Unwrap the magic – Santa’s ultimate gift guide for grandkids
THE NORTH POLE IS BUZZING WITH EXCITEMENT, AND SANTA IS BUSY FINALISING HIS LIST. BUT THIS YEAR, HE’S ADDING A SPECIAL TWIST – HELPING GRANDPARENTS FIND JUST THE RIGHT GIFT!
From tiny tots to tech-savvy teens, Living Gem’s ultimate Christmas gift guide has something special for every kind of grandchild.
Joy of toys
While major stores have plenty of ‘safe toy’ options for children under five years old, this list focuses on the five-to-ten age group, where ‘surprise’ and ‘potion’ toys are all the rage! This year some of the hottest brands include Magic Mixies, Play-Doh, Heroes of Goo Jit Zu, VTech, and the ever-popular LEGO.
Here are some top-selling choices for under the tree.
Rainbocorns Eggzania Surprise
The egg features 20 surprises to unveil, including the big one – a super-squishy plush cuddly toy. Surprises include wearable accessories and stickers.
Our Generation Doll
Popular dolls for children, with playsets and accessories also available separately.
Zuru Smashers Dino Island Gold Treasure Hunt
Find over 70 surprises when you smash or dig your way through a world of dinosaurs and sharks.
Silverlit Exost Aquacross
This remote-control vehicle can run on water and land!
Make and create
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual bead sets or dough creations, explore the wide range of innovative ‘create’ kits now available.
From STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) kits that let you craft potions or build devices, to polymer clay kits for making trays and trinkets, there’s something for every young maker. Browse the stationery aisles and see what clever kits you find.
Tip: Many kits, especially STEM ones, require adult assistance and can take time to complete, making them a wonderful opportunity to bond with your grandchild. Plus, busy parents will appreciate you stepping in to help!
Alternatively, below are fun ‘create’ gifts that don’t require too much adult attention.
Cookeez Makery Oven Playset
Children ‘bake up their own plush toy’, which is sweet-scented and interactive. The oven and toy can be played with repeatedly.
Unicorn Fairy Garden
This grow-and-play playset has everything needed to grow an enchanting garden with real grass!
LEGO City Downtown Tram and Station 60423
This tram toy and station playset will entertain children for hours.
In the mood for a game?
Games are a fantastic way to keep kids active while boosting their coordination, balance, and other skills. Here are some fun ideas to get you brainstorming!
Terrasphere T1000
Indoor Table Tennis Table Its compact two-piece folding design allows for easy storage and half-court play when space is limited.
A Game of Cat & Mouth
A game of fast thinking and quick reflexes. It’s portable, easy to set up, and similar to pinball. No batteries needed.
Tabletop Air Hockey
A tiny and convenient fast-paced, thrilling game of air hockey.
Gadget gifts
For older children and teens, gifts that encourage activity, reading, creativity, or something special to cherish, like jewellery, are great options for reducing screen time.
Here are ideas to get you thinking.
Tomzon A23 Mini Drone with LED
Children are introduced to the world of drones with this batteryoperated mini drone which has up to 18 minutes of flight time.
Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 Fitness Trackers
These fitness trackers come in a range of colours, and don’t just track daily activity. They will unlock pop quizzes, exercises, and games to keep daily movement goals challenging.
Intelligent Robot Toy
Artificial intelligence is here to stay, and this robot toy gives kids an introduction.
Australian Geographic 60mm Telescope Kit
Budding astronomers will love stargazing with this user-friendly telescope.
Creating memories
‘Experience’ gifts offer the chance to share meaningful moments, fostering deeper connections between grandparents and grandchildren. These gifts often leave a lasting emotional impact, making them perfect for family bonding.
Consider tickets to theme parks, local markets, adventure playgrounds, guided tours, play centres, the circus, rock climbing gyms, theatre performances, or animal encounters like camel rides, pony rides, or even swimming with dolphins.
There’s an experience to suit every taste and budget – it’s just about knowing where to look.
Pro tip: If online searches aren’t yielding great options, head to a local Visitor Information Centre for flyers on current events and activities, either in your region, or where your grandchild lives.
