The best Christmas gifts to buy for 5-8 year olds
Whether you’re shopping for your own 5-8 year old this Christmas season, or picking up a gift for a family member or friend - our edit has got you covered. We’ve got gift ideas to inspire imagination, build new skills and keep curious minds engaged long after the wrapping paper has been cleared away. From creativity-boosting crafts and brain teasers that offer fun for the whole family, there’s something here for every child and to suit every budget.
Crayola Dinosaur Light Up Tracing Pad
£18.99, Shop now
For little artists who love dinosaurs, this tracing pad from Crayola will seem like magic. The pad backlights their tracing so they can see lines clearly, making drawing easy and fun. Perfect for kids aged 6+, it will help build confidence, encourage creativity and develop fine motor skills. Plus, it’s lightweight and portable so they can take it with them on-the-go.
The One & Only Kinetic Sand
£19.99, Shop now
Kinetic Sand is a magical, squeezable, moulding sand that sticks to itself (but not to hands - ideal for mess-free play). It’s sensory play that’s calming and engaging, while also helping to develop fine motor skills. Recommended for kids aged 7+, children can sculpt, press, and explore the texture using the moulds and tools to create their very own masterpieces.
Djeco Marie Stationery Case
£15.25, Shop now
This beautifully designed stationery case from Djeco is great for budding writers. It comes with a selection of stationery, including a notebook, a notepad, a gel pen, 4 envelopes and 4 invitations so they can write letters and messages. All packed in a floral print trunk that can be used to continue to store art supplies and projects too.
Smart Games IQ Puzzler Pro
£11.99, Shop now
This compact puzzle game challenges players to fit puzzle pieces into a 2D or 3D grid. With multiple levels and solutions, it’s a great brain teaser for kids aged 6+ (but also a fun activity for all the family!) Whether as a stocking filler or wrapped up under the tree, with 120 fun challenges to complete, this one is sure to keep them entertained for an hour (or two) on Christmas day and beyond.
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Marvel Ultimate Storybook
£12, Shop now
Got a Marvel fan in your household? With the Ultimate Storybook they can dive into the iconic universe with classic tales of heroes like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain Marvel, and more. Perfect for comic fans or young readers, with vibrant illustrations and captive stories inside they’ll get hours of enjoyment from this one. Recommended for ages 5+.
Smart Games Counting Sheep
£14.99, Shop now
Another fantastic brain teaser for kids and adults alike. This puzzle challenges you to place sheep and wolves on a game board and ensure the wolves don’t eat the sheep. It’s great for both independent and group play. Designed for ages 7+, it’s will help curious minds develop logic, problem solving and concentration skills.
Little Live Pets My Really Real Puppy
£48, Shop now
The next best thing to welcoming home an actual furry friend this festive season. Little Live Pets interactive puppy wiggles, wags and responds to touch, offering kids a pet-like experience (without the mess or commitment for the parents). It encourages nurturing, responsibility and role play - and is a great way to set kids up for a real-life puppy in the future. Guaranteed to be unwrapped with squeals of delight!
Galt First Pottery Craft Set
£15, Shop now
For a gift that encourages imagination, creativity and focus, we love Galt’s First Pottery Craft Set. With everything they need to make and paint their very own clay pots, it’ll keep little hands busy and they can take pride in their work that’ll stay on display long after the festive season.
