Santa Claus is back in town! From an enchanting tent to a Beatrix Potter book set and an irresistible indoor climbing frame, FEMAIL reveals the best children’s gifts – with prices from just £5
- FEMAIL has picked a selection of the best children and baby’s gifts on the high street and online
- Stocking fillers start from £4.99 and include colour changing cars, festive crafting, a slime-filled Barbie Doll
- Wooden market stall, Aldi laundrette, instant print camera & foldable scooter are among the gifts under £100
- Those splashing out can treat their lucky youngsters to an electric G-Wagon car, Fire HD tablet or vintage bike
- Selection of festive classics from brands such as Rachel Riley and Tu will make your baby’s Christmas special
- Read more: The ultimate gift guide for foodies: FEMAIL reveals the best edible gifts for Christmas 2022
After two Christmases plagued by Covid, households across the country are hoping to return to normality for the first festive season in two years.
And FEMAIL has scoured retailers across the high street and online to find readers the best gifts for their youngest family members – starting from as little as £6 for a book, pocket game or friendship bracelet.
From classic Beatrix Potter book sets, Aldi’s wooden toys, Bobbin bikes, trikes and scooters to engine sets for technical minds and enchanting dens for creative play, we’ve picked the best for any budget.
If you fancy splashing out, the Thetis Activity Mini Gym For Kids features a climbing frame, cargo net, slide, climbing wall and swing for multiple play modes for little adventurers this Christmas.
Follow the four-present ‘something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read’ rule, and this gift guide will be all you need.
Stocking fillers (Under £30)
Fascinate your little one with these collectible dolls which cry real tears after drinking water from their bottle.
There are 12 babies available to collect, and each includes a wardrobe complete with a winter outfit and eight accessories including a bottle and a dummy.
These cars will fascinate your little ones with their colour-changing ability. Take them to the ‘carwash’ and watch them transform from blue, red and green to a range of different shades.
The perfect £11 stocking filler to keep your youngsters entertained in the bath – and out.
Bring a touch of nostalgia to Christmas this year with this beaded ‘best friend’ bracelet set, which your little one can share with their closest pal.
The pastel-hued beads and yin and yang charms will be an instant hit with your smallest family member, brightening up the winter months.
This fun lacing set not only helps children to develop their fine motor skills, but trains little fashionistas and tailors-to-be in the basic art of sewing.
Hours of creative fun (and peace for the adults) can be had with this simple game of threading colourful laces through the animal shapes.
Treat your youngest one (and yourself!) to a great night’s sleep with these calming bath time goodies by Rochelle Humes’ own brand.
The Bath Fizzers will provide entertainment for your baby, while the calming bath bubbles and pillow mist will transport you all to the land of nod in no time.
Supporting Key Stage 1 and 2 teaching, this fun puzzle will get the whole family involved – as well as perfecting your child’s geography.
Designed for children aged seven and above, and for two to four players, make learning fun by collecting stamps as you navigate this 90 question card game.
Perfect for developing your child’s maths skills, this 72 piece set of Vala, Nessy, Birdoo, Babbit, Triton and Crobee monsters can be used to practice subtraction, addition, counting and pattern making by using these little critters as a visual aid.
The award-winning set also includes 10 double-sided activity cards and a spinner for endless fun.
Bringing two of children’s favourites together – Barbies and slime, this doll comes alive when glittering slime is squeezed inside her translucent tail.
Squish and stretch her tail for mess-free fun – that still looks pretty.
Ever found that Christmas day can drag? Well drag no more!
Young creatives can get stuck into making their own festive decorations with this fun and nature-inspired set, which includes clay, star and circle cutters, gold paint, paint brush, dowel, rolling pin, string, beads, fir cone and a wooden disc.
A book is always a hit, no matter what age your child is, and this ‘touch-and-feel’ Ladybird book for babies will get all their senses engaged. Featuring bright drawings of their favourite nursery rhymes and textures for them to feel, the whole family will be singing ‘Twinkle, twinkle’ in no time.
A nostalgic return to our own childhood, this simple game of patience will test your child’s coordination skills. Providing hours of screen free fun, this pocket sized wonder can be whipped out anywhere – and is the perfect budget-friendly stocking filler.
Designed for under 7s, these story books help young children navigate emotions and behaviour through fun tales. Using Granny, Milo and Mary, the author, Kate, tackles some of the biggest emotions children will face in their key developmental phase. The Excited Elf is the perfect story to help children fall asleep on Christmas Eve.
A lifelong keepsake with a stocking filler budget, these personalised blankets are the perfect gift for a newborn. Available in six colours and with different name designs, these soft breathable blankets can be used for cuddling, sleeping or even just posing.
Keep your children toasty this Christmas, with this stunning teal hot water bottle – both stylish and warm. Featuring a zebra print pattern and fluffy finish, we wouldn’t blame you for borrowing it for yourself.
This classic Printed Berry Robin Stocking will make your children’s Christmas extra festive, and is a stylish addition to any fireplace or bed. It can even be personalised for that extra special touch – the ideal place for your stocking fillers.
The award-winning Rockit Rocker is a clever mum hack which is a present for babies and parents alike. Forget grappling with your coffee or meal in one hand while you attempt to keep the buggy moving so your child stays asleep.
This clever vibrator keeps your pushchair gently rocking, extending nap time (and peace for you) while you can finally enjoy a hot beverage and moment to yourself.
Make money management and saving fun with this cute rainbow shaped money box. The bright accessory will be a cheery addition to any children’s bedroom and is the perfect place to deposit pocket money.
The perfect present to unwrap on Christmas Day, this traditionally themed puzzle will keep the children occupied while you battle the Christmas turkey – minus the screen time. The whole family can get involved, with puzzle sizes ranging from 50 to 250 pieces.
Give screentime a miss and keep your pre-schooler occupied with this award-winning story-led activity book. Packed with 44 activities designed to help develop key motor skills, hand-eye coordination, reading, colouring, and more, this will bring hours of fun.
Present your child with a personalised voucher, straight from ‘Father Christmas’. This can be customised with your own experience on ordering, and the golden foiled ticket is presented in a red envelope – for an extra festive touch.
Bake-Off lovers watch out! Little chefs can go wild with this 14-piece bakery set, complete with a 1 pint / 600ml measuring jug, small whisk, mini rolling pin, small sieve and junior sized wooden spoon, six silicone cupcake moulds in bright blue, green and orange and three fun sized cookie cutters in a star, gingerbread man and heart design.
Main gifts [Under £100]
This award-winning construction set for children aged three and above is a fun way to develop their fine motor skills and creative design skills.
Featuring 14 double-sided cards, colourful cubes, triangles, quadrants and rods, they can build interactive theme park rides to their heart’s content.
The most wonderful keepsake for any child, this gift box contains 12 classic Beatrix Potter tales to make bedtimes with your little one extra special. Even better, the box can be personalised with your child’s name.
This soft toy doubles up as a white noise machine and emits soothing sounds to help your little one fall asleep.
The responsive bear even listens out to detect if your baby wakes up again, and automatically turns on if it detects fussing.
This wooden children’s balance board develops balance, strength and motor skills and is designed for imaginative play.
Whether they’re using it to rock back and forth like a boat, walk over like a bridge, or as a ramp for toy cars, little adventurers will have hours of fun with this sustainably-sourced engineered timber.
If you have a budding musician in your household, they will be thrilled with this purse-friendly present.
Featuring strings that can be played and perfect for children aged 3 and upwards, the bright colours and star-shaped hole make it both aesthetically pleasing, while also bringing hours of creative fun for your youngster.
The portable and incredibly popular Toniebox has been making waves among parents, bringing children screen-free entertainment at the touch of a button. The starter set includes a box, and a ‘Tonie’ – a figure representing the story or music your child can choose to pop on the box and listen along to.
As well as classics such as 101 Dalmatians and Peter Rabbit, you can even record 90 minutes of your own story for your child to listen to at bedtime, mealtimes or bathtimes.
Voted among the top 10 by Made for Mums, this Baby Annabell gives your little one a realistic baby brother for Christmas. Baby Alexander can cry real tears, sucks his dummy, moves his mouth when drinking water and makes funny noises – including giggling.
A classic present at a purse-friendly price, you can never go wrong with a wooden cash register for hours of imaginative play. This set from Aldi includes a wooden card reader, debit card, five coins, 10 notes, four pieces of chalk, one till display, one paper roll, two paper roller holders and a set of wooden sticks. Includes outfit, bottle, dummy, bib and charm.
A wonderful present for a Christmas arrival, this generous newborn set features all the essentials in a festive box, readily packed for a quick hit. The gift set includes a Mori Blush Ribbed Clever Zip Sleepsuit, a Wooden Grasping Toy, a Wooden Heart Teether, a Jellycat Beige Medium Bashful Bunny and a My First Little People Big Dreams: David Attenborough Board Book.
Ratchet and Clank take on an evil emperor from another reality, in this PS5 game rated 7 and above. Featuring impressive visuals and mind-blowing speed, this will keep console kids happy for hours.
An all-time favourite game, this retro wooden market stall in an attractive pastel shade will have your little one trying to sell you fruit and vegetables in no time.
Boasting a fabric canopy, chalk board and 4 wooden crates with 10 pieces of fabric fruit and vegetables, this statement piece will be a present to remember for years to come.
A real treat for budding stylists and mini hairdressers, this realistic Dyson styling set comes with a Supersonic hairdryer, a Corrale straightener, a nozzle, a diffuser, a barrel brush and a detangling comb, transporting your little one straight to the salon. Featuring lights, sounds and blowing air to make it feel ultra realistic – without the dangerous heat – this will provide hours of fun (and very manicured dolls).
Do you have a mini masterchef in the making? Then this cute pastry set is the one for you. Featuring a food processor and its six wooden accessories, your little one can whip up a cake with all the ingredients – and the rotary button even makes a realistic sound!
Help your little one take their first steps with this two-in-one walker and ride-on-car, which can be used for assisted walking or to help their balance as they pretend to drive along. Designed in a retro wooden style with a modern twist, this will bring a stylish touch to any bedroom.
The closest thing to screen-free time, this sketcher will allow your little artist to draw as many pictures as possible, and erase them in seconds – with no mess. The magnetic drawing board even comes with stamps, and no paper, pen or batteries required.
Bring back the joy of cameras, but with instant prints, fun photo filters, a timer and even video recording functionality. Perfect for pre-teens, this instant camera even features a rechargeable built-in battery, plus a selfie lens for easy selfie-snaps. Kids can customise their instant prints with the coloured markers and stickers – allowing for endless fun.
Make bathtimes extra fun with this Peppa Pig-themed playhouse, which sticks to bathroom tiles or baths thanks to the suction pads. Pour water into the roof and watch Peppa take a shower, before the washing machine spins into action.
Build excitement in the run up to Christmas with this unique and affordable Lego Advent Calendar. Behind every door is a collectible figure, for a twist on the traditional chocolate calendar.
Make potty training fun with this portable carry potty – complete with cute fox design. Lightweight, leak-proof, and bag-free, this will ensure your little one doesn’t have any accidents while you’re on the move.
Do you have a little engineer on your hand? Then this award-winning model engine is the one for you. Ideal for clever little minds aged 10 and above, it teaches vehicle enthusiasts who like creating and learning about mechanical systems.
The hybrid engine is described as a simplified illustration of a four-cylinder internal combustion/hybrid system – and adults can get involved too – so get your thinking cap on.
Train your children to do your washing early, with this delightful wooden laundrette from Aldi. At just £34.99, this pastel wonder boasts a faux washing machine complete with buttons, a clothes rack, miniature clothes, an iron and a laundry basket. Encouraging imaginative and role play, this will bring your little one hours of fun.
Now part of everyday life for most children, this scooter will take your child from four years through to 12 years old. An affordable but memorable present to find under the tree, this lightweight model in cool chrome even folds up – perfect for kids on the go.
The Tamagotchi has come a long way since the nineties, and now boasts an interactive colour screen, built in camera, new games, social and customisation option – even allowing your youngster to ‘take selfies’ with your virtual friend. They can be bathed, fed and dressed in custom clothes, and provide hours of fun for youngsters aged six and above.
A classic keepsake which should be part of any child’s book collection, this Paddington Bear set includes 15 paperback books in a classic box, perfect for displaying on your bookshelf, and is on sale all year around.
Splashing out/ outdoor- [£200-£500 ]
Little handymen and women will love this work bench, which comes complete with a two-sided magnetic play surface, three magnetic tools, 29 accessories ready to disassemble and reassemble – plus a and a four-track racing slope for cars.
The car of childhood (and adult) dreams, this is a serious treat for your lucky little one. Designed for car fanatics aged three to six, parents can override any questionable driving with a remote control, and you can strap in your child securely.
Boasting leather seats, official Mercedes AMG branding, and functions including a horn, car sounds, and complete with battery charger – this is a seriously cool present.
Make this Christmas one to remember with this vintage pastel pink bike complete with wicker basket, embossed saddle and kickstand. Perfect for children aged seven to 11, details include cream tyres, the iconic Bobbin head badge and colour-matched mudguards and chaincase.
Quite literally the Tent of Dreams, this Dockatot enchanting hideaway will be a haven for tea parties, slumber parties and midnight picnics for your little ones – and is such a statement piece that you may want to use it yourself. All the rage among celebrity children, the William Morris print, luxurious tassel and bobble trim detail will provide the perfect picture opportunity for many parties to come.
This Amazon tablet for children aged three-seven boasts 13 hours of reading, music and games and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids +, which includes thousands of advert-free books, games, videos and apps. The Fire HD 8 (12th generation) includes parental controls and a child-proof case with stand/handle.
The newest one-hand-fold among yummy mummies, your tot will love this city buggy. Boasting ultra compact cabin-size measurements and weighing in at just 7.3kg, this is perfect for getting on public transport, stowing it in your car or corridor and general stress-free travel. Your little one will be extra comfortable in the reclinable seat, and parents will love the first one-button fold pushchair by celebrity favourite brand Bugaboo.
Struggling to keep your little one entertained inside on cold rainy days? This indoor mini activity gym will keep two to eight-year-olds busy for hours, and features a climbing frame, cargo net, slide and swing for multiple play modes. The slide can even be reversed to double up as a climbing wall, and best of all – it’s not a bright, plastic eyesore!
Made famous by their car seat stroller, Doona is now turning heads with their foldable trike which grows with your tot – billed as the smallest on the market. Perfect for tots who have outgrown their buggy but still need an extra hand, this is a fun way for them to get around – and can be folded and unfolded for easy storage in seconds.
A far cry from the many plastic designs out there, this chic wooden rocker is by Parisian nursery furniture designer Charlie Crane, and comes complete with organic white quilted cushion and a stylish toy arch. Keep your newborn safe and engaged, and your household elegant with this timeless design.
Clothes
These sweet festive tartan dungarees feature a smocked panel embroidered with a train, and make a traditional and stylish outfit for your little one’s first Christmas. They come complete with a white jersey body featuring a Peter Pan collar, and popper buttons at the legs for easy changing.
Is your child too cool for a flashing Christmas jumper? Then this navy knit jumper for kids aged two to 12 featuring a handsome reindeer is the perfect answer. Even better, you can get a marching one for yourself – although that may kill the cool points.
Festive but still stylish, this butter soft jumpsuit will make your tot the envy of Christmas. Breaking away from the traditional tartan themes and mini Santas, this onesie can be worn throughout the winter season – not just on Christmas Day.
If you’re out to turn heads this Christmas, Rachel Riley’s exquisite hand smocked dress is the one for your lucky little girl. The red tartan pattern is contrasted with a Scottie dog design, Peter Pan collar detail and a cuff edge, while the gathered skirt is fully lined and features buttons to the back. The frock is available for girls aged three to 10 years old, and even has matching boy’s rompers for the perfect family picture.
These super soft knotted gown and hat sets by Aden + Anais make the perfect gift for a newborn, and come in five fun patterns. The clever knot is the ideal hack for exhausted parents wanting a quick nappy change without having to grapple with trouser legs, and looks stylish too.
This favourite brand for new walkers has come out with a festive twist on their heritage winter boot, upgrading it with copper premium leather to give it an extra shine for Christmas. Available in 11 shades and ideal for children with wider feet, these deliver style, comfort and a secure fit – as well as being free of fiddly shoelaces.
Snuggle your youngster’s way into the cosy season with this festive and cosy sleepsuit, available from newborn to four years old. Sold in three fun patterns, the design features ribbed leg cuffs for comfort and a full length zip for ease.
Coordinate with your little one or buy your mum friend matching beanies for Christmas with this cute set of grey hats. Emblazoned with ‘mama’ and ‘mini’, stay cosy and stylish this winter.
We would very much like this stylish LBD in an adult size, but sadly it only comes in sizes for girls aged six to 14 years. The black sleeveless shift dress boasts a statement white bow, perfect for the party season, and can be layered with tights and a cardigan for colder days.
Comfort is key in the cosy winter months, but there’s no need to be boring. This fun printed tracksuit for tots is a purse-friendly £14.99, and definitely won’t show any stains. You can even buy matching sets for your baby and toddler.
Forever a festive favourite, you can’t go wrong with a red tartan shirt for the festive season and beyond. Available for children aged one to 13 years and at just £8, there will always be an occasion to wear this Christmas classic.
Put this faux fur bomber under the tree for your teen, and you most definitely will be the cool parent. Complete with hood and a cropped elasticated waist, the plush fabric and flattering design makes this a timeless classic.
These super soft leather pram shoes are breathable and supple to keep little feet comfortable and fresh. Adding a festive touch, the range comes in sweet designs including cream and red reindeer print, and a keepsake box for lasting memories.
Make sure your little one – or not so little one – is the belle of the ball with this stunning navy velvet dress embellished with golden patterns for a magical touch. The hem and cuff detail gives it an exclusive finish – for a purse-friendly £26.
Get into the spirit with these classic Peter Rabbit leggings for children aged 0 months to four years. Featuring a cute rabbit print across the bottom and legs, the range has other festive characters to choose from for a cosy Christmas.
Baby’s first Christmas? No photo album is complete without a picture of your youngest family member dressed up as Santa – usually looking highly grumpy. This two-piece set comes complete with a hat and can even be personalised, so snap away to your heart’s content.
Exhausted by tartan and festive red? Look ahead to the spring with this fun tractor print cardigan, and bring a retro splash of colour to your youngster’s wardrobe. For serious vehicle enthusiasts, you can even get matching leggings.
These sweet and super soft baby socks help protect some of the world’s most endangered baby animals in collaboration with World Wildlife Fund UK. Available in land or water option designs and packaged in a recyclable cardboard box, the former option features a panda cut, tiger cup, rhino calf and baby orangutan.
Interiors
A beautiful addition to any children’s room, and a classic keepsake for years to come, this handcrafted and 100% cotton alphabet quilt will smarten up any bed. Making it fun for children to learn their ABCs, it’s sure to become a centre piece in your little one’s room.
A modern twist on the traditional rocking horse, this Baby Swan with a wide seat complete with seatbelt for extra safety will be a popular present for toddlers. This lightweight rocker will help children learn balance and coordination, and it even boasts with a music button.
Described by Rochelle Humes as ‘the chair that does it all’, this My Little Coco family essential mixes practicality with space saving. Collapsible for easy travel and great for spontaneous meals, picnics or visits relative’s houses, this mini chair is the quick fix alternative to a traditional high chair.
Help your little one feel independent with this non-slip step stool. Ideal for helping youngsters reach the sink to wash their hands or brush their teeth by themselves, this can also be used for those of potty training age. Or, if you have a little kitchen helper, this will aid them in reaching the counter or table to get involved in food preparation and baking.
Perfect for parents who don’t want child-related clutter to cramp their style, this extremely stylish high chair will take your little one through from infanthood to 36 months.
It can be adjusted according to size in moments, and an add-on can even make it suitable for newborns. Whether they’re eating, playing or just want to be closer to the action, this chic and sturdy wooden wonder will bring them hours of comfort.
Little is more exciting than new bedding – especially when it comes in a glow-in-the-dark print option. These sets are available in different sizes and themes, including ‘space unicorn, dinosaurs and more, and will make bedtime for your youngster a breeze.
A treat for both you and your baby, this stylish William Morris nursing pillow can be used to rest your arm as you feed your baby, or to nuzzle your little one. A far cry from some of the more unstylish versions, this can be left out when you have visitors and they’ll be none the wiser.
Keep your baby cosy and stylish in this sweet sleeping bag which doubles up as a swaddle for newborns. Once they start rolling, you can simply pop their arms out, while still keeping them warm and chic.
Create a feature wall in minutes to brighten up any nursery or playroom, with themes including farms, dinosaurs and mermaids available. Each pack contains 45 stickers – perfect for an interior makeover in time for the new year.
Give wildlife lovers a chance to explore their creative side by building their own bird feeder kit. All parts come with pre-drilled holes for the nails, so all you need is a hammer (and an adult present), along with paint to personalise the feeder – before hanging it on your windowsill or tree for your feathered friends to feed from during the winter.
This portable night light made of silicone gives off just enough light to make your little one feel safe at night, without keeping them awake. What’s more, it’s cordless and rechargeable – so extra safe and stylish for your youngster’s nursery.
Go the extra mile this Christmas, and create a personalised advent calendar for the countdown to Christmas. Sustainable, stylish and extra special, this cotton keepsake can be rolled up for easy storage and reused for years to come. Suitable for ages three and above, it measures 70cm h x 45cm w.
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