The best gifts for your littlies this Christmas

The best gifts for your littlies this Christmas

Oh deer, Christmas is here! We’ve got your shopping sorted.

Up to pre-school age, most babies are perfectly happy tearing off wrapping paper or playing with the scrunched up remains, but it’s hard to resist all those cute toys and outfits on display when Christmas comes around. We’ve pulled together our festive favourites for babies to pre-schoolers so you can give useful and beautiful gifts that will be loved for years to come.

Gifting inspiration for little babes

The giant teddy bear at the end of the aisle beckons and you wonder how cute your little babe would look snuggled up to that. Refrain, and focus on your practical side. Whether you’re buying for your own babe or someone else’s, at this age, the best gifts are ones that make parents’ lives that little bit easier. Here are our faves:

Beach babes – adorable or functional, this is the perfect excuse to stock up on gifts that channel summer fun. Snuggly hooded towels like this cute bear comes with a matching wash mit, a sweet cotton sunhat or a first pair of cool shades like these Izipizi baby sunglasses will have little ones summer-adventure-ready.

The irresistibly cute factor – step aside functional onesies, it’s time for some festive frivolity! This beautiful cotton rib dress meets the brief. It’s high on the cute scale, plus is super soft and comfortable against delicate skin. Pair with a cotton tie headband for extra adorability points. For baby boys, nothing beats bloomers. Team these refreshing teal bloomers with an white cotton bodysuit and some suede-soled Baby Rio sandals from Pretty Brave and you’ll have one cute little dude.

Holiday must-haves – summer is the time for road trips, naps on the go and unfamiliar surroundings – which aren’t always easy with little ones. Make this time a bit calmer with some holiday essentials. Portable night lights are great for soothing a baby in the dark, a portable changing pad makes roadside or café changes breezy and a few little toys like this Jellycat Jollipop Giraffe to pull out in times of need will make for smooth sailing over the holidays.

Festive finds for toddlers

At this stage, toddlers will appreciate new, fun things to play with. Their brains are developing at a phenomenal rate, so toys that keep them engaged and aren’t just a five-minute favourite are your best bet. Gifts we love:

Sand, sea and sunshine – heighten the excitement of beach time with a good old-fashioned bucket and spade set for some sandcastle building and seaside water play. Toddlers can spend hours raking sand, tipping water, and stomping on sandcastles. Just add cute cotton sunhat and Izipizi sunnies.

Bath and paddling pool play – with the summer sunshine comes increased pool time and outdoor baths. Add to the fun with these jellies suction cups that can be used to build towers or suctioned onto surfaces.

Portable play – stimulate those toddler brains with some building blocks with longevity. These silicone building blocks are stackable, squeezable, and even food-safe – perfect for when there are baby siblings about. The blocks have numbers, animals, fruit and shapes on them, perfect for learning or stamping in play dough. Best of all, they’re compact enough to pop in the car for weekends at the bach.

Presents for pre-schoolers

By this age, the excitement of Santa and his elves begins to rise and wild requests start rolling in. Pre-schoolers can easily get swept up in the hype of the latest toys, so choose gifts with longevity over novelty.

It’s also a great age to introduce the idea of giving to others and encouraging a sense of appreciation. Our faves are:

Art attack – most pre-schoolers love getting creative so a good set of washable markers or an art easel will provide them with entertainment on a daily. Accompany with a ream of recycled paper to avoid paper shortages.

Safe Sun Play – Make up a summer essentials kit with sunscreen or a funky beach towel and settle in for hours of fun in the sun.

Give a gift – while it might go over their heads for a few years yet, establishing traditions where you buy a gift together for someone less fortunate is a great way to develop awareness. Lots of organisations like Shoebox Christmas Aotearoa make it simple to brighten someone else’s Christmas.

Keep it simple

Our festive finds are the perfect, timeless gifts that will keep both parents and little ones happy this Christmas. And best of all, you can consider your Christmas shopping for under-fives sorted!