Multi-cell box kite
A visually striking kite known for its exceptional stability and strong lift, perfect for steady wind conditions.
Kids & Baby
Kites
8 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Kites mostly get bought for kids and families who have a park, beach or open field nearby and a few windy afternoons ahead. The ones that get flown again are the ones that go up easily on the first try. A frustrating first launch tends to put a kite in the closet for good. So think about who will hold the line and where they'll fly it. A simple diamond kite suits a young child with a parent helping. A two-line stunt kite suits an older kid or adult who wants something to steer. Match the kite to the wind you usually get, and it will leave the closet more than once a year.
Kind 1 of 8
Box kites for steady, stable flying
A box kite is built from open-ended cells held in shape by a frame, so it looks like a floating box or a set of connected boxes. It flies steadily and sits high in the sky once it's up. It needs a moderate, consistent breeze and doesn't do well in light wind. It suits older kids, hobbyists and anyone who likes the look of a classic design. Before buying, check that the spars are easy to fit, that it packs down flat, and whether line comes with it.
Kind 2 of 8
Stunt kites for steering loops and dives
A stunt kite uses two lines, one in each hand, so the flyer steers it through loops, dives and figure eights. It's more of an activity than a decoration, and it rewards practice. It suits kids about ten and up, teens and adults who like a skill to work on. Check the recommended wind range, how long the lines are, and whether the handles or wrist straps are comfortable. A sturdy frame matters, because beginners crash a lot while they learn.
Sport stunt kite
This responsive kite provides an engaging challenge for those who enjoy performing aerial maneuvers and tricks.
Kind 3 of 8
Sport kites for the more serious flyer
Sport kite is the broader name for steerable kites. That covers two-line stunt kites and four-line kites that can hover, reverse and fly with a lot of precision. These suit someone who has already flown a two-line kite and wants more control, or an adult picking up a new outdoor hobby. Before buying, check how many lines it uses, what wind it's designed for and how big it is. Also look at whether spare parts or replacement spars are easy to find.
Kind 4 of 8
Diamond kites: the classic first kite
The diamond is the shape most people picture when they think of a kite: two crossed spars, a tail and a single line. It's simple, easy to understand and a good way to learn how wind lifts a kite. It suits young children flying with a parent, and families who want something low-fuss for the park. Check that it includes a tail, a bridle and a line on a handle or spool, so it's ready to fly out of the package.
Traditional diamond kite
A timeless design that offers simple, joyful flying for casual outings at the park or beach.
Starter kite kit
An all-inclusive package designed for first-time flyers, providing everything needed for a successful initial flight.
Kind 5 of 8
Delta kites that launch in light wind
A delta kite has a triangular wing shape and usually a single line. It's one of the easiest kites to launch, because it catches light breezes well and settles into a steady climb. That makes it a good choice for kids and first-time flyers who don't always get strong wind. Many novelty and animal kites are built on a delta frame. Check the wingspan, what the frame is made of and whether line comes with it.
Delta kite
This stable and easy-to-launch kite is perfect for beginners and young children learning to fly.
Novelty animal kite
Delight children with a fun, whimsical kite shaped like their favorite creature, adding character to playtime.
Kind 6 of 8
Parafoils: no frame, easy to pack
A parafoil is a soft kite with no spars at all. Air fills its fabric cells and gives it shape, much like a parachute. With nothing to snap, it holds up well to rough landings. It folds small enough for a backpack or glovebox, which makes it handy for beach trips and camping. It suits families who travel and kids who are hard on their toys. Check the wind range and the size, and make sure the bridle lines come untangled.
Frameless parafoil kite
Ideal for travel and spontaneous fun, this soft kite packs down small without rigid spars to break.
Kind 7 of 8
Giant kites that stand out on the beach
Giant kites are big single-line kites, often with long tails or wide wingspans, made to be seen from a distance. They make an impression at the beach or at a kite festival, and a whole family can enjoy one together. A large kite pulls harder on the line, so it suits an adult or older child holding the line. Before buying, check the wingspan, the recommended wind, how it packs for transport, and whether the included line is heavy enough for its size.
Giant single-line kite
Create a spectacular visual in the sky with an impressively sized kite designed to capture attention from afar.
Kind 8 of 8
Kite line and winders as an add-on
Kite line is a practical extra for someone who already flies. The line that comes with a kite is often short or thin, and a longer line on a good winder lets a kite climb higher and makes reeling it in much easier. It suits families with a kite that already gets used, or anyone moving up to a bigger kite. Check the length, match the line strength to the kite's size, and look for a winder or handle that's comfortable to hold.
How to choose kites as a gift
- Match the kite to the flyer's age: single-line diamond or delta kites for young kids, two-line stunt kites for older kids and adults.
- Think about the usual local wind; delta kites and parafoils handle light breezes better than box kites do.
- Choose a kite that comes ready to fly, with line, handle and tail included, so it can go up the same day.
- For families who travel or visit the beach, a frameless parafoil packs small and handles hard landings.
- Pair a kite with a longer line or a better winder if the person already flies a basic kite.
Usually safe to skip
- Very large or four-line kites for young children usually miss, because they pull hard and take practice to control.
- Kites sold without line or a handle often sit unused until someone buys the missing pieces separately.
- Tiny, flimsy decorative kites tend to tear or snap on the first few launches and rarely fly well.
Questions people ask about kites
- What is the easiest kite for a child to fly?
- A delta or diamond kite on a single line is the easiest place to start. Deltas in particular launch in light wind and climb steadily, so a child gets a working flight quickly. Pick one that comes with line on a handle and have an adult help with the first few launches.
- What is the difference between a stunt kite and a sport kite?
- A stunt kite is a type of sport kite. It usually has two lines so the flyer can steer loops and dives. Sport kite is the wider term, and it also covers four-line kites that can hover and fly backwards. Four-line kites are better for someone who already has some flying experience.
- Is a parafoil kite a good gift for travelling families?
- Yes, often. A parafoil has no spars, so it folds small, fits in a bag and has nothing to break on a hard landing. It works well for beach days, cottage trips and camping. Check the wind range, and keep the bridle lines neat when packing it away.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
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