Christmas is coming, and if you're determined to give gifts that are genuinely useful, developmentally rich and likely to be remembered beyond Boxing Day, this guide is for you. Whether you're shopping for a curious baby, a creative toddler, an energetic preschooler or a primary-aged child ready for real challenges, we've curated our best picks for 2025.
- Match gifts to the child's current developmental stage and interests
- Open-ended toys provide the best long-term play value
- Quality over quantity — a few excellent gifts beat a pile of novelty items
- Consider consumables (art supplies, books) alongside "big gift" toys
In This Article
- For Babies (Under 1 Year)
- For Toddlers (1–3 Years)
- For Preschoolers (3–5 Years)
- For Primary-Aged Children (6–9 Years)
- Smart Gift-Giving Tips
For Babies (Under 1 Year)
The best gifts for babies are those that engage their developing senses and support the physical milestones of the first year. Soft rattles, high-contrast board books, soft sensory balls and simple wooden grasping toys are all excellent. Avoid anything with small parts or that requires batteries — babies need human interaction and sensory richness, not electronic stimulation.
Musical instruments are a standout gift category for babies. The Tambú range of natural baby instruments is beautifully made, completely safe for mouthing, and provides rich auditory and tactile stimulation. A Tambú Duo Bundle makes a genuinely memorable Christmas gift that will be used daily through the first year and beyond. Pair with a beautiful board book from our books collection for a thoughtful, developmentally rich gift set.
For Toddlers (1–3 Years)
Toddlers are in an explosion of physical and cognitive development — they want to move, build, create and explore everything. The best gifts for this age group are open-ended, durable and provide genuine challenge without frustration. Building toys, simple puzzles, art materials and pretend play sets are all excellent choices.
Connetix magnetic tiles are a perennial favourite for toddler Christmas gifts — the visual magic of the transparent coloured tiles captivates children from the very first moment. The Connetix Rainbow Starter Bundle is our most popular toddler gift. For a complementary option, our toddler range includes a curated selection of the best developmentally appropriate options at every price point.
For Preschoolers (3–5 Years)
Preschoolers are ready for more complexity: puzzles with more pieces, building sets with multiple configurations, art materials that allow real creative expression, and games with simple rules. They're also at peak imaginative play age — small-world sets, dress-up materials and narrative toys are deeply engaging for this group.
Art materials are a universally loved gift for preschoolers. The Kitpas crayon range is exceptional — made from rice bran wax, they're completely non-toxic and wash off skin easily (a genuine parent win). They work on paper, glass, windows and bath tiles, making them versatile as well as beautiful. The 12-colour set makes a fantastic Christmas gift. Pair with a set of art supplies and a quality picture book for a gift that will be used every single day. Browse the full preschool collection for plenty more inspiration.
For Primary-Aged Children (6–9 Years)
Children in primary school are ready for genuine challenge and complexity. Science kits, complex building sets, strategy games, chapter books and creative challenge toys hit the sweet spot for this age group. The key is respecting their growing sophistication while still providing open-ended creative possibilities.
The 4M KidzLabs Kitchen Science kit is a brilliant gift for curious primary-aged children — it uses everyday kitchen materials for genuinely interesting experiments, building both scientific knowledge and critical thinking. Paired with the Connetix Rainbow Creative + Car Adventure Bundle, you have gifts that will occupy a child for months. Don't overlook books — a quality series of chapter books suited to your child's reading level is often the most-used Christmas gift a primary-aged child receives. Browse our full primary age range for all our recommendations.
Smart Gift-Giving Tips
A few final thoughts: communicate with other gift-givers where possible to avoid duplication and coordinate on quality versus quantity; include a mix of "big gifts" and consumables (art supplies, books, science materials) so children have both special items and practical everyday tools; and don't underestimate the value of experiences — a zoo membership, a craft class, or a museum visit can be the most memorable "gift" of all.
Remember that children's play spaces have limits — physically and cognitively. Too many new toys at once can overwhelm young children and reduce engagement with each individual item. Consider staging Christmas gifts throughout January if your child receives many presents, keeping the excitement alive well into the new year. And use our shop by age guide year-round — the best educational toys make brilliant birthday gifts, rainy-day surprises and "just because" treats too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best educational toy for a 4-year-old at Christmas?
For a 4-year-old, Connetix magnetic tiles, quality art materials (especially Kitpas crayons), a themed puzzle set, or a small-world play set are all excellent choices. The best gift depends on the child's current interests — follow their passions and you can't go wrong. Browse our preschool range for inspiration.
How much should I spend on a Christmas gift for a child?
There's no right answer, but consider value over time rather than upfront cost. A $70 open-ended toy used daily for three years is excellent value. A $30 novelty toy used once is poor value regardless of price. For very young children especially, simpler and more durable often means better.
Are educational toys actually fun, or do kids just want "normal" toys?
The best educational toys are also genuinely fun — that's what makes them educational. Magnetic tiles that build incredible structures, crayons that draw on windows, and science kits that make things fizz and foam? Those are deeply fun. The educational value is a bonus parents appreciate; the fun is what children experience.
