The festive season is here! Christmas is a wonderful time for children, especially the youngest. They need toys that not only bring them joy and encourage their imagination, but also contribute to their education and development. If you’re looking for Christmas gifts for children under 5, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve put together a list of 35 stocking fillers and must-have gifts to kick off the gift-buying season.
5 Things to Consider When Buying Christmas Gifts for Kids Under 5
Prioritise safety – When choosing Christmas toys for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, safety should always be a top priority. If you’re not sure what to look out for, we’ve put together a checklist of 5 factors to consider before buying Christmas gifts for children under 5.
Think bigger
When buying toys for children under 5, it’s wise to take a broader view. Assess the overall size of the toy and look for small parts. If the toy or any of its parts can get into a child’s mouth, it is a potential choking hazard. The label is a useful guide if you are unsure whether the toy contains small, potentially dangerous parts.
Consider the chewer
Whether the recipient is teething or has a penchant for putting things in their mouth, it is important that the toy can withstand chewing. The toy should be sturdy and indestructible, with no sharp edges. It is advisable to avoid extended cords or small elements such as buttons, wheels or eyes, as a child could easily chew them off, creating a choking hazard.
Avoid hazardous materials
Read the toy label carefully. Unfortunately, the toxicity of materials cannot be determined by visual inspection alone. As children under 5 often put toys in their mouths, it is essential to check that the materials are non-toxic. Manufacturers are required to state on the product label if the materials are potentially toxic.
Be careful with crib toys
When buying a crib toy, such as a mobile, sound machine or anything that goes inside the crib, safety is paramount. Look for small parts to avoid choking hazards and make sure the toy does not have the potential to entangle, strangle or suffocate a child.
Choose the right stuffed toys
Not all soft toys meet child safety standards. If a toy comes from an unregulated source, such as a fair, carnival or vending machine, think twice before giving it to a young child. It may have sharp edges or detachable parts, and the material may be harmful.
20 Best Stocking Stuffers for Kids Under 5
- My ABC’s Ring Flash Cards
- Fubbles
- Jellycat Soft Cloth Book
- Angel Dear Blankie
- Crayola Twistables Crayons
- Nino Percussion Egg Shakers
- Scribble Scrubbie Safari
- Lollaland Sippy Cup
- Colgate Magik Smart Toothbrush
- LEGO Duplo Ladybug
- Magnifying Glass
- HABA Bubble Bath Whisk
- Melissa & Doug Stamp Set
- Swimming toys set
- Jellycat Puppy
- Gigilli Baby Bath Toys
- Soft Plush Animal Finger Puppets
- B. Toys FunKeys
- I Spy Board Book
- Magic Baby Bottles
16 Best Christmas Gifts for Kids Under 5
Surprise Shipmate Treasure Hunt
Reveal a hidden toy with each turn of the key; this activity not only develops fine motor skills, but also helps with sorting, matching and recognising different colours and shapes.
Create a Dot Artistry!
Let their creativity run wild without cups, brushes or mess! These washable ink pens provide endless entertainment and allow them to express their artistic tendencies effortlessly.
Nimbus B Sleepy Lamb
This soothing white noise machine has four different sounds to lull your little one into a peaceful slumber. Ideal for the nursery, it comes with a handy Velcro strap for easy portability on the go.
Mudpond Exploration and Discovery Puzzle
Assembling the puzzle is just the beginning. Once completed, they can embark on a vibrant journey to explore more than 40 different objects within the artwork.
Hohner Kids Tiny Tunes Ensemble
Perfect for babies and toddlers, this musical set introduces your baby to the world of music. Each instrument is easy to use for hours of fun and comes with a storage case for neat organisation.
Lunar Storybook Projector
Make the transition to bedtime a smooth one with this storybook projector. Each story reel connects your child to a treasured book and provides a wealth of story alternatives.
Basic Cooking and Baking Kit
This set has all the essentials to get your child involved in cooking and baking. With a rolling pin, apron, measuring spoon, oven mitt and more, it’s also great for pretend play.
Plump Brain Toys Spinning Bees
Magnets make it easy to stack the silicone bees on their honeycomb base. The fun never stops as they spin, pull apart and watch the bees wobble.
Thomas and Friends Miniatures
Designed for Thomas fans or anyone with an affinity for trains, this set is sure to satisfy. Magnetic connections between the cars let kids get creative and build their own train set.
My First Word Construction
This award-winning word-building game is designed for pre-readers and early readers. Colourful tiles help them build words and develop their reading skills.
Wooden Domino Assortment
More than just a traditional domino set, this assortment of over 100 pieces, including a bell, bridge and hurdles, will inspire the creativity of even the youngest engineers.
Crayola Tidier Painting Kit
Imagine an art kit with paint that doesn’t spill. Now add stickers, stencils, stamps, brushes and paper for a complete creative experience.
B. Toys Alpha-Squeeze Cubes
These squeezable cubes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Ideal for stacking, teaching colours and numbers and improving hand-eye coordination.
Wooden Race Track
Little ones will enjoy watching tiny cars race down four different race tracks. They can hone their hand-eye coordination as they drive and park them in the parking area.
Pretend and Engage Cash Register
This fun cash register helps kids develop their first maths and financial skills. Counting notes and coins as they play will be a source of delight.
Magnetic Tiles
This extensive magnetic building set is worth its weight in gold. Kids can build their own metropolis and structures or create towers, building their maths and science skills and developing their spatial awareness.
