If you’re looking for present inspiration for your young children or grandchildren this Christmas, look no further.
From the latest tech to a childhood classic, we’ve got you covered. So, keep reading for your rundown of seven of the best toys for newborns to kids of all ages.
1. The Story Orchestra, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Suitable for kids of all ages, prices from £13
This beautiful-looking edition of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream features the familiar story, along with excerpts of Mendelssohn’s suite of the same name. So, not only will your child be introduced to the works of our most famous playwright, but they’ll get an introduction to classical music too.
Each page is beautifully illustrated, helping children to become engrossed in the story. The musical accompaniment, meanwhile, allows them to further explore the emotions conjured by the narrative, as it progresses.
A great way to introduce books and reading, it’s worth noting that younger children may need help to activate the music. A beautiful, shared experience, this book is also a lovely addition to any bookshelf, once you’ve finished reading for the night.
2. Yoto player (3rd generation)
Suitable for three years and above, prices from around £89
Recently voted a best buy by the Independent, this device grows with your child. It can be used as a sound system for newborns, a night light for toddlers, and as an introduction to audiobooks for kids of any age. The latter, of course, being its main function.
As your child’s parent or guardian, you set up an account that gives you access to the audio library. You can make purchases online, which are available immediately, but you’ll also receive collectable cards that can be loaded into the device itself.
Children will love collecting the cards and they also have the independence, once they’re old enough, to find their own bedtime listening. The library includes bedtime tales and sleep-inducing stories for younger readers as well as the likes of Harry Potter and Roald Dahl classics for older children.
Even better, while it’s a tech-based approach to fostering a love of reading, it’s completely screen-free.
3. Connetix creative road pack
Suitable for three years and over, from around £135
For a more hands-on experience, try the latest addition to the Connetix range. A magnetic STEM toy, it can be used alongside existing Connetix packs to create an experience as unlimited as your child’s imagination.
On the pricier side, the range is built to last and while simple set-ups might please younger minds, more complicated arrangements will leave older kids playing for hours. The set includes 48 magnetic tiles including ramps and intersections to create bridges and city layouts.
4. VTech Kidi gear walkie talkies explorer
Age suitability: five-plus. Price: from £39
These great walkie-talkies will provide endless fun for your grandchildren and all their friends.
A great battery life, robust design and decent range mean that messages can be passed back and forth with ease. There’s also only one channel available, which means communication is safe and secure and you’ll know exactly who your children are talking to.
Unlike the walkie-talkies of old, the latest Vtech designs come with added gadgets, including a voice changer and torch, perfect for undercover and nighttime missions.
5. GrossMos flying dino
Suitability for ages six and over, from £34
At the risk of spoiling the surprise element of the GrossMos flying dino, it’s something of a one-trick pterodactyl.
The beautifully rendered skeleton of a dinosaur head makes noises if tapped, but the roaring is only the start. When the mouth springs open, a flying dinosaur takes to the sky to be chased around the room for hours of fun.
This is all the toy does, but the initial shock and the anticipation of each flight means that kids will keep coming back for more. A great way to expend lots of energy on Christmas Day and well into the new year.
6. Real FX Disney Stitch puppet
Suitability for ages six and over, prices from £69
This puppet of Stitch (from the Lilo and Stitch series of Disney films) stands at 45cm (over 17 inches) and features a massive amount of interactivity.
With 100 lifelike sounds and movements, it has touch sensors on its head, nose, and mouth that react to touch and voice, really bringing the animatronic puppet to life. It’s plush and cuddly, but with blinking eyes and controllable ears and mouth too.
Packaged in its own alien capsule, just waiting to burst free and cause chaos, this pricey toy is well worth the money and will provide hours of interactive and imaginative play.
7. Lego Disney Simba the Lion King Cub
For ages six and over, from £17.99
To mark the 30th anniversary of Disney’s The Lion King, make yourself very popular this Christmas by buying this Lego Simba set.
Suitable for those aged six and over, the build should be sufficiently challenging without spilling into frustration, while its moving parts will allow for plenty of free play as your child or grandchild recreates iconic moments from the film.
