Top Christmas Gifts for Kids 2026: Hands-On Reviews and Honest Picks

Choosing Christmas presents for kids gets harder every year. The shelves are full of toys that look great on the box and end up forgotten by Boxing Day, and nobody wants to spend good money on a one-go wonder. This guide is our honest shortlist of Christmas gifts for kids, from toddlers through to teens, and every pick has been in our hands first.

We have sorted everything by type of gift, not by age, so you can head straight to the kind of present your child will love. There are craft kits, games, learning toys, cuddly friends, books and mystery collectibles, plus a few gift ideas for older kids who have outgrown the toy aisle. Prices run from £7.49 to £277, so there is something for most budgets.

 

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Every Gift We Tested for 2026:

We tested loads of Christmas gifts for kids this year, and these 29 made our 2026 list, from toys for toddlers to presents for teens. We have sorted them into six sections, so jump to the one that suits your child.

• Creative play: paint, slime, decorating kits, a 3D printer and a fidget for teens (5 picks)
• Games and puzzles: card games, dice games and video games for the whole family (5 picks)
• Edu fun picks: learning through play, from toddlers to teens (4 picks)
• Plush and play: soft toys to cuddle and adjustable roller skates to get moving (4 picks)
• Books, beats and bedrooms: books, a build-it book nook and earbuds (6 picks)
• Collectibles: blind boxes and mystery packs (5 picks)

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Why This Christmas Gift Guide for Kids Is Worth a Look

Most Christmas presents for kids get picked on a quick scroll and a hopeful guess. Prices go up, the pressure goes up, and the toy everyone is talking about is not always the one that gets played with. We wanted a list that is more useful than that.

So every pick here comes with the details parents actually ask about, like age, what is in the box, whether it needs batteries and what to watch out for, plus our own up close photos instead of glossy marketing shots. Some picks are new for 2026 and some are not, because a good gift is a good gift whatever year it launched. There are ideas for toddlers, school age kids and teenagers, and loads for collectors and fidgeters too.

How We Tested and Why We Picked Each Gift

We and a mixed group of kids of different ages tried every gift in this guide. We built the kits, played the games, squished the plush and put the gadgets through their paces, then wrote down what we honestly thought, good and not so good. We took our own photos up close so you can see what you are really getting.

Each pick has a quick facts box so you can check age, type and what is in the box at a glance. Then there is a description and a Why we picked it note, which is where our honest opinion lives. Where something is fiddly, needs batteries or is not right for every child, we say so under Worth knowing.

 

Top Christmas Gifts for Kids 2026

 

Creative Play: Christmas Toys for Kids

Great for rainy afternoons and school holidays, these Christmas toys for kids keep little hands busy and give them something to show off at the end.

Art Lab Paint Colour Maker Studio

£19.99 from True Toys

This is Art Lab’s new Paint Colour Maker Studio, a paint kit built around mixing your own colours. Instead of a ready-made palette, kids press to dispense paint straight onto the palette and mix their way to over 100 custom shades, with a built-in colour guide for ideas when they get stuck.

Once the colours are ready, there are 10 poster templates to paint. Children can follow the paint-by-number designs or freestyle and add their own twist, and there is a frame in the box so a favourite can go straight on display. You get the studio, 5 paint bottles, a paint pot, 2 brushes, 2 mixing palettes, 2 water cups, a Pantone recipe card set, a masking fluid tube, the 10 posters, the frame and an instruction manual.

It is a screen-free choice for rainy days, weekends, school holidays and after-school slots. The studio format keeps everything in one place, so setting up is quick and the kids can get on with mixing and painting.

Why we picked it: Very clever and compact, and it keeps everything together and organised. We loved the Pantone recipe cards, because they get kids thinking beyond making a basic colour and into what goes into making different shades of it. It is a really useful art learning tool.

So Slime DIY Fairy Slime Potion Maker

£17.99 from Smyths

This fairy-themed slime maker lets kids make 8 slimes by mixing slime powder with water. Turning the enchanted key sets off the lights and fairy sound effects, and a press of the sparkling star sprinkles glitter on top. Children can watch the mixture change as they follow the fairy steps.

Every slime can be personalised with the decorations, charms and stickers, and the recipe book gives different combinations to try. Finished slime lives in the 3 included pots, so creations stay neat between play sessions. In the box you get the fairy slime potion maker, the enchanted key, 8 slime powders, 8 bags of decorations, 4 bags of glitter, 4 charms, a recipe book, 3 storage pots, a mixing tool, a sticker sheet and an instruction manual.

It is a good one for craft time at home, playdates and holiday activities, and especially for kids who love sensory play. The unit measures 34cm long and 31cm tall, so it needs a bit of table space.

Worth knowing: It takes 3 AA batteries, which are not included. The slime does not come ready made, as you add water to the powder yourselves.

Why we picked it: We are huge fans of So Slime, because you always get great quality slime that lasts for ages. This is such a pretty and different playset, and all the DIY sets from So Slime that we have tried have been a good buy for the kids. You do make the slime yourself by adding water to the powder, but it does not stain anything.

The Creamy Deco Baby Activity Case

£12.99 from Amazon

Decoden is all about squeezing coloured cream onto things to make 3D, frosting-style designs, and this case has everything you need to get started. Kids decorate keychains, hair clips and an exclusive Creamy Deco Baby doll using 3 tubes of decoden cream, 7 charms, and clay and foil decorations.

Inside there are 3 keychains, 3 hair clips, 3 acrylic bases, the baby doll with its own keychain and stand, bags of clay and foil decorations and a full instruction manual. The Creamy Deco Baby is a special edition collectible, so kids can style their accessories to match their baby or try different combinations to make every creation look different.

Everything packs away into the carry case, which has a sturdy handle, so it works just as well at home as it does taken along to a friend’s house. A brilliant choice for kids who love craft kits, accessories and collecting.

Worth knowing: The cream needs to dry before a finished keychain goes on a school bag.

Why we picked it: Very cute, with loads of decorating ideas. We love how it can double as a keyring on their school bag once it has dried.

AOSEED X-Maker Joy AI 3D Printer

£277 from Amazon

The X-Maker Joy AI is a mini 3D printer designed to make 3D printing easy for kids and beginners. It is fully enclosed, with rounded edges, and the enclosed structure keeps hands away from the moving parts. It prints quietly (as low as 45dB), uses eco-friendly PLA filament, and fits on a desk or shelf.

It is controlled from an app on a phone or tablet, and the app has over 12,000 ready-to-print toys and designs. There is also an AI design feature that helps turn an idea into a 3D model, and 15 mini 3D design modules that encourage kids to experiment and learn by making. Printing speeds go up to 400mm/s, so there is less waiting between picking a design and holding it. A camera inside the print area lets you watch your print, and the app counts down how long is left.

You get a filament spool and 8 x 200g PLA filaments in different colours, a flexible magnetic build plate, tool pliers, a power adapter, a quick start guide, a certificate of conformity and a warranty card, so you can start printing straight out of the box.

Why we picked it: We were extremely impressed with this printer. We are new to 3D printers and were worried it would be complicated, but honestly it was so easy the kids could have done it themselves. Plug in, feed in the filament, download the app, pick a design and send it to the printer. It is perfect for kids who want to print fidget toys, although it can print some really useful practical things for the grown-ups too, and it comes with everything in the box that you need to get printing. The filament lasts for ages, although we did buy extra because the kids wanted different colours.

We were amazed at how many fidget toys you can print, and the price of the printer pays for itself quickly when you see what each of those toys would cost to buy. What we really love is that it is a gift that keeps giving 365 days a year, as the kids can print new toys whenever they want. It is quiet, there is no smell, the print quality is great and it is good value for money. The camera inside the printing area is brilliant, and the app counts down how long is left. Do not be put off by the size, as like most 3D printers you can print things in parts and fit them together.

Speks Original Crags Ferrite Putty

£12.95 from Amazon

Crags are a grown-up take on putty. Instead of dough, you get over 150 small ferrite stones in a metal tin, and you can mash them, mould them, stack them and let them slip through your fingers. You get the satisfying feel of putty without the mess or the clean up.

The stones are heavy-duty, so they are made to take plenty of squeezing and stacking without cracking, and there is no powder left on your hands. They make a satisfying sound as they crush in your palm and drop back into the tin. The matte white tin and shiny black stones look smart on a desk, so it does not look like a toy.

It is aimed at older teenagers, college goers and anyone who needs something to do with their hands during revision, exam time or a long video call.

Worth knowing: The stones are small, so keep them away from younger children.

Why we picked it: Older teenagers want and need fidget toys, but they do not want something that looks babyish, so this fits perfectly as a gift. It is a fab, more classy fidget toy and ideal for exam anxiety.

 

Games & Puzzles

 

These are the ones to bring out after Christmas dinner. Some are quick card and dice games, and some are video games the whole family can pile into.

Bluey Dance Mode

£12 from Amazon

An official Bluey game from Orchard Toys that gets everyone wiggling, spinning, marching and dancing along with Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad. The rules are simple, so it works for children from 3 and up.

Players flip cards and act out the actions, spin the spinner and collect cards to complete the Dance Mode board. The player who collects the most cards before the board is complete wins a big round of applause. It helps with turn-taking, listening, coordination and imaginative play, and it is a good one to share at family game nights, playdates and rainy afternoons.

Orchard Toys have been making educational games and puzzles for over 50 years. The cards are made from durable recycled board to cope with little hands, and the play pieces are wipe clean, so it is ready for the next game.

Why we picked it: Perfect for active kids and a brilliant game for young children. Ideal for any Bluey fan.

The Cat in the Hat: Rainy Day Mayhem (Nintendo Switch)

£31.99 from Game

The Cat in the Hat: Rainy Day Mayhem is a brand new party game for the whole family from Outright Games, in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises. You play alongside characters from the classic Dr. Seuss story, with easy controls, varying difficulty levels and bright, colourful visuals.

Every game starts with a fast-paced round of hide-and-seek called Find the Cat, where you race around 14 rooms looking for him and score points against family and friends. From there the game opens up with 18 minigames to play, including cake decorating and snowball throwing, and you work towards completing your sticker collection, which gives little players a reason to come back for just one more go.

You can play as Sally, Johnny, Thing 1, Thing 2 or Little Cat A, with the Cat in the Hat and Fish popping up to help or cause chaos. Play solo or with up to 4 players in local co-op.

Worth knowing: The price here is for the Nintendo Switch version. It is also out on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

Why we picked it: We love how you can play as a different character, including some of the much-loved characters from the book: Sally, Johnny, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and Little Cat A. They team up with the cheeky Cat in the Hat and the ever-cautious Fish (who, let’s be honest, is the only sensible one in the whole house!). The controls are easy to follow, with adjustable difficulty levels so the whole family can play, and it can be played on its own or with up to 4 players. We are huge fans of Dr. Seuss books and characters, and The Cat in the Hat game was really good fun.

Tally Up

£12 from Amazon

Tally Up! is a fast-paced push-your-luck dice game all about knowing when to stop. Everyone starts each round IN, and after every roll you decide whether to stay IN and risk it for a bigger score, or go OUT and bank your points before a bust wipes them.

The player rolling chooses three of the six coloured dice, from low, medium or high risk. Low-risk dice give smaller scores but are safer, while high-risk dice give bigger numbers with a greater chance of busting. Two stars on the main roll is a bust, and everyone still IN scores 0 for that round. Circled numbers trigger the Up die, which can bring a bonus, a penalty or extra rolls, and if three stars show on the main roll, the first player to yell “Tally Up!” scores a bonus, even if they are OUT.

Everyone can score every round, and the first player to reach 2,500 points or more at the end of a round wins. The box has the dice, game cards and rules, so it is simple to pack for a trip.

Why we picked it: It is easy to set up and play, and travel friendly. It feels different to the usual card and board games.

PLAYin CHOC Christmas Gift Set

£15 from PLAYin CHOC

This is the complete set of all six PLAYin CHOC boxes from the Christmas collection: a snowman, a cheeky elf, a friendly gingerbread figure, a sweet tree, an adorable reindeer and Father Christmas himself.

Each ToyChoc box has 2 x 10g organic chocolates, a 3D puzzle toy to build and a fun facts card. The chocolate is 100% organic, and dairy, nut, gluten, soy and plastic free, and the toys are ethical, collectable and made to be built from card.

They work well as alternative Christmas crackers, advent-style treats or a last-minute present, and once they are built the little models double up as cute Christmas decorations. A great pick for collectors who want to complete the set.

Why we picked it: We love the Christmas themed toys that kids can build from cardboard, and the chocolate is a lovely bonus that tastes delicious (it is ethical and vegan too). They are cleverly made and sturdy, so there is plenty of play in them, and the models are very cute.

KOMBOID Ball Bouncing Skill Game

£19.54 from Amazon

KOMBOID is a handheld skill game where you twist your wrist to bounce a ball on all five sides of a cube. Start with the red side pointing up, then twist your wrist 90 degrees to bounce on the yellow and green sides, and bounce on different sides in a row to make a combo.

It works as a single-player game or as a group game, matching combos to the cards dealt for 2 to 4 players. The pack includes the KOMBOID cube, a ball and a spare ball, a combo sheet, party game cards and instructions, with 40 challenges to complete or you can make up your own outrageous combos. It can be played indoors or outdoors.

The makers say it helps with hand-eye coordination, motor skills and focus, and it is a good way to get teens off the sofa for a bit.

Why we picked it: This is fun, and we found it challenging in a good way, not an impossible way. It takes a bit to get your head around, but it brings out the competitive side. It is a game full of skill and one that will surprise you with how skilful you are. Brilliant for teenagers.

 

Edu Fun Picks

 

Learning that does not feel like learning. Good value picks for toddlers, little chefs and puzzle fans.

Bing’s Rainbow Colour Wheel Game

£12.99 from Amazon

Based on the popular series Bing, this is a durable, colourful spinner featuring Bing, with three double-sided game cards that give structured and open-ended play options for children from 18 months.

There are three ways to play: Get Moving, Feelings and Imagination, and Colour Explore. The spin-and-play idea keeps it easy for younger children, and it grows with them, from simple colour matching to imaginative play. It supports colour recognition, listening skills, body awareness, empathy and creative thinking, and the spinning and pointing helps little hands build fine motor skills.

It is great for little ones and a lovely gift for any preschool Bing fan.

Why we picked it: The size of the wheel and Bing are perfect for little hands. It is sturdy, so it will easily take a drop or two. We love the simplicity of it, and the kids found it easy to understand.

Doddl Mini Chef Kit

£17.95 from Doddl

The Doddl Mini Chef Kit gets children into the kitchen for real food prep, not just pretend play. The star is a certified safe toddler knife that sits in the palm of the hand, so children push down through food and learn real cutting skills using the strength in their hand.

The short, contoured handle encourages the finger position needed for adult cutlery, which makes the move to a proper knife easier later on. The set also comes with a soft, easy-wash apron with a bee illustration by a Cotswolds-based artist, and a child-sized cotton chef hat. The apron and hat are machine washable and the knife is dishwasher safe.

Doddl say children who help prepare meals are more likely to try new foods, and cooking together is a lovely way to talk, laugh and build confidence, with fewer mealtime battles.

Why we picked it: We love that it is BPA and phthalate free, with food safe stainless steel. The apron and hat are easy to clean (machine washable) and the toddler knife goes in the dishwasher. It is good quality and good value for money, and we love the shape of the knife, as it is so practical for the benefits it brings.

International Women Jigsaw by Ridley’s

£20 from Amazon

This 1000 piece jigsaw from Ridley’s pieces together the stories of some of the most impressive women in history. It features illustrations of 54 inspirational female icons, and each one comes with a short biography, so you learn about their achievements as you build.

The circular design means that wherever you are sitting around the table, you can join in. It comes in a tube box with a helpful poster guide. Ridley’s say their puzzles are intricately illustrated and thoroughly researched, and they are stunning enough that you will want to frame them.

The age rating is down to the size of the pieces, but the topic and theme are clearly for an older age range, so it suits older children, teens and grown-ups.

Why we picked it: Fab quality. We love the pictures, the theme and the educational value.

Rubik’s Cubers Collectible Spider-Man Cube

£12.99 from Amazon

This is a fully solvable 3×3 Rubik’s Cube in a Spider-Man character design, and it is a good way to start a Rubik’s Cubers collection. The cube comes with a matching body and display stand for the full Spider-Man look.

Scramble it, solve it and then pop it on the stand to show it off. It is a real puzzle challenge, and it doubles as an eye-catching shelf or desk display for Spidey fans.

A fun gift for anyone who likes puzzles and superheroes, or both.

Why we picked it: It is quirky. The cube comes off the stand so you can solve it, and the stand is there to display it once it is finished. Brilliant for Spider-Man fans, and they do a Batman one too.

 

Plush & Play: Cuddly Christmas Toys for Kids

 

Plush for cuddles, play for getting active. The soft toys here are made for snuggling up on Christmas morning, and the adjustable roller skates are for the kids who would rather be rolling round the house than sitting still.

Pembe the Pink Cat Laughing Small Soft Toy

£12.99 from PoundFun

Pembe is a little pink cat from Rainbow Designs holding a bright yellow star embroidered with “Ha Ha Ha”. He is made to bring a bit of laughter and positivity to any room.

He has Japanese kawaii charm with Danish design, and he is made from premium, soft fabrics, so he is great for cuddles or as a comforting desk buddy. At 15cm tall he is a handy size for taking out and about, and for sitting on a shelf. There are six designs in the Pembe range to collect.

A thoughtful gift for kids and grown-ups, for a birthday, a special gesture or just because.

Why we picked it: It is adorable. It is super soft, with lovely embroidered details, and so cuddly.

I Love Aromie Bakery Scent Misting Plush Crumblin Croissant Capybara

£14.99 from Smyths

Meet Crumblin, a croissant capybara from the I Love Aromie Bakery collection. Squeeze his ear and his cheeks light up, while a visible mist with a warm, buttery scent floats into the air, so kids can see, smell and enjoy it.

He is soft and cuddly, 21cm tall, and comes with 2 scent refill pods. There are 6 bakery-inspired characters to collect, each with its own sweet treat design, personality and signature scent, and each one is sold separately.

He is a good one for imaginative play, cuddles or display.

Worth knowing: It takes 3 AAA batteries, which are included. It is not machine washable.

Why we picked it: We love how different this is. The idea of smelling the bakery is so clever, and capybaras are so on trend right now. It is soft and squishy, and the added scent brings something different.

SFR Hurricane Adjustable Quad Roller Skates

£48.98 from Skates.co.uk

The SFR Hurricane IV Adjustable Quad Roller Skates are made for new skaters. The hard outer shell and high cuff give great support and stability, while the soft comfort fit liners make them comfortable to wear. Quick-release buckles make them easy to put on and keep feet locked in place, and there is a front stopper to help beginners.

The size adjuster is easy to use: press in the locking button and slide the skate longer or shorter. That means the skates can grow with your child’s feet. They have 54mm x 32mm wheels with an 82A durometer, polypropene trucks and fun, punchy colours.

The hard boot with liner can take scuffs without major damage, which suits beginners who are bound to have a few.

Worth knowing: The maximum rider weight is 60kg.

Why we picked it: We love how they are adjustable and grow with your child’s feet, which can be fast, so you are not having to buy new ones every time your little one goes up a foot size.

For us the size felt like a good reflection of the shoe size, and we found them really easy for kids to get on and off.

Squishmallows Plush Pokémon Umbreon

£14.99 from Amazon

This ultra-squeezable Umbreon Squishmallow is made with soft, high-quality materials and has cute, stubby embroidered front feet and extra-large ears. It is a 25cm size that is exclusive to Pokémon Center.

It has an embroidered Pokémon Center Poké Ball logo on the back, and it is an officially licensed product that is part of the Pokémon Squishmallows collection. Look for the official Squishmallows seal. It is a perfect companion for snuggling in the car, on a plane trip or at home during a Pokémon movie marathon.

A fun gift for Pokémon fans and anyone growing their Squishmallows squad.

Worth knowing: Hand wash only, then air dry.

Why we picked it: We were impressed with the softness, and like all Squishmallows you get a lovely huggable squish.

 

Books, Beats & Bedrooms

 

Gift ideas for reading corners, bedroom shelves and the teen who lives in their headphones.

Guinness World Records 2027

£8.99 from Amazon

The yearly record book is back with the latest record-breaking feats across eight action-packed chapters, including nature, humans, science and sports. It is one for the whole family to dip in and out of.

This edition goes green, from the neon green cover to a spotlight on some of the biggest green record stars, including frogs, emeralds, Yoda, the Incredible Hulk and Wicked’s Elphaba. There are extreme records shown out of context in the Snapshot features (like the largest dinosaur stomping through Times Square), eight more young achievers under 16 who are breaking records, and the newly picked GWR ICONS.

At 240 pages it has plenty to read, and it is great for car trips and quiet afternoons.

Why we picked it: We love how much the kids love this. It is perfect for kids with curious minds who enjoy learning about new and wacky things, and it shows how people can do anything they put their minds to. If you bought last year’s book, they can keep a record of who has lost a record, who has gained one and which ones are new this year.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Book Nook

£24.99 from Truffle Shuffle

This build-your-own scene turns a gap on your bookshelf into a miniature slice of Willy Wonka’s factory, inspired by Quentin Blake’s iconic illustrations. The sturdy cardboard pieces are pre-cut and slot together without glue or scissors.

Once built, you will spot Willy Wonka, Charlie Bucket, Augustus Gloop, the Oompa-Loompas, the flowing chocolate river and even a hidden golden ticket. The finished nook measures 23 x 21 x 11cm and has a fabric-effect cover with gold foil and debossed detail for a premium finish.

It is designed in the UK and made from 100% sustainable cardboard, and the kit and packaging are plastic-free and fully recyclable. It is official Roald Dahl merchandise, and a screen-free build that families can enjoy together. There is also a BFG design in the same range.

Why we picked it: We are huge fans of Build Your Own kits, as there is no mess. It is crazy how cardboard can build something so sturdy and cool. You just pop out the pieces and slot them together, and the quality has not let us down yet again.

Builder Me! from Paper Engine

£12.99 from Amazon

Builder Me! lets children become the hero of their own story. Little readers pull on their very own wearable builder’s hat, then join a busy construction crew to help build something spectacular.

The playful rhyming story has interactive surprises, lift-the-flaps and an exciting pop-up finale that rewards their hard work. It is written by Kes Gray, whose books have sold more than three million copies, and illustrated by Jorge Martin.

It is part of the Imagine Me! series from Paper Engine Publishing, and there is a Superhero Me! book too. Good for bedtime, rainy afternoons and school holidays, and a lovely way to get little ones joining in with reading.

Why we picked it: We tested the Builder Me! book in our own hands and the quality is awesome. It is nice and robust for little kids, as you know it is going to get dropped.

Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 Earbuds

£54.99 from Amazon

The Liberty 4 NC earbuds have adaptive noise cancelling that reduces noise by up to 98.5%, adjusting in real time to your ears and your surroundings. They have 11mm custom-tuned drivers, Hi-Res sound and LDAC technology, and you can find your own sound profile with HearID 2.0 or pick from 22 EQ presets.

Battery life is up to 10 hours on a single charge (8 hours with noise cancelling on) and up to 50 hours with the case (40 with noise cancelling on). They connect easily over Bluetooth 5.3 with multi-point connection, auto play and pause when you wear them, and wireless charging. They are IPX4 water-resistant, and 6 microphones with an AI algorithm help make calls clearer.

They are a popular, budget friendly pair of noise cancelling earbuds with a strong reputation, so parents do not need to spend a fortune to get excellent quality.

Worth knowing: These are not new for 2026, as they came out in 2023, but they are on our list because they are such good value.

Why we picked it: We tried out the navy blue pair, as we wanted something that was not basic black, with a bit of flair but not so loud in colour that it draws attention. We were super impressed with the sound and the noise cancelling, and the battery life is brilliant. They are comfortable to wear and not too heavy.

Lottie Brooks’s Twelve Disasters of Christmas

£7.49 from Amazon

This is a new festive story collection from the hilarious bestselling author Katie Kirby, and this Christmas is not all about Lottie. Twelve short stories follow the characters you already know from the Lottie Brooks books, plus one disastrous Christmas story from Lottie herself.

You find out what Burger Tom gets up to on Christmas Day, how Molly celebrated the festive period in Australia, what Bella gets up to on her first Christmas, how Toby’s prank backfires, when Poppy becomes the star of the show, how Jess saves the day for her football team, and why the hammies are so afraid of cousin Fwankie.

There are eight books in the main Lottie Brooks diary series, so if your child has not read them all, there are plenty of other presents to add later.

Why we picked it: Previous Lottie Brooks books have gone down really well with us in the past, so we had to check out this new one. We love how it is lots of mini stories, as short stories are less overwhelming for readers. We found it really funny and relatable.

The Foundation by Melinda Salisbury

£7.59 from Amazon

The Foundation is a gripping tech thriller from bestselling YA author Melinda Salisbury, and it looks at the dark side of new technologies. Keen gamer Ivy Finch is sent to the Ash Tree Foundation after an online encounter turns dangerous, and all she can think about is getting through the internet safety course her parents signed her up for.

Then she meets Conrad O’Connell, a famous influencer and the nephew of the Foundation’s founder, Dagmar Nilsson. Conrad showers Ivy with attention and she is soon drawn into his work with his aunt, but he is not telling her the whole truth about what the Foundation is for.

It is particularly suitable for readers aged 11 and over with a reading age of 8, and at 144 pages it is short enough not to feel like a mountain to climb.

Why we picked it: We had to add this to our list, as it is hard to find a dyslexia friendly book with an older age topic but a younger reading age for dyslexic kids, and this ticks all the boxes. We are huge fans of Melinda Salisbury, who writes about good topics. This book is a gripping read and a cautionary read for everyone, and we think it would be fab for a reluctant teen reader.

 

Collectibles: Mystery Christmas Toys for Kids

 

Blind boxes and mystery packs are a Christmas morning favourite, as nobody knows what they have got until it is open.

Funko Mystery Flora

£13 from Funko

These Flora POP! Mystery collectibles are part of the POP! Plants collection, and no green thumb is required. Each figure is hidden in blind box packaging, so you do not know which plant you have until it is open, and each one comes with a matching POP! card.

The six designs are POP! Bamboo, Monstera, Snake Plant, Tiger Lily, Ivy and Tulip. There is a 1 in 72 chance of finding the Mystery Chase, and you might even find the 1 of 1 Chase. The vinyl figure is around 10.2cm tall, though the height varies depending on the figure, and you get one collectible per pack.

A good one for collectors who like a surprise.

Why we picked it: They are so cute, and we love that it is a blind box, so you do not know which one you are going to get. It is a sealed mystery box and the selection is random. We got the bamboo one, which is a good excuse to buy another, as we did not get the one we wanted (really, we just want them all). We love the quality and detail of all the Funko Pop collections.

Nook Nooks by Starbox

£13 from The Entertainer

Each Nook Nook is a mystery blind box with a collectible animal living in a mini home that lights up. The homes are shaped like everyday things, from retro TVs and washing machines to clocks and computers, and the animals range from chill capybaras to cheerful bunnies, with a penguin in a fridge too.

In each box you get 1 collectible animal, 1 LED light-up home and 9 mini home accessories. Each figure has its own accessories, and the finished scene measures about 15 x 9.8 x 9.8cm. It takes 3 AAA batteries, which are included. There are 6 different Nook Nooks to find and 1 super rare, a limited edition figure with a special glowing twist.

They are from Zuru, and you can display them as they are or mix and match the pieces to style your desk, shelf or bedroom.

Why we picked it: We are huge fans of mystery boxes, and these are so different, with adorable animals living in different objects around the home. We are really hoping for the washing machine one. We found them easy to put together, the build quality was good and we think they offer good value for money. We love blind boxes, and the uniqueness of these is why they made it onto our list.

Clickeez Hello Kitty 7 Pack

£15 from The Entertainer

Clickeez are single keyboard keys that click and clack just like a real keyboard, and there are over 30 Hello Kitty and Friends characters to collect, including Hello Kitty, Kuromi and Cinnamoroll. You can connect them together on the personal fidget keychain and take your favourites everywhere.

This pack has 7 Hello Kitty and Friends-themed Clickeez, a bonus charm, a keychain and a collector’s guide. Styles vary, so you never know exactly which characters you will get. There is also a chance to find one of 10,000 limited edition Golden Hello Kitty Clickeez.

They are a fun gift for fans of Hello Kitty and Friends, and a good fidget toy at the same time.

Why we picked it: We are not new to Clickeez and have been collecting them for ages, so we loved it when we saw they had Hello Kitty branded ones and we had to get them for our collection. They are perfect for any Hello Kitty fan, and we love how some of them are on display so you can see part of what you are getting, while a few stay a secret, so it is half and half a mystery blind box type of gift. They are all very cute, and from a fidget toy point of view the click is very satisfying in feel and sound, so aside from the branding you are getting a good quality fidget toy that will last.

Miniverse Make It Mini Batman

£11.99 from Smyths

Each mystery capsule holds one of four iconic Batman collectibles to build and display: the Grappling Gun, Batarang, Batmobile or Bat-Signal. You will not know which one you have until you open the capsule, which makes every reveal a surprise.

You assemble your mini replica using the pieces in the capsule, and every pack also has a unique mini comic book replica to display alongside it. There are 15 mini comics to collect in total, including 9 sealed graded comic replicas. The capsule turns into a mini Batcave display for your

A great one for collectors who like to build and display what they have collected.

Worth knowing: The builds are detailed, so you need a bit of patience.

Why we picked it: We were very impressed with the detail of these. They are a perfect gift for Batman fans, and we loved that each one includes a unique comic replica. In all fairness you do need a bit of patience to build these, as they are detailed, but if model building is your thing then this is for you.

L.O.L. Surprise! Tots Dr. Seuss

£14.99 from Amazon

This L.O.L. Surprise! collection is inspired by characters from The Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, The Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who. Each pack has one Tot with the all-new L.O.L. Surprise! doll look and enhanced details, plus Dr. Seuss-inspired fashions and accessories.

There are four characters to collect: Cat in the Hat B.B., Thing 1 and Thing 2 Q.T.s, Grinch B.B. and Q.T. Cindy-Lou, and you can look out for the ultra-rare Cat in the Hat Tot. Every pack has over 4 surprises, including a Dr. Seuss-themed collectable ball that doubles as a doll stand, so the Tot can be displayed or played with. Styles may vary and duplicates may occur, and each one is sold separately.

A great pick for L.O.L. Surprise! collectors and Dr. Seuss fans.

Why we picked it: L.O.L. dolls are definitely making a comeback this year, and we are here for it. We are also huge fans of The Cat in the Hat, so that is a win win, and the mystery unboxing makes it even better. They are super cute, a collectible we want in on, and good value for what you get. Perfect for Dr. Seuss and L.O.L. Surprise! fans.

Christmas Gifts for Kids: Your Questions Answered

More Christmas Gift Ideas

That is our look at the best Christmas gifts for kids in 2026, and we hope it has made the shopping a bit easier. Every pick here has had a proper go in our house, so you can buy with a bit more confidence. Prices were correct when we checked, but they can change, so it is worth a look at the shop before you buy.

Need more more ideas, then check out our Christmas gift guides page has everything in one place, including our stocking fillers guide for everything under £10, our adults gift guide and our non-chocolate advent calendars guide. For things to do together, tree tips and family traditions, pop over to our Family Life at Christmas section. Bring snacks, make a brew and happy shopping.