Christmas Gift Guide: For Kids

We've rounded up our favourite Christmas gifts for the little people in your life. Enjoy!

BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN'S BOOKS 

One can never go wrong with animal books!

Paolo, Emperor of Rome by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Claire Keane 
This book follows Paolo, a daring dachshund who goes on a whirlwind tour of Rome in search of freedom.
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Feeling confined in his master's hair salon, he escapes and sets off on an adventure, exploring all of the joys of Rome. From the food to the art and opera, this tale brings to life all that is wonderful about Rome, while helping ignite wanderlust in even the youngest of readers.

Paolo, Emperor of Rome by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Claire Keane, is published by Abrams Books for Young Readers. Available from WH Smith for £10.65.

The Tower Bridge Cat and the Baby Whale by Tee Dobinson, illustrated by Steve Cox

In this cute, beautifully illustrated children's book, Bella the Bridge Master's Cat is on her latest adventure to save a baby whale that is stuck under Tower Bridge!  Bella enlists the help of her friends including the Bridge Master, Stan the Stoker, Hannah the Cook (inspired by Hannah Griggs, a real-life cook at Tower Bridge in the 1910s), before Maya the Flyer helps Bella come up with a brilliantly daring plan to lead the whale to safety.

Full of wonderful illustrations from Steve Cox and an exciting “tail” of peril and heroism by Tee Dobinson, this book in the Tower Bridge Cat series is ideal for primary school children, or as a bedtime story for younger children.

Available from the Tower Bridge online shop, for £6.99, or for those lucky enough to live locally, you can pick up a copy at the Tower Bridge Gift Shop (once the shop reopens post lockdown).

UNIQUE AND IMAGINATIVE CHILDREN'S HOME DECOR GIFTS 

NASA lava lamp
This rocket shaped NASA Retro Galaxy Lamp is the perfect gift for space-enthusiasts. The mesmerising lava is certain to keep kids entertained for hours as they relax and dream about far away galaxies.  

NASA Retro Galaxy Lamp is available from ThumbsUp.com for £34.99.

Doodle World Map Pillowcase
Children will love this beautifully illustrated world map pillow case (in 100% cotton), which comes with a pack of washable fabric pens, so they can colour in as they discover. A great gift to encourage a lifelong love of geography. 

Available from Standfords.co.uk for £14.99.

Transport inspired beds to take them to the land of nod ...

All aboard this traditional London bus!  This striking bright red bus, will make children feel as though they're on the bustling roads of London. Available from Robert Dyas for £339.99 (currently on sale for Black Friday).

Surf's up with this cool Campervan Bunk Bed that's certain to transport your child to the beach. Featuring a surfboard style ladder and a steering wheel, children will have hours of fun playing in this realistic campervan. Available from Robert Dyas for £499.99.

GIFTS FOR INSPIRING MAKE BELIEVE

This mint green wooden play kitchen from Scandiborn is perfect for budding chefs to cook up a storm. Available from Scandiborn for £114.95.

Bring a bit of summertime fun into play with the Sylvanian Family Seaside Camping play set. Available from Debenhams for £17.00.

This Kidkraft Pirate's Cove Playset is ideal for every little pirate lover! All items are handcrafted and handpainted to ensure a beautiful finish. Available from SmarKidStore.com for £139.99.

Teach kids about different types of sandwich ingredients with this cute wooden sandwich making set from Melissa & Doug. Available from Argos for £15.00.

This fabric playhouse from JoJo Maman Bebe is perfect as a reading tent or playing house. Available from JoJo Maman Bebe for £59.50.

GREAT GAMES

Need something to keep the kids occupied while going on long car trips or plane rides when travel resumes again? This Who Is It? game will keep them amused as they guess which character you're describing. Ages 6+. ​ Available from John Lewis for £5.00.

Keep boredom at bay with this games multipack featuring classic games and brain training puzzles. Ages 6+. Available from Debenhams for £20.

GIFTS FOR ENCOURAGING OUTDOOR PLAY

The Plum Deimos Metal Dome is a vibrant climbing that looks great in any garden. Designed with children in mind, it allows them to user their balance and reach the top. The geometric frame is ideal for developing motor skills and encouraging active play.
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The Plum Play Deimos Dome is available from PlumPlay.co.uk £139.99.

This eye-catching water resistant dinosaur print jacket from Mountain Warehouse is lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for everyday play. Available from MountainWarehouse.com for £14.99.

This gorgeous rose gold coat is as warm as it is fashionable. Available from Mountain Warehouse for £24.99.

These gorgeous JoJo Maman Bebe unisex fox wellies are not only adorable, but will keep little one's toes warm as they splash in puddles. Available from JoJo Maman Bebe for £19.00.

This Frosty Junior padded playsuit will keep kids toasty all day long. Available from Mountain Warehouse for £24.99.