girls. We are simplifying this Christmas. I am determined not to get stuff just to get a present. I really want more meaningful gifts this year!!
Katelyn Fagan says
Woo hoo! Glad to hear. We always try to keep things simple. I totally get the desire to not just get them stuff. Good luck.
Brenna @ Life After Laundry says
I will be honest I have no idea what to get our son this year for Christmas. This list definitely helps because my goal is always to get him toys that will stand the test of time.
Kathleen says
My son loved Legos. Actually, I’m pretty sure he still does. His other favorite were Hot Wheels cars. He would play with them for hours. My girls loved Barbies and dress ups. Also, art supplies were and still are a fantastic gift. Great list.
Hezzi-D says
What a fun list of holiday toys! I have a few of these in my classroom at school!
Erin @ Sometimes-Homemade.com says
I ran across this list as a pin on Pinterest. I agree with many of your choices. My 6 year old son loves loves loves Legos and just got a Snap Circuit set from one of his grandparents. It’s a huge hit, and I have to admit I’m enjoying it too!
For my nieces I almost always buy them some sort of craft kit or craft supplies.
Erica says
A sandbox, collapsible tunnel and indoor play tent! These never get old at my house.
Qhouse kids says
Fantastic list loved it. i’m very confused what kind of gifts to buy for my daughter these are such a great list and I’m sure enough to keep her entertained and engaged. thanks you for sharing., you have saved so much of my time