Children change quickly, and a toy that suits a four-year-old can bore a seven-year-old within minutes. The easiest way to pick well is to start with age and add what they actually enjoy: building, drawing, climbing, collecting or making a mess.
The ideas below are sorted into three age bands, with a final group of screen-free presents that suit almost any age. Look at the age guidance and the UKCA or CE mark on every toy, and use the price bands to match your budget.
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Our three favourites
Ages 3 to 5
Hands-on, imaginative play.
For little problem-solversA chunky jigsaw puzzle
Large pieces and a bright picture suit small hands and short attention spans. Check the age guidance on the box and the piece count.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the young sculptorA play dough set
Tools, moulds and several tubs of dough keep children busy for hours. Look for a set with a UKCA or CE mark, and keep it away from carpets.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
A dress-up costume
Whether it is a doctor, a firefighter or a dragon, a costume sparks hours of imaginative play. Check the size, the age guidance and the flame-resistance label.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
Ages 6 to 8
Building, discovering and moving.
For the builderA Lego set
A set with a clear instruction booklet suits children who like following steps and then playing with the result. Check the age on the box and pick a theme they already enjoy.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the curious mindA junior science kit
A kit with simple experiments such as crystals or a volcano feels like a proper laboratory. Check the age guidance and supervise the experiments.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the outdoor adventurerA children’s scooter
A folding scooter gets them outside and moving on the way to school or the park. Choose the right size for their height, and consider a helmet and pads as a companion gift.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
Ages 9 to 12
More independence and more skill.
For the crafty tweenA friendship bracelet kit
Threads, beads and a booklet of patterns make a sociable, creative activity. Check the age range and the number of colours.
Expect to pay Under £10 in most UK shops.
For the future engineerA beginner’s coding robot kit
A simple robot that they can build and then programme teaches logic in a hands-on way. Check the age guidance, whether it needs a tablet and which batteries are required.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For game-night regularsA board game for family nights
A strategy or word game that adults can join in on makes a good shared present. Check the player count and the playing time on the box.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
Screen-free for any age
Presents that keep them off the tablet.
For the young artistA big box of art supplies
Pencils, pens, paints and paper in one case make a generous present that gets used up. Check the age guidance and look for washable paints.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For quick games at the tableA family card game
A small pack of cards is easy to take on holiday and quick to learn. Check the age range, the number of players and that the rules are clear.
Expect to pay Under £10 in most UK shops.
For the garden detectiveA nature explorer kit
A magnifying glass, bug catcher and notebook turn a walk or garden into an adventure. Check the age guidance, and release any creatures where you found them.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
Good to know
Toy safety
Always look for the UKCA or CE mark and the age guidance on toys, and keep small parts away from children under three.
FAQ: questions people ask
What toys are best for a 3-year-old?
Simple, hands-on toys such as chunky puzzles, play dough, building blocks and dress-up clothes suit this age. Look at the age guidance on the box and the UKCA or CE mark, and avoid small parts.
What are good gifts for a 7-year-old?
Building sets, science kits, craft boxes and outdoor toys such as scooters tend to go down well. Choose something that matches their current interests and has clear instructions.
What are good screen-free gifts for kids?
Books, art supplies, board games, card games, building kits and outdoor toys all keep children busy without a screen. A subscription box with monthly activities is another option.
How much should I spend on a child’s present?
It depends on your relationship and your budget. A thoughtful gift at a modest price is usually enough, and children often care more about the choice than the cost.
What do I buy a child I do not know well?
Choose something broad such as art supplies, a puzzle or a book. Check the age range, and keep a gift receipt so the parents can swap it if needed.
