Disclaimer: Some of the following products were sent for the purpose of testing them out for review. These products are highlighted by the use of an asterisk (*) beside them. This post also contains affiliate links which are indicated by the use of a dagger (†). All review words and opinions are my own. All photos are copyright property of Me Becoming Mum.

Even Covid-19 can’t dampen my excitement for Christmas. Pandemic or no, Christmas is my favourite time of year. This year is the first year I have been terrified of one thing however - Squidgy being “too old” for Christmas. I have friends who’ve had the Santa conversation with their 6 and 7 year olds… but so far, Squidgy is wrapped up in the magic just as much as I am! Here are a few top gift ideas for children like her this year.

The rule of 7

Many of us have a home full of "stuff" and Christmas can easily become a time when it gets worse.

This year, more than ever (especially because of the Covid-19 pandemic wreaking havoc on jobs and finances) I believe the rule of 7 is a great way to work on a budget, as well as limit and prioritise gifts within the following 7 groups:

Something they need

A water bottle

We have been on so many amazing walks in the Lake District and that makes this gift idea a perfect one! Useful gifts like this Klean Kanteen 18oz Classic Klean Kanteen* fit the bill of useful gifts this Christmas. It's perfect for insulating drinks on long, warm walks and comes in 6 colours including this winter plum purple which Squidgy is going to love.

Something they want

Aquabeads

You may have read the post I wrote about getting creative with Aquabeads so you already know that this house is a fan of them! There are so many different sets available and of course having a fun, messy play type activity which comes with very little mess will always be a winner in my book. I can’t wait to see the look on Squidgy’s face as I know that she is going to love the Disney Princess Aquabeads set* I chose for her. It’s one she hasn’t had before and she is bound to love it.

Sandwich counter

This Melissa & Doug Sandwich Counter* is the perfect addition to Squidgy's growing wooden toy collection. Wooden toys are my favourite kind… they look great, make less annoying sounds (think stainless steel pots and pans as an alternative!) and I have found them to be superbly hard wearing, and trust me when I say that my children put them through their paces! This counter will be great for role-playing alongside the wooden kitchen my grandmother bought Squidgy a few years ago and it's super easy to order in time for Christmas too. It's available from Very, Precious Little One and Amazon†.

Something to wear

It can't just be me who is constantly realising that the clothes their children are wearing don't fit anymore. With a dad who is 6'3", my children all seem to have inherited the tall gene and shoot up every time I blink. No matter how boring it may seem, clothes in the next size up will always be a winner when it comes to Christmas gifts for children. We try to get a few bits suitable for different seasons so Squidgy has a starter wardrobe for the next time she has a growth spurt.

Something to read

Educational and beautiful

BBC Blue Planet II

Dive into the amazing illustrated world of Blue Planet II*, complete with a foreword by David Attenborough. This book is stunning and I can’t wait to see Squidgy’s face. She absolutely loves the chance to read anything she can and soaks up all the information from history to geography. You can pick it up on Amazon† and at all good bookstores.

Something to do

Subscription boxes

Mysteries in time*

During the first lockdown earlier this year, Squidgy fell in love with history. Mostly local history - Hadrian’s Wall and such. The Mysteries in Time monthly history subscription box* is the ideal gift for a curious child like Squidgy. With pens, stickers, history and facts, a book and so much more; this box offers educational fun and activities. Simply choose a package, and a plan (from one box to a twelve month plan) and even personalise it to your child’s name!

Crafting goodies

BloPens*

This feels like a blast from the past. I loved BloPens* growing up, and I know that Squidgy will love them too, now she’s old enough to use them! The Fashion Designer set is bound to be a winner, having fun with the blopens and designing outfits at the same time! Pick the set up at Very, Argos, Smyths Toys and Amazon†.

Harumika styler sets*

If you haven’t heard of Harumika*, don’t panic. I hadn’t either… but I’m so glad I have now! They are such a unique and fun activity for older children to let loose their creative genes. With a mannequin and a variety of materials, your child can make and style outfits to their hearts content.

The best part is you can shop the range on Amazon including the Asian Dream† and Soft Brit† sets.

Messy play fun

SlimeBaff and GelliPlay

Did you know that Zimpli Kids do a whole range of different peoducts from bath bombs to SlimeBaff* and GelliPlay*? I'm not a fan of having a whole bath full myself, but these sensory gift ideas are perfect for messy play in a washing up bowl. They don't just do a wide range of products, they also do 1many different colours you can pick your wee one's fave. This is a gift which can be delivered straight to your door from Smyths Toys and Amazon†.

Something for them

Or nostalgia for you

Treehouse

Who grew up with Sylvanian families? I know I did! My girls have fallen in love with them too and have a selection of them at home, at their grandparents and at my in-laws. If this Sylvanian Families treehouse* doesn’t make all your childhood dreams come true, I don't know what will! Complete with everything you need to use your animal families to play, this player is amazing and perfect for your children (and let's be fair: you!) this Christmas.

So, with just a few weeks until Christmas, there's my top picks for 2020 Christmas gifts for children like my six year old. I hope amongst them you now have all the inspiration you need to get your Christmas shopping done.

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas from my family and me this year!

For more posts about Christmas, visit the Christmas category page. If you have any questions about any of the products included within my gift guide, feel free to ask in the comments section below.