Life

Stocking filler ideas for kids of all ages

Claire Spreadbury selects some under-the-tree treats that won't break the bank and that should keep at least some members of your bubble entertained over Christmas

Expectations are high in many households this Christmas given the tough year children have endured so far
Expectations are high in many households this Christmas given the tough year children have endured so far Expectations are high in many households this Christmas given the tough year children have endured so far

BY NOW, you’ll probably know exactly what you’re getting the kids for Christmas. But what about all the little extras? Here are some small gift ideas to bring them lots of joy.

Hair Slide Gift Set, £5, The Body Shop (thebodyshop.com)

Hair Slide Gift Set
Hair Slide Gift Set Hair Slide Gift Set

An excellent gift for fierce little females. Slide them into mini up-dos or part the hair on the side and grip one in to make a statement.

The Crafty Kit Company Needle Felt Bee Hive Craft Kit, £16, John Lewis (johnlewis.com)

Suitable for anyone aged 10 and upwards, this beginner-level needle felting kit is adorable, and the perfect happiness-boosting project, encouraging me time, mindfulness and creativity.

Woody 3 In 1 Wallet Of 18 Colours With Sharpener & Paint Brush, £22.61 (was £37.30), Stabilo (stabilo-uk.shptron.com)

These genius grab-size colours are a colouring pencil, watercolour and wax crayon in one. They have intense colours, are easy to grip and – most importantly, wipe off easily.

Beat That! Board Game, £29.45, Storkz (www.storkz.com)

This brilliantly addictive game is perfect for all the family. Win points by betting on your ability to complete a series of crazy challenges using an assortment of random objects. Perfect Christmas fun!

Christmas Tree Letterbox Biscuit, £9, Biscuiteers (biscuiteers.com)

Most kids love biscuits and this Christmas tree-shaped treat is both adorable and delicious. Handily, it will be delivered in a box that slides through your letterbox.

Character Fluffy Sand, £7, Smiggle (smiggle.co.uk)

Satisfyingly good for moulding into dinosaurs, cupcakes and ice-creams, this fluffy sand will keep little hands entertained for hours. Available in four different colours.

Dobble – L.O.L Surprise, £15, The Entertainer (thetoyshop.com)

Everyone loves a game of Dobble – the card game that evens out the playing field (and invariably kids are better at it than adults). The latest version will delight LOL fans, and keep everyone entertained during quiet moments this Christmas.

Huckleberry Dart Bell, £7.49 (was £14.99), Trouva (trouva.com)

A great way to encourage kids to play outside, even in winter, hook this bell up to a tree or post, and try and hit it with magnetised darts. You’ll hear a very satisfying ding every time you do.

Luna Lovegood Compact Mirror, £7.95, The Harry Potter Shop (harrypotterplatform934.com)

There’s a brand new range of Harry Potter-themed make-up and accessories, which is bound to delight all Hogwarts fans. This cute Luna Lovegood compact mirror makes a lovely little surprise.

Weekly Planner 2021 in Rose, £35, Ponderlily (ponderlily.com)

For the older kids with school work, hobbies and hangouts to juggle, Ponderlily’s range of planners will surely make them more organised and efficient than ever before.

Rubik’s Revolution, £20, Argos (argos.co.uk)

The Rubik’s Cube for the modern generation, this electronic version contains six different games and can be played with on your own or in a group.

Trapped Escape Room Game: The Art Heist, £9.99 (was £12.99), Smyths (smythstoys.com)

Another fun family game, suitable for up to six players, work as a team to try to solve the puzzles, pass the tests, steal the painting and flee the room, in this exciting escape room game. For ages 8 and upwards.

Fantastic Women Card Game, £12.99, Baltic Shop (shop.balticmill.com), also available in store at John Lewis

Teach girls and boys of all ages about the feminist icons who helped change the way we live today, through a card game. Set up a match on Christmas Day and suck up some girl-powered history at the same time.

Vegan H-box, £12.95, Hotel Chocolat (hotelchocolat.com)

Perfect for anyone with or without a dairy intolerance, this posh box of chocs will be adored by any mini foodies the world over.