The holiday season is a whirlwind of twinkling lights, the smell of cookies baking, and the constant shuffle of little feet around the house. Amid the chaos, parents are always searching for ways to keep kids entertained, engaged, and screen-free. That’s where thoughtful games and crafts come in. They aren’t just ways to pass the time—they are opportunities for creativity, connection, and memory-making that can last far beyond the holidays. This guide brings together a collection of toys, puzzles, and crafts designed to spark imagination, encourage collaboration, and provide hours of festive fun for children and families alike.
In this guide, you’ll find classic favorites reimagined, like balancing penguins and invisible ink books, alongside modern innovations like electronic buzzer games and 3D art kits. Each selection has been chosen for its ability to challenge, delight, and inspire young minds. Some foster fine motor skills and strategic thinking, others encourage artistic expression or storytelling, and a few even spark friendly competition that will have the whole family laughing together. Whether you’re planning a cozy afternoon of crafts, a spirited family game night, or a holiday gathering with friends, these products are designed to make the season more joyful, creative, and memorable.
We’ve grouped the products by brand to make browsing easier. From timeless Mudpuppy puzzles and magnetic play sets to TreeTown Toys’ nostalgic invisible ink books and mesmerizing art kits, Skillmatics’ award-winning games, Loveté’s fashion DIY kits, and the playful, strategy-driven fun of Brass Monkey, Ultra PRO, Ageless Games, and Sky Castle Toys, there’s something here for every age and every type of play. Each product features thoughtful design, high-quality materials, and a focus on experiences that build skills, spark imagination, and create lasting memories. Get ready to explore the best in holiday games and crafts that go beyond screens and deliver true family entertainment.
Mudpuppy
Mudpuppy has long been a champion of imaginative, hands-on play, and this holiday season they offer a trio of standout products that perfectly capture their playful spirit. Start with the Penguin Stack-Up! Wooden Balance Game, a delightful challenge for hands and minds alike. Forty vibrantly painted wooden penguins await patient stacking, with each carefully weighted piece requiring precision and focus. Kids develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while adults inevitably join in, drawn by the thrill of building the tallest tower without triggering a comical avalanche. The smooth, durable wood feels satisfying to touch, and every toppling moment is a chance for laughter and learning. Whether played solo or in a competitive family round, the Penguin Stack-Up! transforms a simple table into an arena of suspense, giggles, and strategy.
Equally enchanting is the Enchanted Nutcracker Magnetic Play Set, designed by Kathryn Selbert. Housed in a colorful tin with ballerinas, mice, trees, and gifts, this set includes over forty magnetic pieces for endless storytelling possibilities. Children can mix and match characters, costumes, and holiday scenes, creating narratives inspired by the classic Nutcracker ballet or entirely new imaginative adventures. The magnets are strong enough for repeated play but easy for small hands to reposition, and the tin keeps everything neatly contained for travel or storage. Beyond its aesthetic charm, the play set fosters creativity, narrative development, and independent play, while the holiday theme adds a festive, cozy feel to afternoons of storytelling. The Enchanted Nutcracker encourages kids to invent, rearrange, and engage their imaginations in a structured yet whimsical way.
For a combination of puzzle-solving and festive exploration, the Christmas Market 64-Piece Search & Find Puzzle is a holiday favorite. As children assemble the quaint winter animal town, they encounter a visual feast of festive details—from tiny scarves and mittens to hidden candy canes and sleds tucked into the scene. Once complete, the puzzle doubles as a hidden-object challenge, encouraging observation, patience, and attention to detail. Each piece fits smoothly, ensuring repeated play and long-lasting enjoyment. This activity promotes collaboration, focus, and quiet concentration, while also providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment. The Christmas Market Puzzle brings together holiday cheer and cognitive engagement, making it an ideal activity for cozy afternoons by the fireplace.
Brass Monkey
Brass Monkey brings playful ingenuity to the holiday table with two standout items. The “Shrimpin’ Ain’t Easy” Origami Kit teaches the art of folding shrimp from high-quality paper, offering step-by-step instructions for intricate creations. This tactile activity encourages patience, dexterity, and creative problem-solving, delivering screen-free entertainment that is both challenging and fun. Meanwhile, the Debatable: Holiday Edition transforms family discussions into a game with 400 lighthearted topics—from which holiday movie reigns supreme to playful food debates. The game encourages humor, quick thinking, and friendly argumentation, all in the spirit of festive fun. Together, these products showcase Brass Monkey’s commitment to clever, engaging, and memorable family activities. Debatable and Shrimpin’ Ain’t Easy are perfect for kids and adults alike, offering creativity, strategy, and laughter in equal measure.
TreeTown Toys
TreeTown Toys brings a delightful mix of nostalgia and hands-on creativity to the holidays, offering products that engage children’s minds while keeping play screen-free. One standout is the CLASSIC Yes & Know Invisible Ink Books, a beloved activity that has thrilled kids for generations. Every page hides secret messages that can only be revealed with the included pen, turning reading and problem-solving into a magical, interactive experience. Children are encouraged to explore, discover, and engage in quiet focus, which makes these books perfect for bedtime, car trips, or moments when you need a calm, absorbing activity. The tactile thrill of uncovering hidden surprises fosters curiosity, fine motor skills, and patience, and it also invites parents to reminisce about their own childhood adventures with these same iconic books. The CLASSIC Yes & Know series is more than just a toy—it’s a bridge between generations, offering timeless fun that resonates with kids and adults alike.
Another creative gem from TreeTown Toys is the Art Café Pour & Pull Paint Craft Kit, which transforms ordinary painting into a mesmerizing experience. Inspired by latte art and the intricate designs of stylish coffee shops, the kit allows children to pour vibrant colors onto paintable lids and then pull them into intricate designs using a fine-tip pick. Each pour becomes a magical transformation as swirling, looping, and blending creates one-of-a-kind patterns. The tactile, hands-on experience promotes fine motor coordination, concentration, and artistic expression, while also teaching kids about color mixing, patience, and process-focused play. Finished artworks can be proudly displayed as decorative pieces, giving children a tangible reward for their creativity. With the Art Café kit, kids experience the joy of creating visually stunning art without the mess of traditional paints, all while developing valuable skills that extend beyond the holiday season.
Skillmatics
Skillmatics has two standout offerings for the holidays. First, the 3D Art Kit – Aqua Puffs Animals brings art to life in an extraordinary way. Children color cute animal designs and then add water to watch them puff up into three-dimensional creations. The kit includes markers, water pens, keychains, string, and instructions, allowing kids to transform their work into room decor or accessories. This mess-free, screen-free activity fosters fine motor skills, concentration, and imaginative play, making it a holiday favorite. The Aqua Puffs Animals kit is recognized by Parents Best Toys Awards and is suitable for ages 4–10.
Next, the Skillmatics Board & Card Game – First to 5 delivers fast-paced, competitive fun. Players race to write five words matching letter and category cards, using a wild card for added strategy. Designed for 2–8 players, this game encourages vocabulary building, creative thinking, and quick decision-making. Each round is short enough to maintain energy and excitement while keeping the family engaged. First to 5 is perfect for holiday gatherings, sleepovers, or casual evenings, offering interactive entertainment that brings everyone together.
Loveté
The Girls’ Activity Night Shoe Styling: Fashion DIY Kit from Loveté transforms a simple crafting session into a full-on celebration of creativity, self-expression, and friendship. Each kit includes everything four friends need to design unique sneakers using charms, laces, stickers, and accessories, making it perfect for sleepovers, birthday parties, or holiday gatherings. Beyond the fun of decorating, kids are encouraged to explore their personal style, combine colors and textures, and experiment with different patterns, boosting confidence and imagination with every design choice. Step-by-step video instructions guide children through the process, ensuring even novice crafters feel empowered to create something they’ll proudly wear. The tactile experience of handling charms, threading laces, and layering stickers is satisfying and develops fine motor skills, while collaborative play strengthens teamwork and social connection. Finished sneakers are more than just fashion statements—they become personal canvases, wearable proof of creativity and individuality. This kit doesn’t just entertain; it celebrates uniqueness, encourages problem-solving, and sparks conversation among friends about style choices, color coordination, and creative decisions. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon indoors or a planned craft night with friends, the Shoe Styling Kit brings energy, joy, and a sense of accomplishment to the holiday season.
Ultra PRO Entertainment
Ultra PRO’s One More? takes family game night to an entirely new level with fast-paced, buzzer-driven excitement that gets everyone involved. Designed for 2–4 players, the game challenges kids and adults to think quickly as they race to name items in over 300 categories before time runs out. Two modes—Kids and Family—ensure that younger players can participate without feeling overwhelmed, while older participants still enjoy the thrill of high-speed competition. The included virtual game master keeps gameplay smooth by reading questions, enforcing rules, and managing scores, allowing players to focus entirely on strategy and quick thinking. Each 15–20 minute round is perfectly timed to maintain energy, engagement, and laughs, making it ideal for holiday gatherings, weekend playdates, or rainy afternoons indoors. The flashing LED buzzer adds an extra sensory thrill, while the challenge of remembering categories under pressure builds memory, attention, and quick-thinking skills. With questions ranging from food items and animals to holiday themes, no two rounds feel the same, keeping players returning for “just one more” round. One More? encourages teamwork, friendly competition, and a sense of shared accomplishment, turning game night into an energetic and memorable experience.
Ageless Games
Yahtzee Slots from Ageless Games reimagines the classic dice game for players of all ages, with a particular focus on seniors and multigenerational family fun. This unique game blends familiar Yahtzee gameplay with a tabletop slot machine twist, allowing players to spin for bonus rolls, extra Yahtzees, and surprise rewards. The design is thoughtful: oversized dice, large-print scorecards, and easy-to-read rules make it accessible and enjoyable for older adults, while maintaining enough strategic depth to keep everyone engaged. Beyond entertainment, the game offers cognitive benefits, helping seniors maintain sharpness, memory, and critical thinking skills in an enjoyable, interactive way. The multiple gameplay modes- classic Yahtzee, slot-enhanced play, and quick Dice Drop—ensure variety. At the same time, the included Friends & Family Game Log encourages sharing moments, laughter, and stories that become lasting memories. Yahtzee Slots is ideal for holiday gatherings, grandparent-grandchild bonding, or casual solo play.
All or Nothing
The All or Nothing – Fast-Paced Dice & Strategy Game is the perfect holiday pick for families seeking a mix of luck, strategy, and quick thinking. With every roll of the dice, players must decide whether to take a safe move, block an opponent, or risk it all for victory, making each turn suspenseful and full of decision-making excitement. Easy enough for children to grasp yet challenging enough to keep adults engaged, this game bridges generations, creating a lively atmosphere at any holiday gathering or casual game night. The durable board, high-quality dice, and sturdy tokens add a tactile satisfaction to the gameplay. At the same time, the simple rules allow for rounds as short as 10 minutes, keeping energy levels high and attention focused. Perfect for group play, All or Nothing encourages strategic thinking, planning ahead, and learning from mistakes in a fun, low-pressure environment. Families can enjoy the thrill of racing to claim spaces on the board, employing tactics to outwit opponents, and celebrating both small wins and dramatic turnarounds.
Cricket’s Candy Creations x Hasbro
The Candy Land Candy Crafting Kits turn the beloved board game into a fully immersive, hands-on holiday experience. Kids and families can recreate the magical Candy Land worlds with edible creations, from Princess Lolly’s Lollipop Woods and Jolly’s Gumdrop Mountains to Plumpy’s Gingerbread Plum Trees and King Kandy’s Candy Castle. The Deluxe Kit accommodates 4–6 candy creators, offering a collaborative, multi-sensory adventure that combines art, imagination, and baking skills. Children mix, shape, and assemble candy elements while exploring spatial reasoning, fine motor coordination, and creativity. Decorating gumdrops, layering frosting, or building candy structures requires precision and patience, making it both educational and entertaining. Families will enjoy moments of shared pride and laughter as their edible landscapes take shape, turning the crafting process into an experience as sweet as the final products. Candy Land Candy Crafting Kits bridge generations, appealing to grandparents who remember the original board game and children who now get to taste and play in the candy-created worlds.
Vango Sixes & Ones
The Sixes & Ones game from Vango is a modern revival of the classic dice game, designed to bring spontaneous fun wherever you go. Compact and portable, the set includes an expandable rolling cup and six curated dice games that blend familiar formats with fresh, fast-paced twists, transforming any surface into a play space. Whether you’re at home, beachside, on a plane, or gathered around a campfire, Sixes & Ones makes it easy to spark laughter and friendly competition. Ideal for two or more players, it encourages connection, creativity, and quick thinking, making it perfect for game nights, holiday travel, or casual play with friends and family. Sleek, stylish, and functional, the set looks great on a coffee table and fits neatly in your bag so that you can take the fun anywhere. Each game encourages problem-solving, strategic thinking, and adaptability, all while fostering social interaction and bonding across generations. Sixes & Ones proves that a classic game can be reinvented for the modern world.
Sky Castle Toys
The Sticki Rolluxe by Sky Castle Toys is an innovative, all-in-one crafting and wearable sticker kit that transforms creative play into a full-on social experience. Riding the wave of Sticki Roll’s popularity, this kit allows kids to make their own necklaces, bracelets, and jewelry while collecting and sharing the included Sticki Rolls—trending holographic sticker sheets that are perfect for decorating walls, accessories, or personalizing the Rolluxe purse itself. Designed as a chic handbag with adjustable straps, the kit doubles as stylish storage, complete with removable pods for beads, cords, and stickers, making it ideal for craft parties, solo projects, or on-the-go fun. With the ability to create up to ten bracelets and two pendants, kids can experiment with colors, textures, and design combinations, fostering creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression. Sticki Rolluxe combines functionality, portability, and the latest trends in kid-friendly DIY crafts, turning every creative session into a stylish, interactive adventure.
From penguins teetering on precarious towers to invisible ink adventures, 3D art magic, personalized fashion, fast-paced family games, strategic dice challenges, and edible Candy Land creations, these picks bring together the best of screen-free entertainment. They encourage imagination, collaboration, skill-building, and creativity, while also giving families moments of shared joy, laughter, and discovery. Every toy, puzzle, and craft in this guide is designed to create meaningful memories, foster curiosity, and keep little hands busy in ways that matter. With this curated selection, your holiday season can be full of festive wonder, engaging play, and experiences that will be cherished long after the last ornament is packed away.
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