I had so much fun curating this gift guide of the perfect toys and games for global kids of all ages. If your child loves learning about the world (or you want them to), read on for my suggestions of the best toys, books, and gifts. I’ve organized the guide by age to make it easy to browse.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links I earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclosure policy here. 

Global Kids Gifts for Babies and Toddlers

My Big Barefoot Book of Spanish and English Words

This bilingual word book takes you way beyond typical word book with over 700 people, places, and things labelled in both languages. Kids follow a multicultural family through their day and learn a lot about the world along the way. This book was my son’s favorite for at least two years! (Recommended for ages 2 – 6)

Raising a French speaker? Check out My Big Barefoot Book of French and English Words

 

Maya Organic Wooden Dog Pull Toy (fair trade)

This beautiful eco-friendly, wooden toy is made by artisans in India for Maya Organic, a fair trade certified company. (Recommended for 18 months to 4 years)

Putumayo Kids World Singalong CD

Putumayo Kids is my go to source for introducing children to world music.  It includes eleven global kids’ favorites, some of which you may know, like an “La Cucaracha” and “Waltzing Matilda.” (Recommended for all ages)

Counting with Frida/Contando con Frida Bilingual Book

Toddlers learn to count in both English and Spanish , while experiencing art, with the help of famed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. (Recommended for ages 2 – 5)

Related Post: Feminist Kids Gift Guide

 

Global Kids Gifts for Preschoolers

Little Passports Early Explorers Subscription

My son started receiving his Early Explorers subscription from Little Passports when he was three, and he absolutely loves it. The first month, kids get a colorful, sturdy suitcase to keep their future packages in, plus a large wall map, stickers, and an activity book. Each month after that, they receive a package based on themes such as landmarks, natural wonders, music, and art. Each package includes souvenirs, stickers, postcards, trading cards, an activity booklet, and more.  You can read our family’s full review in this post. (Recommended for ages 3 – 5).

Related Post: Toy and Gift Ideas for Children Who Love Dinosaurs

Hape Sushi Wooden Play Set

Little global chefs in the making will love pretending to prepare, serve, and eat sushi with this realistic wooden set. As with all of Hape’s toys this set is made from sustainably managed forests and recycled plastic. (Recommended for ages 3 – 6)

Barefoot Books Global Adventure Kit

The Barefoot Books Global Adventure Set includes a World Atlas that features fun lift the flaps, a World Atlas sticker book, Cities of the World memory game that identifies some of the world’s greatest landmarks, Barefoot Books Children of the World, and the Global Kids deck, which includes 50 games, crafts, and activities. (Recommended for ages 4 – 10 ).

Fair friend fox stuffy (fair trade)

This handmade cotton plush comes with a customizable adoption card where you learn more about the hands (women artisans in India) who made this fair trade gift, plus all of Fox’s favorite things. See also fair friend Capybara and fair friend Turya Turtle.

Fair Trade Guatemalan Worry Dolls (fair trade)

According to Guatemalan tradition, children can tell their worries to these dolls each night before placing them under their pillows. By morning, the dolls will have taken their worries away! This set is handmade by Guatemalan artisans through Ten Thousand Villages’ fair trade certification. (Recommended for ages 3 to 6)

Related Post: Gift Guide: Best Picture Books for Every Interest

Fair Trade Galimoto Girl on a Bicycle (fair trade)

In many different African countries, children make galimoto push toys from wooden sticks and wires. Children can watch this galimoto girl’s legs pedal as the bicycle wheels move. The toy is handmade by artisans in Kenya under Ten Thousand Villages fair trade certification. You can find a galimoto boy on a bicycle here. (Recommended for ages 3 to 8)

You might pair this toy with the book Galimoto by Karen Lynn Williams, about a Malawian boy who makes his own galimoto.

I Never Forget a Face Memory Match Game

Children will sharpen their memory skills and spatial intelligence as they match 24 sets of faces from all around the world. Country names are included, so playing this name next to a globe or world map would add another layer of learning and fun. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8)

Related Post: Best Educational Gifts for 3 and 4 year olds under $35

Fun and Games: Everyday Play by Celeste Cortright and Sophie Fatus

Follow a diverse group of children as they enjoy their favorite games! Readers can delight in familiar play like hide-and-seek to more unusual activities like tangrams, all while learning about the importance of taking turns and participating. Includes educational endnotes about the cultural origins of the featured games and toys.

Browse all of Barefoot Books’ global books for children here.

Global Kids Gifts for Elementary Aged Children

Little Passports World Edition Subscription

Like Little Passports Early Explorers, this subscription service helps kids experience the world. In this edition, elementary aged global kids focus on one country each month. The first month includes the child’s suitcase, a large wall map with countries rather than just continents, a passport, and access to online activities. Each month after that, kids receive souvenirs, activity sheets, stickers, photos, and access to online activities about the featured country for that month.  (Recommended for ages 6 – 10)

Origami Extravaganza!

This origami kit includes 38 beginner and intermediate projects, plus more than 160 origami papers (Recommended for ages 8 +).

Mancala Game (fair trade)

In this two player strategy game is played in many different African countries under various names, and I can attest that it’s addictive! Each player tries to capture more stones than their opponent. (Recommended for ages 8+)

Cooking Class: Global Feast children’s cookbook

Purchase from Bookshop

These delicious recipes from 44 different countries are designed for kid chefs who are new to the kitchen. The cookbook also includes a pop-up passport and stickers! (Recommended for ages 8+ if child is cooking alone; can be used with younger ages with assistance.)

Brainbox Let’s Learn Spanish game

This fast-paced visual memory game teaches kids Spanish vocabulary for everyday situations, with two levels for beginners and more experienced Spanish learners. (Recommended for ages 8+)

Shesham Wood Travel Chess Set (fair trade)

Take your chess game on the go with this beautiful travel sized chess set made from shesham wood by Indian artisans through Ten Thousand Villages fair trade certification program.

Ravensburger Globe 3D Puzzle

This 180 piece globe puzzle has curved plastic pieces so that it fits into a smooth 3D shape, and it includes a rotation stand so your children can display their work for all to see.