Looking for a holiday gift that won't end up forgotten in a closet by February? Outdoor playground equipment is the gift that keeps kids active, engaged, and off screens for years to come. Whether your budget is $25 or $5,000+, there's something in this guide for every family on your list.
Here are our top picks for the 2026 holiday season, organized by category and budget.
Playset Accessories: Stocking Stuffers and Small Gifts
Already have a playset in the backyard? Accessories are a perfect way to refresh it and add new excitement without buying a whole new set.
Under $50
- Steering wheels and telescopes: Small add-ons that fuel imaginative play. Easy to install on any playset with a flat panel.
- Swing seat replacements: Upgrade a worn belt swing to a new color, or switch to a disc swing for a different ride.
- Chalk and outdoor art supplies: Pair with a playset chalkboard panel for creative outdoor fun.
$50–$200
- Rock climbing walls: Add a climbing challenge to an existing playset. Available in various sizes and grip configurations.
- Tire swings: A classic upgrade that accommodates multiple kids at once.
- Picnic tables: Kid-sized picnic tables that attach to or sit beside the playset for snack time and art projects.
Browse our full selection of playset accessories for more ideas.
Full Playset Sets: The Big Gift
If you're ready to go big this holiday season, a full playset is the ultimate family gift. It's a present the entire family will enjoy for 10–20 years.
- Compact sets ($1,500–$3,000): Perfect for smaller yards or younger children. Includes a slide, swings, and a platform with basic climbing features.
- Mid-range sets ($3,000–$6,000): Multi-activity sets with monkey bars, climbing walls, multiple slides, and fort areas. Ideal for families with kids across multiple age groups.
- Premium sets ($6,000+): Multi-tower systems with advanced features, multiple levels, and extensive accessory options. The ultimate backyard play destination.
Not sure which size or style is right? Use our design-your-own playset tool to configure the perfect set, or browse the full playset collection.
Holiday orders for spring installation are a great option — purchase now, schedule delivery and professional installation for when the weather warms up.
Trampolines: The Gift That Gets Everyone Bouncing
Trampolines are one of the most-requested gifts for kids of all ages — and they deliver serious exercise disguised as pure fun.
We recommend AlleyOOP trampolines for their industry-leading safety features, including DoubleBounce AirShock Technology and the Triple-Fail-Safe enclosure system. They're built to last and engineered to reduce impact forces, making them the safest option on the market.
- 10-foot round ($800–$1,200): Great for smaller yards and younger bouncers.
- 14-foot round ($1,200–$2,000): The most popular size for families. Plenty of room for kids and the occasional adventurous parent.
- Rectangle models ($2,000+): Higher bounce, more surface area, and the preferred choice for gymnasts and serious bouncers.
Explore our trampoline collection and find the right size for your yard.
Basketball Hoops: Year-Round Active Fun
A driveway basketball hoop is a gift that grows with your child. Adjustable-height systems accommodate players from age 5 through adulthood, making this a true long-term investment.
- Standard adjustable systems ($500–$800): Solid construction with height adjustment from 6 to 10 feet. Great for casual play and younger players.
- Heavy-duty systems ($800–$1,500): Thicker poles, tempered glass backboards, and pro-style breakaway rims. Built for serious players and heavy use.
- Stadium-quality systems ($1,500+): The ultimate home court experience with commercial-grade materials and maximum overhang for unobstructed play under the basket.
Shop our basketball hoop lineup and find the right system for your driveway.
Safety Surfacing: The Practical Gift
Not glamorous, but incredibly important. If there's a playset in the yard without proper surfacing underneath, rubber mulch or engineered wood fiber is a thoughtful, practical gift that protects kids from fall injuries.
Rubber mulch is durable, drains well, and holds its color for years. It's also easy to order and install — making it a great gift for grandparents or relatives looking for something useful.
Shopping Tips for Holiday Orders
- Order early: Popular items sell out during the holiday season. Place your order as early as possible to ensure availability.
- Consider spring installation: Large items like playsets and trampolines can be purchased now and scheduled for spring delivery and installation.
- Gift certificates: If you're not sure what to buy, a Bear Playgrounds gift certificate lets the recipient choose exactly what they want.
- Professional installation: Add installation to your gift for a truly turn-key experience.
Browse our full product catalog or visit our showroom in Mars, PA to see everything in person. Happy holidays from Bear Playgrounds!
