Christmas Gift Guide for Kids 2026: Craft Kits, Puzzles and Toys

There's nothing quite like the excitement of Christmas morning, especially when little ones are eagerly unwrapping their presents! But finding the perfect gift isn't always quite as easy.

Some children have their Christmas wish lists ready weeks in advance, while others aren't quite sure what they'd like. And when you're shopping for nieces, nephews, grandchildren or family friends, choosing something they'll genuinely enjoy can take a little extra thought.

If you're looking for something a little different this Christmas, we've rounded up eight Curious Universe gift ideas to inspire creativity, encourage imaginative play and keep children entertained long after the wrapping paper has been cleared away.

From cuddly companions and colourful crafts to fashion-inspired activities and family puzzles, there's something for all kinds of interests.

1. Colour Me Cuddle Me Big Hugs: Maxolotl Axolotl

Suitable for ages 4+

What could be better than a cuddly new friend for Christmas? One you can colour in yourself!

With Colour Me Cuddle Me Big Hugs: Maxolotl Axolotl, children can get creative with their very own cuddly companion! Using the four included washable pens, they can decorate their soft, squishy axolotl with colourful patterns, doodles and designs.

And when they're ready for a change, simply wash away the colours and start creating all over again!

Why it makes a lovely Christmas gift:

• Two gifts in one: A creative colouring activity and a cuddly plush friend to enjoy afterwards.
• Colour, wash and repeat: Washable pens mean children can create a new design whenever they like.
• Make it personal: Children can decorate their plush with their favourite colours and patterns.
• Perfect for cuddles: A soft companion to keep close long after the colouring is finished.

Best for: Little ones who love cuddly toys and getting creative.

There's also a Rainbow Unicorn and Roary T. Rex to discover!

Explore the Maxolotl Axolotl Cuddle

2. Original Squishmallows Colouring Case

Suitable for ages 6–9 years

Know a little one who's obsessed with Squishmallows? This colourful activity case could be just the thing to pop under the tree!

Packed with creative activities, Original Squishmallows Colouring Case gives children plenty of ways to get creative with favourite characters like Cam, Lola, Fifi, Winston and Hans.

With doodle journals, colouring pens, pencils and plenty of stickers to explore, children can spend hours bringing their favourite Squishmallows characters to life. They can even colour and personalise the carry case itself!

Why it makes a lovely Christmas gift:

• Packed with creative goodies: Includes two doodle journals, felt-tip pens, gel pens, dual-colour pencils and over 50 stickers.
• Make it their own: Children can colour and decorate the carry case to create something unique.
• Everything in one place: The reusable case keeps their artwork and supplies neatly together.
• Perfect for on-the-go fun: Easy to take along on family visits, holidays or days out.

Best for: Squishmallows fans who love colouring, doodling and expressing their creativity.

Discover the Original Squishmallows Colouring Case

3. Kaleidoscope Sticker Mosaics: Mythical Creatures

Suitable for ages 14+ years

For anyone who loves mythical creatures and a satisfying creative challenge, this colourful sticker book offers a relaxing way to get creative.

Kaleidoscope Sticker Mosaics: Mythical Creatures is filled with dragons, unicorns and other magical creatures, all waiting to be brought to life through intricate sticker artwork.

Simply match the colourful geometric stickers to the spaces on each page and watch beautiful mosaic illustrations gradually take shape.

Why it makes a lovely Christmas gift:

• Magical designs: Discover detailed illustrations inspired by mythical creatures.
• Relaxing creativity: A satisfying activity for anyone who enjoys taking their time over a project.
• No extra supplies needed: Everything required to create the mosaics is included in the book.
• Beautiful finished pictures: Enjoy the satisfaction of seeing each colourful design come together.

Best for: Teens aged 14+ and adults who enjoy detailed, relaxing creative activities.

Explore Kaleidoscope Sticker Mosaics: Mythical Creatures

4. Stylestopper: Style It Your Way Tote Bag

Suitable for ages 6+ years

Shopping for a budding fashion designer or someone who loves expressing their own style? This creative tote bag kit makes a fun and thoughtful gift.

With Stylestopper: Style It Your Way Tote Bag, children can explore their creativity, experiment with fashion ideas and personalise an accessory of their own.

Alongside the tote bag, they'll discover a 32-page style guide filled with fashion inspiration, styling tips and creative activities, plus pencils, a gel pen and shiny stickers.

Why it makes a lovely Christmas gift:

• Create something personal: Children can put their own creative stamp on a stylish tote bag.
• Packed with fashion inspiration: The 32-page guide includes styling ideas, creative tips and activities.
• Creative accessories included: Pencils, a gel pen and shiny stickers offer plenty of ways to experiment.
• Something to use afterwards: The tote bag can become a handy accessory for carrying everyday essentials.

Best for: Children who love fashion, drawing, styling outfits and showing off their personality.

Explore the Stylestopper Tote Bag Kit

5. Decoden Magic Classic: Trinket Box Creator

Suitable for ages 6+ years

For children who love all things colourful, cute and sparkly, this creative kit is a real treat!

With Decoden Magic Classic: Trinket Box Creator, children can design and decorate their very own trinket box using colourful puffy glue, sparkling gems, beads and adorable charms.

Simply pipe the decorative glue onto the box, arrange the embellishments and leave everything to dry. The result is a one-of-a-kind keepsake that's perfect for storing jewellery, little treasures and favourite accessories.

Why it makes a lovely Christmas gift:

• Create something unique: Children can design their trinket box exactly how they like.
• Full of colourful decorations: Includes puffy glue, 15 resin charms, 100 beads, 50 gems and more.
• Hands-on creative fun: A lovely activity for experimenting with colours, patterns and decorative designs.
• A gift to keep: The finished trinket box is both a colourful creation and a practical place to store little treasures.

Best for: Children who love sparkly crafts, cute accessories and making things they can proudly keep.

Discover the Decoden Trinket Box Creator

6. Puzzlebilities Dinosaurs 500-Piece Jigsaw

Suitable for ages 6–9 years

Know a dinosaur fan who loves a challenge? This detailed jigsaw could make the perfect Christmas surprise.

Travel back in time with Puzzlebilities Dinosaurs 500-Piece Jigsaw, featuring fascinating dinosaurs from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

As children piece together the colourful prehistoric scene, they can discover interesting facts about different dinosaur species along the way.

With 500 pieces to complete, it's a great activity to enjoy during those slower days between Christmas and New Year.

Why it makes a lovely Christmas gift:

• A fun prehistoric challenge: 500 pieces provide an engaging activity for children who enjoy puzzles.
• Learn as you play: Detailed dinosaur illustrations and interesting facts make the finished picture educational too.
• Perfect for family time: A lovely activity for siblings, parents and grandparents to enjoy together.
• Builds important skills: Encourages patience, concentration and problem-solving.

Best for: Dinosaur enthusiasts, curious minds and families who love spending time puzzling together.

Explore the Puzzlebilities Dinosaurs Jigsaw

7. Decoden Magic Mini: Cute Kawaii Bag Charms

Suitable for ages 6+ years

Looking for a little gift that packs in plenty of creativity? These adorable DIY bag charms are a lovely stocking filler for crafty kids.

Decoden Magic Mini: Cute Kawaii Bag Charms lets children transform two cute acrylic charms, shaped like a bubble tea and cupcake, into colourful accessories.

Using decorative glue, gems, beads and miniature charms, they can create their own designs before attaching the finished pieces to a backpack, handbag or pencil case.

Why it makes a lovely Christmas gift:

• Two creations to make: Decorate a bubble tea and cupcake charm with your own colourful designs.
• Packed with cute details: Includes decorative glue, resin charms, beads, gems and stickers.
• A gift they can use: Finished charms can be clipped onto bags, pencil cases and other accessories.
• A fun introduction to Decoden: A smaller creative project for trying out this colourful decorating technique.

Best for: Children who love cute accessories, personalised gifts and creative mini projects.

Discover the Cute Kawaii Bag Charms Kit

8. Stylestopper: Etch Art Designer

Suitable for ages 6+ years

For the child who's always sketching outfits, experimenting with patterns or dreaming up their own fashion designs, this creative kit is a great way to encourage their imagination.

Combining scratch art with fashion design, Stylestopper: Etch Art Designer lets children reveal bold rainbow colours and patterns as they scratch away the dark surface of each picture.

With 12 scratch art sheets and a 20-page fashion sketchbook, there's plenty of inspiration for creating eye-catching outfits and experimenting with new styles.

Why it makes a lovely Christmas gift:

• Colourful surprises: Scratch away the dark coating to reveal bright colours and patterns underneath.
• Plenty to explore: Includes 12 scratch art sheets and a 20-page fashion sketchbook.
• Encourages imagination: Children can experiment with different patterns, styles and outfit ideas.
• Everything ready to create: The included wooden stylus makes it easy to get started.

Best for: Budding fashion designers who love drawing, creating outfits and experimenting with their own unique style.

Explore the Stylestopper Etch Art Designer

Which Christmas Gift Should You Choose?

Still not sure which gift to pick? Here are a few ideas to help you find something they'll love:

For cuddly toy lovers: Colour Me Cuddle Me Maxolotl Axolotl combines colouring fun with a soft, squishy friend.

For Squishmallows fans: The Original Squishmallows Colouring Case is packed with creative activities featuring their favourite characters.

For little fashion designers: Stylestopper Tote Bag and Etch Art Designer are perfect for experimenting with fashion and personal style.

For children who love making things: Decoden Magic Trinket Box and Cute Kawaii Bag Charms let them create their own personalised accessories.

For dinosaur enthusiasts: Puzzlebilities Dinosaurs 500-Piece Jigsaw offers a fun challenge the whole family can enjoy.

For teens and older crafters: Kaleidoscope Sticker Mosaics: Mythical Creatures offers a relaxing, satisfying creative project for ages 14+.

Make Christmas a Little More Creative

The best Christmas gifts aren't always the biggest ones under the tree. Sometimes, it's the little things that inspire a new hobby, encourage creativity or bring everyone together that become firm favourites.

Whether it's decorating a cuddly new friend, making colourful accessories or settling down with a family jigsaw, these creative gifts offer plenty of ways to keep the Christmas fun going long after the big day.

Looking for more Christmas gift inspiration?

Explore our full range of Christmas Gifts and Gifts for Children, or discover more age-appropriate ideas in our Gifts for Under 5s and Gifts for Under 10s collections.