Vtech Sort & Discover Activity Cube
A cheerful early-learning toy with plenty to touch and sort. It is a sensible gift for children who like hands-on play and simple problem solving.
What children aged 3 to 12 are hoping for right now, kept up to date as trends move.
There is a pleasingly hands-on feel to this selection. Scissors, felt, slime, crystals, sand and dough all turn up, along with a big Crayola art case, and they point to a lot of children being kept busy at the table rather than in front of a screen. Familiar characters are having a moment too. Gabby's Dollhouse and Bluey sit alongside the Beano Annual, which has been a Christmas stocking regular for generations. The Yoto Mini fits the same mood, offering stories and music without a screen.
The guide suits anyone buying for children from about three up to the early school years, whether that is a nephew, a godchild or a classmate's birthday. Some picks are small enough for a party bag or stocking, like a Hot Wheels pack or a game of UNO. Others, such as the GALT Rainbow Lab, give a rainy afternoon something to do. The Amuseables Bobble Avocado is there for a child who wants a cuddle more than a kit. Nothing here is complicated, and most of it should get used straight away.
A cheerful early-learning toy with plenty to touch and sort. It is a sensible gift for children who like hands-on play and simple problem solving.
2
A compact interactive pet toy with a playful aquarium feel. It suits children who like caring for creatures and collecting small surprises.
3
A big, colourful playset for fans of the show, with lots of rooms and small details to rearrange. It gives younger children plenty of room for their own stories.
4
A fun option for children who like making and playing with tactile toys. It suits rainy afternoons and small group play.
5
A lively choice for children who enjoy toys with a bit of character. The Furby name is familiar, and the interactive features give it plenty to play with.
6
A simple game for little ones that builds hand-eye coordination. It works well as a small gift or a stocking filler.
7
Helps small hands build cutting confidence with something fun to finish. Handy for children getting ready for school.
8
A gentle introduction to experiments, with clear instructions and bright results. Good for rainy afternoons and curious children.
9
A tactile set for children who love diggers. The sand stays together nicely and can be played with indoors on a table.
10
A quirky soft toy for children who like their cuddly friends a bit different. It is well made and holds up to plenty of hugging.
11
A quick, simple game that works for small groups and mixed ages. Bluey fans will enjoy it from the first round.
12
A pretend-cooking set that suits children who like squeezing, pressing and serving. It is easy to set up and quick to tidy.
13
A compact player for stories, music and podcasts without a screen. It is easy for small hands to operate and travels well.
14
A dependable stocking filler for readers who like short comic strips and silly jokes. It is easy to dip into and suits reluctant readers well.
15
A small craft kit that produces something children can use and share. It suits party bag budgets and birthday swaps.
16
A good pick for a child who loves mixing, squishing and making. The fairy theme gives it a gentle storybook feel.
17
Crayons, pencils, markers and paper all fit in one tidy case. It is handy for rainy afternoons and easy to carry to a grandparent's house.
18
Twenty cars in one box means plenty to line up, race and swap with friends. A simple gift for car fans, and it works well with a track they already own.
19
A simple game that most families already know how to play. It is small enough to pack for holidays and cheap enough to give as a stocking filler.
20
A big tub of bricks that gives children room to build whatever they imagine. It works for a four-year-old and a ten-year-old, often at the same time.
21
Quick to learn and over in minutes, so it is easy to fit in before dinner. Children and grown-ups play on fairly even terms, which makes it a good one for family evenings.
22
A fresh story for families who have worn out the original. Good for bedtime reading aloud, and the rhymes are easy for little ones to join in with.
23
A useful bundle of early learning activities for little ones. It is the sort of gift that keeps coming back into play.
24
A simple, reusable drawing toy for everyday scribbles and practice. It is handy for keeping little hands busy at home or on the move.
25
A neat science kit for children who like nature and making things. It feels more grown-up than a standard toy, without being difficult to give.
The baby and new-parent gifts trending right now, kept up to date as trends move.
25 picksThe teen gifts trending right now, chosen for what teenagers actually want.
25 picksGreat gifts that stay under budget: under £25 in the UK, under $30 in the US, kept up to date as trends move.
25 picksThis page contains affiliate links: if you buy something through one, Giftwhale may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Picks are chosen from current gift trends and reviewed by us; prices shown are approximate and were correct when last checked.
Create and share lists, save from almost any app, reserve gifts, remember brilliant ideas, shop what you promised and keep the whole family organised. Less faff. More genuinely good presents.