Ultimate Christmas gift guide for kids
Check out our top Christmas gift ideas for kids, from preschoolers to teenagers.
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The great Christmas spending spree has begun, with Australians forecast to splash $66bn in the lead up to the festive season – up 6.4 per cent on last year.
Around 80 per cent will purchase gifts, while 59 per cent will spend the same or more than last year despite growing inflationary pressures, according to the Christmas Gift Buying Survey by the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan.
Sensory indulgence is a key theme, with alcohol and food topping the list of intended gift purchases for this year, followed by gift cards and toys.
Men were the most likely to purchase alcohol or food, while women were more interested in small inexpensive gifts or novelties, clothing, shoes and sleepwear, or books and music.
But it’s the kids who will be spoiled again this Christmas, with almost 75 per cent of us purchasing gifts for children under 12, according to eBay Australia.
Some of the top toys Aussies plan on buying are games and puzzles, such as the iconic Rubik’s Cube which has soared in popularity due to social media.
“Some of the most popular classic toys are those with a modern twist and lend themselves to pop culture trends, including Monopoly Stranger Things which has jumped more than 280 per cent,” eBay Australia’s Sophie Onikul says.
“Lego remains a family favourite with a set sold every two minutes.”
Toys that encourage interaction continue to be popular, with many supporting children’s literacy and language development, according to speech language pathologist Rita Shamoun.
“Describing a toy animal’s actions and making sounds can help your child’s ability to say more sounds and words,” she says.
Tim Nolan of Mattel says evergreen brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fisher Price will be at the top of wish lists.
“On the back of a hugely successful Jurassic World movie, we have seen the popularity of dinosaurs top the action figures category in 2022, making them a top toy request from children this year,” he says.
Arno Lenior of Prime at Amazon Australia says the site recently launched a top 100 toys list to help shoppers choose the right toy.
“We are also offering a gift wrapping service so items can be delivered to you, or directly to your recipient,” he says.
Lego and spending time with family are what Vanessa Cantazaro’s kids desire this Christmas.
“We welcomed a new addition to ours earlier this year … it’s going to be really special seeing him open presents with his siblings,” the mum from North Rocks in Sydney says.
FOR THE PRESCHOOLERS
VTech JotBot the smart drawing robot
More than 40 minutes of drawing prompt audio and various games. $55 from eBay.
Play-Doh ultimate ice cream truck playset
With 27 tools and 12 colours, kids can create “ice cream” treats with the soft serve machine and scooping station, and check out customers at the register. $99 from Amazon.
Imaginext Jurassic World mega stomp and rumble giga dino
Kids can roll the dino forward to break her free from the chain and watch her stomp and roar. $127.20 from Target.
Globber primo foldable light-up scooter
Great for your young rider looking to learn to ride with the big kids. $149 from David Jones.
Your little ones can have some time at the beach digging, filling water or making sand sculptures using this table. $59 from Kmart.
FOR THE PRESCHOOLERS
Spacetalk Adventurer kids smart watch
A kid-friendly smartwatch, phone and a GPS device with 4G support and a built-in heart rate sensor. $288 from Harvey Norman.
Allows kids to create their own frozen slushie on a hot summer day from home. $99 from The Good Guys.
Hot Wheels monster truck tiger shark
It’s huge and it rules. This massive truck will crush the competition with its giant, oversized tyres and four-wheel drive capabilities. $159.20 from Big W.
Adopting a koala for someone you love (especially little ones) will help save this much-loved Aussie icon from extinction. $180 from WWF.
Lego Super Mario Peach’s Castle
Let’s players explore and earn digital coins with their interactive Lego figures. $143.20 from eBay.
Designed for twirling, this dress will magically go from whimsical playdate adventures to tea with fairies in a pixie minute. $99.95 from David Jones.
Olympic inflatable play centre
The little ones will never run out of ways to play with soccer goals and a basketball hoop. There’s also a jumping area, 2.3m slide and two water turrets. $762 from Myer.
FOR THE TEENS
Samsung Galaxy A13 5G mobile phone
With 128GB and a 6.5-inch Infinity-V display, it’s great for gaming, video binging, scrolling and more. $379 from JB Hi-Fi.
Allows them to create square-shaped instant prints that are bigger and brighter than ever. $199 from Officeworks.
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb 50ml gift set
A profusion of flowers, including centifolia rose, sambac jasmine, cattleya orchid and more. $149.99 from Chemist Warehouse.
A beautiful novel that gives young readers intimate first-person perspectives of both protagonists. $17.50 from Booktopia.
The best way to get their feet moving and features new songs and modes. $44 from JB Hi-Fi.
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