Choosing Christmas gifts for boys can be a challenge, as it's easy to fall out of the loop with regards to what they really want.
If you're looking for something a little less obvious than the stereotypical football, toy sword or remote control car, you're sure to find inspiration with our pick of the best Christmas gifts for boys. And these gift ideas are by no means limited to boys, so find Christmas gift inspiration for gifts for girls here, too.
1. A balance bike to get them on the go
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Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage for all children and the Banwood First Go! Balance Bike, available at Bobby Rabbit, provides the opportunity for a significant head start.
Encouraging the practice of balance required for bike riding, this starter bike will ease the transition more effectively than stabilisers.
2. You can't go wrong with Playmobil
Complete with a quad with a retraction motor, a police vehicle with a working light, siren sounds and a removable windshield, as well as a helicopter with fully rotatable blades, the Playmobil City Police Station makes a great gift for children fascinated by the emergency services.
Let the adventurous chase from the comfort of your playroom begin.
3. Make their space feel their own
As children get older, it becomes increasingly important to allow them the freedom to reflect their style and personality in their bedroom.
We love these Personalised Sports Ball Cushions from Not On The High Street, as they skilfully strike the balance between tasteful to adults and appealing to children.
4. A classic, wooden train set
Chances are you remember wooden train sets from your own childhood; the good news is that they're as popular as ever.
This 120 Piece Train Set from John Lewis & Partners is a great starter kit and can be expanded with a Railway Expansion Pack, and even a Mountain – who knew?
5. The scooter John Lewis has ranked as one of the gifts of the year
Expected to be a popular Christmas gift option this year, we don't doubt that this Maxi Micro Deluxe Scooter will be appearing on many Christmas lists.
If your aim is to be more loved than Father Christmas, this is the gift for you. Available at John Lewis in seven colour combinations.
6. A child-sized kitchen
Children learn best by copying those around them. If you think that encouraging confidence in the kitchen is essential, this John Lewis & Partners Wooden Mini Kitchen could be a great starting point.
If your kitchen is large enough, positioning this miniature wooden set in a corner is a great option that allows the kids to 'cook' alongside you. Future Bake Off/MasterChef winner in the making...
7. A unique, two-in-one, games console
A console unlike anything else on the market (so the techies tell us) the Nintendo Switch offers the versatility of connecting to the TV at home while also functioning as an on-the-go handheld device with a 6.2 inch screen.
For the sake of sparing you all the gaming jargon this is, in short, what all the kids want this Christmas.
8. Enter the world of weird thanks to the Guinness World Records 2020
A cult Christmas present, Guinness World Records 2020 provides entry into a world of weird that children just can't get enough of.
This year's copy contains the world's widest wig, the largest tennis racket and the longest-running, finger wrestling contest between its covers, making it prime reading material for Christmas Day.
9. Encourage outright silliness with an at-home puppet theatre
Puppet theatres are a popular choice for children with vivid imaginations and a love for telling stories.
We love this Tidlo Wooden Theatre from Amazon which transforms, magnificently, into a market stall when turned around, allowing for twice the fun.
10. An on-the-go game: a saviour during long journeys
A best seller on Amazon, Randomise is a fun and interactive game with laughter and creativity at its core. Inclusive with a simple set of rules, over one million possible combinations mean that families can expect to play time and time again without getting bored.
Designed to be small in size, Randomise is easily transported, making it popular for travel and long journeys.
11. A Christmas list must-have
An essential for every child's Christmas list, we love these Aircraft Pyjamas from M&S. Perfect for little ones who love all things planes, they're made with cotton for maximum comfort and movement.
12. Monopoly made cool (thanks, Fortnite)
First it gave us flossing, now Fortnite is back with a modern twist on the nation's favourite board game: Monopoly.
If you're looking to prise your kids away from TV and computer screens this Christmas, the board game edition of the (undoubted) video game of the year may be your best bet. Fortnite Monopoly, we're here for you.
13. It wouldn't be Christmas without Stick Man
The soft toy incarnation of the latest character from Julia Donaldson (best know for The Gruffalo) we couldn't love this Stick Man Plush Soft Toy any more. Pair with a copy of the book (if they don't already have it).
14. Their first (kid friendly) tablet
If you're shopping for their first tablet, it doesn't get much more kid friendly (and affordable) than the Fire 7 Kid's Edition Tablet, which comes with built in parental controls and free access (for the first year) to 5,000 popular apps and games, videos, books, Audible audiobooks and educational content from Disney, Nickelodeon, Sesame Street, and many more.
