November is here, which means I can FINALLY talk about Christmas to someone other than Piglet. He has been desperate to tell me about Santa for months, explaining which toys he would like and what he has to do to get them. If anyone has got it all sussed for this year it’s him!
The rest of us though….. there’s still some work to be done. To help you have a bit of inspiration for gifts for kids and toddlers this year I’ve collated all my favourite products for the boys at the moment to see if it helps your search for affordable gifts for kids.
Gifts For Toddlers
JJ has started to get in to role play games recently, and I can’t wait to see what he makes of this Carnival Play Set. Wooden and battery free, the only noises will be coming from him as he uses his imagination which I LOVE. The ferris wheel spins and 3 animal figures can be placed in to the carriages which is great for practicing those motor skills.
Also on the wooden toy theme are a large wooden rainbow and set of large Pips. Brightly coloured and chunky for little hands to grasp, they are designed for open ended play. Either alone or together they make a wonderful gift.
For kids that want to try their hands at some simple crafts, I love paint sticks. The truly are mess free (assuming your kids are supervised!), simple to use and come in an array of colours. They are a great stocking filler idea and can be used time and time again.
When preparing for the big man to arrive, this Peppa Pig Christmas Eve Set is perfect for leaving a mince pie and a glass of milk out for the harder worker himself. The worlds favourite pig on a bamboo festive plate that you can use again and again – what more could you ask for?
PJ Masks are a big hit around here, and Piglet loves playing with his racers. Teamed with the PJ masks headquarters and transforming figure sets I’d say they are the most played with toys in the house, ones that they come back to time and time again. This year he has asked for the turbo movers, and I have a feeling that if he’s good Santa might just be able to sort that out.
If you are looking for crafts and activities rather than just more toys, and early years subscription box means you can have new ideas landing on your door step all year round. Each box is packed full of equipment and instructions for hours of fun on a different theme.
Gifts For Bigger Kids
Toilet humour is king around here. I can’t remember what it is like to go for a whole hour without someone mentioning poo or bums. Pull My Finger is a game about a monkey that farts – I probably don’t need to say more than that do it? Pull his finger to make him bum inflate, if he farts then you lose. Simple but oh so hilarious.
If you are looking to avoid buying more “stuff” but still get a gift that can last, I can really recommend a subscription to Banjo Robinson. He is a travelling cat that goes all over the world and sends letters to your kids. The letters are personalised (and you can pop online and add a PS with extra details too) and they are encouraged to write back to him using cat mail. My nephew has really gotten involved with it and loves telling us what the latest letter has said.
They could even draw Banjo a picture using these inspirational colouring pencils. The set of 10 pencils each have a phrase on them to inspire your child and help to boost their self esteem too. With an ergonomical design to promote early pencil grip they are a great gift and the tube is the ideal size to put in a stocking.
For those kids who love face paints but you just don’t have the artistic skills required, Face Paintoos are a great alternative. We have really enjoyed using them this year as they are easy to apply and don’t break the bank.
We love to cook, and the kids are always keen to help out. The Casdon Kenwood Toy Mixer is a miniature working mixer. Designed with kids in mind, it works just like a normal Kenwood mixer but on a smaller scale. Perfect for your budding little chef to handle their own baking, leaving you to just take control of the oven.
If you are looking for a board game that the whole family can enjoy then I can definitely recommend Dough Nab. It keeps you on your toes and is fast paced, but there are also some simple adaptations that can be made for younger kids to be able to play too.
My boys are big fans of cars, and Piglet has started to get really in to the Marvel characters over the course of this year. The Mod Squad Superhero Cars combine the two, and they are modular meaning you can take them apart and mix them up, creating their own hero cars using parts from their favourites.
Story Gifts
One of my favourite things to do with the kids is read stories. I think quiet time is a necessary part of their growth and development, plus I enjoy the cuddles too. As a twist from the usual books, this Moonlite Gift Pack allows you to turn your smart home in to a projector and have the stories up on the wall. I love the idea of it and I know my boys will too. It will keep them engaged, and will solve the arguement of who gets to sit closest to the book because it will be right there on the wall for all to see.
The books we reach for time and time again are by Julia Donaldson, and they are a great option when looking for affordable gifts for kids. The Gruffalo and Zog are Piglet’s current favourites, and even JJ will sit relatively still to hear what happens. The rhyming and repetition have been great for encouraging speech too.
I love picking Christmas Day outfits for my boys. I usually go for a cute Christmas shirt and jeans, often with a bow tie too. If often doesn’t last though and they’re running around covered in chocolate and generally looking dishevelled long before we sit down for dinner.
This year my niece is going to be wearing this beautiful mustard dress. I adore the simplicity of it, and paired with a long sleeved vest underneath and a pair of thick tights I know she’s going to look adorable for those all important photos.
To get your all ready for the big day I have a personalised Christmas Eve box to give to one reader. A wonderful family keepsake that you can use year after year. To enter, all you need to do is enter via rafflecopter below.
The closing date is 11:59 pm on Tuesday 3rd December 2019
The prize is a Christmas Eve Box, no cash alternative.
The prize is being provided by The Personalised Gift Shop and is not the responsibility off OddHogg.
The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 and over
Entrants must log in and follow the directions given via the Rafflecopter widget
All entries will be verified
The winners will be chosen at random using Rafflecopter
The winners will be notified within 5 days of the closing date. The winner must respond within 30 days of receiving the email to claim their prize
The competition is not affiliated with Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube or Instagram
I was sent some of these items for inclusion in this guide. All words and opinions are my own.
Please note this post may include some affiliate links. This has no effect on you - to find out more please check out the disclosure
I love that so many of these gift ideas are eco-friendly. Books have always been a favourite in our house and I still love Julia Donaldson books even though my boys are now older teenagers!!
I like the wooden toy rainbow, wooden toys have such a good life span and can be passed down. I am also pregnant with my rainbow as well so that’s quite fitting
Perfect stuff. But I always prefer a book to gave present on my nieces. but this pencil is unique and awesome. I gonna need this. They would really love this one. Thanks for sharing!
I love the carnival playset. My daughter is into putting things in things and movement she can generate herself so this looks ideal. I adore some of the wooden toy brands but they are so unaffordable for me but this looks a nice compromise between quality and price
What fab ideas, I love to buy the grandchildren books as part of their Christmas gifts but I also love the “Carnival Playset” , so many toddler toys these days require batteries and having flashing lights and noise this is such a wonderful alternative and wonderful for passing on when outgrown
Vicki
Julia Donaldson books always go down well in our house!
Ursula Hunt
I like the carnival playset
Iain maciver
the carnival playset
Angela treadway
my sons will prob like pull my finger game lol x
Dawn Samples
The Dough nab game looks like something we could all enjoy x
ADEINNE TONNER
I really like the idea of a Christmas day outfit git
Rosie - greenrosielife
I love that so many of these gift ideas are eco-friendly. Books have always been a favourite in our house and I still love Julia Donaldson books even though my boys are now older teenagers!!
OddHogg
I’ve really tried to be more conscious with our gifts this year. The wooden toys in particular are gorgeous too!
Jackie Howell
twins rose and teresa would love the ‘Pull My Finger’ game
Emma G
The Carnival playset looks fab
Lindsey Stuart
I am absolutely loving the Peppa pig Christmas eve plate set, it is lovely, my little girl would love it.
Talya Stone
Love the look of the games – they look super fun! Lovely round up of gifts for toddlers plus fab little giveaway.
jackie mcgee
Son would love the pull my finger they are all grea gifts
Amy Bondoc
i love the idea of a new christmas day outfit! my mum used to buy uu a new outfit which we opened on christmas eve!
Margaret Clarkson
Christmas day outfits
stephen holman
the dough nab game!
Solange
I like the carnival playset.
Alison Jagroo
I would love to win the Carnival Play Set – it looks so well made and a lot of fun
Melanie williams
What a fab guide and nice to see the word affordable in the mix too. I love the cute mustard dress xx
Joanne dawkins
I love the christmas day outfit 😍
Corinne Henson
Love the idea of the Moonlite gift pack
ellie spider
i thinkmy nephew would love the pull my finger game 😀
Claire
Great gift ideas. We love paint sticks. Books are always a great and affordable gift. Love the wooden toys.
Jessica Powell
I love the wooden toy rainbow, it would make a really nice decoration once they’ve outgrown it too!
Rachel Craig
Paint sticks. Children do enjoy being creative with arts and crafts.
laura milton
The wooden toys are just brilliant – my fav gifts to buy as they last, looks cute and the best for our environment!
Lyndsey O'Halloran
I really like the rainbow and we are already big fans of paint sticks. Lovely gift guide.
charlotte isobelle
the paint sticks look like lots of reusable fun!
Gemma Hendry
i love the large wooden rainbow
Georgina Prince
I think dough nabs looks like lots and lots of fun though especially at christmas xx
Alica
I love to give books for presents.
Sarah Howe
For me it’s all about the rainbow, wooden gifts! they are so lovely and just so original. Think would get passed down too.
Michelle Corbett
Carnival play set for me. It’s amazing
Terrie-Ann Wright
I like the wooden toy rainbow, wooden toys have such a good life span and can be passed down. I am also pregnant with my rainbow as well so that’s quite fitting
Kelly-Anne
Oh we have those paint sticks, they are brilliant. I also love that lovely little dress, so many great ideas that are affordable.
Jodie Green
I love the large wooden rainbow, especially after having our 8th baby last month – our rainbow!
Susan Smith
Pull my finger looks great fun and with the boys sense of humor, i know they will have many hours of entertainment with it
Ruth Harwood
Books are always my fave presents – as a bookworm for my whole life, I want my kids to grow up loving reading and learning xx
Lorna Ledger
I love the Christmas Day outfits, they are gorgeous – thanks for the chance
Clare Minall
Perfect stuff. But I always prefer a book to gave present on my nieces. but this pencil is unique and awesome. I gonna need this. They would really love this one. Thanks for sharing!
Michelle Smith
Christmas day outfit
clara
the wooden rainbow looks great for my little one
Annabel Greaves
I love the carnival playset
Margaret Gallagher
The carnival playset – every little ones dream
Elizm
the paint sticks – creativity is always a winner
Laura Norcop
I love the carnival playset. My daughter is into putting things in things and movement she can generate herself so this looks ideal. I adore some of the wooden toy brands but they are so unaffordable for me but this looks a nice compromise between quality and price
Rebecca Sutton
We love the Dough Nab
Holly King
Love the carnival play set x
Jules Eley
The carnival playlist is lovely
Pam Francis Gregory
Pull MY Finger looks very funny!
Helen Best
The Carnival playset my granddaughter mollie would love that but i do love the Christmas outfits
Sharon Lou Johnson
The PEPPA PIG CHRISTMAS eve plate set is ace x
Ray Becker
The Dough nab game
Rich Tyler
Pull my finger looks so much fun
soozybee
The books, you can’t go wrong with books
Natalie Burgess
The Carnival Playset xx
Lewis clark
Love the story gifts as my kiddies love a story every night before bed
Mark Hopkins
The Carnival Play Set – My daughter would love this.
Tracey Whysall
My son loves the pull my finger game which has swiftly been placed on Santa’s list!
bex allum
Dough nab looks like great fun! I love a game over Christmas.
Jennifer Toal
The carnival play set
Laura Wheatley
I love the dress, it is very pretty
Laura Walker
I love the idea of paint sticks less mess is a win!
claire griffiths
the carnival playset 🙂
Nadia Josephine
The dough nab game looks like it would be a lot of fun for the whole family!
Kim Neville
pull my finger game looks a fun game 🙂
Emma England
I love the carnival play set, it’s so sweet. I got my son the pull my finger game last year and he thought it was hilarious!
Sarahann
I really like the Moonlite gift pack
ROCHELLE LEAR
Peppa Pig Christmas Eve Set
Katrina Adams
I love the Christmas day outfits, although the Pull My Finger game looks really funny and I think would give us some laughs after Christmas dinner.
Christine Lockley
What fab ideas, I love to buy the grandchildren books as part of their Christmas gifts but I also love the “Carnival Playset” , so many toddler toys these days require batteries and having flashing lights and noise this is such a wonderful alternative and wonderful for passing on when outgrown
Lorna Wil
large wooden rainbow
Claire Nutman
I think the Peppa Pig Christmas Eve Set is fab, a great idea…..
MARY BURNAGE
THE CARNIVAL PLAY SET
T Brailey
The Carnival Play Set looks great and would make some very happy in my house.
Mel Pennie
The Pull My Finger game would go down really well in our house! 🙂
Ian Yates
The Carnival Playset would go down best I think.
michelle o'neill
The Julia Donaldson books
olivia Kirby
The Christmas outfits and the dough nab game!
Chantelle79
The pull my finger game looks fun
Anthea Holloway
I love the Paint Sticks and so would my grandson!
Sallyanne Rose
am absolutely loving the Peppa pig Christmas eve plate set
Kim M
Like the Story Gift – love the Gruffalo
Maria Jane Knight
The stackable rainbow set is gorgeous for both play and display!
Rebecca Roberts
The carnival play set is lovely love it
Sarah May
The Carnival Play Set looks Fantastic & certainly would be welcomed by my grandchildren
Cathryn Crawshaw
carnival playset
Sarah Roberts
l love the Carnival playset for my grandaughter
Sam Parkes
Love the dough nab, it’s something my daughter would really like.
lesley renshaw
Paint sticks to get those creative juices flowing. We all need to escape every once and awhile, even children x
Lisa Mcalley
The paint sticks as all my kids would use them.
Geri Gregg
My son would really love both the peppa pig Christmas eve set and the books
Michaela Turner
The paint sticks seem a great idea!
Kirsteen Mackay
I really love the idea of the Moon Lite
Kat Allinson
I like the Julia Donaldsonbooks, all three of my children love her books and if I’m honesty I find them so entertaining too
Sian Buckingham
The wooden rainbow is my favourite!
Jessica Barber
The carnival play set looks fantastic!
Carly Belsey
I love the paintsticks – these are great – mess free (kind of) and perfect for hours of creative fun
Victoria Thurgood
I like the paint sticks
Troy Easton
I think Peppa pig Christmas eve plate set is a good gifted idea.
Gerri Tennant
Dough Nab looks great fun for all the family.
Adrian Bold
The Carnival Playset looks great.
lorraine kirk
I like the paint sticks, they are such vibrant colours and look like fun to use
Melissa Lee
We love discovering new games in this house and Dough Nab looks like a lot of very and very different
Diana
My daughter would love Peppa pig Christmas eve plate set 🙂
Lia Burns
I live the Peppa pig Christmas Eve set, my toddler is Peppa mad x
Kirsty Taylor
I love the Peppa Pig Christmas Eve set
Richard Saunders
I think the Moonlite Gift Pack would be perfect for my son Finn who loves a good story
Darren Bourne
The dough nab game.