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Gifts for families who bike

Our 2026 holiday gift guide: bikes and gear for little riders and the grown-ups who ride with them, sorted by age.

Gift-giving tips

Size it in secret

Measure the inseam of a pair of pants that fit them well, and use the size chart in our Kids' Bike Guide. No tape measure, no spoiled surprise. See the size chart.

Build it before the big day

Many bikes arrive partly assembled. Put it together, and check the brakes and tire pressure, before it goes under the tree.

Wrap the helmet

A bike is hard to wrap. Wrap the helmet or bell instead, with a note pointing to the bike in the garage.

Don't size up to grow into it

A bike that's too big is harder to ride and less safe. Buy the size that fits now.

We don't earn anything from these links; they go straight to each maker's own page. Prices change, so check the current price there.

For toddlers (about 1½–3)

A first balance bike is the classic big gift at this age, and a helmet in their favorite color makes it official.

Balance bike

Strider 12 Sport

About 18 months–4 years

  • Very light and simple
  • Seat and handlebars adjust a long way as kids grow

$ · under $250

See it at Strider

Balance bike

woom GO 1

About 18 months–3½ years

  • Light frame with a low step-through
  • Hand brake sized for small hands

$ · under $250

See it at woom

We use this

Kids' helmet

woom READY Kids' Helmet

About 1–14 years (3 sizes)

  • Magnetic buckle and a low back for extra coverage
  • Optional rear light clips on

$ · under $250

See it at woom

For a first pedal bike (about 4–6)

The jump to pedals is a big moment. Look for a light bike with hand brakes sized for small hands.

First pedal bike

Guardian 16"

About 4–6 years

  • SureStop: one lever brakes both wheels, made so the bike won't flip
  • No coaster brake, so starting is easier

$ · under $250

See it at Guardian

First pedal bike

woom GO 3

About 4–6 years

  • Light, with kid-sized hand brakes
  • No coaster brake, so starting is easier

$$ · $250–$600

See it at woom

Bike bell

Knog Oi Classic

Most handlebars (check the size)

  • Small and easy for kids to ring
  • Clear, friendly ring

$ · under $250

See it at Knog

For big kids (about 6–8)

Gears for hills, lights for longer rides, and a helmet they'll actually want to wear.

20" bike

woom GO 4

About 6–8 years

  • Light for its size
  • Seven easy-to-use gears for hills

$$$ · $600–$3,000

See it at woom

Kids' helmet

Thousand Kids Helmet

Kids about 5 and up

  • One-hand magnetic buckle
  • Styles kids want to wear

$ · under $250

See it at Thousand

Bike lights

Knog Plus (front and rear set)

Any bike

  • Small and bright, with flashing modes
  • Charges by plugging straight into USB

$ · under $250

See it at Knog

For parents who ride with little ones

Gear that gets the whole family out the door: a seat, a trailer, a tag-along, and a lock for the playground stop.

We use this

Rear child seat

Thule Yepp Nexxt 2 Maxi

Toddlers and preschoolers, up to 40 lb

  • Light seat with a magnetic, childproof buckle
  • Padded five-point harness and adjustable footrests

$$ · $250–$600

See it at Thule

We use this

Front child seat

Thule Yepp 2 Mini

About 9 months–3 years

  • Child rides up front where you can talk
  • Mounts on the handlebar stem

Heads up from us: Our front Yepp sits right where my husband's knees go, so he rides with his knees out. If you're tall, check the knee room on your bike before you buy.

$ · under $250

See it at Thule

Bike trailer

Thule Chariot Cross 2

1–2 kids (single or double)

  • Covered from sun and rain, with adjustable suspension
  • Converts to a stroller

$$$ · $600–$3,000

See it at Thule

Tag-along

Burley Kazoo

About 4–10 years

  • Kids pedal along and learn road sense
  • Comes with its own rear rack; check it fits your bike

$$ · $250–$600

See it at Burley

Folding lock

ABUS Bordo 6000K

Any bike

  • Folds small and mounts on the frame
  • Much harder to cut than a cable

$ · under $250

See it at ABUS

Big family gifts

For a family ready to swap some car trips for bike rides. See the Family E-Bike Guide to compare setups. Compare setups.

Longtail cargo e-bike

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5

1–2 kids

  • A lower-priced longtail with room for two kids on the back
  • Ships as Class 2, with a throttle

$$$ · $600–$3,000

See it at Rad Power Bikes

Compact longtail cargo e-bike

Tern GSD

1–2 kids

  • Carries a lot but is about as long as a regular bike, and parks upright
  • Electrical system certified to UL 2849

$$$$ · over $3,000

See it at Tern

Front-box cargo e-bike

Urban Arrow Family

Up to 3 kids

  • Kids ride in front with seat belts, in view
  • Foam box designed to protect them

$$$$ · over $3,000

See it at Urban Arrow

Stocking stuffers

Small, inexpensive and guaranteed to get used.

Bike bell

Knog Oi Classic

Most handlebars (check the size)

  • Small and easy for kids to ring
  • Clear, friendly ring

$ · under $250

See it at Knog

Questions gift-givers ask

What's a good first bike gift for a toddler?

A balance bike, for most kids about 18 months to 3 years. It has no pedals, so kids learn to balance first, and many move straight to a pedal bike later without training wheels. Add a helmet that fits.

How do I pick a bike size without measuring my child?

Measure the inseam of a pair of pants that fit them well, then use a size chart. Inseam matters more than age. Brands differ, so check the brand's own chart too.

What are good stocking stuffers for kids who bike?

A bell, handlebar streamers, spoke beads, reflective helmet stickers, a small water bottle, or kids' sunglasses with a strap. They're inexpensive and get used on every ride.

Should I buy a bigger bike so my child can grow into it?

No. A bike that's too big is harder to control and less safe. Buy the size that fits now; many kids' bikes have seats and handlebars that adjust as they grow.

Then take it for a spin

Find paved paths away from cars, with playgrounds and restrooms close by, in the Family Trail Guide.