On paper, you might think your well-heeled aunt or discerning grandfather are the hardest people to buy for. In reality, however, it will be anyone under the age of 16. Kids, after all, know what they want and won’t be afraid to tell you if they don’t get it.
Whether you’re buying for your own brood or have a bevy of nieces and nephews to impress, we’ve found the best children’s Christmas gifts guaranteed to surprise, delight and, most importantly, prove to them that you’re the cool adult in the family.
The best gifts for babies and toddlers
Jellycat Bashful Bunny hamper
The first festive season with a newborn can be, to put it mildly, trying. There’s just something about surviving on three hours sleep a night that makes one less then jolly, we find. Ease the pain for new parents with this baby hamper created by Jellycat and Selfridges, which is packed with the brand’s signature soft toy (an instant hit with newborns everywhere), as well as a rattle, blanket and baby book.
Banwood trike
Know a toddler with a taste for luxury? Banwood makes some of the most beautiful bikes and trikes on the market. Inspired by minimalist Scandi design, this vintage-style trike is finished with sturdy tires, a vegan leather saddle and wicker basket to take all their favourite plush friends for a ride in.
My 1st Years Personalised gift set
My 1st Years made its name on offering high quality, genuinely useful toys, clothes and baby items, almost all of which can be personalised. This makes it the ideal brand to have in your back pocket for gifts guaranteed to please both parent and child. Take, for example, this adorable knitted dinosaur winter accessories set. If mummy and daddy don’t have it on their Instagram feed within minutes we’ll eat our elegantly monogrammed hat.
The best gifts for children
Pepa & Co handsmocked dress
Are you parent to a child with a social life as active as any adult? You’ll be well versed in Pepa & Co’s gorgeous range of traditional children’s party clothes, then. Founded by Pepa Gonzalez in 2013, and inspired by her years working as a nanny for high-profile international families, if you style your family on the Cambridges, this is the brand for you.
Pepa & Co Fair Isle jumper
This pretty, hand-smocked dress and Fair Isle sweater are in equal parts cute, sophisticated and comfortable.
Paul Smith Junior Dino T-shirt
If, on the other hand, the thought of trying to force your active little ones into anything more formal that tracksuit bottoms fills you with dread, allow us to point you in the direction of Paul Smith Junior. It’s colourful children’s collection is full of stylish yet comfortable options perfect for playtime. This unisex Dino T-shirt is a case in point.
Paul Smith Junior Zebra dress
Pair this cute embroidered sweater dress with colourful trainers for the ultimate practical party outfit for girls on the go.
My First Smythson Diary
Inspired by research from the National Literary Trust that children who write regularly are happier and more creative, London-based leather goods brand Smythson has created a version of its famed leather diary specifically for little ones. Aimed at children aged 8-11, My First Smythson features daily activities and creative prompts bound in vibrant tangerine Panama leather.
The best gifts for teens
As Cooked On TikTok
If you know a teen, then you’ll know someone who’s addicted to TikTok. Take their scrolling habit off the screen and turn it into a useful skill with As Cooked On TikTok, an ingenious cookbook featuring recipes that have gone viral on the app. Featuring dishes by more than 40 of the most popular food creators, as well as a foreword by Gordon and Tilly Ramsay, it’s the ideal gift for older teens soon to fly the nest.
Balmain logo sweatshirt
After spending all week in school uniform, a teen’s weekend clothes are an important way for them to express their personal style – and this is where you’ll get your cool adult credentials. First, you’ll want to be buying them a recognisable label (Balmain is ideal). Next, you’ll need to tap into the prevailing streetwear trend but in a way that is playful and age-appropriate. This bright sweatshirt will pair perfectly with the box-fresh trainers they’ve been begging their parents for.
Monica Vinader jewellery
The teen years are also the perfect time to introduce them to the glittering world of grown-up jewellery – but we’re not suggesting you should deck them out in diamonds just yet. Monica Vinader’s expansive collection of demi-fine designs will give them something to treasure without breaking the bank (and, hopefully, prevent them from raiding your jewellery box). These gold vermeil sapphire huggies are both covetable and youthful while the brand’s collection of unisex chains are great for both cool girls and edgy boys.
Read more: The best Christmas gifts for him
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