Smart Christmas buys to keep the kids entertained for the Xmas holidays
If you choose wisely when it comes to Christmas gifts for the kids, you’ll keep them entertained all summer long.
Nobody likes to be bored, and this especially applies to childhood, when imagination and curiosity is at its peak. So, choosing the right Christmas presents, ones that mean you can get the kids out of your hair for decent periods of time when you need some relaxation during the summer holidays, is something you definitely want to aim for.
The following list of gifts are popular options to keep the kids occupied, giving you that down time you desperately need.
HOT TIP: If you have a lot of children to buy for this Christmas, start with the sale section of the website you’re buying from to score some bargains. In the lead-up to Christmas, you’ll notice a lot of clearance items online. And make sure you’re signed up to email newsletters from your favourite websites to get the latest offers and deals.
Let their imagination run wild
If your kids love to dress up, the variety of costumes available online is endless. You’ll be familiar with their personality and can choose something accordingly, but if you need a kick-start, try these costumes from Cotton on Kids for $14.95 each. Choose from a shark, dinosaur, mermaid or unicorn.
For licenced character costumes, like Star Wars or Wonder Woman, or something more sophisticated for slightly older kids, Target has these great options for $29 each.
Animal lovers will adore these costumes from Special Celebration: the butterfly and ladybird wings are $16.50 each and the zebra and lion ears and tails are $12.50 each.
Board games
Board games are a fun way to get the whole family together. But if you need a break and just want to put your feet up, grab any of the below games and your kids will be amused for hours.
NEWBIES: Toilet Trouble, Hedbanz and Pie Face are all $29 from Target.
Latest & greatest
One of the most popular gifts this Christmas is a simple one: slime. Kids can make their own with the So Slime DIY Tool Case from Toys ‘R’ Us ($24.96; VIP price $19.94).
Another childhood craze at the moment is something called a “Hatchimal”. It’s an egg that hatches to reveal a secret collectable creature inside. The Hatchimals range varies in price from $19.99 to $99.99 at Toys ‘R’ Us.
Other good buys include a remote control Train My Dino for $49.99; Lego advent calendars (choose from Lego friends or Lego city for $49.95 from Myer; stunt drone toy for $49.99; or a SelfieMic that plugs into your smart phone for $39.99, both from the Australia Post online shop.
For truly immersive play for younger kids, you can’t go past the 2-in-1 wooden market & puppet theatre for $49, wooden kitchen for $39 and the 3-level doll house for $69, all from Target.
Educational BUT fun
Just because the kids aren’t at school doesn’t mean they have to stop learning. Why not make it fun for them with these great gifts?
Activity binder of 365 awesome science experiments for $19.99
Interactive learning pad (in pink or blue) only $29 from Kogan
Latches board to teach dexterity for $44.95 from Crayons.
Reading frenzy!
Magazines:
Keep the tweens in the house engrossed in reading with a magazine subscription. This is the gift that will keep on giving (for 12 months at least).
- Just Kidding - $27.95
- Total Girl $49.00
- K-Zone $49.00
Books:
Perfect for a rainy day, these classic book packs are great value for money at $16.99 per pack of 4 or 6 books.
Splish, splosh, splash
All kids love to play outside. When you add water to the mix, it’s a whole other level of endless fun. Even if you don’t have an in-ground pool, these water based activities are winners:
Slip ‘N’ Slide from Target - $29
Inflatable ring toss cactus from Crayons - $29.95
Mini inflatable castle from Harvey Norman - $247
100 Water balloons and catapult from Kogan - $24
Inflatable flamingo ride-on from Toys ‘R’ Us - $19.99
Plastic cricket set - $15
If you don’t have a big backyard, pop the kids in the bath with some slime, crackle or glitter. Alternatively, no household is complete without the classic clam shell pool and sand pit. This one’s a steal at only $23.96. Pop in the slime, crackle and glitter and leave the mess outside.
The great outdoors
For general outdoor play, you can’t go past these gifts:
Convertible sand and water picnic table - $137
Novelty kites: mermaid and shark - $29.95
Inflatable “fighting” bubble balls - $49
Small inflatable playhouse - $59.
Jumping castle - $199
Love online shopping but not shipping costs?
The great thing about shopping online is that you don’t have to drag the kids to the stores, which means you can relax in your pyjamas with a coffee while you shop – stress free. However, if you’re getting a lot of gifts for Christmas from different websites, shipping costs can add up.
This is where Shipster comes in: simply shop from over 50 of your favourite Australian retailers and get FREE shipping on eligible purchases¹. All for a monthly subscription of only $6.95.
