It's getting close...
As the big day gets ever near, gift shopping steps up a notch. If you think it's already too damn late to buy anything, you're wrong, bro. Thanks to the internet, and the fine words you're about to adsorb, you'll be able to populate the underside of your tree with amazing things.
Peppa Pig Cash Register
The ever popular (and fat-shaming) pig is back and this time she wants your children's money. This 'cash register' (or 'till' to normal, British people) lets the kiddos play at shop, while Peppa watches on. The set comes with fake money, items to buy, and a bank card that actually beeps when you swipe it, contactless-style. Because modernity.
There are a host of play tills out there, but this one from HTI Toys comes with a wealth of accessories to keep the play as imaginative as possible. The fact that Peppa is involved is a mere child-pleasing bonus, as this could be used in pretty much any kind of game. Rugged and requiring just two AAA batteries, we're quite happy with the price, too.
£15
Available from www.amazon.co.uk
Stabilo Woody Pencil 6-Pack
We tend not to encourage our kids to draw on anything other than paper, but Stabilo definitely are this Christmas. Their Woody Pencils are unique in that they can be used to draw on glass - then be wiped clean. The chunky colouring pencils feature rich, bright colours in easy to grip shafts.
And they work. Give the pack to your kids, point them to a window, and unleash hell... erm... we mean, creativity! They leave thick, rich lines on the glass without having to apply too much pressure (not something glass likes), while wiping off the drawings is as easy as running a damp cloth over them. There are no oily marks and the kids loved being able to draw on the huge canvas that was the patio window. Solid buy.
£7.78
Available from www.amazon.co.uk
Teamsterz Mighty Moverz Fire Engine
You simply can't beat a big red fire engine on Christmas morning. We're pretty sure we each got one from ages two until ten, and it's nice to see the trend continuing with today's whipper-snappers. This one from Teamsterz not only offers grab-able fun for little hands, but also lights, sounds, and a forward/backwards motion.
Extend the ladder to rescue cats up trees, or power forwards to extinguish another block of flats burning because of cheap cladding and Tory cuts - just like the fun we had during Christmases past. It's tough, can free-wheel should Junior prefer, and seems like it will last an age, saving the bother of having to buy another next Christmas.
£19.99
Visit www.homeessentials.co.uk
Personalised Ultimate Ears Boom 3
The Boom 3 from UE is already a go-to Bluetooth speaker for fans of both great sounds and portability. However, if you've steered clear because the speakers never came in colours you like, check this out. The myBOOM studio from UE allows you to customise your Boom however you want it, making it a great gift idea for the audiophile who has everything.
There is a truly huge collection of colour and style combinations, and it also lets you add some custom text. Designing what is already a great speaker in a personal colour scheme, then sticking your name or a message on there, is great, and the design process is quick and simply. If you need a powerful, room-filling speaker for yourself or a friend, go and check out what you can make.
£149
Visit studio.ultimateears.com