Gifts for kids in Australia

A summer Christmas list

In Australia the school holidays start before Christmas, so the best kid gifts get them outside. The SUNNYLiFE surf mat is used at the beach or pool the same week; it is a toy, not a flotation aid, so supervise. The Liquifly water rocket and the CrunchLabs foam geyser are science projects that belong in the backyard. The Waboba LED ball keeps going after dark on long summer evenings.

The weather station is a good fit too. A kid who checks the forecast every morning builds a five-part station and keeps their own records over the holidays.

Pick by age

Ages 3 to 5: the BRIO Bluey train, the Sylvanian giraffe family, the Moulin Roty painting book and the Micador megamat. BRIO's set is small on its own and works best added to existing track.

Ages 6 to 8: Set, That's Not a Hat, Super Mario UNO, rock painting and the colouring set. Set is the one where a quick-eyed six-year-old beats the adults.

Ages 8 and up: Sushi Go Party, Sleeping Queens, the geodes, the water rocket, the geyser and the Skullcandy headphones.

Games for the long lunch

Sushi Go Party is our top pick because it handles up to eight players, which is what a family Christmas looks like. Picking the menu adds a few minutes of setup. Sleeping Queens and That's Not a Hat are shorter fillers for when the plates are cleared.

For a cricket fan going to a Test or Big Bash game, the mini autograph bat is a cheap gift that comes home signed. It is for display, not backyard cricket.

Small things and shipping

Questacon's glider is pocket money, but small orders there attract a flat shipping fee, so add the bouncing putty or something else. Chocolate is risky in a hot December, which is why we left it off this list. Order by early December, as small shops slow down before the holidays.

Questions people ask

What is a good gift for a 5-year-old?

Look for something they can use with little help. Magna-Tiles, the Plus-Plus dinosaur tube and Catan Junior all suit this age, and the Yoto Mini covers ages about 3 to 8. Avoid kits with lots of reading in the instructions. A five-year-old will want a parent nearby for anything with small parts, slime or a motor.

What can I buy a kid who has lots of toys?

Pick something that adds to what they already own or something they use up. Extra Magna-Tiles or Yoto cards add to a system already in the house. A science kit like the Hydroponics Lab or a painting book gets used and finished, so it does not add clutter. A family game also helps, because it gets played with the parents rather than stored in a bin.

Are screen-free gifts worth it for kids?

Yes, if the gift does something a screen does not. The Yoto Mini plays stories without a display, which suits bedtime and car trips. Building sets, card games and outdoor toys like the Waboba ball give kids something to do with their hands. A screen-free gift that the child finds boring will not change their habits, so match it to their interests.

How much should I spend on a gift for a child?

For a classmate's party, under $25 is normal and nobody will expect more. For a niece, nephew or grandchild, $25 to $75 buys a good game or kit. Spend more only if you have checked with the parents, especially for electronics like a story player or a console, which families often have opinions about.