This post features products that were kindly gifted for review. All thoughts and gift suggestions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.
Christmas shopping for children can be a bit of a minefield, can’t it? One minute they have a Christmas list as long as their arm, and the next they’re telling you they don’t know what they want!
After years of buying presents for my own children, I’ve come to realise that some of the best gifts aren’t necessarily the biggest or most expensive. They’re the ones that encourage children to use their imaginations, try something new or simply have a bit of fun.
I also love finding presents that give children something to actually do. Whether that’s making something, taking photographs or playing together, it’s always nice when a gift offers more than a few minutes of excitement on Christmas morning.
Earlier this year, I was kindly sent a selection of toys and creative gifts to feature on Mummy Matters. Unfortunately, the timing coincided with some rather stressful problems behind the scenes with my websites, and my planned reviews ended up taking a back seat.
Rather than let these lovely gift ideas go to waste, I thought I’d bring them together in a Christmas gift guide. There is a nice mixture here, from children’s gadgets to hands-on craft activities, with something to suit different personalities and budgets.
1. myFirst Camera Insta 20 – For Budding Photographers
There’s something lovely about seeing the world through a child’s eyes. Give them a camera and suddenly the things we walk past without a second thought become fascinating. A flower in the garden, the family dog having a snooze, or a funny face pulled by a sibling can all become photo opportunities.
The myFirst Camera Insta 20 is designed with younger photographers in mind and has a particularly fun feature: it can print photographs straight from the camera.
Unlike traditional instant cameras, it uses thermal printing technology, so there’s no need to keep buying expensive ink cartridges. Children can take photographs, print their favourites and use them in scrapbooks, journals or little homemade gifts.
The camera also records video, has built-in frames and filters, and comes with a screen large enough for children to see what they’re photographing. It’s designed for children aged approximately 5–12.
I think this would be a particularly nice present for a child who enjoys exploring outdoors or documenting family adventures. It could even encourage them to start their own little photo diary.
One thing worth knowing is that the standard thermal prints aren’t the same as glossy colour photographs, so it’s worth bearing that in mind if you’re buying for a child who specifically wants colour prints.
Best for: Children who love photography, exploring, scrapbooking and making memories.
Find out more about the myFirst Camera Insta 20
2. Studio Creator Com Creator Video Walkie-Talkies – For Little Adventurers
Walkie-talkies have been around for years, but I think they’re one of those toys that never really go out of fashion.
Whether children are pretending to be secret agents, organising a treasure hunt or chatting to each other from different rooms, there’s something about having their own little communication devices that makes ordinary games much more exciting.
The Studio Creator Com Creator Video Walkie-Talkies take that idea a step further by allowing children to see each other as well as talk.
They include 20 video filters and five voice-changing effects, which I can imagine adding plenty of silliness to playtime. Children can switch between video and speaker modes depending on how they’re playing.
Another useful feature is that they don’t require an internet connection. I know that many parents are understandably cautious about introducing younger children to connected devices, so that’s a welcome feature.
I particularly like the idea of these for siblings or friends who enjoy making up games together. They could be fun during indoor play on a rainy afternoon or for outdoor adventures where children remain within the devices’ working range.
Best for: Children aged 5+ who enjoy imaginative games, adventures and playing with friends or siblings.
See the Studio Creator Video Walkie-Talkies at Very
3. Squish Squish DIY Squishy Factory – For Children Who Love Making Things
If you’ve got a child who loves anything squishy, stretchy or satisfying to squeeze, this could be right up their street.
The Squish Squish DIY Squishy Factory lets children make their own colourful squishy creations rather than simply buying ready-made ones.
The idea is fairly straightforward. Children mix the supplied gels, add their chosen colours and pour the mixture into moulds. Once the creations have set, they can decorate them to make their own unique squishies.
I like craft kits that have something to show for the effort at the end, and this one combines the fun of making with having a finished item to play with afterwards.
It’s also the sort of activity that could be brought out during the Christmas holidays when the excitement of Christmas Day has settled down and everyone is looking for something to do.
There is a little preparation involved, and younger children will need adult supervision, so it’s not quite a case of opening the box and leaving them to it. Personally, though, I think that can be part of the fun of a craft activity.
Best for: Children aged 6+ who enjoy crafts, sensory toys and making their own creations.
See the Squish Squish DIY Squishy Factory at Very
4. Art Lab Watercolour Case – For Young Artists
I’ve always liked having a few creative activities available at home, especially during the colder months when we’re spending more time indoors.
Painting is one of those activities that children can enjoy in so many different ways. Some love carefully following instructions, while others are happiest experimenting with colours and seeing what happens.
The Art Lab Watercolour Case is a lovely idea for children who enjoy drawing, painting or trying new art techniques.
The kit includes six watercolour paints, twelve sheets of paper and ten art tools, along with an instruction guide introducing different watercolour techniques.
What appeals to me is that everything packs away into its own case, which also acts as a little workstation. Anyone who has spent years trying to keep children’s craft supplies organised will appreciate that!
It’s also nice that the finished artwork can be displayed around the house or given to grandparents and other family members. Homemade pictures and cards can make such thoughtful little gifts.
This is one I’d consider for a child who likes quieter activities or enjoys sitting down and concentrating on a project.
Best for: Children aged 6+ who love painting, drawing and creative activities.
See the Art Lab Watercolour Case at Very
5. So Slime Mini Garden – For Sensory Play Fans
Slime is one of those things that seems to divide parents! Children love the stretchy, squishy textures, while adults tend to be rather more concerned about where it might end up. If you have a slime enthusiast in the family, the So Slime Mini Garden is another creative gift idea worth looking at.
The garden theme gives the activity a slightly different twist from a standard pot of slime. It’s the sort of present that could appeal to children who enjoy sensory play as well as making little imaginary worlds.
I think the attraction of slime toys is that there isn’t necessarily a right or wrong way to play. Children can explore the textures, experiment and use their imaginations. Of course, I’d still recommend having a suitable play surface ready before getting started. A wipe-clean mat or tray can make clearing up afterwards much easier, particularly if you’re trying to keep slime away from carpets and soft furnishings!
Best for: Children who enjoy slime, sensory activities and imaginative play.
See the So Slime Mini Garden product listing
6. Canal Toys Airbrush Art Kit – For Children Who Love Getting Creative
If you’ve got a child who loves drawing, colouring and trying out different craft activities, an airbrush art kit is a fun alternative to the usual pens and paints.
The Canal Toys Airbrush Art Kit gives children the chance to experiment with colour in a slightly different way. Rather than simply colouring in a picture, they can use a battery-powered airbrush tool with special markers to create sprayed effects, blend colours and experiment with different designs.
I think there’s something particularly appealing about craft kits that introduce children to a new technique. They don’t have to be brilliant at drawing to enjoy themselves, and using stencils can help them create something they’re pleased with.
It’s another activity that would be lovely to bring out during the Christmas holidays, especially on those cold, rainy afternoons when everyone is looking for something to do indoors.
As with most painting and colouring activities, I’d recommend protecting the table before getting started. Even when you’re using washable colours, it’s much easier to enjoy a creative afternoon when you’re not worrying about the furniture!
Best for: Children aged 6+ who enjoy arts and crafts, experimenting with colours and making their own artwork.
Find the Canal Toys Airbrush Art Kit on Amazon
Choosing the Right Creative Christmas Gift for Your Child
One thing I’ve learnt over the years is that children can have completely different interests, even when they’re growing up in the same household.
Some children love being busy and active, while others are happiest sitting at the table creating something. Some enjoy gadgets and technology, while others would choose a craft kit every time. That’s why I think it’s worth looking beyond what’s popular this Christmas and thinking about what your child actually enjoys doing.
For a child who loves exploring and taking photographs, the myFirst Camera Insta 20 could be a lovely choice. If they enjoy playing with siblings or friends, the video walkie-talkies offer plenty of opportunities for imaginative games.
For children who love getting creative, the Squishy Factory and Watercolour Case provide different types of hands-on activities. And for those who can’t resist a bit of sensory play, the So Slime Mini Garden might be more their thing.
It’s also worth considering how much help they’ll need, whether the activity requires additional supplies and how easy everything will be to tidy away afterwards. After all, Christmas presents should be fun for children without creating too much extra work for parents!
Making the Most of New Toys Over Christmas
Christmas Day can be quite overwhelming for children, particularly when there are lots of presents to open, family members visiting and so much excitement. I’ve always found that some toys and activities are better enjoyed once things have quietened down a little. A creative kit can be perfect for those days between Christmas and New Year when nobody is quite sure what day it is, and everyone is enjoying a slower pace. You could set aside an afternoon for painting, encourage children to take photographs on a family walk or organise a little treasure hunt using the walkie-talkies.
Sometimes it’s these simple activities, rather than the presents themselves, that become the memories children look back on.
Final Thoughts on Creative Christmas Gifts for Kids
If you’re looking for something a little different to put under the Christmas tree this year, I hope these five gift ideas have given you some inspiration.
What I like about this selection is that each gift encourages children to get involved, whether that’s taking photographs, playing imaginative games, or making their own creations. They also cover a range of budgets, which is always helpful when there are several children, nieces, nephews or grandchildren to buy for.
Christmas doesn’t have to be about buying the biggest pile of presents. Sometimes one carefully chosen gift that really suits a child’s interests can provide far more enjoyment than several things that end up forgotten at the bottom of the toy box.
I’d love to know – do your children prefer creative gifts and activities, or are gadgets and technology always at the top of their Christmas lists?