Christmas shopping for children can be a tough task. Knowing what’s in and what’s out is hard to keep up with at the best of times.
To help you crack your Christmas shopping list this year, here are 10 ideas to delight children and grandchildren on Christmas Day.
For babies and toddlers
1. Fisher-Price Linkimals Cool Beats Penguin
Perfect for babies aged nine-months and over, this musical activity helps make learning fun for little ones. Press buttons on the penguin and it flaps its flippers and bobs from side to side, dancing along to multi-coloured lights and music. It also plays songs, sounds and phrases to teach babies about the alphabet, opposites, counting, and shapes in a fun way. Just don’t forget the all-important batteries!
Find it on Smyths or visit your local toy shop.
2. Paddington Bear plush chair
Suitable for toddlers from 18 months, this Paddington can do more than provide cuddles. He’s the perfect companion to perch on for story time and watching Christmas morning cartoons. In his signature red hat, he’s made from plush fabric and has a comfy cushioned seat.
Find him on Very or visit your local toy shop.
If Peppa Pig is your little one’s better friend, you can get that instead.
For children aged three and over
3. Paw Patrol transforming paw patroller
If you know a Paw Patrol fan (who doesn’t?), now they can come to the rescue. This set includes an action-packed team rescue vehicle with transforming doors, dual vehicle launchers, as well as cool realistic sounds. Perfect for imaginative play, it can store up to six Paw Patrol rescue vehicles from their existing collection. As a helpful bonus, batteries are included.
Find it on The Entertainer or visit your local toy shop.
4. Giant piano dance mat
Make your feet sound the beat with this fun piano dance mat. Learn piano and burn off some energy dancing to the beat. The mat measures in at 180cm long and has 24 touch-sensitive keys that are colour coded and numbered. Play colour-coded songs with your feet, including ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘Chopsticks’. Record and listen to your music or play along to inbuilt melodies, with a choice of eight individual instruments. Choose from the trumpet, guitar, violin and even a harp. Requires three AA batteries to work.
Find it on Wicked Uncle or visit your local toy shop.
For children aged six and over
5. LEGO Super Mario adventures with Luigi starter course
You can’t go far wrong with LEGO. This imaginative creation is perfect for Mario fans aged six and over. The set contains 280 pieces and includes a Luigi interactive figure with a built-in LCD screen and speaker. Help Luigi complete challenges and earn digital coins as you go. Bring Luigi to life with two AAA batteries (not included).
Find it at Argos or visit your local toy shop.
6. Vtech Kidi DJ mix
If you have a budding DJ in the family, this cool deck lets them record their own tracks. It has 15 pre-set tracks and four styles of music; they can even use Bluetooth to connect to their favourite tracks from external devices. A disco light flashes an array of colours to keep the party pumping. You’ll need four AA batteries to power the tunes.
Find it at John Lewis or visit your local toy shop.
7. The upside down challenge
Challenge children to try doing things when the world is flipped upside down. This fun challenge makes easy tasks anything but! Put on these special goggles (with a handy adjustable strap) and your vision is flipped on its head. Now try to do the 100 “easy” activity challenges, such as putting a lid on a pen, giving your friend a high five, or even just writing your name. Stand well back when they try to pour water from one bottle into another!
Find it at Smyths or visit your local toy shop.
Family fun
8. Sensory fidget toys pack
If you’ve got a fidget in the family, this could be just the thing! As addictive as popping bubble wrap, this bumper box of fidget toys can be given to one big fidgeter or used as stocking fillers to satisfy multiple fidgeters. Squeeze peas out of their pods, figure out spiral tube puzzles or prod shaped pieces of rubber, these toys make a great screen-free idea that will keep children and teens occupied for hours.
Find it on Amazon or visit your local toy shop.
9. Horrible Histories – The board game
Test your knowledge of the gruesome past with this game from the popular Horrible Histories series. From the Rotten Romans to the Vile Victorians and beyond, this game carries you through history. Move round the board by answering a question from three (often very weird!) multiple-choice answers or perform an action, such as miming Admiral Nelson. For 2 to 4 players, watch out for cheeky Rattus and his Horrible Chance cards, from being press-ganged into the navy to being accused of witchcraft! The game comes with over 600 questions, packed with foul facts and hysterical misleading possible answers, providing hours of fun for every generation.
Add it to your shopping cart at Tesco or visit your local toy shop.
10. Pictionary Air Harry Potter magical family drawing game
Harry Potter fans will love the magic that comes with this wizardly version of Pictionary. The family drawing game includes 112 double-sided clue cards inspired by the wizarding world, which players draw in the air and see on-screen using a Pictionary Air pen shaped like Harry Potter’s wand. Download the free Pictionary Air app to get started.
If you love the idea of Pictionary Air but aren’t fussed about Harry Potter, get the classic version without the wizardry twist.
Pick it up at Boots or visit your local toy shop.
