Our Christmas mood this year: Grateful - and thoughtful. These kids' Christmas gifts offer some charm beyond the usual 'play with once, then forget about' vibe…
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The best discovery we've made toy-wise over lockdown? The brilliance of an audio reader – and Lunii is one of our favourites. Not only can young children control the knobs themselves, it also instantly provides access to 48 immersive stories, with the option to download hundreds more from the website, and in multiple languages, no less.
Lunii My Fabulous Storyteller, £64.95 at Cuckooland – buy here
The tradition of the Christmas Eve box of goodies is becoming as special as 25 December itself for little ones. This gorgeous personalised box has a hand-drawn illustration and will be a gift they'll cherish year after year. We'll be filling ours with some festive PJs, and a token or two handed down from a grandparent – a priceless (and sustainable) treasure.
The Letteroom Personalised Christmas Eve Collaboration Box, £39.95 at Not On The High Street – buy here
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Forget advent calendars filled with plastic tat or chocs, this season, we'll be stocking up on Meri Meri's eco-friendly paper versions. This glorious design turns into a paper doll's house that the kids will love displaying – and playing with – in their rooms long beyond Christmas.
Meri Meri Festive House Paper Craft Advent Calendar, £20.95 from Trouva – buy here
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Christmas always feels like the right time of year to give your little one the gift of wheels – perfect for those Boxing Day walks. Choose from two colours in this vintage-look balance bike, which has a lovely retro feel and the most important accessory every kid's bike needs: a satchel or basket to hold their precious treasures as they head off on each new day's adventure.
Janod Vintage Bikloon Balance Bike, Beige, £124.99 at John Lewis – buy here
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We've had Christmas success time and again – both with our own children and others – with a personalised book from Wonderbly, where you can choose everything from a festive theme to the latest release, Your Remarkable Rebels, featuring inspiring people from history.
Your Remarkable Rebels, £21.99 at Wonderbly – buy here
These Instax cameras work well for kids in a wide age range – seven to 17 – and are a far better option than those gaming cameras designed for kids, in our opinion. They're super-stylish, easy to use and provide instant photos – particularly essential in a world where we're able to see our friends and family on one day… but not the next.
INSTAX SQ6 Instant Camera, now £89 at Currys – buy here
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Yes, we do think purchasing an extravagant designer outfit for baby's first Christmas – which you'll subsequently dress them in regularly until it no longer fits – is an obligatory rite of passage for first-time parents. And a fun one.
Moschino Printed Pyjamas and Matching Bib, £138 at Alex & Alexa – buy here
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A rucksack from Hype is the most in-demand item at the school gates this year. The bright colours, fun textures and exciting patterns are a way for kids to showcase their personal style – while still complying with uniform regs.
Hype Navy Gradient Backpack, £25 at Alex & Alexa – buy here
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The gadget gift for the kids this season? An immersive VR experience, of course. This one takes them on amazing underwater adventures, from the comfort of the sofa.
Let's Explore Oceans VR Experience, £69.99 at Let's Explore – buy here
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British childrenswear brand The Middle Daughter has everything you could want in a frock for your little one: a dramatic silhouette, boisterous colours and memorable prints. Your Christmas photos will be perfection.
Satin dress, £97 at Melijoe – buy here
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If you're a fan of gifts with an educational bent, then you'll enjoy Love Writing Co.'s offerings. Suitable for ages three and up, they're clever notebook and pencil sets that help promote literacy but just feel like fun for the kids.
Love Writing Co. Learn To Write Pack, £28.99 at Amazon – buy here
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Scandi brand Stoy has everything you need to turn your home into a mini nursery, from scooters to doll's houses – without sacrificing on style. The wooden educational toys are brilliant, and this counting set will see them through the years by helping them develop fine motor skills before moving on to numbers and more sophisticated calculations.
Stoy Counting Bar Activity Toy, £23 at Alex & Alexa – buy here
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The family that surfs is the family that happily staycations in England. There's one essential required for kids and adults alike (and it's number one on our wish list this year): a dryrobe. These ultra-warm robes ensure that whatever the weather, your child will be happy playing, dining and having adventures al fresco all year round.
Kids' dryrobe, from £80 at Dryrobe – buy here
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