A Different Kind of Christmas Gift Guide - The Playthings My Children Return to Year After Year
As Christmas approaches, I’m often asked for gift ideas. It comes with running a children’s store! Over the years, I’ve realised that the most magical toys aren’t always the newest under the tree. They’re the ones that grow with them and quietly become part of childhood, year after year.
Sure, my children get excited about the latest 'must-haves' from a big box retailer but these never tend to stick to their interests for long enough. The toys that last are the ones that adapt to new stages, invite endless imagination, and keep bringing joy through every season.
So I thought instead of writing a traditional gift guide, I wanted to share a few of the treasures my own children still play with, the well-loved toys that have stood the test of time in our home.
Our Sarah’s Silks are one of those timeless treasures; flowing capes, ocean waves, picnic rugs, and fairy wings, all in one. My 5 year old son in the photo below is wearing our Enchanted Star Silk as a cape.
The Trybike balance bike has been part of our lives for years now. We got it for my son when he was 18 months old, and it’s carried him through those first wobbly pushes to riding with confidence (and speed 😆). Even though he can ride a two-wheeler now, he still often chooses his Trybike, it’s always been a favourite. After four years of use and counting, I can honestly say it’s been such good value for money.
The Maileg mice are a favourite in our household. They have been constant companions, moving from the dollhouse to pockets and little hand bags, part of so many stories and adventures for my now 8 year old daughter since she was a toddler. Speaking of dollhouses, our wooden dollhouse has been endlessly rearranged and reinvented, from family home to magical castle and back again.
For building and tinkering days, nothing beats our Connetix magnet tiles and Brio Builder set (photo below). They come out almost daily, evolving from rocket ships to marble runs to whatever the day’s imagination brings.
The Stockmar colour pencils and crayons are another staple in our home, always ready for quiet moments of creativity. Their rich, vibrant colours and beautiful quality have inspired countless drawings and handmade cards. I’ve learned that cheaper brands often have duller colours and break too easily, which can be so frustrating when your child is ready to draw. It’s worth investing in good quality art materials. You only need to buy once and they can be shared by the whole family and will last for years.
Our Qtoys wooden playdough kit has seen countless afternoons of sensory play; rolling, pressing, creating worlds in dough. And when the house feels full of energy and noise, the Solvej swing becomes a little quiet spot to sway and slow down for a moment.
And of course, books. Always books. Reading together gives us a chance to reconnect after school, when emotions are running high, or at bedtime. It’s become part of our family rhythm; familiar, comforting, and endlessly revisited.
At Little Reef & Friends, we’ve gathered many of these timeless favourites that will grow with your child, spark imagination, and be cherished for years to come. A collection chosen not for trends, but for the kind of play that truly lasts. I hope our collection inspires a slower, more meaningful kind of play this festive season.
Emily x