Christmas toys for children: Gifts to put under the tree

From cars and card games to mini pickleball and a puppet theatre, here are some educational and entertaining present ideas

This miniature pickleball court can be placed on a coffee table. Photo: Moose Games

Christmas is around the corner and it’s never too early to start crossing things off your to-buy list. With an array of fun and interactive toys coming to the market, as well as the return of some classics that have been updated and reimagined, it’s a bumper year for gifts to suit children of all ages and interests.

Here are 15 presents little ones will love.

Kidkraft Grocery Market Place for interactive play

The market comes with a cash register. Photo: Kidcraft

Children can play at being a shopkeeper with this market stall that can be adapted for them to sell whatever they choose. Ideal for encouraging interactive and creative play, the marketplace comes with a cash register and mini blackboards for writing down deals of the day. Play food not included.

For ages 2+; Dh299, www.virginmegastore.ae

Little Tikes Story Dream Machine Starter Set for story time

The story-time projector comes with a nightlight and white noise options. Photo: Little Tikes

This hard-wearing projector does double duty with storytelling and making bedtime more fun. It comes with three storybooks so children can read along with the pages that are projected on to the wall, or simply listen as the tale is read aloud. Once story time is over, it turns into a night light with a choice of five white noise sounds to aid falling asleep. Additional books available to buy separately.

For ages 3+; Dh190, www.amazon.ae

Loop Lasso Nano for dance enthusiasts

The string shooter has gone viral on TikTok. Photo: Loop Lasso

Combing simple tech with glow-in-the-dark fun, this string shooter is a classic reinvented and is already a viral hit on TikTok. The UV-lit dual motors power the glowing string to race at over 40mph. Moving an arm in wide, fluid motions creates colourful, illuminated shapes. Children (and adults!) will love to dance with it, making shapes in time to music.

For ages 8+; Dh257, www.amazon.ae

Uno No Mercy for card game fun

Play Uno with the dreaded pick-10 card. Photo: Mattel

Want to fall out with your family after Christmas dinner? One way to do it is with Uno No Mercy. This latest (and cruellest!) version of the popular card game features new rules, tougher penalties and the dreaded pick-up-10 card. Caution: Little hands might not be big enough to hold all those cards they’ll be collecting, but that just adds to the fun.

For ages 7+; Dh59, www.mumzworld.com

MGA’s Miniverse Make It Mini Potions Class for Potterheads

The mini potions class comes with 100 pieces. Photo: MGA Miniverse

The Harry Potter world gets shrunk down, not because of a dastardly spell, but thanks to this miniature version of the potions class at Hogwarts. Creative children can spend hours recreating the classroom, which comes with over 100 pieces from the floor to the furniture. It features detailed instructions and cute mini potion bottles which, once put together, can be displayed in the bedroom.

For ages 8+; Dh193, www.amazon.ae

Melissa & Doug Life Size Puppet Theatre to stage plays

Use at-home puppets or buy them separately. Photo: Melissa & Doug

For those with a future Tony Award-winner in their midst, this puppet theatre could be a creative outlet for amateur dramatics. At 123cm high, there’s room for two children inside to tie back the velvet curtains and put on imaginative plays and skits. There’s a clock on the front for show times and a chalkboard to write the name of the performance. Puppets sold separately.

For ages 5+; Dh435, www.firstcry.ae

Air Hogs, Zero Gravity Sprint RC Car Wall Climber for little racers

The cars can stick to walls and ceilings. Photo: Air Hogs

This remote-control car not only races along the ground, but can climb walls and move along the ceiling too. It takes toy cars to the next level, and children will love driving their car up vertical surfaces and being amazed as it clings gecko-like above them. Charging requires using a USB port.

For ages 4+; Dh60, www.amazon.ae

Fisher-Price Musical Toy, Rockin’ Record Player for music connoisseurs

Pop hits aside, this player also has mindful music. Photo: Fisher-Price

The classic children’s toy gets a retro makeover for 2024. This sturdy favourite comes with 20 songs in the style of country, pop, kids classics and hip-hop. Plus, there’s mindful music for quiet times.

For ages 3+; Dh184, www.desertcart.com

Backyard Pong for family games

Bucket pong can be played indoors or outdoors. Photo: Aivalas

Ideal for any age, from children up to adults, this oversized game involves laying out six buckets a short distance from each other and trying to get balls into an opponent’s buckets. The first person or team to successfully land a ball in all buckets is the winner. Ideal for the garden or beach, or inside on hot days, it comes with 12 buckets, four balls and a carry bag.

For ages 2+; Dh204, www.desertcart.ae

Kanoodle Ultimate Champion 3D Brain Teaser Puzzle Game for child geniuses

There are more than 500 puzzles to challenge yourself. Photo: Educational Insights

This has over 500 different challenges to choose from. It involves setting up the pieces then using the remaining Kanoodle pieces to solve the puzzle. It’s not as easy as it sounds. With puzzles in 2D and 3D mode, there are various difficulty levels, making it a toy that can grow with children. Plus, this newer version features a timer for going against the clock.

For ages 7+; Dh90, www.amazon.ae

Lego Ski and Climbing Centre for block lovers

Build a three-storey ski centre using blocks. Photo: Lego

This winter-fun set from Lego guides children through building an impressive three-storey ski centre which features a sports shop, cafe and working lift. Once completed, skiers and snowboarders can race down the slope, while the less sporty Lego figures can sip a hot chocolate in the cafe.

For ages 7+; Dh419, www.lego.me

Pickleball Blast for competitive sports

The popular court game gets reduced in size to fit on a coffee table but retains all the highs and lows of the competitive sport. The pickle gets hit across the net until one player misses and the other scores.

For ages 4+; Dh149, www.noon.com

Mr Beast Lab Mutators for monster lovers

Grow your own monster mutant. Photo: MrBeast Lab

Popular YouTuber Mr Beast has launched a range of four monster mutants for Christmas. A special liquid is poured into the chamber before a mutant magically appears. When it’s ready, it can be removed from its chamber to do battle. Choices include Iconic Panther, Golden Panther, Stealth Panther and Metallic Panther.

For ages 5+; Dh89, www.amazon.ae

Melissa & Doug Top & Bake Pizza Counter for budding chefs

The pizza-making set comes with 34 pieces. Photo: Melissa & Doug

Children will love creating their own pizzas and running a pizzeria with this wooden 34-piece play set.

For ages 3+; Dh199, www.mumzworld.ae

Pets Alive Mama Duck Surprise for slime fun

A toy with sound, motion and slime. Photo: Zuru

Mama Duck has four ducklings to hatch in this interactive toy that features babies, slime and stickers to discover. Mama Duck makes real sounds and little ones will love watching her ducklings follow her around.

For ages 3+; Dh389, www.fruugo.aes