It’s that time of year to shop for the season’s top toys and games! Wondering what to get your niece, nephew or grandchild? We’ve compiled a list of the best gifts for kids at Barnes & Noble. Shop online or in-store for these great finds!
Top Toys and Games
This is a partnered post. All opinions are my own.
For the mini crafter:
Barnes & Noble offers many creativity and craft kits, like the Grow N’ Glow Terrarium. The box is filled with everything you need to make this fun mason jar craft. Your child will love watching their seeds grow into lively plants! It even has a night feature with glow in the dark stars. Find many other fun craft kits like the Spirograph classic set, jewelry making and sewing crafts too.
Geared towards children 8-11 the Rock and Gem Dig is the perfect starter kit for your child’s rock collection. The kit includes everything you need to discover and learn about rocks and gemstones – including a color poster.
For the master builder:
Lego’s and Star Wars – need I say more? These two popular companies offer your kids an adventure to a galaxy far, far away in these fun building kits! The Lego Star Wars kits allow children to build fun models they can see in the films. Choose from the Resistance X-Wing Fighter, Obi-Wan’s Jedi Interceptor, a Wookiee Gunship and so many more creative building kits!
The Thomas Kinkade Disney Dreams puzzles allow children to grow and learn while seeing their favorite characters in memorable scenes. Afterwards consider framing the puzzles and hanging them in your child’s bedroom. Either way, these Disney inspired puzzles are entertaining and fun for children.
For your little techy:
STEM toys are all the rage and for good reason. They inspire and educate kids on a whole new level! Kids as young as preschoolers can get in on the STEM toy action with Fisher Price’s Codeapillar. Preschoolers can arrange (and rearrange) the easy-to-connect segments in endless combinations to send Code-a-pillar™ on his path. It’s a great beginner toy for your budding tech lover.
Dash is a robot that is controlled by your tablet or smartphone. This robot toy combines interactive experiences with a foundation in computer programming. It’s perfect for kids ages 8 and up. Our boys love their Dash Robot!
For your active child:
Chrono Bomb is a super secret spy mission where kids create a “laser” field to crawl through. Your child will enjoy playing this game with friends and family. Build new courses and try to beat your best time!
Popular games for the whole family:
Pie Face by Hasbro is one of the hottest games around! See who wins the Pie Face showdown in this battling game! Other popular family games include: Trivial Pursuit: World of Harry Potter Edition, Bananagrams, Apples to Apples (a personal favorite of ours), Jenga and so many more favorites!
For the child who loves creative play:
Find character favorites like Paw Patrol, Thomas, and Minecraft in a huge selection of toys at Barnes & Noble! Your child will love creating an imaginative world with their favorite toys!
Barnes & Noble has a top 10 books list including:
1. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J. K. Rowling
2. Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier
3. Double Down (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series #11) by Jeff Kinney
4. Don’t Push the Button! by Bill Cotter
5. The Land of Stories: A Treasury of Classic Fairy Tales written by Chris Colfer and illustrated by Brandon Dorman
6. Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes by James Dean and Kimberly Dean
7. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie: Extra Sweet Edition written by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond
8. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, Robin Wasserman
9. Darkstalker (Wings of Fire: Legends)by Tui T. Sutherland
10. Gravity Falls: Journal 3 by Alex Hirsch, Rob Renzetti, Andy Gonsalves, Stephanie Ramirez
Being super fans of comics and superheroes, we had to add a superhero book to the list, so we chose this collection of 5 Minute Stories featuring DC Super Friends!
In addition to great holiday gifts, Barnes & Noble stores nationwide will host a special in-store Polar Express storytime event packed with tons of hot cocoa, coloring, and more. Come in your pajamas and join us as we get in the holiday spirit! Find your local Polar Express Pajama Storytime date online here.
Find other Top Toys and Games for kids in the Barnes & Noble 2016 Holiday Gift Guide!
The boys had a blast helping me select the best toys and games at Barnes & Noble! In collaboration with Barnes & Noble – we want you to be ready for the shopping season, so we’re giving away a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card!
Giveaway Time!
Enter below for your chance to win a $50 B&N Gift Card!
Not sure how to enter my giveaways?
You Are Also Going to Love:
Sand says
I like the star wars legos.
Jerry Marquardt says
I will be buying some X-Box Star Wars games this year for the holidays for my nephew.
AEKZ2 says
I’d like to own the Grow N’ Glow Terrarium
Carolyn Daley says
I would choose the Marshall’s Fire Fighting Truck for my nephew because he absolutely loves Paw Patrol.
Richard Hicks says
I might get the Star Wars micro fighters
Vikki Billings says
I might buy the Paw Patrol toy, my granddaughter Alivia LOVES Paw Patrol!
Paula Michele Hafner says
My son would love the Lego Star Wars set. It’s his two favorite things in one.
Michelle H. says
I think my kids would enjoy Chrono Bomb.
BRIAN E. says
My daughter has her eye on this one: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J. K. Rowling
DanV says
We might get the Lego Star Wars Resistance X-Wing Fighter
Meagan Kirkland says
Would love the rock and gem dig
Elizabeth H. says
Jenga Boom looks fun!!
Tiffany Hearn says
My daughters would love Pie Face Showdown! It looks like a lot of fun!
Philip Lawrence says
I would most likely purchase the Smithsonian Rock and Gem Dig.
Roxann says
I want to get Pie Face Showdown. My grandson would love it!
Angela says
I would get Thomas KinkadeDisney Dreams puzzle for my little girl. 🙂
tridingermckee says
I definitely want to get the Pie Face Showdown game. This looks hilarious and with my rambunctious bunch, it will be such a great time.
Liz Lew says
Puzzles for sure
jim Rector says
grow n glow terarium
starlabates says
Wow! So many amazing choices to choose from. I think I would definitely go with the Grow N’ Glow Terrarium!
thrivesensibly says
Code a Pillar!
Lesley F says
My granddaughter would love the Paw Patrol fire truck!
Breanne says
I like the Rock and Gem Dig
Daniel G. says
I’d get darkstalker
casey everidge says
we would love pie face showdown
Kyl Neusch says
the Lego Star Wars kits
Alaina (@loveh1979) says
I’d get the Grow N’ Glow Terrarium
Julie Hawkins says
I would get the pieface showdown game, because I think my kids would love it
Tammie Venne says
Even though my husband would rather he get the Star Wars toy, I would want the Grow N’ Glow Terrarium for my girls
Kathy Pease says
I would purchase the grow and glow terrarium..That looks so cool!
jules m. says
i would buy Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay for my daughter!
Marc says
I’d like the DC Super Friends 5-Minute Stories for my great nephew.
amyd29amy delong says
pie face game,my kids would love it
Amy Deeter says
I would love to get the Pie Face.Looks like a fun game
Sheryl says
My best friend loves to put puzzles together with her mom during the winter. I would get the Thomas Kinkade Disney Dream puzzles for her.
Janine Hwang says
My son loves paw patrol so I’d get the fire fighting truck
sarah mayer says
I love the Fisher Price Codeapillar!
nicole c says
I would purchase the Grow N’ Glow Terrarium.
clynsg says
The Lego Star Wars kit would be a hit with my grandson.
Pat B says
I think the Pie Face Showdown would be great for my granddaughter.
Lu Ann Mahan says
Pie Face Showdown
Bridgett Wilbur says
I would get the lego star wars for my son.
traymona says
My grandson would like pie face showdown game
Beth Klocinski says
I would buy the Star Wars Legos
Cheryl Repeta says
I would like Pie Face Showdown
Brooke Allen says
My boy would love the Star Wars Legos.
Tee Anderson says
The pie in the face games would be great fun.
Shirley Hicks says
oie face showdown
engelsigh JenniferG says
I have been checking out the terrarium for a few weeks now
K.A. May says
Rock and Gem Dig
Melissa says
The Lego Star Wars kits are so cool! 🙂
sarahacool says
I would love If You Give a Mouse a Cookie: Extra Sweet Edition
[email protected]
Angela Ash says
I would most likely purchase the Grow N’ Glow Terrarium not just as a gift but for myself. I would have loved something like this as a kid and even now as an adult. I really like the glow in the dark stars.
Christie says
I would for sure buy pieface showdown.
Alison says
That Jenga Boom game looks pretty cool! I remember when I got my first Jenga game when I was in elementary school. It would be cool to get that new version.
Kathryn C says
I know my niece would absolutely love Pete the Cat
thischickwins says
i’d get the code a pillar, its so cool that preschoolers can learn about this kind of thing
peter gladue says
Dash Robot!, I’ll end up playing with it
Tracy Heyer says
Double Down by Jeff Kinney
Stephanie Liske says
Chrono Bomb sounds super fun!
Leela says
Double Down (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series #11) by Jeff Kinney.
Stephanie Phelps says
I will probably being buying the Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes
Melissa L says
I would choose the code-a-pillar, because I love toys that are educational!
angel320 says
I would choose the Thomas Kinkade Disney Dreams puzzle….we love doing puzzles together
Lori Sadelack says
Book “Ghosts”
Jacquelyn Burns says
Oh definitely, “Pie Face”.
Kate S says
I’d go with the Fisher Price’s Codeapillar!
Randi Cook says
Paw Patrol, or Thomas as I have a new grandchild on the way.
Jennifer J says
I would get the Smithsonian Rock and Gem Dig. My nephew is currently digging archeology. Thanks!
deana dietrich says
I would most likely get the Pie Face. Def a great family game.
Robin says
I like the Pie Face Showdown.
Vidya P says
Code a pillar for our budding techies
Laura Schrillo says
My son would love the pie in the face game
Ed says
Grow N’ Glow Terrarium would be my item of choice.
Ty Beth Arierg says
The Thomas Kincade Disney Dreams puzzles.
Sarah Hall says
It would be the Lego Star Wars as my grandson loves them.
Avis Baker says
Pie face looks like fun.
Sharonc says
I would be most likely to purchase the Rock and Gem Dig for my 9 yr old granddaughter. She is getting a rock polishing kit for a gift this year and I think she would love this.
Donna says
I like the Classic Fairytales – brings back memories.
Larry says
Rock and Gem Dig
kim hardy says
I would get the codepillar
Jeff j Faulkner says
chromo bomb looks like so much fn
Mark Marville says
Hasbro pie face game!
susan smoaks says
our son would like to get the dash robot. it looks like fun.
Jeanne White says
I would love the CodeAPillar for my Granddaughter.
Yvonne Delgado says
Chrono Bomb and Pie in the Face. Both games my kids would enjoy and get a kick out of playing them.
Karla R. says
I would purchase the Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes.
Angela Thorpe says
I’d like to get Pie Face Showdown
Francine Anchondo says
Pie Face Showdown bought it already for my daughter.
Daniel M says
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J. K. Rowling
marilynnawara says
The Think & Learn Code-a-piller looks like a terrific gift for my grandson. I think my granddaughter would enjoy the Smithstonian Rock & Gem set.
Gabrielly says
I’d love to get the Dash Robot.
Jennifer Rote says
Lego Star Wars and Pie Face Showdown would be huge hits here.
Cheryl says
I will most likely purchase the Dash Robot.
Erica B. says
Pie face would be fun!
Kathleen says
The Pie Face Showdown would likely be what I would purchase.
kport207 at gmail dot com
Teresa A Thompson says
Paw Patrol would be on top of the list.
coopersmommy says
I would love to get Dash the Robot for my son.
Pat says
I would get the Smithsonian Rock and Gem Dig
bearfighting says
The Dash Robot looks super cool!
Terry Stevens says
I would most likely purchase the Star Wars Legos.
Gennie Lancaster says
I will probably buy Pie Face Showdown.
susitravl says
I’d get my niece the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie: Extra Sweet Edition
Lauren says
I would purchase the Star Wars Legos for my son.
Alex W. says
The pie face showdown game!
Bridget Combs says
I would get the terrarium, my kids would love it
Alicia Webster says
My son would love the Chrono Bomb the most.
Courtney says
Darkstalker!
Natalie S says
The Pie Face game looks like a whole lot of fun for the family!
Barbara Riffe says
Fisher Price’s Codeapillar would be perfect for my little one.
Jaime says
Pie Face Showdown!
Nicole B says
Lego Star Wars!
Lori Walker says
I’d like the Harry Potter Clue game.
Lisa V. says
My granddaughter really likes Paw Patrol.
John OBrien says
Number 1, Fantastic Beasts…(still want to see the movie too)
Susan Chester says
I would like to purchase TheThomas Kinkade Disney Dreams puzzle.
Janet Woodling says
Pie Face Showdown
John Kivlen says
Everyone loves Legos So I would pick that
Jill Rivera says
Grow N’ Glow Terrarium. is the toy I would choose for my granddaughter.
Danielle Day says
The rock and gen kit my nephew loves doing that.
liz kerr says
The Paw Patrol firetruck is adorable.
Sonya Morris says
The Paw Patrol toys for sure! My little girl is crazy about the show and toys!
Chrystal D says
The Grow n Glow Terrarium would be my choice!
mrsmchappell says
My oldest daughter would love the Thomas Kinkade Disney Dreams puzzles!
Belinda Shaw says
My grandkids would enjoy the Rock & Gem kit
Brandy c says
I would probably get the Grow and Glow Terrarium.
Merry says
My boys would love the Lego Microfighter set the best
Charlene S. says
I would get the LEGO Batman Movie Mr. Freeze Ice Attack.
carla g says
my kids would love the rock and gem dig. I’m actually making them each one for Christmas with gems and minerals I’ve purchased.
Shayna says
I WOULD PROBABLY BUY THE Fisher Price’s Codeapillar 🙂
Rochel S says
The Pie Face Showdown!
Leslie V. says
I would get gravity falls journal 3 . I’m honestly so obsessed with the show ?
Denise B. says
I would get the “Code-A-Pillar”.
Mandala says
We would enjoy playing the Pie Face Showdown and Jenga.
Jenny Q. says
I like the pie face showdown for my son.
Derek says
The Thomas Kincade puzzles
Allison Swain says
We will probably buy the Lego Sets. Thanks for the chance to win
Candace Miller says
My kids 6 and 8 would love chrono bomb.
Kristi C says
I would most likely purchase Chrono Bomb.
scarlette says
thomas kincaide
patricia skinner says
I like the Paw Patrol Fire Truck. I have a few grandsons who would love those toys.
Crystal S says
Probably the pie face game. It looks like so much fun!
terry maigi says
Pie Face would be a huge hit in our house!
cheryl s says
the paw patrol toys are cute
Cynthia says
My kids want Pie face.
Dandi D says
I think my son would really enjoy the Grow an Glow Terrarium.
Dawn Monroe says
I would buy my granddaughter Peppa Pig puzzles and books. Pie Face is on her list.
Ellie Wright says
Pie Face showdown for my boys.
Emily R. says
I would pick the Rock and Gem Dig! My son would really enjoy it.
Tiffany Dayton says
Books for me and my niece Bianca who just turned 9 and loves to read.
Tabathia B says
jenga boom or dash robot
Joy F says
Star Wars legos.
Sarah Hayes says
the paw patrol fire truck looks like a great gift option
Ashley C says
I love the Fisher Price Codeapillar! So fun for my niece!
Heather D says
My daughter would be all about the Terrarium. Hard choice though. They have more things than I realized.
Kristy Graboski says
Paw Patrol toy!
Kathleen says
The Rock and Gem Dig looks sweet!
latanya t says
dragon ball z books
Jaclyn Reynolds says
The rock and gem dig for my younger boys!!
Adrienne says
I would look for some board books for my 1 year old.
beth shepherd says
My son would love the new harry potter book or the lego star wars kit. Thank you
Kristin C says
My daughter loves Paw Patrol so I’d have to go with that.
Lasonda says
I would choose the Lego Star Wars kit.
Renee Grosskreuz says
The lego set
Alison King says
The Paw Patrol Marshall’s fire truck, my nephew loves Marshall.
Tracey Ashland says
I like the Thomas Kinkade Disney Dreams puzzles.
crystle tellerday says
none
d schmidt says
I am most like to purchase either Jenga or the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie: Extra Sweet Edition
Marsali A says
We love the Kinkade Disney puzzles! so beautiful
Chase says
I would take my daughter and son and let them pick whatever they wanted.
annepl (@chanipl) says
the Fisher Price’s Codeapillar. love STEM toys
Simone says
I would get the Thomas Kinkade Disney Dreams puzzles. I’ve always loved his artwork.
Brad says
I think my kids would have fun with Chrono Bomb
amie d says
The Grow N’ Glow Terrarium looks really neat!
Dwayne Berry says
My daughter would probably like the Smithsonian Rock and Gem Dig. My sister is a Geologist, so my little girl has gotten a little bit interested in that kind of thing.
Jennifer b says
Pie face showdown for sure. I have been wanting to play it with the kids
Lady Noire says
We prefer books, but the Smithsonian one looks cool.
Brittney House says
My son would love some Star Wars legos.
Grey says
I would most likely purchase the Lego Star Wars set
Seyma Shabbir says
Chrono Bomb looks like a fun game!
Seyma Shabbir says
The book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay!! Looks like a great book!
Susan Smith says
The Pie Face Showdown looks like a cute game.
Elena says
I would get the Thomas Kinkade puzzle
Mary Gardner says
I would purchase the pie in the face game because my kids would have so much fun with it!
Dan Dykstra says
Jenga Boom is fun to play
heather s says
The paw patrol truck for my nephew
Kelly D says
I would buy the Lego Star Wars kit.
jeremy mclaughlin says
The pie face show down.
Accontests6 says
Chronobomb
Jenny Scheldberg says
The Pie Face Showdown looks so fun! It would be nice to get a game the whole family can play.
Courtnie Miller says
I love the Grow N’ Glow Terrarium.
Rachel says
I might buy the Paw Patrol toy.
laura bernard says
The paw patrol truck for my 2 year old!
Cindy Peterson says
The codeapillar would be great for the youngest in our family. STEM toys are so important.
Tara Darity says
I would get the pie face game!! My kids think that would be fun!!
savhadden says
Pie face showdown!! Last year we got the original Pie Face, this year we want the showdown!
Will G says
Jenga Boom sounds like a good option to buy!
meghan says
Would love Jenga boom!
Elle says
I’d be most likely to purchase the Lego set.
Sam K says
I’d be most likely to purchase Don’t Push the Button! 🙂
Elizabeth Drake says
Gravity Falls Journal 3, I loved that series.
john says
We already have the codeapillar hidden in our house.
Debbie F says
I love science and hope my son will too so I’d go with the Rock and Gem Dig! 🙂
thanks
Char says
The legos would be the best for my lil guy, thank you so much!
Tiffany S says
I would probably get the pie face showdown because i think it would be really fun to play with the family.
gena viggiani says
pie face showdown! awesome!
evelyn says
I think the creativity for kids. My sons an explorer
Steve Weber says
I would get the Thomas Kinkade puzzle.
Our family loves puzzles.
ColleenMarie82 says
Pie Face is a game my kids have on their list.
Tamra H says
I would probably buy the think and learn code-a-pillar!
al says
Acutally, we just want the books.
Stacie H says
The Pie Face Showdown game would be a big hit at our house.
Amanda Lea says
I usually go for educational toys but my daughter requested the pie face showdown so I think I would grab that!!
Adrienne Gordon says
I like the Lego Star Wars kits.
Christopher Mason says
Dash Robot, my daughter loves robots.
Kim Niland says
DC Super Friends Five Minute Stories
Wendy R. says
Chrono Bomb would be a great gift! Looks like a lot of fun.
Jeanne Rousseau says
Pie Face Showdown, I haven’t had a chance to play this, but looks so funny!
Debbie N says
My son loves lego so I would most likely buy the Star Wars Lego set.
Julie says
I’d like to get Pie Face Showdown! It looks like so much fun.
Charity Cram says
I would like to buy the Thomas Kinkade Disney Dreams puzzles most! Thank you for the chance to win!
Denise M says
The Code a Pillar
Patricia Crowley says
My nephew would love the Lego Star Wars Microfighter!
Linda G. says
I would get the Lego Star Wars set.
Mary Beth Elderton says
The Pie Face looks like fun.
rickel bart says
i like the thomas kinkade puzzle
Kristina Potter says
The Chrono Bomb, my son wants that really bad, lol
Tammy Randolph says
I would most likely buy the pie face showdown
robyn paris says
I most likely would get the dash robot.
Natalie says
I would buy the Thomas KinkadeDisney Dreams puzzle for my niece.
Lauryn R says
I definitely want to get the Fisher Price’s Codeapillar for my babg girl! 🙂
Crystal F says
My daughter would love the Grow N’ Glow Terrarium so I would maybe get that. Thank you!
Erika W. says
My son would love the Lego set. He would also like the Rock and gem dig.
shelly peterson says
I would buy Pie Face for my grandson.
Debbi Wellenstein says
Pie Face Showdown sounds like a lot of fun for my family!
Denise L says
Chrono Bomb! My son would absolutely love that.
jjohnson46 says
I will be purchasing Pie Face for my kids! They have this on their Christmas list!
LauraJJ says
Oh the Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes has to be on our Christmas list! We love the Pete the Cat books! They always make us laugh!
Kristen says
I’d like to get Dash Robot.
Patricia says
Mine would love to build a terrarium or be an excavator.
Janet W. says
I would most likely purchase the Paw Patrol vehicle and the other characters from this list for my grandson!
Cynthia R says
Well I just so happened to have already purchased Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J. K. Rowling for Christmas. May get the Smithsonian Rock and Gem Dig set too.
mita says
I would get the Thomas Kinkade puzzle
Cynthia C says
I think I would get the Codeapillar for my little niece.
Mary Cloud says
My kids would probably like the Pie Face Showdown Game
tat2gurlzrock says
This is a great list. I really like the Grow N’ Glow Terrarium!
bernie wallace says
I would be most likely to buy the Thomas Kinkade Disney puzzles. Thanks for the giveaway. I hope that I win.
McKim says
I would most likely get the Star Wars Legos.
rosepetalsinthesea says
I’d purchase the Grow N’ Glow Terrarium. – HilLesha
nickie says
The Grow N’ Glow Terrarium.
Ann Fantom says
I would like to get my daughter the Grow N’ Glow Terrarium.
Tamra Phelps says
My youngest nephew really wants Pie Face Showdown. I suspect I will be getting that!
grandgiveaways says
I would get the Thomas Kinkade puzzle.
Thomas Murphy says
I like the Lego Star Wars kits
Danielle Wood says
I would most likely get pie face showdown, my kids have been asking for that game for a while now
Keri Justice says
I would be most likely to purchase the paw patrol fire truck for my son!
Margaret Smith says
I’d love to get the Dash Robot