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Children and teenagers are notoriously difficult to buy gifts for. Especially as they age, tastes can change rapidly and without reason. Buying for a child you don’t know well can also be a fraught task. In the lead up to Christmas, we’ve done the hard work for you to make shopping a breeze. From toddlers to teens and everything in between, here are our picks of the best Christmas presents for even the pickiest of kids.

The best Christmas gifts for kids

Wilson and Frenchy organic bunny rug

This organic bunny rug ($39.95) from Wilson and Frenchy is a lovely gift for newborns (which really, means a lovely gift for new parents). Crafted from GOTS organic cotton with just a touch of elastane to help with swaddling, the blanket features a vintage-inspired blue and cream puffin print. A versatile addition to any new parents’ arsenal that can be used for tummy time, to line a crib or as a swaddle.

Miffy lamp

The Dutch bunny has been a children’s favourite since the 1950s, and this Miffy Star Light lamp ($329.99) is a classic. The LED lamp is rechargeable, producing a soft, safe glow for young ones. Produced in the Netherlands, it will continue to be a reliable night-time guardian as kids grow up.

Honeysticks bath crayons

All kids love to draw on things – and not always in places they should. Honeysticks’ bath crayons ($22.95) mean they can doodle away to their heart’s content without the stress of permanently marking the house. Made from a blend of pure New Zealand beeswax, soy wax and a plant-based emulsifier and non-toxic colourants, all ingredients are food-safe. They wash off easily once bath time is over and are jumbo sized for tiny hands.

Little Big Minds wooden stacking stones

For the toddler who is constantly conjuring up dream worlds, Little Big Minds’ wooden stacking stones ($52) are a lovely addition to their play set. Their multifaceted surfaces provide infinite possibilities for stacking configurations, which is great for developing fine motor skills and hand eye coordination. They can also be used as pebbles in an imaginary world.

Sarah’s Silks Playsilks

The possibilities are endless with these mini playsilks ($19.90). These pure silk squares from California brand Sarah’s Silks are coloured with non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes for safe playtime. They can be worn as costumes, a roof over a “house” or in conjunction with other toys. Their mini playsilks are ideal for children ages one to three, while their regular playsilks ($25.90) are ideal for ages three and above.

Izimini beach toy set

Izimi’s beach toy set ($45) is the perfect companion for beach days this summer. Made from tough but flexible silicone, its indestructible even in the hands of the most determined of toddlers. The bundle includes a dolphin, turtle, shell and star fish mould, and a bucket and spade, all packaged in a handy cotton bag for easy travel.

Slime by Sienna Jurassic Land

Kids love slime. Not only is it fun, but it encourages creativity and can be a great way for children to wind down. This Jurassic Land kit ($35.95) from Slime by Sienna is handmade in Sydney and great for dino lovers. Recommended for children four and up. The kit includes blue and green slime (that smells great), a clay dinosaur and sprinkles.

Nanoblocks Peanuts Snoopy House

For fans of the classic cartoon, this Nanoblocks Snoopy House ($36.99) makes the perfect activity. The bricks in this LEGO spinoff are tiny, making for a finicky but enjoyable afternoon. The set includes Snoopy, of course, and his whole crew. Once complete, the adorable scene can be proudly displayed on their bookshelf or night stand.

LIEWOOD Tilo cupcake moulds

These bear-shaped cupcake moulds (set of 16, $46.90) are great for getting young ones involved in cooking. Freezer and oven safe, they can be used for just about anything, including cakes, icy blocks and jelly – all of which will, of course, take on an adorable bear shape. The flexible silicone makes it easy for small hands to pop out their creations.

Liberty London x Banwood bicycle

Every kid’s first bicycle is an important milestone in their development. This beautiful bike from Banwood (currently on sale, $209.95) has been produced in collaboration with Liberty London and features an adorable zoo print and wicker basket. Being a balance bike (a bike without pedals), its design helps kids develop a sense of balance without the awkwardness of training wheels. The adjustable saddle and handlebar are designed to accommodate a growing child. Suitable for children aged 2.5 to 5 years.

Olive at the Market book and doll

This beautiful book and doll set ($110) from writer Bianca Tzatzagos . The limited edition storybook, Olive at the Market, tells the tale of the titular character’s Saturday morning that’s side-tracked by charming chance encounters. It’s been handmade from start to finish in Sydney and comes wrapped in a custom cotton/linen cloth. The Olive doll helps bring the story to life – she even has her own miniature version of the delightful picture book.

Green Energy Salt Powered Robot

For budding STEM enthusiasts, this Salt Powered Robot ($34.99) from Green Science is a great educational kit to get them started. They’ll learn about mechanical and robotic science by building their own robot, before adding salt water to a specially designed cartridge. Suitable for ages five and up.

Dinosaur head lunchbox

Make them the coolest kid in the schoolyard with this Dinosaur head lunchbox ($64.95). Perfect for little T-Rex fans, the lunchbox will chomp up all their snacks, stationary and sandwiches. It comes with a handy strap so they can show T-Rex off wherever they go.

Hand-to-Hand Wombat board game

For lovers of the popular board game Exploding Kittens, Hand-to-Hand Wombat ($68) is an exciting new game for the whole family. It’s a game of teamwork, social deception and building towers. Suitable for ages seven and up, and designed to be played by three to six players, its fast pace means it can be completed in 15 minutes.

Matildas team soccer ball

Were they obsessed with this year’s Women’s World Cup? This Matildas soccer ball ($29.99) is the perfect gift for any aspiring young Sam Kerrs. Featuring the team’s logo and colours, the textured surface and prism design help with ball control to help them play their best.

Sunny Life underwater camera

Help them capture precious summer memories with this underwater film camera ($32.99) from Sunny Life. This simple point and shoot and focus-free design means it’s easy to use and a great beginner camera for young photographers. Their retro designs – including this pastel strawberry one – are bright and fun.

The best Christmas gifts for teenagers

Barbie the movie classic Ken doll

If their favourite part of the Barbie movie wasn’t the titular character but Ryan Gosling’s Ken, they can continue the love with this classic doll ($125.55). Outfitted in the character’s classic denim-on-denim look (the first to appear in the film) with his signature platinum blonde hair, this Ken doll is the perfect gift for tween fans, and is sure to become a collector’s item in years to come.

Cardigang Elodie bucket hat crochet kit

Cardigang’s Elodie bucket hat crochet kit ($80) is the perfect project for the crafty teen. This easy level kit is perfect for beginners, who are given everything they need to bring their creation to life, including easy to follow instructions and video tips should they hit a roadblock. You can also choose from a wide range of colour combinations to suit any taste.

IKEA LED light strips

Teens will love the opportunity to decorate their bedroom with these multicolour LED light strips (from $12) from IKEA. The roll of lights can be cut to any length and place around bookshelves, ceilings or along skirting boards to add a soft coloured glow to the room.

Loop Experience earplugs

Loop’s earplugs are a practical but thoughtful gift for the live music lover. Their Experience earplugs ($49.95) take the edge off loud music to protect ears whilst filtering a clear sound so they can still enjoy their favourite acts. The earplugs are available in a variety of fun colours, and each set comes with four interchangeable ear tip sizes for the perfect fit.

NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip

When it comes to stocking stuffers for teen girls, it’s hard to go wrong with lip gloss. NYX’s Fat Oil Lip Drip ($19.99) is often cited as a dupe for Dior’s Lip Glow Oil (which bears a far dearer price tag). As its name might suggest, its formula offers a super glossy appearance without being sticky or uncomfortable as some products tend to be. The Fat Oil Lip Drip comes in a range of shades for a slightly pigmented look – from Barbie pink to a rich apricot.

Impala rollerskates

If they loved Barbie, then they’ll likely love a pair of roller skates and the chance to recreate that scene from the movie. Melbourne-based brand Dresden make quality skates designed for maximum comfort and performance (they even have a limited edition Barbie collection for the ultra-obsessed). There’s a broad range of styles and colours available – our pick is this blue and red striped pair for a touch of vintage glam ($169).

RecipeTin Eats: Dinner, by Nagi Maehashi

Nagi Maehashi of RecipeTin Eats fame is beloved for her fool-proof, affordable and easy to follow recipes that always turn out delicious. Her cookbook (currently on sale, $26.50) is the perfect gift for young cooks or the teen about to move out of home, with over 150 recipes that will set up even the most novice of chefs for a lifetime of self-sufficiency.

Athena & Co Rainbow Love bracelet

Delicate, colourful jewellery has become the arm candy of choice amongst teens. This Rainbow Love bracelet ($94.95) from Aussie jeweller Athena & Co is perfect layered with any existing pieces in their collection or worn solo. Each bracelet is handmade to order in Sydney.

Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer

This tiny camera ($128) and smartphone printer ($99) from Instax are great gifts for photographers on the go. The Instax Pro is a palm-sized camera with a wide-angle lens and shutter that can be controlled from a smartphone perfect for staged photos. Pair it with the Instax Mini Link, a compact printer that can turn their snaps into a polaroid-like print that can be edited with doodles or different frames.

Casio watch

Casio’s vintage-inspired watch collection is a timeless ode to their beloved designs of yesteryear. Our pick, the LA680WA-7D ($99.95), has a slimline fit that won’t weigh smaller wrists down and won’t go out of style as they age. It features a stainless steel band and water-resistant design, as well as stopwatch, calendar and alarm clock.

Ticketek gift voucher

Credit: iStock

Whatever they’re into, it’s hard to go wrong with a Ticketek gift voucher (from $25), that gives them access to thousands of concerts and sport matches wherever they are. This is a gift that you can enjoy with them or one they can enjoy with friends. A great option for last-minute gifts too.

Adidas Sambas

A hot contender for shoe of the year, the Adidas Sambas have taken over TikTok and the fashion world. And while they may be on trend, they’re also a classic. The OG Samba in black ($180), with its simple, slimline fit and iconic white stripes won’t be going out of style anytime soon. Sizing is unisex, so be sure to check the size guide for the perfect fit.

JBL Ultra-Portable Waterproof Speaker

JBL’s Ultra-Portable Waterproof speaker ($89.95) is the perfect accessory for their summer adventures. Its handy carabiner means it can be clipped onto their backpack or belt loop for easy listening on the go, while its dustproof and waterproof design means it can withstand a trip to the beach or clumsy teenage spills. Plus, it comes in a range of bright colours and patterns to suit any taste.

Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch

These pimple patches ($7.90) from Korean beauty favourite COSRX are a practical and affordable stocking stuffer for teens. The pack includes a range of sticker sizes to accommodate any blemish, and are vegan, and alcohol and sulfate free making them gentle on young skin.

Crystal Haze Nostalgia Bear

Crystal Haze’s Nostalgia Bear pendant ($45) looks good enough to eat. The playful accessory comes in a range of fun colours, including the purple shade pictured here, and can be slipped on to a necklace or bracelet they already own, or gifted with Crystal Haze’s Box Chain Necklace ($45).

Carhartt Essentials Bag

For all their summer adventuring, get them a Carhartt Essentials bag ($109.95). The compact cross-body bag fits more than you might think, with a capacity of 1.7 litres. Crafted from recycled polyester it is also water repellant, the Essentials bag features two zippered compartments and a small front pouch and an adjustable shoulder strap.

Ultraviolette Vi’s Closet of Cuties

Ultra Violette’s sunscreen range is a favourite amongst TikTok skincare fanatics. Their Vi’s Closet of Cuties ($80) set gives them a taste of seven products from the Australian brand’s range, including a lip balm, reapplication mist and their bestselling hydrating sunscreen. The limited edition set comes packaged beautifully in a bright, graphic box for safekeeping.

Poppy Lissiman Kaz sunglasses

Get the teen in your life a pair of sunglasses for summer. This pair, the Kaz ($155), from Aussie brand Poppy Lissiman are a sleek but classic style that suit a range of face shapes. Made from recycled acetate, their lenses are CAT1 UV protected for healthy eyes. We’ve featured their black version here (the “safe” option), but they come in two other stylish colour ways.

Euphoria Fashion by Heidi Bivens

For fans of the hit teen drama Euphoria, this coffee table book ($90) features behind-the-scenes commentary from the show’s costume designer Heidi Bivens alongside beautiful photography. They’ll also find an introduction from fashion designer Jeremy Scott, insight from cast members and essays that dive into the trends and memes sparked by the show. The perfect gift for fashion and cinema lovers alike.

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