Shop some of the best gifts for your little one this Christmas. We have you covered from newborn to school age.
With gift ideas for children of all ages, VTech and LeapFrog makes it easy to put smiles on faces this Christmas with a mix of toys for a little bit of learning and a little bit of play, all designed to engage, encourage and explore.
Check out these top Christmas picks to tick off your list for your baby, toddler, pre- and primary schooler, and wrap up your shopping quick smart!
BABIES
My 1st Doll Emma or Mia, RRP $24.95
My 1st Doll Emma or Mia are the perfect play time and sleepy time companions. These soft little baby dolls easily change between Day and Night modes to provide the perfect friend for your baby.
In Day mode the two soft buttons trigger nurturing play, fun melodies and sing-along songs; and in Night mode trigger soothing lullabies and nature sounds to give your little one comfort when it’s time to go to sleep. The cute turtle on the baby doll’s clothes will light up with the sing-along songs, sounds and melodies and will calmly fade in and out with the lullabies and nature sounds.
My 1st Doll Emma & Mia is suitable for babies from 3 months to 2 years, and available from Target, Myer, good toy stores and online retailers.
My 1st Gift Set, RRP $34.95
My 1st Gift Set is an ideal first Christmas gift for little bundles of joy (even bundles not yet delivered!!). Soft hippo teether, rattle and piano make the perfect on-the-go gift set for babies. The hippo teether is soft and comforting, a perfect little friend for baby during teething. The crinkly arms and soft fabric body provide tactile stimulation. The rattle has an easy to grip handle with two fun rattle play pieces that will move around when the rattle is shaken. The musical piano has three light up music buttons that introduce animals, numbers and colours, and includes 15 popular melodies, four sing-along songs and fun sound effects.
My 1st Gift Set is suitable from birth, and available in November in blue or pink at Kmart.
INFANTS/TODDLERS
Musical Rainbow Tea Party Deluxe, RRP $59.99
Invite friends to a magical tea party with the Musical Rainbow Tea Party Deluxe. This 25-piece set includes everything needed for a tea party for four including a teapot, teacups, forks, plates, cake and cupcakes. Choose a tea flavour and pretend to pour while the teapot magically empties. Press the heart button to brew a new pot of tea and explore colours, counting and sharing.
Introduces manners and sharing with friends, plus a range of learning activities featuring colours, counting and fruit.
For Infants/Toddlers from 12 months, the Musical Rainbow Tea Party Deluxe is available from Target, good toy stores and online retailers.
Grab your rainbow tea party from Catch.com.au today
Play & Chase Puppy, RRP $49.95
Get playtime on a roll with the interactive Play & Chase Puppy with three ways to play. Learn about numbers and counting with floor play, then get up and dance with this encouraging puppy that turns and rolls along on its hoverboard. Keep the giggles and gross motor skills growing with a game of ‘Follow the Leader’. Motion sensors let the puppy avoid obstacles and keep it moving forward when someone is following it. Ready to rest? Pick up the pup, and it knows it’s time to slow down. Explore two learning buttons, a lightup heart and an interactive paw button to learn about numbers, counting, music and feelings, and to hear encouraging phrases. More than 65 songs, melodies, sounds and phrases help children learn vocabulary words along with lively tunes. Three, two, one, it’s time to have some fun!
Play & Chase Puppy is suitable for infants/toddlers from 12 months to 3 years, and available from Target, Myer, good toy stores and online retailers.
Toot-Toot Drivers Smart Monster Truck, RRP $39.95
This chunky truck is a monster! Say hello to the Toot-Toot Drivers Smart Monster Truck. This remote-free truck uses clever IR sensors that detect your child or other obstacles and will react accordingly. Two built-in motors will move the truck in lots of fun ways at the press of a button. Drive along or spin? The two modes of play will encourage your child to interact and follow the truck. The light up roof button triggers vehicle facts, phrases and
songs along with the fun movement, whilst the Stop and Go buttons teach colours, safety and trigger left, right, forward and spinning fun.
Toot-Toot Drivers Smart Monster Truck is suitable for infants/toddlers from 18 months to 5 years, and available from Big W, Target, Myer, good toy stores and online retailers.
Learn & Groove Thumpin’ Numbers Drum, RRP $29.95
Count to the beat of your own drum with the Learn & Groove Thumpin’ Numbers Drum. Tap the top of the drum and it will light-up to match the numbered tags’ colours while teaching colour names.
Choose English or Spanish modes to learn about colours and numbers in either language.
Drum up your own beat in Drum Solo mode to add to reggae, pop and Latin music styles. In Music mode, jam along to 12 children’s melodies. This plush drum is designed with textured fabric, colourful, numbered tags that add to sensory development and encourage touch. Take the show on the road using the easy-grab fabric handle for on-the-go play.
For Babies from 6 months, the Learn & Groove Thumpin’ Numbers Drum is available from Target, good toy stores and online retailers.
PRE-SCHOOL
On-the-Go Story Pal, RRP $44.95
The On-the-Go Story Pal player lets children take story time wherever they go.
Spark imagination through more than 30 stories, poems, songs and lullabies.
The narrators, character voices, sound effects and content encourage listening comprehension and build a foundation for a love of storytelling. This adorable, bunny-shaped player has easy-to-navigate controls and a headphone jack so children can listen anywhere (headphones not included).
Personalise the On-the-Go Story Pal by recording your voice reading your child’s favourite story or your own creation. Make a playlist of up to five stories, songs, poems or lullabies. A timer allows you to select a variety of stories, songs and lullabies to be played before the player shuts off. Easy-to-navigate controls make it kid-friendly and simple to use. Includes a carrying strap so kids can take their On-the-Go Story Pal anywhere they want. Free additional content is available for download from the LeapFrog Learning Centre and features four packs of additional stories and music. Listen along happily ever after.
For Pre-and Primary Schoolers from 3 to 8 years, the On-the-Go Story Pal is available from Target, good toy stores and online retailers, and at Big W.
Grab your On the go pal from Catch.com.au today
LeapLand Adventures Learning Video Game, RRP $49.95
Video gaming that’s good for your child’s brain! The LeapLand Adventures Learning Video Game takes children on a quest as they play. Hunt for keys to unlock the castle and learn about letters, numbers, shapes and colours along the way. Insert the plug-and-play HDMI game stick and USB power cable into your television and start playing the video game immediately using the wireless controller. No web connection or downloads required. Choose a character and explore Letterland, Numberville, Shapetown and Colour Springs. Run and jump through progressive, replayable game levels to collect gems, cleverberries and treasure chest rewards. Play the game again and again, collecting additional gems, flags and banners to decorate the castle and celebrate at the Gem Festival.
Players can also explore more than 150 learning items at their own pace by playing the educational content directly in the fun Learning Centre menu. Save unique game progress with up to five player profiles so all the family can play.
For Pre-Schoolers from 3 years, the LeapLand Adventures Learning Video Game is available from Big W, good toy stores and online retailers.
Play & Go Puppy Salon, RRP $49.95
Style your new pet with the Play & Go Puppy Salon. Open up the pet carrier to groom your pup with the built-in salon. Lights and sound effects enrich playtime as you pretend to wash, comb, dry and clip this soft pup. Learn about colours and puppy grooming as you play. The pet salon features three styling stations. Place the puppy in the swivel seat or use the shampoo, hair dryer and shower to activate songs, lights and phrases. Swivel the seat to go from bathing to grooming to styling stations. Wash the puppy with the pretend shower sprayer, then dry the puppy’s fur with the play hair dryer. Press five light-up buttons to hear words about colours, grooming and more. Extend playtime with Learning, Grooming Fun, and Sounds & Music play modes. It’s puppy pampering time! All play pieces store inside the carrier. (Not intended for water play.)
Play & Go Puppy Salon is suitable for pre-schoolers from 2 to 5 years, and available from Kmart, good toy stores and online retailers.
Learn & Draw Activity Desk, RRP $99.95
Inspire a love for learning with the Learn & Draw Activity Desk. This 5-in-1 flexible learning centre and stool includes an interactive desktop, projector, LED writing pad, chalk board and art station. Discover more than 200 touch-and-learn spots on five interactive activity pages.
Explore the alphabet, numbers, counting, music, shapes, colours, the human body, clothes and weather. Use the unique projection system with the four colour-coded projection reels to trace images and practice drawing or learn about shapes and the human body with the corresponding activity pages.
Let’s write! Follow the lights to learn to write letters and numbers stroke-by-stroke with the interactive writing pad and attached stylus. Flip the desktop up to reveal a chalkboard and easel.
Get creative! Add background music with the included music player featuring more than 30 songs and melodies.
Learning on a sunny weekday afternoon? Spin the roller to select the day of the week, then move the weather slider to sunshine. Set the hour hand on the desk top clock to explore and practice time concepts. It’s a good day for learning! Also, available in pink!
Learn & Draw Activity Desk is suitable for pre-schoolers from 3 to 6 years, and available from November from Big W, Kmart, Myer, Target, good toy stores and online retailers.
Are you ready for a Marble Rush?
Are you ready for a rush? A Marble Rush!! The VTech Marble Rush collection of playsets features all the excitement of creating your very own marble rush with the added surprise of electronic sound effects and lights. Each of the exciting colour-coded playsets feature all the pieces you need to create a Marble Rush full of jumps, stunts and electronic fun. With 3 building levels from beginner to advanced, Marble Rush is fun for all pre-school and primary aged children!
Marble Rush Launch Pad is suitable for children from 4 years, and available from September from Big W, Myer, Target, good toy stores and online retailers, and from Kmart in November.
Grab a marble rush from catch.com.au
SCHOOL-AGE
Secret Safe Diary Light Show, RRP $79.95
Keep your secrets safe with the Secret Safe Diary Light Show! This beautifully designed diary has a large 2.4” colour screen, great for writing diary entries and playing games on. Unlock the diary using the amazing face recognition technology. Add a number password for extra security to keep those pesky younger siblings out. Have fun with the light effect cover that synchronises with music, record voice memos and apply funny effects to them. Take care of your very own virtual pet unicorn and play great learning activities that cover spelling, typing, maths, logic and more. With an alarm clock and a secret drawer, this awesome Secret Safe Diary has it all.
Secret Safe Diary Light Show is suitable for children from 6-11 years, and available Big W, Myer, good toy stores and online retailers.
Order yours from catch.com.au today
KidiGo Basketball, RRP $59.95
It’s game on with the KidiGo Basketball hoop and ball! An interactive scoreboard keeps score and cheers you on, celebrating each basket with lights and sounds. Five game modes offer options to play solo or with up to five players.
Compete in four built-in games or make up your own rules in Free Play. Play solo in the Colour Challenge, timing your shot with the coloured scoreboard lights, or make the game-winning basket before time runs out in the Time Challenge. Sink as many shots as you can in one minute in Score Challenge or include friends and family in a Hot Potato game. Quick! Make a basket and pass the ball before the music stops. When play is done, flip up the hoop for easy storage. The backboard attaches over most doors with included padded door hooks or can be mounted.
is not included).
KidiGo Basketball is suitable for children from 5 years, and available from Myer, good toy stores and online retailers.
LOVE PLAY LEARN with Hape this Christmas
The kids will love these new educational toys from Hape, a world-leading educational toy brand, offer the ultimate play experience while developing early childhood skills and young minds.
Hape Monster Math Scale ($54.95)
Introducing the Monster Math Scale, a cute, fun and interactive way to get your little one playing and learning about basic mathematics, weights and balance.
Hape Monster Math Scale has 22 pieces including 9 large and 11 smaller, soft weights. Place the monster weights on the scales and join the funny monster family to start developing basic mathematic principles of simple addition and subtraction skills. Enjoy three difficulty levels of play and hours of entertainment as children test the weights and start weighing items around the house as well.
Hape Monster Math Scale is ideal for pre-schoolers three years old and up.
Hape Adventure Van ($69.95)
The all-in-one camper van with dolls, accessories and activities is perfect for children three years and up and encourages social, family play and communication skills, as well as getting kids excited about the great outdoors and exploring the world around them.
The developmental toy has 23 pieces, including the camper van with wooden panels and wheels, dolls, a campfire, a picnic set for two, navigation cards, surfboards, a hang-glider and cooking accessories. On top of the van is a tent which can be removed for the dolls to sleep in, and the roof of the van can be opened and doubles as a wave for the dolls to surf on.
Children can take their dolls on a perfect seaside getaway with their adventure van and let their imagination and creativity shine. Use navigation cards to tell where they’re going, cook their own BBQ with the campfire, cooking accessories and pretend fish. The holidays look like they are going to be lots of fun!
Hape Doll Family Mansion ($315)
Hape’s Doll Family Mansion is as realistic as it gets. The Mansion includes a master bedroom, a children’s room, a living room, bathroom, two balconies (including awning), a dining room, kitchen, hallway, garage and a garden area with a swimming pool. There’s also a family of four dolls and seven doll furniture sets.
The moving parts allow children to arrange the household appliances in any way they like. The doll family can rest well in the bed, clean up in the bathtub and barbecue outside using the grill. Uniquely shaped rooms offer realistic appeal and moving parts encourage interaction, with access to the ‘outside’ as well.
The durable, child-safe paint finish and sturdy wood construction make this toy one that a child will love for years to come.
Hape Deluxe Kitchen with Fun Fan Fryer Stove ($299)
This delightful wooden kitchen with accessories will help children become familiar with using kitchen appliances, recycling and cooking.
The set includes a microwave, coffee maker, sink with tap, oven, fridge, coffee cup, plate, pan and spatula. It also comes with a recipe book, six dishes and food shapes, giving little chefs plenty of pretend-cooking options. The red stove top lights up and makes bubbling sounds while the other fryer top lights up blue using the fun fan technology to make the food levitate, turn and shake in the pan.
Hape’s Deluxe Kitchen includes a recycling bin to teach kids about sorting garbage and recycling.
The playset is big enough for friends to play together, making it the perfect set to develop social skills. Little ones will be serving the best imaginary food in no time.
Hape products are available from Big W, The Iconic, Kidstuff, MYER, Catch, David Jones, The Nile, Amazon and all good toy retailers.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase using the links there is no extra cost to you but MamaMag will be paid a small commission on your sales which helps us to keep MamaMag free!