Christmas gifts for the family 2019
When it comes to Christmas gifts for kids, the options are endless. This edit will help you find the right present for all ages - including parents
1. Etta Loves Terrazo knitted blanket, for 5+ month old babies, £48
We're not entirely sure if this Etta Loves blanket is a present for mum or baby, but whoever's snuggling into it will be delighted by the chic cotton design and even more impressed by the science behind it. You see, Etta Loves may look totally fashion-forward, but each of the brand's muslins, playmats, comforters and teethers are also designed to help baby's vision, with colours and patterns chosen to promote stimulation and sensory development (that's why the designs for newborns are in black and white).
2. LEGO Hidden Side Newbury Haunted High School, £109.99
The latest LEGO innovation combines a child's love of building with their other great passion: messing around on your mobile. After they build this haunted high school, which may take a few days - it's got nearly 1,500 pieces - they can make it come alive with the accompanying app. They can then become ghost hunters, chasing clues and capturing poltergeists. Fans love it so much they say it's a brilliant set to build - even without the tech bonus.
3. The Willoughby Book Club Kids' Book Club 4-12 years, from £34.99 for three months
Everyone loves a subscription service, even a reluctant reader (a keen reader will also gobble this gift up, of course). Willoughby's sends kids a new book a month, suited to their age range, and will introduce them to various genres and authors. All books come gift-wrapped for that extra special touch - as anyone who's seen a child get post can attest, opening the gift is a gift in itself. There's also a baby book club, toddler book club and young adult book club for the 13+ set.
4. GOSH Reindeer, £9.99
We're firm believers that kids are never to young to learn about helping others, directly or indirectly. While older kids might be keen to do their part for the environment by going on a plog or want to donate to a food bank with a reverse advent calendar, younger ones can do their part with this gorgeous plush reindeer. 100% of the profits go towards supporting children and their families at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
5. Wonderbly You Are Extraordinary journal, £17.99
Embracing mindfulness from a young age has emotional, social and even physical benefits for kids. Journalling is one way to do it, and this self-belief journal is full of positive mantras and encourages children to write about themselves and to understand how better to grapple with their challenges.They'll also love that it's personalised. A must for boys, or girls, 7 and up. Since it's the opposite of English self-effacement, parents should probably get themselves a couple, too.
6. London Transport Museum London Bus deluxe edition, £60
As we fight the fight against plastic, wooden toys are having a major resurgence - and they don't just win on the sustainability front. This double-decker London bus, complete with removable driver, ticket inspector and passengers, will ignite your toddler's imagination - and also help them to get to grips with this great metropolis they live in. If your child is more of an action over imagination kid, no problem - there's a ride-on version, too.
7. Selfie Clothing Dare To Dream Embellishment Top Kit, £30
8. Newbie Christmas pinafore dress set, £25 and three-piece Christmas set, £25
Now, we're no strangers to the adorable festive season array of cute clothes for kids - Christmas pudding hats for babies, Christmas jumpers for schoolkids, matching PJs for the whole family - but Newbie's limited edition Christmas looks are a new (yet old-fashioned) twist on Christmas Day dressing. And we love it. Bonus: For older kids, these will come in handy long after Christmas for various types of historical dress the kids need to be wearing for school shows and Victorian Day-type events. Bonus no 2: these are also available in baby sizes, and yes, they're even sweeter.
9. Trunki Folding Balance Bike, £89
Every time Trunki bring out something new, you know it's going to be good - they are the geniuses behind the ride-on suitcase and backpack-which-converts-to-a-booster-seat, after all. Their latest invention? A balance bike which you won't have to hoist around with an aching back when your toddler refuses to ride it: this colourful design folds up so it can be hung on pushchairs or slung over the shoulder (it has a carry strap). If your kids are more into scooting, Trunki has a new fold-up scooter out now, too.
11. Harry's Shower Gel, £5
Razor brand Harry's is known for its stylish, practical shave sets and subscription plans. The brand has recently expanded into shampoo and conditioner and shower gels, which tick every box: they lather up nicely, smell divine (try the fig) and look lovely in the bathroom. Plus, they're so well-priced that even mums on maternity leave salaries can gift them to their partners.
12. Tiba + Marl Elwood backpack silver, £140, at Harvey Nichols
Wait, nappy bags can look even more stylish than regular bags? These days, absolutely. This silver metallic rucksack will be in demand even from those who aren't pushing buggies around.
13. Villeroy & Boch Bunny Tales Max egg ornament, £14.90, at Harvey Nichols
We love the idea of starting a bauble-gifting tradition for your baby or godchild. Give little one a new bauble each year, to represent something symbolic about that year. Soon they'll have a tree filled with memories.
14. Chocolate Company Chocolate Milk Spoon Kids Only, £2.95, at Harvey Nichols
You know how much we love hot chocolate. This stocking stuffer is sure to delight, and at under a fiver, no one's complaining (except for the parents of the hyped-up-on-sugar kid, but what are favourite uncles for, anyway?).
15. Gucci Leather web trainer kid, £225, at Harvey Nichols
We can all agree twinning is winning. These designer kicks are a must for any stylish fashion-eds-in-training. Bonus points if mum and dad have a pair, too.
16. Fabric Flavours kids Storm Trooper T-shirt, £38, at Harvey Nichols
One for the Star Wars fanatic - they can wear it when they go to see episode 9 over the Christmas hols.
17. Anya Hindmarch S Sticker, £15
For the pre-teen or teen who has - and wants - it all, we present Anya Hindmarch's posh stickers. They win points for being designer-branded and personalised, and are brilliant for decorating a phone case, computer, notebook or bag.
18. Emporio Armani 3 piece babysuit set, £164, at Harvey Nichols
Nothing beats buying baby clothes. Hang on - designer baby clothes, complete with a cute plushie, just might. You'll be auntie of the year with this adorbs getup.
19. This Works Baby Sleep pillow spray, £18, at Harvey Nichols
With a combination of lavender, vetiver and chamomile, this soothing pillow spray promises to help baby get a good night's sleep. Worst case? Even if baby is up partying all night, at least mums and dads will feel relaxed when their heads do eventually hit the pillow.
20. Native Union Dock+ iPhone charging dock, £55, at Harvey Nichols
Once you relent and get your 12-year-old the phone, it's all about accessorising it. Native Union's stylish charging docks fit beautifully on any bedside table or desk space.
