Best Christmas gifts for kids: the non-parent's guide

Struggling to think of gift ideas for the kids in your life? We spoke to our experts, members and retailers to put together our definitive Christmas list for toddlers to teens, to help you buy presents for anyone aged between two and 18.

Many of our experts have children themselves, so our picks are sure to be a hit with your nieces, nephews, cousins, siblings, grandchildren or any other young person this Christmas. 

Our baby and child editor, Jade Harding, has also added her expert choices which will help you to beat Santa at his own game, from Lego sets to gifts that will cheer up even the grumpiest of teenagers.

Need a gift for a younger child? We've got you covered with our guide on the best gifts for one-year-olds.

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Best Christmas gifts for kids aged 2 to 3 years

Gifts under £30

Tippi My First Remote Control Car

We like: Simple for kids to play with

We don't like: Catchy jingle can get stuck in your head

This remote-controlled car is a great gift option for young children. It's got easy-to-use controls on the steering wheel, and has lots of interactive features. With a top speed of 2.5mph, it's not fast enough to do any damage to furniture, either.

As well as lights and car sounds, it has a removable driver that your recipient can play with.

How does it compare to similar toys? Read our review of the best remote controlled cars to find out.

'That's not my...' books

We like: Loads of variety

Watch out for: Buying a set is cheaper than buying separately

These board books often feature textures such as fuzzy fur for little ones to feel while they're being read to. The books have lots of pictures and are quite short at 10 pages long, which should hold younger kids' attention.

There's a massive variety of themes, animals and situations, so you can tailor a few to your recipient's interests or favourite animals.

You can pick up individual books or sets from many retailers including Amazon and Waterstones, or pop into your local bookstore.

VTech My 1st Record Player

We like: Integrated record storage, five records to play 

Watch out for: No extra records

John Lewis anticipates that this small record player is going to be one of the most popular toys to gift this Christmas. 

Great for toddlers who like to bop and boogie, it comes with five double-sided records across a variety of genres like jazz, hip hop, pop and techno. Kids can even 'remix' the songs to add animal sounds to the music.

Compare prices below:

A turntable isn't just a good gift for a child – read our guide on the best record players to find something for music-loving adults.

Gifts under £60

Globber Junior Foldable Scooter

We like: Foldable, light-up wheels

Watch out for: Lean to steer might not be for every kid

Three-wheeled scooters are a great gift for kids so they can zoom along paths or around parks and driveways.

This aluminium scooter from Globber can fold up for easier stowage – good news for parents. Plus, it's got light-up wheels – which should delight any kid. If they don't already have one, it's also worthwhile getting them a helmet, too.

Compare prices below:

Want to go from three wheels to two? Read our guide on how to buy the best balance bike

Jellycat Plushies

We like: Loads of variety on cuddly toys

Watch out for: Can be expensive

These popular teddys make a great gift for kids, as there's a massive variety of adorable teddys, charms, themes, animals, and even animate objects Jellycat calls 'amusables'.

While you can pick them up from shops such as John Lewis, Waterstones and Selfridges, the full range will be available direct from Jellycat. Stock comes and goes with popular plushies, so if you're tempted to pick one up as a gift it might be worthwhile considering a few different backups.

You can view the full range from Jellycat, or compare prices on a variety below:

• 'Bashful Puppy' (small) soft toy: SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017614
• 'Perry Polar Bear' teddy: SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017618
• Aloe Vera 'Amuseable': SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017616
• Football 'Amuseable': SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017617

Lego Duplo sets

We like: Kids can use the bricks with regular-sized Lego as they get older

Watch out for: Not always the best value for Lego sets

In a recent survey, our members singled out Lego as one of the most requested gifts from kids of all ages. Duplo is Lego's toddler-friendly toy line. Made of large, brightly coloured blocks, they're a great gift that allows young kids to experiment with building and creating.

A good rule of thumb to follow when buying any Lego set is to look at the price per brick. A good price per brick on Duplo sets typically falls around 60-70p per piece. However, we've also seen some sets reach up to £1.09 per brick, so try to steer clear of those.

We've picked a few good value sets at differing price points, but view the full Duplo range from Lego.

Compare prices and sets below:

Gifts under £100

Ikea DUKTIG Play Kitchen

We like: Comes with risers to 'grow' with the kids 

Watch out for: Batteries and accessories sold separately

Wooden play kitchens are an extremely popular toy for families with young children, but many tend to be on the pricey side and can cost hundreds of pounds. Play kitchens were one of John Lewis' most anticipated Christmas toys, and we loved this option from Ikea – it typically costs £85, plus you can get it in a few different colours.

It comes with shelves, hobs, hooks for pots and pans, a little microwave, an oven and cabinets. The hobs can light up as well, but they don't get hot. The height can be adjusted using risers as the kids grow taller.

You can pick up this kitchen from Ikea. 

If that's out of your price range, we also found a similar model from Smyths Toys for £40. It has similar features and comes with some metal utensils, too. It's a bit smaller, only comes in one colour, and you can't raise it up like the Ikea one though. It's recommended for kids aged three and older.

Pick it up from Smyths Toys.

Best Christmas gifts for kids aged 4 to 5 years 

Gifts under £30

Play-Doh Rainbow eight-pack

We like: An affordable option for younger children

Watch out for: Can be messy and difficult to clean, dries up easily

A classic kid's toy, Play-Doh is a great gift idea for young kids and has been a popular choice for decades. 

This eight-pack comes with red, orange, yellow, green, pink, blue, purple and white Play-Dohs.

While you're not supposed to eat it, there is wheat in Play-Doh, so it may not be suitable for kids who have gluten intolerances or coeliac disease.

Compare prices below:

Popular Science Giant Springy

We like: Timeless classic

Watch out for: Tangling

This slinky from Popular Science is a massive version of the classic spring toy. It measures in at 9 x 11cm (W x H), is made out of metal and is an Amazon bestseller. Reviews claim that it 'slinked every step (on the) first try', although we have not tested this ourselves.

It makes a great stocking filler for a young child as it will show them how gravity and momentum work, or they can just fidget around with it. Just make sure your recipient doesn't tangle this toy, as they're notoriously hard to get reshaped. 

Compare prices below:

Janod Doctor's Suitcase pretend playset

We like: Lots of other playset options, comes with 30-page 'prescription pad' and pencil

Watch out for: Not as cheap as plastic alternatives

Pretend play is great for kids, and what better way to spark their imagination by pretending to be a doctor? This playset comes with a variety of medical accessories, including a thermometer and stethoscope, and makes a great gift for kids with siblings so they can play together.

French company Janod has been making wooden children's toys since 1970, ranging in price from under £20 to nearly £200. They also sell boxes full of developmental toys for around £45, which are aimed at children aged between one and three.

See the full range of toys on the Janod website or take a look at Amazon. Compare prices on the Doctor's Suitcase below:

Squishmallows Plushies

We like: Lots of different plushies available

Watch out for: Quite large and many are a similar shape

These stuffed toys are wildly popular for their unconventional design and massive variety. If you're after a snuggly gift for a little one, these are a great choice.

You can also pick up seasonally-themed plushies, such as winter-ready penguins or Christmas puds. Keep in mind they're quite large for stuffed toys, ranging from 18cm to a huge 60cm.

View the wide range of Squishmallows available at Smyths Toys and Amazon, or compare prices on a handful below:

Playmags Magnetic Tiles

We like: Quick constructions and lots of shapes

Watch out for: Small magnets and batteries

These construction toys use magnetic strips to bind themselves together. The transparent tiles can be stuck together to quickly build houses and shapes. These also come with alphabet letters that can be stuck onto windows, much like classic alphabet blocks.

These tiles are fun toys, but don't be tempted to pick up cheaper off-brand models. We tested some alternatives and found that tiny magnets can break off and be a risk to kids. We'd recommend sticking to the name-brands available from reputable retailers.

Our experts liked the 56-piece set, as it came with a variety of tiles for under £30.

Compare prices below:

We've found some toys from non-reputable sellers can pose a hazard to kids, read our guide on the eight things we found that could put your child in danger if mishandled

Best Christmas gifts for kids aged 6 to 7 years 

Gifts under £30

Science Mad 100x Microscope

We like: Budget-friendly beginner microscope

Watch out for: Made of plastic

If you're buying a gift for a child who's starting to explore and figure out the world around them, a toy microscope can be a great way to open their eyes further.

It has three levels of magnification (25x, 50x, and 100x), which isn't the highest, but we thought that was pretty good for a microscope that's typically available for under £15. There's also a battery-powered illuminator and an adjustable focus.

Compare prices below:

EUTOYZ Walkie Talkies

We like: Lightweight – each one weighs less than 100g

Watch out for: Not water-resistant

With a range of 1,000 feet, these walkie talkies are great for kids embarking on outdoor adventures or who just want to chatter away. 

The walkie talkies have two controls: an on/off button and a talking switch. Your recipient will need three AAA batteries for each device, so we'd recommend gifting those, too.

Kids won't be able to switch channels on the walkie talkies, and while that can keep it simple, some reviews have pointed out that it may share a frequency with other radio bands – meaning strangers might be using it.

Compare prices below:

'Where are you?' personalised book

We like: Thoughtful and fun

Watch out for: Some customisation options cost more

Similar to 'Where's Wally?' books, these will have your recipient searching for themselves through a number of sci-fi inspired scenes and settings. These illustrated books feature one to three customisable characters, and are recommended for kids aged four to 10.

There are a few extra options to further customise your book with things such as different covers, but those will set you back a few extra quid. You can also get different books from across the range, including some that feature siblings or whole families.

You can view the full range from Wonderbly.

Gifts under £60

Lego Friends sets

We like: A wide cast of characters, sets, locations and scenes based on real life

Watch out for: Many sets will be retiring soon

When asked, several of our members said that kids were specifically asking for Lego Friends sets. This line ditches the classic minifigure for more detailed and larger 'minidolls', but still uses regular bricks to create colourful sets that are often packed with play features.

If this is going to be someone's first Lego set, we'd recommend starting with a smaller set that has between 50 to 300 pieces.

If you're looking for more Friends sets, check out what's currently on sale on our Lego deals page. Or compare prices on a variety of sets below:

Science Mad 50mm Telescope

We like: It's a decent price

Watch out for: Most likely not the best telescope

We chose this telescope for its affordability and popularity with shoppers. You probably won't get the best view out of it, but for a beginner this is a good gift idea if the little one in question loves all things space.

It has a fixed tripod, with 20mm and 4mm eyepieces for magnifications of 18x and 90x respectively.

If you're looking for a more robust telescope, read our guide on how to buy the best telescope. Otherwise, compare prices on the Science Mad children's telescope below:

Best Christmas gifts for kids aged 8 to 12 years

Gifts under £30

Rubik's Cube

We like: Classic puzzle solving

Watch out for: May not be for everyone

If you're looking for a fun stocking filler, this best-selling puzzle is a great way for kids to learn problem-solving skills. It's a classic challenge that is still fiendishly hard to solve.

Plus, it could one day be your recipient who breaks the world record of solving the Rubik's Cube in three minutes and 13 seconds. 

Compare prices below:

Gifts under £60

Ravensburger GraviTrax marble run

We like: Seemingly endless track combinations

Watch out for: Only six marbles included, expansion packs may be needed for further play

This reimagined marble run is made up using stacks of hexagons, guide rails and heaps of accessories. There are tons of runs kids can experiment putting together, and they can also set up races or come up with imaginative ways to harness the power of gravity.

The starter set comes with more than 100 pieces, including a 'Gauss cannon' that accelerates marbles. 

Fancier elements such as trampolines, catapults and ziplines are sold as expansions to the sets. While they aren't necessary to build runs, they can be fun additions to consider gifting at a future date.

Pick up the Starter Set below, or take a look at expansion packs from Ravensburger.

Lego Star Wars sets

We like: A huge variety of sets to choose from

Watch out for: Expensive price per brick compared to other lines

Like Lego Friends sets, Star Wars Lego was one of the most-requested gifts from the kids and grandkids of Which? members. 

There are more than 100 different sets, all offering buildable recreations of ships, scenes and locations from the classic sci-fi epic. 

The price per brick of Star Wars sets tends to be a bit higher than other set themes. Expect to pay between 10-11p per brick. 

If you're looking for more Lego Star Wars sets, we keep track of bargains on our best Lego deals page. Compare prices on a few sets below:

Best Christmas gifts for teens aged 13 years and up

Gifts under £30

Lakeland Professional Piping set

We like: No coupler required

Watch out for: Piping bags aren't always the easiest to clean

If your recipient is an aspiring baker, or already loves to whip up a sponge-based masterpiece, these piping bags could help hone their skills. It comes with seven different nozzles and one piping bag.

You can also pair it with a recipe book if you're looking for something extra. There are thousands of baking cookbooks out there, including plenty for younger kids – and if you're lucky, you may get to try the goodies they create.

Pick up this set from Lakeland, see price below:

Steam gift card

We like: Thousands of options and lots of sales – especially around Christmas

Watch out for: Some popular games sell for £60 or more

It isn't always easy knowing which games to gift someone – or what titles they already own.

Take the guesswork out of the equation and pick up a Steam gift card. Your recipient can choose between thousands of games, and can refund them within two weeks if they haven't played them for more than two hours.

You can also get gift cards for specific games and consoles such as Fortnite, Roblox, Xbox, PlayStation and more. 

If they're more of a PC gamer, try a Humble Choice subscription – it's like Xbox Game Pass, except your recipient will get to keep the games that come in each month's bundle. 

Pick up digital vouchers from Steam or a £20 card below:

Gifts under £100

Sony WH-CH720N headphones

We like: The battery life

Watch out for: Expensive gift choice

If the teen in your life is prone to blasting music at all hours, a solid pair of headphones could make the experience better – for all the family.

These are a wireless model, but there's a headphone jack which can plug into your phone or device. There are also physical controls on the earcups so they won't need to pull their phone out of a pocket to change tracks.

If you're willing to go over budget, pairing these with a Spotify Premium subscription would be extremely kind. You can pick up a 12-month gift subscription from Amazon for £99 – we'd recommend checking with their parents and making sure they're not on any family plans first though.

Read our Sony WH-CH720N headphones review, or compare prices on this set below:

Best family Christmas gifts

A group gift is a great way to get the whole family bonding at Christmas, and hopefully they'll have fun (rather than arguments over which rules may or may not have been broken).

If you're looking for inspiration about what games to buy, we've tested over two dozen different games suitable for all ages. See our reviews of the best board games.

Preparing for a growing family

Our expert advice helps you make the best decisions for your loved ones

Visit our growing families hub

Best family gifts under £30

Dobble card game

We like: Fast-paced, five different game modes

Watch out for: Cards could be bigger and easier to see

It's a fairly simple game: players match symbols between two cards and yell it out. It relies on quick visual observations instead of knowledge or strategy, so it's a good gift for families that have both younger and older kids.

As it's a deck of cards, it's also easy to take on holidays or camping trips.

The default Dobble theme is fun and colourful, but there are other themes available, too, such as Disney, Star Wars, Harry Potter and Marvel.

Compare prices below:

Bop It! electronic game

We like: Its pass-it mode enables group games

Watch out for: Not as many features as the 'extreme' version

This classic toy from the mid-90s has gone through a few iterations and has a sleeker finish these days, but it's still one of Amazon's most sold toys. 

It's a great gift idea for kids over eight years, who like a bit of competition. It has fast-paced commands and multiple game modes so kids can play with parents, siblings or friends.

If you're thinking it has fewer modes than you remembered, that's because this isn't the 'extreme' version, which has more commands and functions – but also costs nearly three times as much.

Compare prices below:

Best family gifts under £50

Pigs on Trampolines

We like: Great for families with little ones

We don't like: Trampolines aren't the easiest to bounce pigs off

In this game, on the count of three everyone begins bouncing pigs into a central mud pit. If a pig gets in the pit, the player gets a mud token – and whoever gets the most tokens is the winner.

During our testing, we found the game very easy to pick up. Even though the trampolines were a bit too bouncy, our testers often said that with each failure they 'just wanted one more go'. 

It's one of our best family board games, so it makes a fantastic gift.

Read our full verdict in our guide on the best board games, or compare prices below:

My First Scalextric racing track

We like: Can choose between mains or battery powered

Watch out for: Mains powered is more expensive

Scalextric makes a great gift for families with a few siblings, or for parents to show this classic toy to their kids. It's got just over two and a half metres of track, and the cars have magnets in their chassis that should prevent skids and crashes.

The track isn't too complex; it's a figure of eight that comes apart into small pieces for easy storage. If you get the battery-powered track, you'll need five AA batteries to power it. 

Compare prices below:

Best family gifts over £100

If you're buying gifts for each member of a large family, it might be worth just getting a bigger gift for everyone to enjoy. Just make sure you check in with the recipient's parents before blowing the budget.

Plum Wave Springsafe Trampoline

We like: One of the cheapest trampolines we tested

We don't like: Needs garden space 

Trampolines are a great way to get kids playing outside, and are a welcome addition to a family's garden. This one comes with a safety enclosure, so no one should go flying off and get hurt.

It's available in eight, 12 and 14ft models, but keep in mind that it doesn't include a ladder or ground anchor kit. You'll need to buy these separately in the accessory kit.

We've tested the eight ft model – read our results in our review on the best trampolines.

Compare prices on a eight ft trampoline below: 

Ice cream maker

We like: Homemade sweet treats

We don't like: Self-freezing models are expensive, freeze-first models take planning

While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when it's chilly outside, making ice cream from scratch means a family can experiment and create their own ice cream flavours at home. 

We tested the Kumio ice cream maker, and with a one-litre capacity there should be no shortage of homemade treats, including frozen yogurt. It's a good entry-level machine, but we'd recommend checking out our Kumio review before buying.

Read more in our guide on the best ice cream makers, or compare prices below:

Self-freezing ice cream makers are pretty expensive. If you think it's a good idea but don't want to splurge, we've also tested freeze-first models that are significantly cheaper. 

This Lakeland ice cream maker is 1/7th of the price of the Kumio above, but your recipients will need to stick it into the freezer 12 hours before they want to make any ice cream.

If you want this one, it's SQUIRREL_TEXT_50014150

Looking for more gift inspiration? See our guides:

• Best early Christmas gifts
• Best Christmas gifts for gardeners
• Best Christmas gifts for dogs
• Best Christmas gifts for men
• Best cheap Christmas gifts
• Best Christmas gifts for women
• Best Christmas gifts for foodies