Some of the best gifts for nieces and nephews are the ones that encourage their unique personalities. As an aunt or uncle, your job is to be the cool one. Where mom and dad may not always allow them to have an extra bowl of ice cream, it’s your duty to sneak it to them whenever possible because you’re the awesome aunt or cool uncle. The partner in crime. The confidante. The following gifts span a wide range of topics, from scientific and a little nerdy, to silly or sentimental. As they say, there’s something for everyone, so check out our list to find the perfect present for your coolest niece or nephew.
Smores Maker
Who says you always need a campfire to make the perfect smores? This maker is perfect for anyone of any age because you’re never too old to microwave the perfect combo of graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. It’s just… perfect. For every occasion!
Keychain with a Message
Be brave. It’s a simple enough message with a sentimental, strong meaning. Gift this keychain to someone that needs the reminder that they are brave, ferocious, and a force to be reckoned with
Light in the Dark Bookmark
This adorable Android is a happy, book-loving robot with glowing eyes to help your niece or nephew read after lights out. He latches onto the back cover, then peeks over the pages to give a reader the optimum opportunity to see their story.
Gourmet Popcorn
Did you know that popcorn can be considered gourmet? It can be seasoned to perfection with a variety of flavors, like buttery caramel and spicy sriracha. In this kit, there are five seasoning blends and three popcorn types. The perk? You can use the seasonings on more than popcorn!
Headphone Stand
Peace out! Gift your hippie honey with a retro-inspired headphone stand to hold their headset. Gamers? Music lovers? Audiobook fanatics? Regardless of what they use their headphones for, this stand is convenient, portable, and keeps their headset in one place
STEM Puzzle
Gravity mazes do the work of letting the marble drop from one level to another. However, the trick is in building each maze. There are 60 challenges ranging from beginner to master, and each one features 9 towers, a game grid, and three marbles. It’s a brain teaser.
Solar System Chocolates
What do you think Venus, Jupiter, and Mars would taste like? These chocolatiers have imagined the solar system as decadent chocolates. Each planet has its unique fillings. It’s sweet chocolate sets to savor!
Cube Brain Teaser
The ghost cube seems like just another puzzle, like a Rubik’s cube, but it’s so more much. It begins as a cube, and you can personalize it with your niece or nephew’s name. The trick is trying to get it back to being a cube once you’ve pushed the blocks out of formation. Harder than you think!
Shooting Game
It’s a classic shooting game with a high-tech twist. The targets are hovering in mid-air, so the aim is more difficult. Shoot your shot at the perfect moment to knock all five targets from their breezy perches
Sustainable pick
Stainless Steel Tumbler
There’s nothing as reassuring and sturdy as an insulated, well-made stainless-steel tumbler. One that you can put anything in to keep it cold or hot. Goldilocks would have loved this cup!
Bento Box
Originally from Japan, Bento boxes have replaced most traditional lunchboxes in the United States. They are compartmentalized, easier to stock with your favorite snacks, and stackable. Ergo, they simply make the most sense when packing lunch for whenever, wherever.
Sustainable pick
Fairy House Building Kit
Where do fairies live? Anywhere that your niece or nephew creates for them! These houses utilize elements of nature to make the perfect dream homes for fairy folk. Throw some glitter on the roof for added sparkle that the fae would love
Jar of Inspirational Notes
Everyone needs a little pick-me-up some days, and that’s what this jar of inspirational notes is all about. These are uplifting and motivational messages, ideal for giving someone a jolt of inspiration whenever they feel a little grumpy, blue, or upset.
Globetrotting Board Game
Trek the world with the whole family in a board game designed for travelers-to-be. You can explore the dozens of sights to see from the comforts of home. It’s a game to get young explorers excited about the possibilities of the world around them
Ice Cream Maker
Have you heard of slush puppies? They are delicious slushies in a wide range of flavors, but we are partial to tropical punch and cherry. This machine lets your niece or nephew create their own slush concoctions with ice and simple syrup
Giraffe Planter
Handcrafted from organic coconut fibers, this planter is shaped like an adorable giraffe, complete with cute spots. He stands tall and sturdy, ready to help your niece or nephew cultivate their green thumb.
Ferris Wheel Bird Feeder
Hummingbirds are so much fun to watch in the summertime. They are fleeting and quick, flitting from one place to another, but you can ensure that your backyard is filled with opportunities to see them with a Ferris wheel bird feeder. Fill it up, watch it turn, and wait for the birds to notice
Mini Clip Watch
Long-lasting and built for any adventure, this miniature clip-on watch is all-in-one for explorers. It clips to any looped surface, like a backpack or a belt, and it features a watch, compass, and navigational tool to help wilderness walkers get to where they need to go
Microscope Set
Have you ever seen a brine shrimp under a microscope? Have you ever had the morbid fascination to examine a droplet of blood under a lens? This microscope set instills a love of science! There are 10 pre-loaded slides and 10 blank slides for fascinating examinations!
Astronomical Puzzle Set
Piece together the moon, Earth, and Mars on a planetary puzzle of a few dozen pieces across three puzzles. Each one is a real photograph from NASA – challenging but fun!
Warm the Heart Gift Set
How do you get cozy and comfy on a night at home? For your niece or nephew, gift them a pair of warm, fluffy socks, some delicious, organic tea drops, and a puzzle to work on. It’s wholesome for a relaxing evening in
Etched Lamp
Sea turtles, starfish, and dolphins – oh my. These beautiful etched lamps are great nightstand must-haves for oceanographers or marine biologists-to-be. Or anyone that loves the ocean and all it’s amazing creatures
Sustainable pick
Upcycled Hoodie
Recycled at Made Trade is upcycled. They take one person’s trash and turn it into another person’s treasure. This handmade hoodie, for instance, is soft, warm, and eco-friendly – all good things for the beloved tree hugger in your life.
Bakeware Set
Baking is an art form, and many bakers learned their trade in childhood. Gift your niece or nephew with the opportunity to learn recipes and create delicious cookies, cakes, and pastries for the whole family
Moving Fishtail Clocks
No aquarium needed for these clownfish, koi, and trout! These are clocks, colorful and handmade with moving fishtails that swing from side to side with the tick tock of the clock. Ready to hang right out of the package!
Long Distance Friendship Lamp
If your niece or nephew is miles away, gift them one in a pair of friendship lamps to remind them that you’re always thinking of them. When the lamps are both turned on, you can press the side to change colors of the other lamp. It’s a forget-me-not gift.
Family Tree Heirloom Swing
Did you have a rope swing in your yard when you were growing up? Teach your niece or nephew how to cherish family and enjoy the outdoors with a rope swing that’s been engraved with family names. Handcrafted and professionally sealed against rotting and insects, this is a long-lasting keepsake
Checkers Game
Checkers is a classic game that’s fun to play and pass down through generations. Teach your niece or nephew how to play, let them win a few rounds, and then call a competition. Play fierce but fair.
Interactive Cloud Lamp
Does every cloud have a silver lining? Kinda – this interactive cloud has a pulsing lining of blue, red, green, and purple lights. It changes with the beat of music, hanging in a cumulus poof from your ceiling. It’s mesmerizing and beautiful!
DIY Model Monocular Telescope
Steampunk and telescopes seem to go hand-in-hand, and this DIY model is a piece-together 3D puzzle that brings old-world telescopes to life. Once built, it’s functional to an extent, but mostly for show. Would make a great conversation piece!
DIY Miniature House Kit Pet Shop
Dollhouses can be for anyone, and they are so much fun to put together. Arranging the furniture and getting everything perfect on the interior and exterior is part of the cathartic fun. This one, for instance, is a miniature pet shop, complete with pups and kitties to primp and place
Backyard Lawn Bowling Game
If bowling at the local alley is out of the question, bring the fun of pins and balls to your backyard. Set em’ up and knock em’ down! Challenge your family to a friendly bowling competition on the lawn!
HONBO Large Delta Kite
Remember Mary Poppins? “Let’s go fly a kite, up to the highest height.” Embody Mr. Banks and his giggling kiddos with a huge, colorful kite that soars in the slightest breeze. Would be perfection in the winds at the beach on a warm summer’s day
Trampoline
Trampolines have been around for what seems like forever, and they never lose their fun! This one is both small enough to be an indoor trampoline and large enough to accommodate outdoor playtime. Comes with a hoop for high-flying basketball, as well as an all-around net for safety.
