With Christmas on the way and wish lists starting to take shape, we’ve put together our favourite books, games and toys to help you find the perfect gift for every child on your list.
We’ve organised everything by age, so you can jump straight to the section that matters most to you. Most of these picks can be ordered online from popular bookshops and gift retailers.
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Gift Ideas for Kids Aged 0 to 2 Years
Trains by James Gulliver Hancock (ages 0–2)
Full steam ahead! From underground trains and luxury safari trains to speedy Japanese Shinkansen trains, this colourful book introduces very young children to every type of train imaginable, along with railway stations, train history and much more. With eye-catching illustrations and easy-to-read text, it’s an engaging pick for little train-lovers.
Superworm by Julia Donaldson (ages 0–4)
“Superworm is super-long. Superworm is super-strong. Watch him wiggle! See him squirm! Hip, hip, hooray for SUPERWORM!” Super-long and super-strong, Superworm is always on hand to help animals and insects in need — whether that’s rescuing Baby Toad from a busy road or fishing Beetle out of a well. Don’t fear, Superworm is here!
Sleepy Eyes Bedtime Soothing Owl Soft Toy from Baby GUND (ages 0–2+)
The Sleepy Eyes Bedtime Owl is perfect for bedtime and play. Press its head and watch the eyes slowly close while it plays soothing sounds and its belly gently glows.
Tonies Audio System for Kids (ages 0–2+)
The Toniebox is an audio system made for children. Turn it on, pop a Tonie on top, and let the audio adventure begin. It holds up to 90 minutes of content, so you can add MP3s, audiobooks, or even record your own stories.
LEGO DUPLO Town Barn, Tractor & Farm Animal Care Playset (18 months+)
This play-and-learn farm set is a great developmental toy for toddlers who love animals or tractors. There are farm buildings and a tractor to build, plus accessories including a pig, sheep, horse, dog, hen, rooster and two cows to care for. As toddlers role-play different farm activities, they build fine motor skills while developing social and emotional awareness.
Gift Ideas for Kids Aged 3 to 5 Years
The Baddies by Julia Donaldson (3+)
This picture book from author and illustrator duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is a riot of slapstick fun and silliness. The Baddies are the meanest, nastiest ghost, witch and troll in the land, and they love being bad. When a little girl moves into a nearby cottage, they can’t wait to scare her out of her wits — but she quickly shows them that you don’t have to be big to be brave, and baddies don’t always win. It’s perfect read-aloud rhyming text with stunning pictures on every page and plenty of details to spot. Julia and Axel are the team behind picture book favourites like The Gruffalo, Stick Man, Zog and The Highway Rat.
Sir Adam The Brave & The Moody Monsters by David King (ages 0–4)
A picture book adventure from the author-illustrator team behind bestseller A Hug For You, starring schoolboy Adam King in the guise of a medieval knight. When a trio of moody monsters jeopardise the Wompie Wonder Fair and throw the kingdom into chaos, something has to be done — and fast! Enter Sir Adam the Brave. Join him on his quest to save the day and find out what’s making those monsters so very moody.
David Walliams Memory Game (5+)
A brilliantly entertaining memory game inspired by stories from The World of David Walliams. This classic game of pairs features characters from books including Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy and Grandpa’s Great Escape, and encourages concentration, turn-taking and memory skills.
Washimals Ocean Pets Playset (ages 3+)
Colour, clean and colour again with Crayola Washimals! Use the included markers to create beautiful patterns and designs on the pets, then wash them off to play again. This ocean-themed playset includes brand new pastel-coloured pets in a fun beach setting that doubles as a storage solution — with 2 pastel pets, 3 markers, 1 brush and 1 beach playset.
Squishmallow (ages 3+)
With a super-soft, marshmallow-like texture, each Squishmallow has its own fun personality shown on the hangtag. Every design has its own unique style, and there are loads to choose from — everything from an armadillo to a shrimp!
Gift Ideas for Kids Aged 6 to 8 Years
Cat Kid Comic Club – Collaborations by Dav Pilkey (ages 6+)
The Cat Kid Comic Club learns to collaborate in this creative, funny and insightful graphic novel by Dav Pilkey. Excitement and imagination run wild as Naomi, Melvin, Poppy, Gilbert, Curly and their siblings get back to making comics — but have they cleaned their rooms yet? Once their chores are done, the group presents even more amazing mini-comics, from a thrilling ride in “Chubbs McSpiderbutt” to a candy-coated mystery in “Mallo Cop”. Heartfelt and humorous with a brilliant cast of characters, this full-colour graphic novel is a great present for Dog Man fans and will inspire readers of all ages to dream up their own stories.
The Friendship Fairies Go To Sea by Lucy Kennedy (6+)
Meet the Friendship Fairies — sisters Emme, Holly and Jess. They’re just like regular girls, always messing around and having fun, but they’re also fairies. Their mum works as a spy, and her new case takes the girls to a little island off Connemara. All they know is they’re going out to sea and need to bring their swimsuits. Can Emme, Holly and Jess help their mum solve the mystery? This is the fourth book in the bestselling Friendship Fairies series by TV presenter Lucy Kennedy — magic, friendship and fun for readers aged 6+, with illustrations throughout by Phillip Cullen.
Pokémon: The Collection (ages 5–8)
Join Pikachu for the ultimate Pokémon adventure in this creative collection! With three activity books, a poster, a bookmark and stickers, it’s a great gift for fans of all ages, packed with a colouring book, search-and-find activities and a how-to-draw book.
Ravensburger Children’s World Globe, 180-Piece 3D Jigsaw Puzzle (ages 6 to 99!)
This world globe is a great way to introduce your child to world geography, with illustrations showing different animals in the continents where they live. The puzzle uses unique plastic pieces that slot together to build a sturdy, strong model — no glue required. Assemble by eye or use the numbers on the reverse side.
Catan Junior (ages 6+)
Catan Junior takes place on a ring of tropical isles — including the mysterious Spooky Island, home of the Ghost Captain. Each island generates a specific resource: wood, goats, molasses or cutlasses, and you can also find gold. Starting with two pirate lairs, players build ships to expand their network, using resources to build more ships and lairs or get help from wise Coco the parrot. A fun family game full of adventure.
Gift Ideas for Tweens Aged 9 to 12 Years
Spaceboy by David Walliams (9+)
Ruth loves climbing trees, making a mess and throwing stones. But the thing she loves most is space. She spends her days reading comics about alien invasions, doodling UFOs, watching B-movies about Earth being invaded by creatures from Mars, and gazing at the stars through her old, battered telescope. Then one night, watching from the attic room of her rickety old farmhouse, she spots something blazing across the sky — something that looks like a flying saucer. When it crash-lands in the cornfield, Ruth rushes to help and finds a mystery and an adventure beyond her wildest dreams.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Överlöde by Jeff Kinney (9+)
In book 17 of the bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley discovers that the road to fame and glory comes with some hard knocks. When he decides to tag along with his brother Rodrick’s band, Löded Diper, Greg doesn’t realise what he’s getting into. Late nights, unpaid gigs, fighting between band members and money troubles are all part of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. Can Greg help Löded Diper become the legends they think they are?
Keeper of the Lost Cities Series by Shannon Messenger (9+)
Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Rick Riordan and Amari and the Night Brothers, this series tells the story of Sophie Foster and her unique telepathic abilities — something she has never spoken of, even to her family, until she meets Fitz, a mysterious boy who also reads minds. In the first book, Sophie is forced to leave everything behind and start a new life in a magical world. The series has grown into a much-loved multi-book saga, so it’s worth checking the latest book count before you buy, in case there’s a new instalment to add to the gift.
Where’s Wally? Find It Fast Game (5+)
How quickly can you spot Wally? This is a brilliant, fast-paced matching game — pick a card showing multiple images of Wally and other objects, then roll the picture dice to find a matching image and win the round. The player who finds the most matches wins. For 2-4 players, it’s a perfect stocking filler the whole family can enjoy.
Robotime 3D Puzzles (9+)
Robotime 3D puzzles are a great gift for any budding builder or engineering enthusiast. From Sam’s Study to Orpheus the working robot, kids can build sturdy 3D models with moving parts for hours of enjoyment.
LEGO Creator: Caravan Family Holiday Playset (9+)
Creative camping adventures await outdoor fans in this LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Caravan Family Holiday Playset. At least three different build-and-play experiences are possible: kids can build a caravan with a retro car model, then rebuild it into a camper van or a detailed lighthouse — or use their imagination to build something entirely new. Packed with accessories and features, the set also includes three minifigures to jump-start play.
Gifts for Teens Aged 13+ Years
Failosophy for Teens by Elizabeth Day (13+)
A game-changing guide to being happier, healthier and more successful, from Sunday Times bestselling author Elizabeth Day — a handbook for when things go wrong. It’s full of creative, inspiring advice on how to talk openly about failure, turn setbacks into success, build resilience for life’s curveballs, and reframe negative thoughts.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera (15+)
It’s the night before Death-Cast goes live, and there’s one question on everyone’s mind: can Death-Cast really predict death, or is it an elaborate hoax? Orion Pagan has waited years for someone to tell him he’s going to die, given his serious heart condition. Valentino Prince has a long and promising future ahead of him and only registered for Death-Cast after his twin sister nearly died in a car accident. Orion and Valentino cross paths in Times Square and feel an instant connection — but when the first End Day calls go out, their lives change forever. Told with Adam Silvera’s signature bittersweet touch, this story celebrates the lasting impact people have on each other and shows that life is always worth living to the fullest.
LEGO Star Wars Luke Skywalker (Red Five) Helmet (16+)
Feel the power of the Force as you build this Star Wars collectible: Luke Skywalker’s iconic pilot headgear, the first hero helmet in the LEGO Star Wars Helmet Collection. Recreate authentic details including a brick-built microphone and interior padding, plus translucent red visor elements.
Ravensburger Eiffel Tower 3D Puzzle with Lights (12+)
Recreate the iconic Eiffel Tower with this 216-piece 3D jigsaw, complete with real working LED colour-changing lights. A brilliant addition to any teenager’s room, glowing from red to white to blue.
Quirky Water Bottles and Travel Mugs
From the Eoin O’Connor ‘Mutz’ collection to the Orla Kiely metal water bottle range and the Bioloco collection of travel mugs and water bottles, there’s a great stocking filler here for the eco-conscious teens in your life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right gift for my child’s age?
Age guidance on toys and books is a helpful starting point, but every child is different. Use the age ranges here as a guide, and think about your own child’s interests and reading level too — a slightly younger or older pick often works just as well.
Are these gifts available in stores or only online?
Most of these books, toys and games are widely available from bookshops, toy shops and gift retailers, both online and in-store. Availability can vary, so it’s worth checking with your preferred retailer closer to Christmas.
What if I’m buying for a child who loves reading, not toys?
Look at the book picks in the age group closest to your child’s age or reading level — several of the authors featured here, including Julia Donaldson, David Walliams and Dav Pilkey, have large back catalogues if this particular title isn’t quite right.
Do you recommend buying gifts early for Christmas?
Popular books, toys and games can sell out or face delivery delays close to Christmas, so browsing and ordering early gives you the best chance of finding what you want in time.
Looking for More Gift Inspiration?
If this list has sparked some ideas, take a look around our learning and family life sections for more age-by-age guides, activity ideas and reading recommendations to keep the inspiration flowing all year round.
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