The Ultimate Architecture & Design Gift Guide for Every Age
Looking for the perfect gift for a young builder, creative thinker, or design-lover in your life? Whether you’re shopping for curious preschoolers, budding architects, hands-on teens, or educators who appreciate design, this guide highlights architecture and design gifts for every age group. From building blocks to design books to creative tools, these ideas inspire imagination and a love of making.
Gift Ideas for Ages 4-6: Little Builders
What They Need at This Stage
Ages 4-6 are all about hands-on exploration and imaginative storytelling. Gifts should encourage open-ended building, sensory play, fine motor skills, and early design thinking.
Gift Ideas
Just Blocks – Encourage open ended play with these block sets.
Blockitecture – A block set designed for future architects
Build a Skyscraper Card Set- Simple cards that kids can put together to make their own skyscraper.
Fold Out Play House – A fold-out book that transforms into a 3D play house.
Boxitects – Nothing’s better than building with boxes!
Maybe I’ll be an Architect - What will you be when you grow up?
Quick Tip for This Age
Look for gifts with big pieces, bold colours, and flexible play, not step-by-step instructions.
Gift Ideas for Ages 7-12: Budding Architects
What They Need at This Stage
Kids begin to think more spatially and love challenges. They’re ready for simple instructions, real materials, and activities that feel more “grown-up.”
Gift List
Makedo - Cardboard building kits for kids with big ideas!
Art Kits - Learn all kids of design skills with these fun art kits.
3D Wooden Puzzles - Perfect to finish and display!
Building Zaha – The story of the iconic architect, Zaha Hadid.
Rosie Revere, Engineer - A great book encouraging kids to bring their big ideas to life!
Architecture for Kids - A book of skill building activities for future architects.
Quick Tip for This Age
Gifts that require design and problem-solving resonate most.
Gift Ideas for Teens: Emerging Designers
What They Need at This Stage
Teens appreciate tools and materials that feel like the real thing. They’re ready to experiment with techniques, explore aesthetic preferences, and dive deeper into design.
Gift List
Floor Plan Board Game - Build the ultimate dream home in this board game!
Furniture Drafting Tools/Rulers - A quick and easy way to draft up dream floor plans.
Stix & Brix Model - What doesn’t love a fun 3D model kit?
Architecture for Teens - A beginner’s book for aspiring architects.
The Secrets of Lego House – Learn how the famous Lego House was built.
Archidoodle – The architect’s activity book, a great intro to architecture.
Quick Tip for This Age
Choose gifts that help teens express their voice and creativity, not just follow instructions.
Gift Ideas for Adults: Design Lovers
What They Need at This Stage
Adults appreciate thoughtful, beautifully designed items that inspire creativity and add aesthetic value.
Gift List
House of Notes - Go simple with this set of house notepads!
Lego - Lego has some amazing architecture kits or build your own!
Iconic Architecture Card Game - A simple game made to discover famous architecture.
Bauhaus - A reference book featuring iconic design around Germany.
Cabin Porn - A beautiful coffee table book full of cabin inspiration.
Architecture - A visual guide to all things architecture.
Quick Tip for This Age
Look for objects that are useful, timeless, or beautifully designed (ideally all three!)