kids

The 10 genius kids' Christmas gifts that'll make your last-minute rush worth it.

If you’re reading this, chances are, you’re a bit desperate.

You know the kid in your life would love an expensive, adult smart watch, but yeah, who wouldn’t? Sadly, a $500+ present is definitely not in the budget for a child –  not even for one whom you absolutely adore.

And so, you’re in a bit of a pickle; there’s only a few sleeps left until Christmas morning. Your wish is to be the favourite parent/relative/big friend to the child in question, but you’re not sure what else they’re into. You’re out of ideas…So what’s a gift-giver to do?

Check out our kids’ Christmas gift guide, that’s what. We’ve put together a list of 10 pressies that are sure to please – both your budget, your desire to be the best, and a kid of any age.

You’re welcome.

For the kid who’s into Star Wars.

Furniture retailer Fantastic Furniture launched a kids Star Wars range earlier this year, and it includes unique pieces that any little fan of The Force will love. From the plushest Chewbacca-face cushion to a Death Star mini dining set, the range is super fun, super cute, and super affordable.

ADVERTISEMENT

For the kid who loves to take pics.

The FUJIFILM instax SHARE SP-2 smartphone printer allows users to print images straight from their phone in 10 seconds. Using the app, kids can take snaps,  apply custom filters, and make collages – and then print wirelessly and instantly.

Available from JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, and leading camera stores, and retails for $140.

For the kid who loves gaming.

The Nintendo Labo range brings imagination and creativity to gaming in a refreshing way; the kits allow kids get to make intricate cardboard accessories which they can the incorporate with their gaming. But it’s not just for games like Super Mario – for example, check out the cardboard piano you can build:

ADVERTISEMENT

The Labo range is available at JB Hifi,  and EB Games. Prices start from just $14.95.

For the kid who loves imaginative play.

The Dyson toy kids vacuum that actually works. Image: YouTube.
ADVERTISEMENT

Behold: the Cadson Dyson Ball Toy Vacuum.

Yes, this is a toy vacuum cleaner that works as a real vacuum cleaner. So, you know, the kids can be fooled into thinking they're playing, but they're actually helping you with the housework.

But it's not just any vacuum. It's made by top vacuum brand, Dyson, but it doesn't cost anywhere near what an expensive Dyson cleaner costs. Prices vary, but it can be found for under $70 AUD.

The Cadson cleaner can be found on Amazon. Prices and delivery to Australia varies, but it seems one site that does have the product in stock, and does definitely deliver to Australia, is Pottery Barn Kids, where the toy can be bought for $66.75.

For the kid who loves magic.

If you missed the magical adventure film The House With A Clock In Its Walls which was in cinemas earlier this year, well, the timing of the DVD release couldn't be more perfect.

ADVERTISEMENT

Starring Jack Black and Cate Blanchett, this rollicking family flick is full of feel-good friendship, fun and few thrills along the way. Think warlocks, witches, and a house with an intriguing inbuilt feature.

In the tradition of '80s Amblin films like E.T. and GremlinsThe House With A Clock In Its Walls is rated PG, and is out on Blu-Ray, DVD & Digital on December 19. You can buy it from JB Hi-Fi for $19.98.

ADVERTISEMENT

For the kid who loves LEGO.

For the kid who is LEGO mad, here's the motorised LEGO DC Super Heroes 76112 App-Controlled Batmobile. And yes, it's as cool as it sounds. Think LEGO with a difference, because it moves with a motor, and is akin to building a basic remote control car.

The vehicle features two motors powered by a Bluetooth-controlled battery hub, an opening minifigure cockpit, four-wheel drive and two dual stud shooters. The vehicle is then controlled by the app, used on a smartphone or tablet.

This set also includes a new-for-August-2018 Batman minifigure. It retails for $149 from Big W.

ADVERTISEMENT

For the kid who loves old-school toys.

Adrienne and The Misses Bonney is children's gift store that has operated for more than 40 years in Sydney. The shop offers old-school style toys, gifts, and furniture for children, which are as far from an electrical device as you can get.

Admittedly, it's got a major luxe vibe - but it does also cater for all budgets. And even better, it is owned and operated by two sisters, Terry Berry, and Kaylene Hansen, who believe they are one of Australia's longest-running lady startups.

Oh, and their gift-wrapping is to die for.

Check out these glam, personalised 'family heirloom' stockings, intended to be handed down from generation to generation, for $265. Order online.

ADVERTISEMENT

For the kid who loves to shop.

Whether its the most adorable holidays sweaters for the littlest ones, or edgy (but appropriate) clothes that tweens would pick out for themselves, H&M has you covered.

With oh-so-friendly pricing, H&M caters for kids of all ages, and all tastes. Either buy an item - confident in the knowledge of their excellent returns policy - or purchase a gift card.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Santa baby! ???????? #HMKids Jumper: 0643350001

A post shared by H&M Kids (@hm_kids) on

ADVERTISEMENT

For the kid who loves Baby Shark.

Most parents would recall the incredibly contagious  'Baby Shark' song which went viral early this year. And now, just in time for Christmas, baby shark soft toys which sing the song are available.

Toymaker WowWee - the company that also make the popular Fingerlings toys - has released a range of sharks for the Korean group PinkFong, who created the viral melody.

As the song goes, there's Mummy Shark, Daddy Shark and Baby Shark. They're available for pre-order on Amazon from $49.99 - $69.99.

For the kid who loves J.K. Rowling and VERY special books.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a book of children's stories by British author J. K. Rowling, who wrote the Harry Potter series. In fact, there's a storybook of the same name mentioned in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the last book of the Harry Potter series.

The book was originally produced in a limited edition of only seven copies, each handwritten and illustrated by J. K. Rowling. One of them was offered for auction in late 2007, and it was bought for $3.4 million, by Amazon, making the selling price the highest achieved at auction for a modern literary manuscript.

ADVERTISEMENT

But don't worry - you needn't pay that much. You can buy the now iconic book at Dymocks for $35.

What else would you recommend as a great Christmas gift this year?

If you'd like to hear more from Nama Winston, check out her stories, and subscribe to her weekly newsletter here.