Christmas Must Haves

 

• – Updated for 2024 – 

Christmas will be here sooner than you think, and finding the perfect gift for every child can be a challenge. At the Good Play Guide, we’ve made it easier for you with our list of must-have toys that guarantee lots of fun and educational benefits. Covering a range of play styles, these toys are handpicked to guarantee there is something for everyone. Whether your child enjoys building, being active or expressing their creativity, our selection will ensure they have a gift they’ll love this Christmas. 

 

Building and Construction Play

For children who love working with their hands and creating things, these toys encourage problem-solving and help to develop fine motor skills as they build and explore; 

 

Airfix Quickbuild Transport for London New Routemaster

This is a fantastic choice for children who enjoy hands-on building and construction play. With 88 easy-to-assemble parts, and no glue required, it offers a challenge for young builders aged 6+. As they work through the steps, they’ll boost hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. Helpful for promoting teamwork too, as children can work together and share ideas. With moving wheels and stickers featuring famous London landmarks, this bus is not just for display – it’s ready for play and sparking conversations too. 

 

 

MAGNA-TILES® Space Set

For children 3+ fascinated by space and exploration; this is their toy! A great way to blend creative play with STEAM learning, and just the thing for aspiring astronauts. The set includes a space shuttle that doubles as a handy storage container for keeping the magnetic tiles all in one place. Children will experiment with balance and magnetism as they build rockets, space stations and other cosmic creations, all while developing their visual planning and problem-solving skills. With endless possibilities for imaginative play, this set also promotes creativity and storytelling as children launch into tales of space adventures! Space is also compatible with all other MAGNA-TILES sets – win, win!  

 

 

Active and Outdoor Play 

These toys are ideal for children who love to move and explore, helping them build confidence, coordination and gross motor skills through active play; 

 

 

Xtend Bike

This cleverly designed bike makes the transition from a balance bike to a pedal bike smooth and stress-free. It helps children build their balance, coordination and confidence, all while having fun. With an easy-to-install pedal system and adjustable size, children can learn at their own pace, getting comfortable with steering and stability before moving on to pedals. W hether they’re scooting around or pretending to go on adventures, the Xtend Bike is perfect for helping children develop essential cycling skills. 

 

 

Mini Micro 3-in-1 Scooter from Micro Scooter

The Mini Micro 3-in-1 offers a great way for children aged 12 months to 5 years to play and grow, adapting as they do, and the easy assembly means they can quickly get moving. Stage 1- For toddlers aged 1-2, the adjustable seat and removable parenting handle provide a safe and enjoyable ride whilst keeping parents in full control. Stage 2: As they reach 2-3 years: remove the parent steering handle for scooting adventures with a seat (for little legs that tire quickly), the chunky handle grips help build confidence while improving balance and coordination. Stage 3: Remove the seat to transfer into the Mini Micro scooter for older children, aged 3-5, who will enjoy the challenge of steering with the T-bar by leaning from side to side. The Mini Micro 3-in-1 offers an engaging way to encourage outdoor play while developing essential motor skills.

Experimental Play 

For children who love to explore and problem-solve, the following toys inspire experimentation and hands-on discovery; 

 

Air Toobz by Fat Brain Toys

For those who love discovering how things work. This set is ideal for young scientists in the making and will provide lots of fun. The hands-on set introduces children to the principles of physics and airflow dynamics in an engaging way. Children can experiment with different configurations of tubes and openings to see where the balls land when the turbine is switched on. Also helpful for developing logical thinking and trial-and-error learning, the sky really is the limit for creativity and discovery!

 

 

Illusion Lab – Explore & Discover by Galt

For curious young minds, this engaging kit features nine exciting experiments. From building a periscope to exploring visual tricks, children will develop early science skills, creativity and observation skills, making it both educational and entertaining. With easy-to-follow instructions and detailed diagrams, children can build a model of an eye, make moving images and perform illusions for friends and family. A great way to spark a love of science and keep children engaged for hours. 

 

 

Imaginative Play

If your child loves creating stories, acting out scenarios and expressing themself, the following toys will encourage imagination and emotional exploration;

 

 

Mood Bears

These cuddly companions help children understand and express their feelings. Designed to represent key emotions like happiness, sadness, anger and love, these eight colourful bears are always ready to listen and offer comfort. They can be used as a tool for encouraging open conversations about feelings and come with supporting information on ways to introduce them into your child’s routine and play to support their emotional needs. Whether it’s a cuddle during tough times or a partner in imaginative play, they’re sure to become your little one’s new best friend. 

 

 

Petit Collage Little Library Storytelling Box

 

This delightful set features 40 double-sided storytelling coins, inspiring children to create endless, unique stories. Great for sparking creativity, the box also includes ten mini blank notebooks, allowing children to write down or draw their tales. Packaged in a lovely keepsake box that transforms into a little library, this storytelling set encourages communication skills, imagination and independent play. Just the right size for on-the-go fun, it’s a flexible open-ended game for all the family and will boost confidence in young storytellers. 

Competitive Play 

For children who enjoy challenges and friendly competition, the following will boost their competitive spirit and develop new skills;

 

 

My First Scalextric Batwheels Batman Vs Robin Battery Powered Race Set

Perfect for children who love active and competitive play. This exciting set lets children aged 4+ take control of Bam and Redbird from the world of Batwheels. Just the right size for little hands, the compact track is easy to use, with simple controls and stunt ramps to navigate. Children can speed around bends and race against each other, learning about speed and acceleration along the way. It’s a good way to encourage healthy competition, boost hand-eye coordination and inspire imaginative play as children create racing adventures between heroes and villains!

 

Cobra Paw

For family entertainment this Christmas, Cobra Paw is a fast-paced game that will test everyone’s reflexes and recognition skills. Players take turns rolling the dice featuring six symbols, then race to spot and grab the matching tile before anyone else. The game is an exciting way to build children’s concentration, reaction skills and hand-eye coordination. Suitable for all ages, it’s sure to be popular with the whole family, encouraging healthy competition and teaching children to be gracious in defeat and humble in victory – perhaps. 

Educational Play 

If you’re looking for engaging ways to support your child’s learning, these resources provide a fantastic mix of fun and education;

 

Fun to Learn Magazines by Redan

A delightful range of magazines that brings together well-known and loved preschool characters. Each issue is packed with high-quality educational content that aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage, so you can be sure your child is developing important skills as they explore the stories and activities on offer. From counting and language skills to puzzles and creativity, there’s something to keep every child occupied on rainy days, family outings or long car journeys. They would also make excellent stocking fillers and could be very useful on Christmas Eve when the excitement is too much to bear! 

 

 

Orboot Earth Interactive Globe

Children can discover the world in a whole new way with this AR-powered globe. Combined with an app, it transforms a tablet or smartphone into a 3D exploration tool packed with visual highlights and fascinating facts. Children will explore cultures, animals, landmarks, cuisines and inventions while doing interactive quizzes and story-based challenges. The accompanying passport, boarding passes and stickers all add to the experience and inspire imaginative roleplay, making learning about the world both educational and exciting for young explorers.