The Best Gifts for Your Children

Most parents want a gift that gets played with for more than a week. The good news is that the toys children love most often teach them something along the way. These are the best gifts for your children if you want both.

Educational toys

Toys can teach as well as entertain. Building blocks and puzzles train problem-solving and creativity without the child noticing they are learning anything.

Books

Books work at every age. They build vocabulary and feed the imagination. Choose books that match the child's age and interests: picture books for the little ones, chapter books or novels for older children. Books are also one of the easiest things to put on a Christmas list.

Art supplies

For a child who loves to draw, art supplies are the obvious choice. Drawing, painting and crafting are good for fine motor skills, and most children will happily spend an afternoon on them. Markers, crayons, paint and a stack of paper are a good start.

Board games

Board games are great for family time and teach teamwork, problem-solving and planning ahead. There are good games for every age, from classics like chess to newer favourites like Settlers of Catan.

Musical instruments

Playing an instrument helps with memory, coordination and concentration, and playing together with others teaches them to listen. Start simple with a recorder or a harmonica. A guitar or a piano is a bigger step, so save it for a child who has already shown real interest.

Outdoor toys

Outdoor toys get children outside and moving. A bike, a scooter or a skipping rope helps them get stronger and better coordinated, and they have a great time doing it.

Science kits

For a curious child, a science kit is a winner. There are kits for chemistry, microscopes and even building robots. They let children do real experiments at the kitchen table.

Building sets

Children who love putting things together get a lot out of building sets. They build spatial skills. LEGO, wooden blocks and magnetic tiles are all good options, and LEGO is the one that keeps growing with the child.

Let them help choose the best gifts

The right gift depends on what your child loves and what they are ready to learn next. Help them make a wishlist this weekend. Relatives who ask what to buy then have a clear answer, whether it is a book, a science kit or a set of drums.