Christmas shopping – some of us love it and some of us hate it, but we all have one thing in common, we all have to do it! I’m definitely team love it, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy, and some years I find it particularly hard. As my children are getting older I find it easier in the sense that they have their own interests, but also harder for the fact that it starts to feel like ‘surely we already own everything?!’. Anyway, to help anyone struggling this year, I have put together this Christmas Gift Guide, there are some well known names in here and some lesser known ones too. I hope it is helpful, and if you do buy anything from my recommendation I would love it if you let me know over on Instagram.
Jaques Of London | Quality Wooden Toys
Jaques of London are iconic when it comes to children’s toys and gifts, we have a few toys from them already so I can vouch for the amazing quality and longevity of the brand. One of my top picks for Christmas this year has got to be this Wooden Tumble Tower, this is such a classic family favourite game. Perfect to find under the tree and to play with family and friends over the festive season. I’m excited to play this with my children this year, I’m sure things are going to get very competitive, especially for my five year old! My next choice from the brand is this Magnetic Crane Truck, the perfect gift for any vehicle lover. The magnetic play element is really fun too and will mean that this will be a firm favourite for many children this year.
Stomp Rocket | The Original High Performance Rocket
I have seen this everywhere over the last few months so it just had to be included in this round up! The Stomp Rocket is 100% kid powered and the original high performance rocket. This looks like such good fun, just make sure you take it outside first! Run, jump and STOMP to launch the rocket up to 400 feet in the air. This is definitely going to provide a lot of excitement for children at Christmas, and it’s such good affordable fun too. The Stomp Rocket is available at Amazon and other leading toy stores.
CoCoMelon | Musical Yellow School Bus
Next up is this Musical Yellow School Bus from CocoMelon. CocoMelon has taken the world by storm, and I know so many children will be so excited to receive anything related to the hit YouTube series for Christmas this year. The Yellow School Bus plays the wheels on the bus for your child to sing along with, and also has room for up to six CocoMelon characters. It is free wheeling so your child has complete control of the fun. The bus is available from Smyths and Argos.
Vlad and Niki | Rocket Playset
From one hit YouTube series to another, next up is this Rocket Playset from Vlad and Niki. Vlad and Niki have conquered the hearts of pre-schoolers all over the world with their adventures which are full of brotherly antics, family fun, and daredevil adventures. The Rocket Bundle Playset includes everything you need to have hours of fun. If your child likes to watch Vlad and Niki on YouTube they will be so excited to receive this for Christmas. Available at The Entertainer, Argos, ASDA, B&M, Sainsbury’s & Toymaster.
Bloomsbury Mill | Winter Wonderland Nap Mat
Onto a gift for younger children, Bloomsbury Mill make the most beautiful bedding and textiles for Children’s bedrooms, we have had their duvet sets for years and the quality is amazing. So I knew their Nap Mats would be just as fabulous and we have not been dissapointed. There are many different designs but I would definitely recommend the Winter Wonderland print for a festive sleepy present this Christmas. The Nap mat is a pillow, mat and blanket all in one, perfect for taking to families houses over the festive season for children who still like to nap or will just enjoy having somewhere to be cosy. It’s a solid 10/10 from myself and my three year old.
Frugi | National Trust Adventurers Backpack
A gift that will stand the test of time is this wonderful Frugi x National Trust Adventurers Backpack. Perfect for a little one who likes to be off having adventures. The woodland print is delightful and the durability of Frugi products is always outstanding. Children love to have their own bags, to carry their things in. It gives them a sense of responsibility and makes them feel grown up. Whether they pack it up to take to a friends house, for a sleepover with family over the festive season, or to carry their own drink and a snack for a walk in the woods, this bag is the perfect thing.
Collectible Cuties | My Squishy Little Dumplings
Next up we have the irresistible My Squishy Little Dumplings. These adorable interactive characters have big personalities and the cutest accessories to match. My Squishy Little Dumplings fit in the palm of your hand. Squeeze their cheeks to pop out their unique personalities! These squishy interactive toys have over 50 reactions, light up cheeks and cute sounds. Dress them up, tickle them, shake them and toss them. There are a great sensory toy and provide a tactile experience for children. Sensory toys can help develop communication, fine motor skills and creative play. Plus they’re just adorable, I know that both my children will adore this toy.
Wicked Mega Spin Saturn | YoYo
Yo-yoing is making a comeback and the Wicked Mega Spin Saturn is leading the way. The Saturn features a super smooth ball- bearing axle providing ultra-long spin times that make it easier to yo-yo like a pro! It also features super bright colour changing LED lights to make your tricks light up the room. This is going to be fun for all the family, and I can imagine my other half having just as much fun with this as my children!
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls | 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic is a beautiful hardback book for the whole family to enjoy and be inspired by. It is the latest volume in the New York Times bestselling book series and is dedicated to amplifying and applauding the achievements of black women and girls from around the world – ranging from the known to the little-known. It is curated and illustrated by black women and non-binary artists from cover to cover. I absolutely love reading this with my daughter, and I know that it’s books like these that will inspire future generations. A must for under the Christmas tree!
Muddy Puddles | Puddlestomper Wellies
The perfect gift for a little puddle-lover – the Puddlestomper Wellies from Muddy Puddles are made from high-quality, durable rubber, they are super protective and designed to be passed down to smaller siblings. They are also extra tall to keep little feet dry and the soft padded insoles provide extra comfort. The comfortable, grippy soles help children feel confident as they splash around and explore the great outdoors whatever the weather. They also come in three different lovely prints. We love the Muddy Puddles brand and have many items from them that have indeed stood the test of time and been passed down from my first to my second child.
Planet Buddies | Car Seat Organisers
Planet Buddies sell the most fabulous range of fun and exciting tech and accessories for kids so I would definitely recommend browsing their website for other ideas, but the item that stood out to me were these amazing Car Seat Organisers. Lots of us will be travelling over the Christmas period, so what could be more handy than these organisers? They’re fun for the kids and also super practical for parents too. There is space for a tablet, and access points for a charger and headphones too, along with holders for two water bottles and an integrated tissue dispenser. At the bottom there is a large handy storage pocket for whatever else you need to store, no doubt it will be toys for my children! The organisers have adjustable straps and are made from easy to clean polyester. The organisers come in two designs – pink Olive the Owl and blue Pepper the Penguin. These will be well used and well loved in our car!
I have also been given a discount code to share with you PBSNIPPETS20 will take 20% off everything at Planet Buddies!
Play in Choc | Allergen Free Chocolate
Up until recently my son was dairy intolerant so I understand the frustration of seeing your child unable to join in with certain foods, especially at this time of year when there is an abundance of ‘treats’, and most of them are unsuitable for those with allergies. This is where Play in Choc comes in, each ToyChoc box has 2 allergen free chocolates, a festive puzzle toy and fun fact card. The brand is 100% plastic free, zero waste and recyclable, plus their recipe is natural, organic, vegan and free-from the 14 main allergens. They really do tick all the boxes and I love that it’s fun for the kids and worry-free for parents.
Haribo | Sweet Treats for the Family
What’s a crowd pleaser that starts with H and ends in aribo? Haribo! Who doesn’t love a haribo?! There is so much to choose from, and everyone has their favourites which makes it the perfect gift this Christmas. Make your child’s day with one of these amazing hampers or medley boxes. This really is one of those perfect ‘you can’t go wrong’ kind of gifts, a great stocking filler, or put a box under the tree for the whole family to enjoy.
I hope these gift ideas will be helpful to some of you and hopefully there will be some ideas here that you hadn’t previously considered.
And I’m always on the lookout for new ideas, so what are you buying the kids this year?
