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Christmas Gifting Guide for Kids, Pre-Teens, and Teens

As I inched into my pre-teens and then teens, the gifts I received for Christmas and my birthdays seemed to be stuck in a time warp. Barbie dolls arrived in an endless procession, stacks of colouring books piled up year after year, and my shelves overflowed with what felt like the entire Strawberry Shortcake merch catalogue.

I loved these things as a child, but my relatives never quite registered that I was growing older with each passing year. By the time I hit 14, I found myself silently wishing for gift cards or, even better, an envelope lush with Gandhi-printed notes so I could finally buy what I really wanted.

This guide is for those grown-ups who want to avoid the same trap. You want the kids in your life to think you’re cool, to believe you understand them. Most importantly, you want your gifts to make them genuinely happy. For me at that age, it would probably have meant unwrapping a new game for my Nintendo DS or a coveted copy of The Fault in Our Stars—the kind of presents that would show me that the adults in my life truly got me.

To make things easier, I’ve broken this guide into three age brackets—3–6 years, 7–10 years, and 11–14 years—so you can impress kids across the board and cement your status as the ‘Cool’ aunt or uncle at the holiday party.

3 – 6 years

Bombay Kids Company

This piano is for all the budding musicians in your life. Their parents might hate you at first for all the incessant cacophony but they’ll be thanking you in a few years when their 8 year old can play Mozart.

Playwell Wooden Piano

Image from Bombay Kids Company

Shop Now for ₹23,999 ₹19,199

Amāla Earth

Amāla Earth is known for the eco-conscious care that is imbued in each one of their products. This kitchen set is no different, created from durable wood rather than the coloured plastic that lasts only a few months at home, and about 500 years to decompose in our landfills. It also helps that these beautiful oaky shades are far more pleasing to the eye than mainstream coloured toys.

Wooden Kitchen Set

Image from Amāla Earth

Shop Now for ₹5,499 3,449

Ralph Lauren Kids

This dark green sweater is just the knitwear a kid needs this winter. The adorable French bulldog in a scarf on the front might inspire them to get a real one at home.

Dog-Intarsia Jumper

Image from Ralph Lauren

Shop Now for ₹18,800

IKEA

Besides their minimalistic furniture and décor, this Swedish brand just got creative with their kids toys. This bright, striped circus tent serves as a cozy spot for children to have playtime after kindergarten.

Children’s Tent

Image from IKEA

Shop Now for ₹1,990

Uniqlo Kids

A flower patterned fleece jacket is just what a 5 year old needs to make the chilly weather warm and fun.

Fluffy Yarn Fleece Full-Zip Jacket

Image from Uniqlo

Shop Now for ₹1,990

Amazon Books

It’s only a matter of time before someone buys these two children’s classics for your niece or nephew; it might as well be their favourite relative. Extra points for the full colour edition of this Dr. Seuss’ Christmas special.

The Little Prince

Image from Amazon Books

Shop Now for ₹1,666 ₹996

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Image from Amazon Books

Shop Now for ₹1,446 ₹1,270

 

7 – 10 years

Amazon Books

Junie B. Jones was a pivotal series in my childhood and I will never not recommend it for this age group. These two box sets include the complete collection of the irreverent Junie B.. Kids must read with caution lest they get too sassy, spunky and outspoken.

Junie B. Jones Books 1-17 

Images from Amazon

Shop Now for ₹6,155 ₹5,412

Junie B. Jones Books 18 – 28

Images from Amazon

Shop Now for ₹3,999 ₹2,885

XElectron

For parents who don’t want their kids staring like zombies at a TV screen all day, this XElectron projector just made movie watching much more safe (not to mention more fun because of all the shadow puppetry it will inspire).

C9 Standard Full HD LED Projector

Image from Croma

Shop Now for ₹13,999 ₹9,490

Rowan Toys

Rowan Toys’ two wheelers are going to have the little ones speeding, skidding and maybe knocking over some furniture around all day. A great way for them to get some good old fashioned exercise without even realising. A lot more fun than the gyms of adulthood.

Frozen 2-Wheel Scooter 

Image from Hamleys

Shop Now for ₹2,999 ₹2,699

Spiderman 2-Wheel Scooter 

Image from Hamleys

Shop Now for ₹2,999 ₹2,699

Ed-a-Mamma

Alia Bhatt’s Ed-a-Mamma is a brand steeped in organic, environmentally-friendly clothing that takes care of the children its clothes as much as it does the Earth they will inherit someday. This pink pin stripe co-ord or the beige for a more muted option, is the perfect gateway into this lovely ethos.

Pink Striped Co-ord Set

Image from Ed-a-Mamma

Shop Now for ₹3,199 ₹2,559

Beige Cotton Co-Ord Set

Image from Ed-a-Mamma

Shop Now for ₹2,599 ₹2,079

 

COPIC

COPIC’s markers are an artist’s dream and you should get your children started early. Practicing their dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and of course, some colour theory, they should be on their way to their Matisse era in no time.

COPIC Classic Markers 36 Color Set

Image from Amazon

Shop Now for ₹14,900 ₹12,599

FUJIFILM

Another wonderful way to allow children the benefits of technology without exposing them to phones and blue light. This Instax camera will give them the gift of a childhood memory and allow them to cherish these days once they’re older.

Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid Instant Camera

Image from Amazon

Shop Now for ₹18,999 ₹14,999

 

11 – 14 years

Sony

Upon reading and researching on what teens and pre teens would really love to see under the tree, one item across the board is a pair of wireless headphones. How else are they supposed to ignore their parents’ nagging?

WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones

Images from Nintendo

Shop Now for ₹5,990 ₹4,989

PIXI

A cute and safe line of makeup and skincare that’s great for beginners. The best way to curb the Sephora-kid frenzy is by getting ahead of it. Allow them a tiny taste of the world of tint and shine without waiting for them to come to you with a list of products the length of you.

Hello Kitty Hello Glowy Blush Powder

Image from Tira

Shop Now for ₹1,950

Hello Kitty Chrome Glow Palette

Image from Tira

Shop Now for ₹2,250

Hello Kitty A For Apples Mask

Image from Tira

Shop Now for ₹1,200

Nintendo

Nintendos have been every kid’s dream since 10 years ago, and that is not changing any time soon. A Switch is a sure shot at grabbing that Cool Aunt/Uncle title.

Nintendo Switch Lite

Shop Now for ₹24,999 ₹16,230 – 17,770 (depending on colour)

Gush

These press-on nails are another great way to stay ahead of the curve by giving a child a taste before they come to you asking to get their nails done professionally at the most pricey salon in town. Temporary, safe, and a with salon-like finish, these tips will keep this kid busy showing off at the Christmas party.

Red Ombre Press-on Nails

Image from Gush

Shop Now for ₹999 ₹799

Oxidised Silver Stars Press-on Nails

Image from Gush

Shop Now for ₹999 ₹799

Pixie Glitter Press-on Nails

Image from Gush

Shop Now for ₹999 ₹799

DAVIDOFF

You can’t go wrong with a strong, signature scent, especially not for those pesky little teen boys. Start them young on some hygiene and grooming lessons with this DAVIDOFF.

Cool Water Eau De Parfum

Image from Tira

Shop Now for ₹4,700

Onitsuka Tiger

Onitsuka Tiger is the new ‘it’ brand for sneakers amongst the youngsters and much like the Switch, it’s a guaranteed way into the hearts of these stubborn, moody adolescents.

Mexico 66

Image from Onitsuka Tiger

Shop Now for ₹12,500

Staff Writer

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