For many, Christmas is a time dedicated to cheer, joy, memories, traditions and being with those we care about most. But figuring out what to get loved ones for Christmas can feel like a big responsibility, so we‘ve decided to try to take some of the stress out of the festive season by providing parents with a variety of gift ideas they can use for children of all ages.
Bringing people together and making the home and family feel loved can be really rewarding. It’s a special time children will cherish for years to come, and present-giving is a part of that. Finding something unique or uplifting that will be truly appreciated by children can be a daunting task, so remember to focus on the quality and thought behind gifts rather than their quantity. To do this, try sticking to one or two larger value (or size!) presents and fill out the rest with smaller, lower-risk gifts you know they’ll love.
With siblings, to share the love equally and ensure no one feels less valued, it’s a good idea to try to balance out the number and value of gifts. This is easier said than done, though. To make it simpler, why not try a category-based framework, such as getting them:
No matter what the weather outside is doing, kids will happily stay warm and cosy indoors with new pyjamas and soft slippers, or maybe a fluffy dressing gown or snuggly blanket. If they – or you! – enjoy the great outdoors, festive or fair isle knitwear can be a lovely Christmas gift, with a matching hat, scarf and gloves that would be perfect for wintry wanders. And there’s nothing like the feeling of putting on fresh socks, so that classic gift remains a popular present for a reason.
It can be a real treat for children to be given the autonomy to choose a new outfit themselves. So the gift of vouchers or the promise of a shopping trip to pick something out is a great option for children old enough to voice their opinions. Depending on where you’re spending the holiday season, it’s an opportunity for new shoes too like boots or canvas to match the new outfit.
Important! If you’re gifting your little one shoes or clothes directly, be careful not to buy too far in advance. Remember that little feet and bodies can grow quickly, which could result in them having grown out of their Christmas presents before they’ve even unwrapped them if you buy too early.
Every year there seems to be a new must-have teddy, doll or action figure for younger children. While trends may come and go, gifting something like this is a great way to encourage imaginative or small world play where young children can explore new ideas or create their own fantasy worlds with miniature characters and props.
Older children with more balance and co-ordination might be ready for a bike or skateboard, for example, or a sports kit for all the family to enjoy like cricket or tennis. Finding a board game under the tree is a crowd-pleaser too, so everyone can join in and spend time together learning something new. If children have everything materialistic they need, an experience-based gift like cinema, theatre, theme park or match tickets is a great alternative.
Small stocking fillers can be an after thought with everything else you have to consider so how about seasonal food and drinks like chocolate coins or hot chocolate mixes? Alternatively, pampering products (preferably ones that are easy to wrap!) like bath bombs, lip balms, hair accessories and nail polishes can bring a smile to their little faces, offering lots of fun in a small package.
Small colouring, activity or sticker books will keep children busy, and stockings provide an opportunity to refresh colouring pens and pencils too. Small excavation kits keep curious minds engaged and wouldn’t it be a wonderful world if every child received a new reading book for Christmas? Finally, old favourites like toy cars, bouncy balls, various playing cards and skipping ropes stand the test of time and never go out of fashion.
