Please note that some of the items in this gift guide have been sent for the purposes of inclusion in these gift guides. The majority have also now been donated to two local schools for their fund raising Christmas raffles
Connetix
The Pastel Creative pack from Connetix is designed to encourage learning through play. Aimed at children aged 3+ this set helps children develop both their fine and large motor skills. They have all the parts they need to build castles, towers, coin drops, sorting boxes and a whole lot more. This set has 120 pieces and retails around £115. (comes with small parts and magnets so bear that in mind if there are younger siblings).
Limitless Card Game
This allows you to play the TV game we all love around your own kitchen table. Essentially you have to answer 10 questions and give either an exact answer or one below it banking as much money as you can just like on the Limitless TV show. If you answer with one or more you lose that money. Suitable for aged 8 and over this gift is one for the whole family. Costs £7.99
Newton’s Lab Wind Energy Kit
if you like the gifts you give to have an educational element, this one is a sure fire winner. The Wind Energy Kit allows you to make your very own windmill. Once built you can then blow to turn the blades of the windmill and it will light up the house next door. It costs around £20 and is predominately made from cardboard.
Make your own catapult
If cardboard toys, or toys with minimal amounts of plastic, are high up your list then you will also like this one. Make your own catapult and see how far you can fire the included ping pong ball. And how long it takes for other projectiles to be sourced and flung. Not only a great gift but a fun way to spend an afternoon seeing how far something can fly. RRP around £15
Heydoodle Mini Mat
This got nabbed my granddaughter almost as soon as it arrived. The small playmat makes the perfect way to practice hand writing whilst then colouring in a favourite animal. Completely washable afterwards and comes with colouring pens. Retails for £15
Voxblock
Voxblock is the screen-(and wifi)-free audiobook player for children 3-12. With tangible books that slot into the easy-to-use player and zero connectivity, Voxblock encourages independent listening with no need for grown-ups! Founded in Scotland by parents Tom and Rebecca, Voxblock is designed to immerse children in the joy of stories without the distraction of a screen while simultaneously improving their literacy skills. Perfect for Christmas morning with no complicated set up required, kids can simply open, sit a book in the player and listen to a story immediately. The Voxblock Starter pack contains a Voxblock player, bumper and three stories for £59.99 and additional book packs can be bought separately
Buddy’s Treat Box
Nobody ever thinks about how hard the Elves work over Christmas do they, and how they might appreciate a bit of a pamper session. Step forward the Buddy Treat box, created by beauty entrepreneur Clare Anderson. The box is packed full of inspiration for creativity, relaxation, storytelling and imagination. There is a selection of Elfland products, a story book, a cuddly dog and everything you need for a relaxing evening in the run up to Christmas for the whole family. The warming eye masks that are included are all child friendly too. It retails for £59 and is suitable for children aged 5 years and up.