kids

Don't know what to buy your kids for Christmas? This one's for you.

Prezzee
Thanks to our brand partner, Prezzee

When I put my Christmas tree up in November, people had thoughts.

"BUT IT'S NOVEMBER 17TH!!" my friend yelled at me over WhatsApp.

Well, I assume it was a yell. The capitalisation and exclamation marks were giving yell.

I felt vindicated when Mia, Holly and Jessie discussed it on Mamamia Outloud. Apparently, people who put their decorations up early are considered more sociable, joyful and nostalgic. So, according to science, we're just a better breed of people.

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While I love Christmas, every year I get that sinking feeling about what to buy the kids. Not just because they've got everything already, but because I'm looking for the holy trinity of gifts: fun, at least slightly practical and (I know I'm dreaming here) won't cause more bickering between my three girls.

Inevitably, I end up spending every weekend in December trawling the shopping centres, ready to panic-buy subpar presents.

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This year, I'm getting organised early and shopping online. I've pulled together a list of 11 gifts that tick all my boxes — and can be purchased without leaving the couch.

Gifts for the imagination.

Prezzee's Magical Messages, free.

Image: Prezzee.

Nothing beats the magic of Christmas — except maybe a direct message from Santa himself.

Prezzee's Magical Messages is a free digital-first experience that brings the magic of Christmas, and a potential spot on Santa's Nice List (!), to your home with a personalised video message from the big guy in red, all the way from the North Pole.

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All you have to do to set it up is fill out a simple form and tell Santa one reason why they've earned their place.

To make the memory extra special, you even can pair the video message with Santa's Magical Smart eGift Card (from $10) — a digital gift card from Prezzee that lets kids choose their perfect present from over 400 brands.

Whether it's toys, books or something sparkly, it's a fun way to make sure they get something they really want this year.

Fort Builder Kit, $108.

Image: KiwiCo.

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My kids love forts, but I do not love the constant tears when their flimsy fort inevitably crumbles to the ground.

This kit has everything kids need to build structurally sound castles, rocket ships or their own secret hideaway.

With sturdy wooden poles and connectors, this endlessly customisable set from KiwiCo makes building forts easy. It's just as easy to pack up as it is to set up, so your living room doesn't turn into a permanent construction site.

Gifts for the artist.

Crayola Imagination Art Case, $33.72.

Image: Officeworks.

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Packed with 115 crayons, markers and pencils, this Crayola Art Case has everything a budding Picasso needs.

There's more than enough to share between three kids, making this a good group gift while scoring low on the bickering scale.

Plus, the compact, organised design means no more "I can't find my red pencil!" meltdowns.

Club House Paint-Your-Own Figurines, $15.

Image: Spotlight.

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Choose from Minecraft, dinosaurs, animals or fairytale characters. This kit comes with unpainted figurines and paints, so kids can create their own little masterpieces.

Pro tip: Grab a few extra and stash them as last-minute birthday party gifts.

Gifts to get them outside.

Micro Sprite Light Up Neochrome Scooter, $249.95.

Image: Micro.

A classic gift, and scoring high on the practical scale because family walks are way more fun when the kids can scoot instead.

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Micro Scooters are lightweight, last forever and come in a huge range of fun colours. You can even get LED wheels for evening trips and extra cool points. They're easy to adjust as kids grow, so it's a gift that lasts longer than their next growth spurt.

Pro tip: Safety first — order a helmet at the same time.

Bunch O Bubbles Motorized Bubble Blaste, $15.

Image: Big W.

Nothing says "instant fun" like a bubble gun. Turn the backyard into a magical bubble wonderland in seconds.

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It's easy for little hands to use, creates streams of bubbles effortlessly and works just as well at the park or a summer BBQ.

I highly suggest you grab extra bubble solution — you'll need it.

Gifts to grow their mind.

Toniebox Playtime Puppy Starter Set, $199.

Image: Big W.

Looking for a screen-free option? The Toniebox is a soft, kid-friendly audio player loaded with stories, music and learning activities.

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Kids can pick their favourite characters by swapping out "Tonie" figurines on top of the box, and everything's easy enough for them to do on their own. My kids love listening to it, and I love the break from endless requests to watch TV.

Pro tip: If you're buying a Toniebox, let the grandparents or family friends know; Tonie characters make easy and cheap gifts with over 50 to choose from.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, $10.

Image: Kmart.

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This is the book that launched the hit movie.

Packed with cute animals, adventure and important lessons about resilience, The Wild Robot by Peter Brown would be perfect for kids who love to read or for family bedtime stories.

Gifts for fashionistas.

Hair Braiding Session, from $40.

Image: Belle Braids and Beauty.

An experience is the perfect present if you're feeling completely overwhelmed by "things" and can't imagine bringing anymore into the house.

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Whether it's for a special occasion or just a fun treat for the school holidays, a hair braiding session would be a great alternative to accumulating more stuff.

There's something magical about a professional braid, and it's a great way to support local small business owners, like lady startup Annabelle, who owns Belle Braids and Beauty.

Babiators Original Navigator Sunglasses, $43.95.

Image: Babiators.

Is there anything cuter than kids in sunnies? Babiators' award-winning Original Navigators protect against 100 per cent of UV rays and come in sizes that fit babies, toddlers and fashion icons aged three months to six years plus.

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Each pair of Babiators is covered by a Lost and Broken Guarantee because… kids.

Teeny Tiny Character Backpack With Detachable Rein Strap, $44.95.

Backpacks are a massively underrated Christmas present.

Perfectly timed for the new school year, they're a practical gift, but that doesn't mean they need to be boring. I recently rediscovered the stationery heaven that is Smiggle.

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They have a huge range of colourful and customisable bags with fun themes and plenty of room for snacks, toys and all the other paraphernalia my kids seem to accumulate at school.

Shop Prezzee's Magical Messages and pair it with a digital gift card that lets kids choose their perfect gift.

Feature Image: Supplied/Prezzee/Babiators/Kmart/Big W/Mamamia.

Prezzee
This year, Prezzee's got a direct line to the North Pole! Capture your loved one's reaction to Santa's message and share it on social media using the hashtag #PrezzeeMagicalMoments and tag @prezzee

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