Kat Romero and
Sarah Bradbury
Published December 3, 2025 12:00pm
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We also want some of these items for ourselves. (Picture: Metro/Getty)
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Christmas is fast approaching, which means it’s the season of cosy nights, twinkling lights, and the delightful excuse to indulge in a boozy hot chocolate or a morning mince pie whenever the festive spirit strikes. It’s what Santa would have wanted.
Speaking of the big man in red, it won’t be long until he gears up for his world tour on the 24th, so it’s also prime time to start ticking off your own gift list to ensure you don’t leave things until the last minute. We know it’s easily done but running round the shopping centre on Christmas Eve with tearstained cheeks and an empty basket is enough to turn you into a proper Scrooge.
Buying for children can be a challenge, from babies and tots who can’t tell you what they want, to kids who, quite frankly, need parental supervision when they write their lists. Unless, of course, Amazon does Prime Delivery on piles of dirt and fairy magic.
So save yourself the stress. We’ve asked real parents for their tried and tested recommendations for this Christmas. Whether you’re shopping for your own child, a niece or nephew, or a friend’s little one, these picks are sure to land you on the nice list. From educational toys to imagination sparking books and sensory play, you really can’t go wrong.
Brown The Gruffalo Trail Set
Little adventurers will love the Gruffalo Trail Set, designed to spark outdoor exploration and imaginative play. Inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved character, the kit is packed with fun essentials including binoculars, a bug catcher, a Gruffalo bag, a water bottle and more. Perfect for toddlers aged three and up, it’s an ideal gift for budding explorers and nature lovers alike.
Buy Now for £42
LEGO Storage Head
Sure, LEGO is a great toy for problem solving and focus but as any parent will tell you, THERE ARE SO MANY PIECES. Seriously, you can’t walk across a carpet without getting a sharp bit wedged under your foot. So this storage pot is the perfect solution. It’s surprisingly spacious and available in a range of fun designs, plus they’re also stackable, making it easy to keep playrooms or bedrooms tidy.
Buy Now for £19.99
LCD Writing Tablet
This gift is such a steal for the price, and the perfect find for creative kids aged 3 and up who love to doodle. The 10-inch large screen comes with a stylus pen and lets little ones draw, write or sketch. When they’re done, they can just wipe the screen clean. It’s a lifesaver for long journeys, as parents don’t have to lug around piles of paper and pens.
Buy Now for £9.99
Yoto Player
If you’re looking to reduce kids’ screen time, the Yoto Player is a fab investment. Using physical cards, it plays stories, music, and educational content, boosting little ones' imagination and focus. It's also perfect for bedtime, as it offers plenty of calming stories to help little ones unwind and fall asleep.
Buy Now for £90
Ewan the Dream Sheep Deluxe
This is the perfect gift for anyone expecting or a sleep-deprived parent desperately hoping for some shut-eye. Ewan easily straps onto any cot and plays calming sounds like white noise or a heartbeat to gently lull babies to sleep. It even has a clever cry sensor that turns it on as soon as the baby stirs. Basically, it’s like having an extra pair of soothing hands for those tired parents.
Buy Now for £44.99
Globber Explorer Trike 4 in 1
Kids’ gear can get pricey, but this trike is a total game-changer. It grows with your child from 10 months all the way to 5 years, starting as an Infant Trike, then switching to Guided and Training modes, and finally transforming into a Balance Bike. It’s basically like having four rides in one. Parents also love the easy mode changes and the handy push handle that helps guide little ones as they learn to steer.
Buy Now for £149.99
Jolly Santa
While some Jellies only appear for seasonal fun, Jolly Santa is busy all year long. From polishing his boots and keeping the reindeer in check to mapping sleigh routes in summer, he’s always planning ahead. He even makes time to sample every batch of Amuseables Brigitte Brioche’s gingerbread for quality control. For Santa, festive cheer isn’t just for one day – it’s a way of life.
Buy Now for £45
Speed Track
For kids who love wheels, this Speed Track is an absolute must-have. Stretching up to six metres, it lets you build loops, jumps, and twists for endless racing fun. The cars stay firmly on the track, and it's easy to wind up and store away when you're not using it.
Buy Now for £36.99
Little People Big Dreams 5 Books Set
This iconic book set will introduce little ones to inspiring figures throughout history, whether it’s musical legends like David Bowie and Elton John, influential activists like Malala Yousafzai, or pioneering scientists such as Marie Curie. The books are bright and colorful for engagement and a great tool for sparking conversation on big things like perseverance, creativity, and making the world a better place for everyone.
Buy Now for £17.99 (was £34.95) – save £16.96
Sherpa Fleece Top & Jogger Outfit
Buying for the little fashionista in your love? This two-piece jogger set from KIDLY by MORI has that Scandi-cool vibe. The Sherpa fleece can keep them nice and cosy in the colder months, and it’s available from six months to seven years. We only wish it came in adult sizes…
Buy Now for £48
Curved Wooden Baby Play Gym & Charms Set Rainbow
Play gyms are fantastic for babies as they offer sensory stimulation, encourage motor skills, and provide a safe space to explore and play. If you’re after a stylish alternative to plastic, The Little Greene Sheep's play gym is a perfect choice. It's crafted from certified organic cotton and hand-oiled 100% beech solid wood, and free from harmful chemicals.
Buy Now for £39.99 (Was £79.95)
Joyreal Montessori Busy Board
This Montessori Busy Board is amazing for toddlers, encouraging exploration and hands-on learning. It's made from natural wood with smooth edges to keep little hands safe, and it's designed to boost dexterity, hand-eye co-ordination, and fine motor skills. A great gift for skill-building and an easy way to occupy their attention away from screens.
Buy Now for £21.99
Bath Beats Musical Bath Toy Gift Set
Bath time is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your baby, but not every little one loves getting wet. That’s where toys come as they can make it more fun and engaging. This set includes a Dingray xylophone, an Octodrum rhythm toy, and two starfish shakers, all perfect distractions as you get them all soapy and clean!
Buy Now for £15.99 (was £22.99)
Red Gingerbread Man Set
No matter what anyone says, matching festive pajamas are absolutely cool, and if you can’t rock a bit of coordination at Christmas, when can you? This Red Gingerbread Man Set from Next comes in kids' sizes from 9 months to 16 years, plus sleepsuits for newborns, adult sizes, and even pet options. So the whole family can get in on the festive fun.
Buy Now
Christmas Sleepsuit
These all‑in‑one pyjamas are crafted from soft organic cotton, with flatlock seams designed to be gentle on sensitive skin. Extra‑long cuffs at the sleeves and legs can be folded down as your child grows, while a two‑way zip running from neck to ankle makes dressing quick and easy.
Buy Now for £24
Jewellery Making Kit
Encourage little ones to get creative with this make‑your‑own jewellery kit. Presented in a clear acrylic box, it comes with colourful beads shaped like animals, fruits and alphabet letters, along with string and mini scissors. Children can design personalised bracelets, necklaces and more, while developing fine motor skills through imaginative play. For an extra thoughtful touch, the lid can be customised with a name or message.
Buy Now for £35
Vintage Popcorn Machine
Bring the magic of the movies home with this charming toy popcorn machine. Beautifully made from sustainable wood, it’s packed with clever details to spark imaginative, realistic play.
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