Christmas gift guide – kids stuff

I can hardly believe that it’s November – that means Christmas is next month. I am pretty much done on the present buying front I think, but there are still a lot of bits and pieces I need to do – plan food, get some decorations and cards and have a big play room clear out to make space for all the new toys.

Over the last few weeks, I have complied a list of our favourite toys this year, so if you are on the hunt for presents for over 3’s, then take a look here!

• Fisher Price Thomas and Friends playset – if you know a little Thomas fan, then you don’t need to look any further than the Thomas and Friends Trackmaster Avalanche Escape playset. This is a full track set, so you don’t need any extra bits to go with it, and it comes with a motorised Thomas engine. If you have previous Trackmaster sets, you can connect them to this one. This set is heaps of fun – Thomas will drive around the track, and tip off the top off the mountain side and back down on to the rails the other side. When he passes through the cane, it will automatically reset the tipping section, so there is no need to stop play to reset anything. Hours of fun, and a toy that will appeal to all ages. Really well priced to, currently available from Argos at £29.99.
• Lottie dolls. Dolls for older girls can sometimes be too grown up – with adult figures, unrealistic body images and revealing clothing. Lottie dolls are different – they are designed to look like primary aged children, and wear sensible clothes, no make up or high heels. I much prefer this image, and it is something I am more than happy to give my daughter. You can read more about them here.
• Pokemon X and Y range. Gemma and Jacob are both into Pokemon, and we have previously reviewed the X and Y range here. The latest additions to this collection are the Battle Ready Pikachu and the Trainer Pokedex. The Pokedex features spinning lights, and spoken info about all the Kalos region Pokemon – something every serious trainer needs. The Battle Ready Pikachu comes with a backpack style harness so that you can carry Pikachu on your shoulder, although both Gemma and Jacob found it too big, and so Pikachu slipped off. However, the toy itself was a huge hit – Pikachu comes with foam discs, which shoot out when you press the ear – endless fun, and a much nicer alternative to a gun style toy.
• LEGO City Arctic Helicrane. This is one to pick up when you’re doing your shopping – it’s available from Asda. Lego is always a hit in this house, and this Helicrane was no different. Gemma and Jacob managed to build this all by themselves, and were so proud of it too. The helicopter itself is a great size for imaginative play, and comes with a winch to lift a loaded crate, as well as a sled with husky dogs. All round great toy, and currently on offer at just £12.
• Pop goes your name CD. This is such a cute little gift, and would be perfect as a stocking filler, or a personalised option for friends and family. The CD features some lovely, child friendly pop music, with the childs name insterted into the songs. Max has loved hearing his name when we have the CD on, and it would be a hit with children of all ages – there is something very special about a personalised item, and at just £12.95 I think it represents great value for money.
• Bigjigs table top theatre. We have reviewed a few Bigjigs toys over the last few months, and all of them would make great gifts. One of our favourites is the table top theatre and entertainer puppets. It’s a fantastic toy for imaginative play, creativity and follow on activities – everything from writing scripts to drawing and painting the scenery. The theatre is very well made, easy to assemble and the perfect size for family fun. 
• Plum Products Cookie interactive kitchen. This is one of our all time favourite toys, and it has been the most played with by far. All 3 children (aged 1, 6 and 8) enjoy it, and there is so much scope for play. You can choose to use it as a standard toy kitchen, or you can add an iPad in, and the app will allow hours of fun with a ‘real’ microwave function, which shows different foods cooking and changing. I find wooden toys like this a wonderful addition to a home, and the Plum Cookie kitchen is extremely well made, looks beautiful and is very competitively priced at just £149.99

Keep your eyes peeled for further Christmas gift guides coming soon – our favourite products for babies, toddlers and grown ups. 

What are you planning to give your children for Christmas this year? Is there anything you have seen that has made you go “wow”?