Toys with STEM credentials
If you’re a regular reader of my blog you may have noticed that I tend to favour toys with an educational twist. I love the idea that children can play with something really fun and be learning at the same time. That’s why I like to choose building kits for kids at Christmas.
Not only do construction kits like the Connetix tiles give children a practical way to understand engineering and magnetic forces, but they also provide open-ended play. Kids can choose exactly what they want to build and the possibilities are endless, meaning the the kit you buy them at Christmas will be fun to play with throughout the year as they explore the countless different build options.
Likewise, for children aged 3+ a wooden stacking activity like this Teeter Totter Shapes game can help them to explore balance, weight and forms. It’s never too early to start learning, especially when it’s really just a fun game to play, even without the educational element.
Something snuggly
Personally, whenever I get the chance to give a child a gift, I really enjoy handing over something cuddly. I remember loving my teddy bears and plush toys as a child so I can imagine how nice it is for them to have something to stroke and snuggle with. A little different to the usual pet-like plush toys out there is this super-soft furry platypus.
It’s part of the Warmies range, so it’s not just a snuggly toy. The squishy tummy is weighted and can be heated in the microwave to give the platypus a warm feel. It’s also possible to freeze it so that it can be used as a cooling item, too. I think it’s so sweet and I just couldn’t resist getting it – that cute little face!
Historical treats
I know plenty of children who are really into dinosaurs and that’s why I went looking on the Natural History Museum website at their Christmas gifts section when I was doing my festive shopping this year. There I found a whole range of dino skeleton-themed knits, from hats and scarves to Christmas jumpers, with sizes to fit the kids and the grown-ups!
I also chose this dinosaur-themed Top Trumps pack, which I’d previously got for my nephew a few years back. Having played the game with him in the past, I knew just how educational it was, with plenty of facts about the dinosaurs woven into the fun game. It’s one of my faves and it’ll go down a treat with the other kids I need to find fun festive gifts for.
Creative and colourful
If you have toddlers in your life from age 2+, I think it’s a lovely idea to get them something that allows them to be creative without worrying about any mess. That’s where the HeyDoodle colouring mats and books come in – they allow young children to colour and doodle the lovely designs on the wipe-clean surface, which can then be cleaned and reused over and over again.
It’s a lovely way to encourage children away from screens in this digital era and let them enjoy doing something creative, while also reducing paper waste. They’re also educational too – the mat designs can help children to learn the alphabet and discover animals. The travel-friendly fold-out books also teach youngsters about the natural wonders of the world and habitats above and below the earth.
Festive family fun
When buying for children, it’s nice to gift them something that can also be enjoyed with others – their siblings, parents or friends. So choosing a multi-player board game is ideal for bringing the fun for all the family to enjoy. Board games are especially fun at Christmas and help to entertain little ones during the school holidays, especially that quiet family time during the big day and New Year’s Eve.
This year, I’ve chosen a festive-themed game; The Christmas Express by Cheatwell Games. We all love trains in my family so I already know this is going to be a winner and I’m sure we’ll play it loads over the festive period.
I hope this gift guide has given you some ideas for presents for the little ones in your life. I love treating all my nieces and nephews to fun toys over Christmas and I can’t wait to play their games with them, too! Let me know if you have any other cool gift ideas for kids in the comments below and be sure to check out my gift guide for teens and adults, too.
Some items in this blog post have been gifted to me and the pink links indicate a gifted product, affiliate link or information source. All thoughts and opinions in this post are based on my own experience and I am not responsible for your experience 
