From baby pianos to colour-me-in backpacks and filmmaking kits — nurture your child’s creative spirit with these imagination-sparking gifts for kids.
Running out of ideas on what to get for your little one this Christmas? Don’t worry, help is at hand. We’ve compiled a list of amazing Christmas presents for children that could soon see them doodling on a special backpack, playing tunes on a mini piano or making their own film from scratch. The sky’s the limit.
Zip and Zoe Colour and Wash Backpack
Kids are forever being told not to doodle on surfaces that aren’t paper. However, studies increasingly show that doodling is a sign of intelligence. This colour-in backpack from KIDLY will direct that urge to scribble into the right place. Let them bring the cartoon fabric to life with washable fabric felt tips. And if they get bored of their original design? Just bung the bag in the washing machine and start again. It’s a little small to hold A4 folders, but perfect for pre-school or days out. £14
Roald Dahl Splendiferous Storytelling Dice Board Game
Writing needn’t be dull, especially with this Roald Dahl-themed storytelling game, available at Waterstones. Tap into your child’s imagination by simply rolling the dice. Each side features a character or object to kickstart the story process. Add in as many extra dice as you like to add depth to the tale. Encourage your offspring to jot down their ideas using the paper and coloured pencils provided. Alternatively, they could illustrate it, following in the footsteps of Quentin Blake, or create a storyboard for their upcoming blockbuster film. Ideal for reluctant writers aged 5+. £11.99
Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano
Children can tune into rhythmic sounds and patterns at a young age. This Baby Einstein mini wooden piano for ages 12 months+ (available on Amazon) is great for honing their musical talents. Click in a sheet of music and your little one can play along to a popular classical melody by following the colour-coded keys. Alternatively, let them make up their own composition. Don’t worry, there’s a volume button in case siblings are sleeping (or you just need five minutes of peace). £22.99
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Lots of Lovely Art Playful Portraits Art Box
Drawing faces is hard, even for adults. But do portraits have to be perfect replicas of the human form? This kit from Lots of Lovely Art encourages mini-Picassos to create portraits through sculpture, collage and assemblage; not just painting and drawing. Inside each box you’ll find a watercolour set and clay, as well as clear instructions for seven art projects, aimed at children aged 4+. Try not to be offended if your child shows you their portrait of you with Picasso-style features. £29
HUE Animation Studio
Struggling to tear your child away from their screens? Channel their energy into creating their own film instead. This stop-motion animation kit from HUE allows them to set up their own stage, create the characters and film their movements on an HD camera. Opportunities for creative play are endless, from LEGO figurines enacting a space battle to clay models melting into an alternate universe. It also includes simple-to-use film editing software; the footage can be transferred onto a computer, ready to be turned into the next Aardman Animation. Suitable for ages 7+. £41.63
Read more: Eight great Christmas gifts for movie buffs
Archi-TECH Electronic Smart House
Budding architects will love designing their own multi-storey houses with this construction kit from SmartLab Toys for ages eight to 14, now available on target.com. They can clip together walls, windows and floors and decorate each room with household accessories, from pot plants to televisions. The box includes more than 70 building components, with the best part probably being the electric circuitry that kids can wire up themselves. Think automatic elevators, flashing lights, kinetic drawbridges and even an electronic trap door. They’ll be signing up for Grand Designs in no time. £32.73
Words by Nina Zietman
