Buying Presents For Boys And Girls At Christmas

In this age of ever-evolving technology and with a plethora of games consoles and the such like on the market today, parents are often left with a dilemma when it comes to buying presents for boys and girls at Christmas. Do you give into the pressures and just indulge your children with the latest handheld computers, for example, or do you try and encourage them away from the all things computer and back outside? There needs to be an even balance to cultivate “even kids”. Here is a list broken down by age range an gender. While many of the specific gift suggestions can work for many ages and both genders, we picked one specific age/gender to assign it to so be sure to check out the entire gift guide despite what age/gender your child(ren) are.

Presents for Girls Aged 0 – 5 Years

Parents shouldn’t even really consider giving a child between these ages a technological present for Christmas, although there are some educational laptops, for instance, that can help your child to read and write.

But for a girl under the age of one, it is all about stimulation and development. Toys should be soft, so little girls this age don’t hurt themselves, and they should be vibrantly bright, which is especially important when your daughter is beginning to focus and use her eyes properly for the first time.

Anything that has touchy feely material on it – such as a soft woolly toy or a fluffy ball – is extremely important as you daughter will learn the differences in touch and it will stimulate this particular sense.

Stuffed Animals

Stuffed toys make fantastic gifts for kids aged 0-5 because they provide comfort, companionship, and support emotional growth. A soft, cuddly plush toy can become a beloved companion, offering security during naps, bedtime, or stressful moments. They promote imaginative play and teach children about nurturing and caring for others.

When selecting a stuffed animal for this age group, safety should be a top priority. Look for features such as embroidered eyes and noses rather than small, removable plastic parts that may pose a choking risk. Choose durable, high-quality materials that are easy to clean and free from harmful chemicals. Be cautious about dollar store quality stuffed animals for young children as their stuffed animals may have noses or buttons that break loose causing a choking hazzard.

Additionally, a soft, huggable texture and the right size for tiny hands are key factors to consider. Some stuffed animals are machine washable which is excellent for this age range. We all know that when a child finds their “favorite”, but goes everywhere with them.

PolySquish by CMY Cubes: A Unique Sensory Toy for Kids

PolySquish is an innovative sensory toy designed to provide a satisfying tactile experience for children. Made from soft, squeezable material, this toy offers a fun way to relieve stress and keep little hands busy. Its unique cube shape and vibrant colors make it visually appealing, while the squishy texture encourages sensory play and fine motor skill development. PolySquish is perfect to include in a Christmas Eve box, stocking stuffer or Christmas gift as a cozy item that adds a magical touch to the holiday season, helping kids relax and enjoy the festive night with a favorite snack or hot cocoa in hand.

BunBebes Halo the Yellow Tie-Dye Cat

Halo the Yellow Tie-Dye Cat is a 7-inch plushie designed for cuddling. Made from soft polyester fiber and plastic pellets, it ensures comfort and stability. Care is easy, requiring only surface washing to maintain freshness. The plush features intricate embroidery for a lifelike expression and is durable for adventures. Colors and patterns may slightly differ from images due to natural variations. Halo embodies a joyful spirit with her vibrant yellow and pink tie-dye fur, bringing sunshine wherever she goes and celebrating life’s simple pleasures, like beach lounging and wave-catching.

Toys the Help Gain Independence

As they get older and learn to get on their feet for the first time, a walking aide is a great present. A sit in walker is a great present, as it gives them that little bit of independence as they learn to move about the floor using only their legs. This helps to strengthen them so that, when they actually can stand up better on their own, a push along walker will give them the sensation of what it is really like to walk from one place to another.

Gifts to Help Her Imagination

As you would expect for little girls; dolls, dressing up clothes, and play figures are all ideal as they come up to school age. This helps them to learn the art of interacting whilst at the same time encourages them to use their imagination. But you shouldn’t restrict your daughter to traditional “girly” toys. If she shows a resistance again all things pink and fluffy, then why not buy her a set of cars or another toy usually associated with boys? It will satisfy her curiosity and at the same time, will absolutely do her development no harm at all.

Presents for Girls Aged 6 to 12 Years

If you’re going to buy your daughter one of the many educational technology tools on the market, then the lower part of this age group is probably the best time. This is because she will have started school and will be beginning to recognise letters and numbers and one of these particular toys will help, rather than hinder, her progress.

The middle part of this age group is probably the most difficult. They are beginning to mature and often ask for presents that are normally targeted at the older girl. The only thing you can do if this happens is make sure that you make a decision that you are happy with.

Pure Sound Labs BT2200-Plus Volume Limited Kids’ Bluetooth Headphones

The Pure Sound Labs BT2200-Plus are Bluetooth-enabled headphones designed for children. They feature both on-ear and over-ear designs, with a volume limit set at 85 dBA to protect young ears. The headphones effectively reduce ambient noise by 83%, enhancing sound quality. A daisy chain cable allows two sets of Puro headphones to connect to a single device. With Bluetooth 5.1, the wireless range extends up to 30 feet. They offer a robust battery life of 20 hours for playback and up to 200 hours on standby, utilizing a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with USB-C charging.

Linkx Game by Blue Orange Games

Linkx is a fast-paced, colorful strategy game where players race to connect matching colored dots on a grid before their opponents do. The game challenges players to think quickly and plan their moves carefully while staying engaged with its vibrant design and simple rules. Kids love Linkx because it combines the excitement of a race with the satisfaction of completing connections, making it both fun and mentally stimulating. Its quick rounds and easy-to-understand gameplay make it perfect for children to play with family or friends, encouraging friendly competition and strategic thinking in a playful environment.

Cookeez Makery Hello Kitty® and Friends Oven

The Cookeez Makery Hello Kitty® and Friends Oven allows kids to bake surprise plush toys. They can create up to three different Hello Kitty-themed plushies. Upon opening the oven, children experience warmth and delightful scents, mimicking freshly baked treats. The interactive playset encourages creativity through mixing and molding dough. Kids discover ingredients upon opening the oven and use provided tools for shaping. The highlight is the transformation of dough into a warm, scented plush, with a 90-second timer indicating when it’s ready. This engaging process culminates in an adorable reveal, making it a fun and sensory-rich experience for children.

Drawsome Drawing Game for Creative Kids by Clever Fox Play

Drawsome Drawing Game offers a fun, creative experience for kids and families. Players combine four random cards featuring characters, actions, styles, and places to create unique drawings. With 160 cards, each game provides endless combinations, ensuring laughter and imaginative play. It’s ideal for game nights, engaging both kids and adults, including those who may not feel confident in their drawing skills. The vibrant illustrations support non-readers, making it accessible for everyone. Additionally, it keeps kids entertained alone or with others.

Xploria X6Play Smart Watch

The Xploria X6Play is a premium kids’ smartwatch designed for ages 6 and up, featuring GPS to ensure safety. It allows kids to explore freely while providing parents peace of mind by restricting internet access. The parent app enables complete management of communication, including contact approval and location tracking, ensuring secure connectivity. Kids can communicate with pre-approved contacts through calls and messaging, enhancing family interactions. The watch includes real-time GPS tracking, customizable safety zones, and instant alerts if kids leave designated areas. School Mode minimizes distractions, and the pre-installed SIM card ensures reliable connectivity, starting at $9.99, for seamless communication and alerts.

Christmas Shopping

And as they get older, your children will move away from wanting toys and will move more towards the things that particular interest them, such as music, dance and clothes. You can really have fun at this stage, as they become old enough to be able to pick their presents themselves, and you when taking them shopping for ideas for what they would like for Christmas, you can enjoy a wonderful day out with your daughters.

Gift Ideas for 13-Year-Old Girls and Older

This is when Christmas could get much more expensive – if you let it. As girls get older, they tend to start looking at smaller presents but that tend to cost much more money, such as jewellery, iPhones and cameras. If you agree that your daughter should have the things she wants, then you could always set a limit on how much you want to spend and let her know that once that money is spent, that’s it. This way she will know how much she has to play with and if she decides she just wants one big present for the money, then that is all she gets.

Roll For It! by Calliope Games

Roll For It! by Calliope Games is a fun, fast-paced dice game where players roll dice to match cards and score points, aiming for 40 points to win. With simple rules, it’s suitable for all ages and can be played anywhere. The game’s compact size makes it a great travel companion, and its box acts as a dice tray. It’s also educational, teaching skills like decision-making and probability. A Solo Mode variant is available, and combining the Red and Purple Editions allows up to eight players. Enjoy quick, engaging gameplay with friends or family!

RE-FOCUS THE CREATIVE OFFICE Stress Relief Fidget Puzzle Pieces 

RE-FOCUS THE CREATIVE OFFICE Stress Relief Fidget Puzzle Pieces are playful tools designed to alleviate stress and enhance focus. Available in mixed color packs of 5, 10, or 20, these sensory toys incorporate calming colors with mindful reminders like “Breathe” and “Calm.” They promote stress relief and mindfulness through simple hand exercises, making them suitable for all ages, from students to seniors. Eco-friendly and reusable, they reduce waste while ensuring ongoing stress relief in various settings like offices, therapy sessions, and classrooms but definitely suitable for a teen girl struggling with anxiety.

The Original Cube by CMY Cubes: A Mesmerizing Sensory Toy That Captivates All Ages

Prepare to be astounded by the vibrant, eye-catching colors and ingenious design of the Original Cube by CMY Cubes. This revolutionary cube blends STEAM education with playful curiosity, inspiring logical thinking and a thirst for knowledge. It invites users to delve into the fascinating world of subtractive color mixing and unlock the secrets of optics and physics.

The CMY Cube uses the primary colors Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow (CMY) and is designed to help view life and light through a different lens. Each face of the translucent cube is coated in electromagnetically subtractive materials, initially appearing as cyan, magenta, or yellow. With a twist and turn of its unique geometry, these seemingly primary colors magically transform into an ever-changing spectrum of colors, providing endless enjoyment.

Unleash your imagination and discover the power of the CMY Cube – the ultimate gift for the curious and creative of all ages.

Presents for Boys Aged 0 – 5 Years

Just like with the girls, boys under the age of one also need toys that help to stimulate them and aide with their development. Anything which is bright or lit up is always a good idea and toys of different shapes are also advantageous, as it enables your little boy to learn to grasp different things and pick them up.

Toys That Develop Social Skills

Boys particularly love to play with cars and these days there is a whole host of accessories to go with them, such as tracks and garages. If you were to buy a toy at Christmas like this, or play figures and play sets, this will help them to develop their imagination and, when you play with them, this will give them an insight into the social skills that they will need when they start school.

Creative Toys

Craft toys are also a good idea, such as sand or play-doh. A water and sand table makes a great larger gift for this age range. This gives boys a taste of what it is like to be creative and with numerous toys on the market to complement this, such as ice-cream makers and tool benches, shows them how to pretend and will give them a skill to be able to do it with others once they start school.

And, once again, if your son shows an interest in toys normally associated with girls, then you shouldn’t disallow him having a go with them. It might be that the colours appeal to him more or simply that he has older sisters who play with them and he wants to join in the fun. It certainly won’t do him any harm to play with dolls or in a toy kitchen.

Pom Pom Animals Kit by Adventuretown Toy Emporium

For kids ages 5 and up, the Pom Pom Animals Kit by Adventuretown Toy Emporium allows them to create fluffy animal friends. It includes three wooden animal forms: a hedgehog, sheep, and lion, combined with vibrant yarn for a fun crafting experience. Simply wrap the yarn around the forms, snap the pieces together, and snip the yarn to reveal your creations. This kit is perfect for crafters of all ages and provides a hands-on blend of creativity and fun. The package includes three wooden animals, three spools of yarn in different colors, and an instruction book for easy crafting. Once they have had fun creating the animals, then they can use what they made to have some creative play time.

Gifts for Boys Aged 6 – 12 Years

You might think that, with the invention of so many different computers and games consoles, the days of rough and tumble with your son will never happen. But there is absolutely no reason for this to be the case. Yes, this is probably the age group in which they will get their first DS or Playstation/Xbox, but there is no reason why they can’t have an equally good time playing outside.

Introduce boys this age to rugby, golf, basketball, football or cricket and buy them presents that complement these sports. It is an ideal way to get them out in the fresh air as well as providing some vital mother/son, father/son bonding time. Letting them have a computer shouldn’t really stop them from developing at the normal rate, but supervising the amount of time they spend on it is advisable.

Mars Rovers Pack by Clixo

The Mars Rovers Pack by Clixo is a glow-in-the-dark magnetic building set featuring all-terrain wheels and fire blasters. It includes 30 pieces in 12 unique shapes, ideal for ages 6 and up. This multi-sensory magnet toy promotes hours of STEAM play and is perfect for travel. Eco-friendly packaging enhances its appeal. Users can enhance rover performance with interchangeable all-terrain tires for better grip and speed. The glow-in-the-dark feature ensures adventures continue in dim conditions, while the innovative Duo the Axel design allows for versatile rover construction in multiple orientations.

NERF x PATH water bottle

The NERF x PATH refillable water bottle is designed for reuse and features unique qualities for eco-friendliness. Made from 100% aluminum, it can be infinitely recycled, helping reduce single-use plastic waste. The certified BPA-free material ensures clean hydration. The NERF x PATH model combines functionality with an exciting design for adventures like NERF Wars (or other themed designs). It’s your ideal companion for staying hydrated during play. Available at Target and even some gas stations, this USA-made product encourages eco-conscious choices and transforms hydration into an enjoyable experience. PATH water also makes a great stocking stuffer, in case you want to let Santa know.

Shark Lab VR by Abacus Brands

Shark Lab VR by Abacus Brands offers an immersive experience with sharks in virtual reality. Perfect for shark lovers, the kit includes a 12″ Megalodon fossil, a 40-page shark book, and VR goggles for an interactive adventure. Explore the thrilling world of sharks while digging out fossils and learning about these majestic creatures.

TOSY Magnet Pyramid Glow

The TOSY Magnet Pyramid Glow is a creative STEM/STEAM toy featuring 243 rare earth magnets, enabling the formation of one billion shapes. It includes a spinner for added transformation options and uses a UV flashlight for enhanced glow effects. The magnets are safely encased, providing a comfortable experience. Users can build larger structures by connecting multiple cubes, supported by idea videos and booklets. This sensory toy benefits all ages, enhancing brain activity and relieving stress. It’s an ideal gift for various occasions.

Wow in the World Kids’ Telescope & Astronomy Kit by Thames & Kosmos

Wow in the World Kids’ Telescope & Astronomy Kit offers a high-quality refractor telescope designed for both celestial and terrestrial observation. It features 25x and 50x magnification, enabling users to explore the Moon, planets, and constellations. A star wheel provided helps identify star positions for any date and time. The telescope comes with a sturdy aluminum tripod that extends to 48 inches, ensuring stable observations. Additionally, the kit includes an engaging eight-page guide filled with illustrations and facts, along with exclusive audio content from Wow in the World’s hosts, enhancing the learning experience. Features include quality optics with various eyepiece lenses, a 500-mm focal length, and a 40-mm aperture.

Early Bird Game by Hootenanny Games

Early Bird Game by Hootenanny Games is a fast-paced card game where players compete to discard their bird food cards first. Throughout the game, they protect their cards from squirrels, collect worms, and build birdhouses. The gameplay is energetic and chaotic, emphasizing individual competition as players race against each other.

Mega Cyborg Hydro Blaster by Thames and Kosmos

The Mega Cyborg Hydro Blaster by Thames and Kosmos combines hydraulics, mechanics, and robotics. With over 180 plastic pieces, users build a handheld water blaster and claw. The device requires no electricity and shoots water using a hydraulic piston. It features an adaptable claw that transforms into five shapes: gripper, shield, sword, crossbow, and boomerang. A detailed 40-page manual provides guidance and scientific insights into mechanisms involved. Designed for both kids and adults, it facilitates engaging STEM learning while allowing users to easily switch modes for water battles. The blaster shoots water up to 20 feet and holds 160 ml.

Gift Ideas for 13-Year-Old Boys and Onwards

As with the girls, this is the age when your son will want more expensive presents. Once again it is definitely worth sitting down with your son and explaining the cost of the items he wants. It is then his decision as to whether he wants one big present or a few that would add up to the same amount. This also has the added bonus of giving the child a bit of independence in letting him make his own mind up.

Pixicade – An Alan Becker Exclusive by Abacus Brands

Pixicade – An Alan Becker Exclusive allows users to create animated video games using markers and paper. With the accompanying app and a 108-page book featuring over 100 sample games, users can learn animation techniques from acclaimed animator Alan Becker. This innovative platform enables creativity by letting users draw characters and levels, snap pictures, and play without any coding. The collaboration with Alan Becker enhances the experience, allowing characters to be animated and filled with personality, making it accessible for aspiring game developers. If you can draw it, you can animate and play it! This offers a great mix of both technology gaming and crafting all in one.

SIXEM Sour Patch Kids by Hootenanny Games

SIXEM Sour Patch Kids is a fast-paced dice game by Hootenanny Games. Players choose a board and token, naming a pattern to start. Gameplay involves using SOUR to eliminate opponents’ Xs or SWEET to add them. The objective is to create six Xs in a row to win. Each game offers a unique experience.

Smartivity DIY Robotic Mechanical Hand STEM Toy

The Smartivity DIY Robotic Mechanical Hand STEM Toy gives an engaging, screen-free experience for kids aged 8-14. It encourages creativity and confidence while teaching scientific concepts through hands-on building. The toy includes all necessary parts and a lifetime supply of replacements, ensuring uninterrupted play. Made from sustainable engineered wood, it provides safety and durability. This toy is a great gift, perfect for birthdays, combining entertainment with educational value. Globally trusted and award-winning, it has received accolades for its innovative design and STEM education focus. Developed by experts and tested rigorously, it promises to delight both kids and parents alike.

Bargains at Christmas

Everyone knows that Christmas isn’t just about giving presents, but any parent will tell you that there is no way that they could let their children come down the stairs on Christmas day morning and see no presents for them underneath the tree.

Because to them, especially the younger ones, it would mean that Father Christmas hadn’t been to see them. And we are the ones responsible for keeping Father Christmas alive in our child’s eyes!

But Christmas needn’t cost the earth. If you shop around enough, as well as on the internet, you will find that there are plenty of bargains to be had. A lot of shops these days do special offers at this time of year. You can find the most clearance toys in both January and July. Following the major holidays, retailers often sell discounts their unsold products to customers at a discounted rate. The longer it sits on clearance, the lower the pricing gets. Clearance items are added and often placed on a specific aisle. Watch for discounted items year round but especially in January and July. This could help you shop for other members of your family at the same time.

Overview of Gifts For Boys Per Age

Boys Aged 0 – 5 Years

• Bright and lit-up toys for sensory stimulation
• Toys of various shapes to help grasping skills
• Cars with accessories like tracks and garages
• Play figures and play sets to encourage imagination
• Soft, touchy-feely toys for tactile development
• Craft toys such as sand or play-doh
• Ice-cream makers and tool benches for creative play

Boys Aged 6 – 12 Years

• Video game consoles like Nintendo DS, PlayStation, or Xbox (with supervised screen time)
• Outdoor sports equipment: rugby balls, footballs, cricket sets
• Toys that complement sports activities
• Creative craft kits and building sets
• Action figures and model cars
• Board games for social interaction

Boys Aged 13 Years and Older

• More expensive items such as video games, smartphones, or cameras
• Sports gear for favorite activities
• Music and dance-related gifts
• Clothing and accessories aligned with their interests
• Tech gadgets and educational tools
• Personalized gifts reflecting their hobbies

Overview of Gifts For Gifts Per Age

Girls Aged 0 – 5 Years

• Soft, brightly colored toys for sensory development
• Educational laptops to aid early reading and writing skills
• Dolls, plush toys, and play figures for imaginative play
• Walking aides like sit-in and push-along walkers to encourage mobility
• Dress-up clothes to foster creativity and social skills
• Non-traditional toys like cars or building sets if preferred

Girls Aged 6 – 12 Years

• Educational technology tools to support school learning
• Age-appropriate make-up kits with parental supervision
• Dolls, crafts, and creative play sets
• Books and puzzles to enhance cognitive skills
• Outdoor toys and sports equipment to encourage physical activity

Girls Aged 13 Years and Older

• Jewelry and fashion accessories
• Smartphones, cameras, and tech gadgets
• Music, dance, and hobby-related gifts
• Clothing aligned with personal style
• Personalized gifts reflecting interests and hobbies
• Budget-setting to teach financial responsibility

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Presents For Boys and Girls at Christmas

Q: What types of presents are best for babies under 1 year?

A: For babies under one year, choose soft, safe, and brightly colored toys that stimulate their senses, such as soft woolly toys or fluffy balls. These help with their development and sensory exploration.

Q: Should I buy technology gifts for very young children?

A: It’s generally best to avoid giving technological presents to children under 5 years old, except for some educational toys like learning laptops that can help with reading and writing skills.

Q: How can I encourage independence with gifts for toddlers?

A: Walking aides, such as sit-in walkers and push-along walkers, are great gifts that help toddlers develop strength and independence as they learn to move around.

Q: Are traditional “girly” or “boyish” toys necessary for children?

A: Children benefit from a variety of toys regardless of traditional gender associations. If a child shows interest in toys typically marketed to the opposite gender, it’s healthy to support their curiosity.

Q: What kind of presents suit girls aged 6 to 12 years?

A: Educational technology toys can be helpful for this age, as well as dolls, dressing-up clothes, and play figures that encourage imagination and social skills. For older girls, supervised gifts like makeup can be considered if appropriate.

Q: How do I handle gift requests from teenagers that might be expensive?

A: Set a clear budget with your teenager and communicate how many gifts or the total amount they can expect. This helps manage expectations and encourages responsible decision-making.

Q: What are good gift ideas for boys aged 0 to 5 years?

A: Bright, lit-up toys, cars with accessories like tracks and garages, and craft toys such as sand or play-doh are excellent for stimulating creativity and development.

Q: How can I encourage outdoor play for boys aged 6 to 12?

A: Sports equipment and gifts related to outdoor games like rugby, football, or cricket promote physical activity and provide valuable bonding time with parents.

Q: Is it okay for boys to play with toys traditionally marketed to girls?

A: Absolutely. Playing with dolls or kitchen sets can be beneficial and harmless, especially if influenced by siblings or personal interest.

Q: How can I find bargains on Christmas presents?

A: Shopping around in stores and online, especially during seasonal sales and special offers, can help you find great deals and save money while buying gifts for your children.

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