Christmas gifts for kids, from beach days to bedtime stories

A New Zealand Christmas happens at the beach. So the best kids' gifts get used on Boxing Day, not just Christmas morning.

Here's what I'd pick for the small people on your list.

For beach days

• Sunnylife Float Bands, Melody the Mermaid, $35. Bright, fun and easy to spot in the water.
• Sunnylife Fishing Game, $69. Hours of fun in the paddling pool.
• Sunnylife Hooded Towel, Sammi the Seagull, $69. Warm and dry after a swim.

For little explorers

• Esschert Wooden Magnifying Glass, $29. For bugs, shells and rock pools.
• Esschert Kids Tool Belt, $39. Their own garden tools.
• Logical Toys Fidget Ball, $29.50. Good for the car trip.

For bedtime

• How Kiwi Lost his Wings, $15. A New Zealand story.
• Moonlight Mission, $35. A picture book for big imaginations.
• Gry + Sif Grey Mouse with Sled, $60. A keepsake to keep.

For babies

• OYOY Panda Bibs, set of 2, $49.
• OYOY Pullo Tableware Set, $105. Their first proper dinner set.

Shop The Little Ones

More from my journal

• Christmas gift ideas, sorted by the person
• Secret Santa gifts and stocking fillers, all under $35
• Christmas gifts for the one you love

Every Christmas order is wrapped for free. For Christmas delivery, order by Friday 18 December. In Auckland, you have until 12pm on Monday 21 December. Or pop in to 445 Mt Eden Road.

Christine x