Christmas with little kids is such a magical time, all that excitement and wonder. And then there’s Christmas shopping with little kids. Now that’s a whole different level of excitement, or should we say, chaos?
Braving the shops with kids in tow is hard enough at the best of times, but when you have a list of people to buy for as long as your arm and a toddler hanging off it, it’s almost too much to handle.
So let us give you a hand with our list of 19 of the hottest toys for little kids that’ll have your Christmas shopping done faster than you can say ‘run run Rudolph’..
Big Red Bus
Beep, beep, all aboard the big red bus! With eight passengers and a removable top deck, your little ones will love leading the Bello Double Decker Bus sightseeing tour all over the house.
Get yours from Kidstuff ($34.99)
The Perfect Pram
If you’re looking for a classic gift for your little love this year, then it’s hard to push past the Silver Cross Wooden Dolls Pram. The robust wooden frame is painted in a soft pink, making it a beautiful yet practical present, which should stand the test of time.
Available from Silver Cross ($199).
Bike, Bike, Baby
If Santa’s considering leaving a first bike under the tree this Christmas, then the ZUM-CX Balance Bike is a great start. The frame is reversible to accommodate smaller riders and the rubber inflated tyres make for a smooth ride.
Get yours from Haggus and Stookles ($193).
Fantastical Friends
Forget the Christmas angels for a minute, this season’s sparkly, winged favourite is the unicorn. My Magical Sound & Lights Unicorn does what it says on the box. It’s a super-cool 33cm plush with light-up wings. What’s more, your kiddies will delight at the magical sounds it makes when you pat its back.
One-Wheeled Wonder
Are you experiencing that tricky stage between toddler and preschooler? Your little one has all the confidence of a fully-fledged walker, but perhaps not the stamina (how can someone run so fast and yet walk so slowly?!). Bur they’re far too independent for a stroller. Well this may be just the present for both of you! The Mountain Buggy Unirider is a fun ride for them, which also develops their balance and confidence, whilst helping you get from A-to-B quickly.
Available from Mountain Buggy ($119).
Cool Cubbies
Do you need some extra space this Christmas? The Mega Triplex Cubby House has a play house on the lower level for little kids role play fun, and a fort level with slide for adventure time. With so much space for play, they may not come back in the house til next Christmas!
Available from My Cubby ($2395) with other cubbies priced from $920.
Funky Farm
If you’ve been made to sing Old MacDonald every day this week, then this is the present for you. Not only does the Fisher-Price Little People Farmhouse have all the usual animals, complete with noises and a fun farm song, there’s also a farmer, who flips out of the roof at a touch of a button. Much to the hilarity of your kids!
Available from Kmart ($35).
What’s For (Christmas) Dinner?
The ultimate present for all your budding chefs, the Gourmet White Toy Kitchen will give them hours of role play fun. With a four burner cooktop, oven, sink and dishwasher, it’s almost better than your kitchen, and it looks pretty stylish too.
Available from Hipkids ($179.95)
Wow! A Talking Doll!
This year’s must have Christmas present is the Skrållan talking doll. Like any good doll, she is cute and cuddly (she has a soft stuffed body), and she’s ready to care for with brush-able hair and eyes that close when you put her down to sleep. But, unlike any other doll, this iconic Swedish talking doll speaks five different languages – Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish and English!
Get yours in blonde or brunette from Send A Toy ($99).
A Great Little Ride Around
Beautifully made with sustainably harvested wood and hand-made bases, these ride on ZUM bugs have become a firm favourite with little kids. Designed for ages 2-6, the colourful insects are a great way to get around.
Available from Haggus and Stookles ($119).
Emoji Speak
It’s the modern day morse code that every kiddo needs to know. Of course, we’re talking about the language of emoji. A fun wooden puzzle, for sure, but Puzzle Emoji is also a great tool for teaching kids about emotions that exist outside of screens too.
Find it at Make Me Iconic ($49.99).
Playing Doctor
Is there a more classic kids make-believe game than doctors and nurses? Turn make-believe into reality for your mini-medic with this Doctor Set full of realistic medical supplies, including a working stethoscope.
Available from Send A Toy ($42.95).
Be a DIY Hero
If you fancy a hand around the house then this Janod DIY Tool Box kit should do the trick. Your budding builder will love the nine authentic wooden tools, all contained within a handy carry case that looks straight from Santa’s workshop.
Available from Entropy ($79.95)
Make a Splash!
Keep cool this Christmas with an extra-special paddling pool. The Sizzlin’ Cool Jungle Splash Play Centre has two pools connected with a slide, perfect for making a big splash. And the jungle friends don’t just look fun, the elephant attaches to your garden hose to form a water cannon.
Available from Toys R Us ($39.96).
The Great Aussie BBQ
Nothing says Australian summer like a backyard barbecue and this flame-free version is perfect for when the kids want to ‘help’ Mum and Dad. With a steak, kebabs, tongs and even tomato sauce, this Wooden Barbecue has everything a true blue barbecue should.
Get yours from Kmart ($15).
All The Fun of the Fair
If you never got LEGO for Christmas, were you even a child once? Duplo is of course LEGO’s little sibling and the LEGO Duplo Town Fun Family Fair has all the bright and colourful building fun we know and love. It has slides, snacks and a functioning carousel for all the fun of the fair.
Available from Target ($59).
Under the Sea
These fishy friends aren’t just chunky puzzles for little problem solvers, each of the Mudpuppy Under the Sea My First Touch & Feel Puzzles, has a different tactile surface for little hands to explore.
Available from The Stripey Horse ($27.95).
Let’s Get Packing!
If you’re heading away these holidays then Trunki should make an appearance on your gift list. The already popular kids suitcase is now available in new designs like this ‘Pearl the Princess Carriage’. And of course Trunki is not only a suitcase, but a great way to tow your tired travellers around the airport or station. They even come with a cute little passport to keep the entertainment going once the case is packed away.
Available from Haggus and Stookles ($79.95)
Bedtime Stories
From the genius that bought us Pig the Pug and Thelma the Unicorn, this is definitely not another boring bedtime book. Pig is up to his greedy old tricks again, but this time with a festive feel. This set comes with a Pig the Elf plush to cuddle up with at bedtime too.
