Gifts for twins come with a trap. Buy two of the same thing and you've treated two people as one. Buy two different things and someone always prefers the other one. Parents of twins have watched both happen at every birthday since the first.
Here's a way through it, plus seven ideas that work. Most of them avoid matching sets on purpose. One of them is made of matching pairs, and we think it earns the exception. It's the one we make.
Gifts for twins start with one question
Before you shop, decide which kind of gift this is: one for each twin, or one for both of them.
- One each, chosen separately. Different gifts that fit each child. This tells them you see them as two people. Ask the parents what each twin is into right now. The answers are often wildly different.
- One shared gift, chosen for the pair. Something built for two players or two builders. This celebrates the part of being a twin that's actually fun: there's always someone to play with.
Both work. What tends to flop is the middle option, two identical boxes with two identical bows. Twins get plenty of those. Older twins especially notice when a gift could have gone to either of them.
Gifts for each twin on their own
1. A day out with just one grown-up
Twins rarely get a grown-up to themselves. Offer each one a separate outing: the aquarium for one, the bookstore and a hot chocolate for the other. Same value, different day.
Good for: aunts, uncles and grandparents who live nearby. The catch: it takes two days of your time, and the twin who goes second will count the hours.
2. A book picked for each reader
Choose two different books, one for each child's current obsession. Dinosaurs for one. Space or horses or knights for the other. Write a note inside each cover with their name.
Good for: kids who read or love being read to. The catch: you need to know their tastes, so check with the parents first.
Gifts they can share
3. A memory game made from their own photos
Here's the exception. Matchy Matchy Memory prints your photos as a matching card game, from $19.99. Fill it with the twins, their parents, the grandparents and the cat. Then add one photo where nobody can tell them apart. Watch the relatives guess.
Good for: twins from about three up, and families who like a game at the table. The catch: it's a game, so it shines when there's someone to play with. With twins, that part takes care of itself.
4. A big set of building blocks
One large shared set beats two small ones. There are enough pieces for two separate towers, or one giant city if they agree.
Good for: twins who build side by side. The catch: someone will step on a stray piece at night, and it won't be the twins.
5. A pair of walkie-talkies
Two handsets, two kids, one house. Expect whispered messages from under the beds long after lights out.
Good for: ages five and up. The catch: batteries, and the noise.
6. A play tent or fort kit
A shared hideout gives twins a space that's theirs together. Fort kits with poles and clips let them redesign it every weekend.
Good for: families with a corner to spare. The catch: it takes over that corner for a while.
7. Lessons they take as a team
Swimming, climbing or a cooking class for two. They learn side by side, and they each get to show off at dinner.
Good for: active twins. The catch: one twin might love it while the other wants out by week three.
Why a matching game suits twins
Most twin gifts have to dodge comparison. A memory game leans into it with a wink. The whole game is about finding the match, and twins have spent their lives being one.
It's also fair. Every turn is the same for both players, and luck evens out. Kids tend to stay at the table longer when the cards are people they know. A four-year-old who ignores cartoon fruit will flip cards all afternoon to find Grandma. With twins, add a grown-up to each team so nobody feels outnumbered.
Grown twins enjoy it too. A deck of childhood photos makes a funny birthday gift for adult twins who still argue about which baby picture is whose.
Photo tips for a twin deck
- Give each twin a solo card. One clear photo of each child on their own, so both get a pair that is only theirs.
- Add one together shot. The classic matching outfit photo belongs in there once.
- Use one tricky pair. Two baby photos that look alike make the game harder in the best way.
- Ask the grandparents. They usually have the hospital photos, the first bath and the double stroller on its first walk.
- Pick the size. Choose 12, 24 or 48 cards. Twelve cards suit toddlers. Twenty-four suit most families.
One more thing. Label the photos for yourself before you upload, especially the baby ones. Even parents mix them up. You'll see your first card before you pay, so you can check the look before anything gets printed.
Make a deck for the two of them
Pick the photos. Choose real or re-drawn. Choose 12, 24 or 48 cards. You upload from your phone and see your first card before you pay.
Use Matchy Matchy Memory for the real photos, or Matchy Matchy Magic to see the twins re-drawn in 3D Film, Watercolor or Anime, from $29.99. Shipping is $5, and free when you order 2 or more decks. US only, ships in 3 to 5 business days. Questions? Write to us at hello@matchygame.com.