Kids Gift Guide

Nothing is more magical for kids than waking up on Christmas Day to find a pile of presents waiting for them. What they don’t know (yet) is how much you’ve been running around behind the scenes picking up the latest must-have toys and games. At Highcross, we’re taking the stress out of Christmas planning with our kids’ gift guide. Just don’t leave it too late, the most coveted items will sell out fast.

Top of the toys: Surprise them with these fun and interactive toys that will bring the family together.

Under £20: Pac-Man Mini Arcade Game, Menkind
They might not remember Pac-Man from back in the ‘80s – but the iconic game is sure to be popular with little ones (and those who played it the first time around). This table top version, priced at £15, can be taken to family and friends you visit during the holidays, and suitable for kids aged three and over.

Under £60: Glisten and the Merry Mission experience, Build a Bear
Spend a magical afternoon creating your own Glisten and the Merry Mission plush toy. There’s the ultra-festive Santa's Reindeer Plush with Sleeper, Wreath and Slippers (£58) and the adorable Pink Frost Twinkle Reindeer Plush with Dress and Shoes (£52). Pop in store or visit the website to check workshop availability.

No limit: LEGO Holiday Express Train, John Lewis & Partners
Big and small kids will love the Holiday Express Train (£109.99) is part of the Winter Village Collection, just released on 1st October. Pick up yours, along with other sets, on the third floor of John Lewis & Partners at Highcross. 

Snuggle-up outfits for Christmas Eve and winter walks: Highcross is home to popular high-street and premium brands – so you’ll find everything you need to keep them extra warm and toasty this winter.

Under £20: Christmas pyjamas, H&M
Christmas Eve boxes have become a tradition in many households, and the festive prints at Highcross H&M are perfect for cosying up before the man in red arrives. Choose from Disney designs (£12.99), Scandi-style prints (£7.99) or an adorable Santa two-piece (£7.99).

Under £65: Skechers Twinkle Toes
With their lights, rhinestones, funky designs and, yes, even wings, the Twinkle Toes range is truly magical. Of course, we can’t resist the Twi-Lites 2.0 - Dreamy Wings (£65) but we also love the dazzling Twinkle Sparks - Unicorn Wonderland and Twinkle Sparks - Forever Care Bears.

No limit: The North Face kids' Perrito reversible parka jacket, John Lewis & Partners
Banish the cold on the way to school or at the playground with the Kids' Perrito Reversible Parka Jacket in black or hushed lavender. While it might be on the pricier side at £125, it’s insulated, water repellent and can be reversed for a different look.

Favourite characters: They’ll be the envy of all their school friends with these character-inspired goodies. From stationery to toys, you’ll discover all their favourites at our Highcross stores. Just don’t forget to grab some batteries too!

Under £20: Minecraft pencil case from Smiggle
Brighten up back-to-school in January with this fun pop-out pencil case (£15.50), which includes a tiny calculator, multiple drawer compartments and a pop-up pencil sharpener.

Under £70: Jellycat delight at Set
Set is home to a haven of much-loved Jellycat creatures. From the squishy Jellycat Cloud and fan-favourite Peanut, to the beloved Bartholomew Alpine Bear and Fizzleskip Bunny. Check stocks before visiting, as the world really loves these adorable furry friends.

No limit: Paddington Doll's House, Le Toy Van at John Lewis & Partners
This stunning three-storey doll’s house is one of John Lewis & Partners’ Top 10 Toys and we can see why. With its illustrated stonework and cast-iron fence, the exterior is magnificent, but open the doors and they’ll find beautifully-decorated rooms just waiting to be furnished. It’s priced at £299.95 and you can pick up a matching 35-piece furniture set for £69.95.

Feed their creativity: Keep little hands and minds busy on rainy and cold days with these books and craft kits.

Under £10: DIY Wooden Christmas Trees, Flying Tiger Copenhagen
Let their imagination run wild with Flying Tiger’s DIY Wooden Christmas Tree. Let them paint till their heart’s content, as they create some festive, ‘hygge’ magic for all to see.

Under £15: Craft kit from The Works
Spend an afternoon making a snow globe, wooden festive house or Christmas felt character with a craft kit from The Works. We’ve also got our eyes on the I Love DIY: Pen Factory! Which comes in at a wallet-friendly £7.

No limit: Winnie-the-Pooh: The Complete Collection, Waterstones
This collectors’ edition includes all the Winnie-the-Pooh stories and poems with illustrations and can be enjoyed by all ages. Presented in a decorative slipcase, and priced at £50, it’ll become a treasured piece they’ll return to again and again.

Tech to light up their minds: Fuel their imagination – or help them burn off some energy – with these gifts for gadget-mad kids.

Under £25: RED5 8W colour-changing sound bar from Menkind
Get everyone dancing to their favourite music with this light-up soundbar, which connects to any device via Bluetooth and retails at £25.

Under £110: Tonies, John Lewis & Partners
Perfect for interactive and independent play, the Toniebox 2 Starter Set will help them work their way through audiobooks, stories and songs, as well as record their own – without the screentime. It’s priced at £109 at John Lewis & Partners and comes in a variety of colours.

No limit: 11-inch Apple iPad from Apple
Perfect for schoolwork or creative play, the versatile Apple iPad (£429) is fast, durable and comes with parental controls to keep children safe.

*Please note: All products are priced correctly at the time of writing.