They’ve outgrown the toy aisle and roll their eyes at anything “babyish”, yet at 5am on Christmas morning they’re still first under the tree, shaking every box with their name on it. That’s what makes buying Christmas gifts for big kids such a festive puzzle.
You need something cool enough to impress, useful enough to actually get used and fun enough that it’s not abandoned by Boxing Day. No pressure, Santa.
So we’ve done the legwork for you. Our roundup covers clever gadgets, creative builds, games that drag the whole family off the couch and summer-ready picks for those long, hot school holidays. From the hard-to-impress tween to the kid who already owns everything, there’s something here for every big kid on your list.
Now all you need is a hiding spot they haven’t discovered yet. Good luck with that.
Christmas Gifts For Big Kids Who Have Outgrown The Toy Box
MiniBlox Magnetic Building Blocks
RRP: $99.90
WHERE TO BUY: Miniblox
If you’ve spent the year negotiating screen time like it’s a hostage situation, this one’s for you. MiniBlox Magnetic Building Blocks give kids something seriously fun to do with their hands, with satisfying magnetic clicks that make snapping pieces together easy and, honestly, a little bit addictive (parents included).
While they’re busy building towers, rockets and whatever wild creation pops into their heads, there’s sneaky learning going on. Kids develop planning skills, spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, plus a hands-on intro to STEM. Shhh, don’t tell them.
It’s not a solo mission either. Siblings, cousins and that one uncle who thinks he’s an engineer can all pile in.
Australian-owned and tested to meet Australian Safety Standards, MiniBlox also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee on online orders. A clever pick for kids who love to create, tinker and make something that’s all theirs.
MUM CENTRAL SPECIAL OFFER OFFER: 10% OFF ALL PRODUCTS* CODE: MUM10 EXPIRY: 15 JANUARY 2027 *EXCLUDES BUNDLES
Melliboo Weighted Huggable Plush
RRP: $149.90
WHERE TO BUY: Melliboo
Some days kids need a big cuddle. And some days you’re elbow-deep in dinner prep and wrapping paper with zero spare arms. Enter the Melliboo Weighted Huggable Plush, which literally hugs back. Its extra-long weighted arms wrap around and fasten together for a cosy, hands-free squeeze whenever they need one.
At approximately 2kg, Melliboo is filled with non-toxic glass beads sewn into individual stitched pockets, so the weight stays evenly spread through the arms and body. Add an ultra-soft texture and fun 3D details and you’ve got a cuddle buddy they’ll want to drag everywhere.
It’s perfect for movie nights, reading, road trips and those moments when kids need to feel calm and settled, which, let’s be real, is most of December.
Suitable for ages 4+, tweens, teens and adults, so don’t be surprised if it mysteriously migrates to your bed by New Year’s.
MUM CENTRAL SPECIAL OFFER OFFER: 20% OFF STORE WIDE* CODE: MUMCENTRAL EXPIRY: 31 OCTOBER 2026 *NOT VALID IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS OR CODES
Throw Throw Burrito
RRP: $34
WHERE TO BUY: Target
Want everyone off their phones on Christmas afternoon? Hand them a squishy burrito and permission to throw it at each other. Throw Throw Burrito is part card game, part dodgeball and all-out chaos in the best possible way.
Players race to collect matching sets by drawing and passing cards, so there’s no sitting around waiting for your turn. But when a Burrito Brawl, War or Duel card pops up, it’s on. Grab a burrito, aim and duck. Fast.
The rules are simple enough to pick up in minutes, which means Nan’s in, the teens are in and even the too-cool tween will crack a smile (and probably take a few cheap shots at their siblings).
From the creators of Exploding Kittens, it’s the kind of game that gets louder every round and somehow ends with everyone begging for “just one more”. Our only advice? Move the good glassware first.
VTech Kitty Life
RRP: $59.95
WHERE TO BUY: VTech
Your kids want a pet. You want a pet that doesn’t shed on the couch, shred the curtains or need a cattery while you’re at the beach. Everyone wins with VTech Kitty Life, which lets kids choose from eight adorable virtual kitties to feed, clean, cuddle and play with. Zero litter tray required.
Once they’ve nailed pet parenting, they can flip into Adventure Mode and become the cat themselves. There are six story-driven missions plus side quests, mini-games and hidden treasures to find, with plenty of climbing, pouncing and exploring. Free Play Mode lets them cause all the feline mischief they like. Very on brand for a cat, really.
Made for kids aged 4 to 10, it blends nurturing, imaginative play and gaming in one device, and there’s no Wi-Fi required. Toss it in the car for long holiday drives and enjoy the blissful sound of nobody asking “are we there yet?”
E-Jet Games Soccer Roundabout Game
RRP: $89.99 to $129.99
WHERE TO BUY: Big W
Got a soccer-mad kid who already owns enough balls, goals and jerseys to kit out the entire under 9s? Same. The E-Jet Games Soccer Roundabout finally gives them something new to kick around, and it works indoors, outside in the sunshine or inside when the summer storms roll in.
Its patented design keeps the action moving, so kids stay locked in as they play. Along the way they’re building coordination, concentration, quick reactions and ball control, all while chasing a better score. It’s a solo challenge one minute and a full-blown sibling rivalry the next. (Referee whistle not included.)
Perfect for the future Kerr or Messi in your house, the Soccer Roundabout is designed for ages 6+ and is compact enough for home or travel. One handy tip: it runs on 3 x AA batteries, which aren’t included, so stash a pack with the gift. Christmas morning meltdown averted.
Navi Baby Zipped Hooded Poncho Towel
RRP: $36.99
WHERE TO BUY: Navi Baby
Beach days with kids follow a very predictable script: swim, shiver, snack, repeat. The Navi Baby Zipped Hooded Poncho Towel speeds the whole thing up with a zip design kids can pull on all by themselves. The plush microfibre dries them fast, while the hood keeps little heads warm between swims, sandcastles and the 47th snack request.
Here’s where it really wins us over. Unlike cotton terry, sand brushes straight off microfibre, so you’re not shaking half the beach onto the car floor. It’s absorbent, quick-drying and folds down neatly, making it a swim bag hero for lessons, pool parties and beach trips.
And since kids have VERY strong opinions about what they’ll wear, the playful prints mean they’ll actually want to put it on. A zip guard keeps the neckline comfy, too. Practical Christmas gift? Tick. Practical gift they won’t complain about? Even better.
MUM CENTRAL SPECIAL OFFER OFFER: 20% OFF ENTIRE ORDER CODE: FRIENDSOFFRIENDS EXPIRY: 10 DECEMBER 2026
ROARSOME Kids’ Swimwear Collection
RRP: $90
WHERE TO BUY: Roarsome
Summer holidays with kids mean sunscreen battles, endless snacks and roughly 400 requests to “just go back in the pool for five more minutes”. ROARSOME kids’ swimwear brings the fun to all that glorious chaos, with bright, colourful character designs that make getting into cossies feel like part of the adventure.
Parents, you’ll love the fine print. You get UPF50+ sun protection and quick-drying fabrics made for beach days, pool trips and backyard sprinkler sessions. Selected styles use recycled materials and PFAS-free fabrics and finishing, and the quality detailing means these cossies are built to survive a full Aussie summer of splashing.
From Hop the Bunny to Sparkle the Unicorn, there’s a print for every kid who refuses to wear “boring” swimmers. It ticks the fun box for them and the sun-smart box for you, and with a long, hot summer ahead, it’ll be worn on repeat.
What Do You Buy A Big Kid Who Has Everything?
From building and gaming to getting active and making a splash, these Christmas gifts for big kids cover every personality under your roof. Will they still ask “is that it?” five minutes after unwrapping? Probably. They’re kids. But you’ll know you’ve picked presents they’ll actually play with, use and love long after the wrapping paper’s been stuffed in the recycling bin.
Now go forth, wrap the lot and find a hiding spot better than the top of the wardrobe. They know about the wardrobe.
More Great Christmas Gifts
Looking for more Christmas gift wish lists? Check out our other 2026 Christmas Gift Guides:
Christmas 2026: Gifts for Little KidsChristmas 2026: Gifts for BabiesChristmas 2026: Gifts for ToddlersChristmas 2026: Best Advent CalendarsChristmas 2026: Gifts for FamiliesChristmas 2026: Gifts for Teens and TweensChristmas 2026: Gifts for AdultsChristmas 2026: Gifts Under $50
Our Big Kids Christmas Roundup is a sponsored editorial. We handpick and collaborate with brands we genuinely admire to bring you the latest trends. If you’re interested in joining our future editions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
