There’s not long to go now until the big day, but if you’re still looking for present inspiration, the panic is over.
From classic Lego sets to animatronic puppets and musical books, sure to inspire a love of reading, you’re bound to find something for your child or grandchild on our list.
Keep reading for your rundown of seven of the best presents for kids this Christmas.
1. The Story Orchestra, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (all ages)
This beautiful book will introduce your child or grandchild to both Shakespeare and classical music and has already been featured in several must-have lists this year. It also won’t break the bank.
A re-telling of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this gorgeous book is stunningly illustrated and sure to capture the imagination of young readers, even before its secret is revealed.
The story is accompanied – at the touch of a button – by excerpts from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream suite, helping to set the tone and evoke the magic of the Athenian forest.
With fairies, magic, love potions, and a man with the head of a donkey, what’s not to enjoy?
2. Pokémon Pikachu Squishmallows soft toy (age 3+)
With over 3,000 styles in the Squishmallows family already, the brand has now added everyone’s favourite electric-type Pokémon to the gang, Pikachu.
It’s 14 inches tall, soft, cuddly, cute, and instantly recognisable with Pikachu’s bright yellow winking face and rosy, red cheeks.
Perfect for cuddling up in bed, taking on long journeys, and for general imaginative play, this high-quality plushie will set you back around £30.
And if your youngsters don’t know their Gengars from their Charizards (us either!), then try Connor the Cow, Todd the Rooster or countless others from the Squishmallow range.
3. Tinou’s Shop Musical Jewellery Box (age 3+)
This stunning musical jewellery box from Becky & Lolo features pastel shades and a contemporary design, opening up to look like a shop with shelves and a mirror.
Crafted from a wooden board, it has a large and fully lined main drawer, with a further two hidden inside. Plus, a small, wind-up figurine that twirls to Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’.
You can also personalise the jewellery box with up to four lines of text, making this the perfect gift for any young jewellery collector.
4. SwimFin Shark Fin Buoyancy Aid (ages 3-6)
Whether you have a flock of water babies or you’re trying to coax your kids into the water, SwimFin might have the answer.
This one-size-fits-all buoyancy aid for children up to 30kg (around 4 stone, 10 ounces) does a crucial job but looks fun too. It comes in a variety of colours, and when strapped onto your child’s back, gives them the support and confidence they need to strengthen their swimming stroke.
Better still, there’s the bonus of looking like a shark and terrorising their friends while they do it. It’s a great way to encourage exercise and water safety while making swimming fun.
5. GrossMos flying dino (age 6+)
This impressively rendered dinosaur skull (complete with a menacing roar) might be enough of a present on its own… but there’s more!
The skull’s mouth springs open to reveal a pterodactyl that flies out and across the room. This, in truth, is all the GrossMos flying dino does, but it’s more than enough to keep kids entertained for hours.
The initial shock factor will make it an instant hit while the running around is a great exercise that’s sure to wear them out eventually.
6. Lego Creator Dream House (age 9+)
While there’s no shortage of fantastical Lego sets on the market, from the Ninjago range to Harry Potter and Minecraft, sometimes imagination begins a little closer to home.
This Lego Creator set has a three-in-one design that allows kids to build a stylish and modern beachfront house complete with decking, firepit, and swimming pool. With three luxurious storeys, a balcony, chandeliers and comfy lounge chairs, it’s sure to spark imaginative play.
And when they’re done, there’s plenty more fun to be had. The set can be taken down and rebuilt as a city apartment block with a roof terrace or a one-storey eco forest cabin.
7. Art supplies
For older children and the budding artist in your family, there is a wide range of art sets on the market.
The YXSH 82-piece art set from Argos, for example, comprises pencil crayons, oil pastels, and watercolour paints as well as a palette, brush, and sandpaper block in a handy carry case.
Craft Mode, meanwhile, has various sets, including the Premium Acrylic Paint set, which features 24 acrylic (and non-toxic) paints, six high-quality brushes, sponges, and a palette knife.
Supervision might be required, but these sets could be a great way to support your child as they explore their creative side or uncover a new talent.
