Christmas gifts for kids under 6. Pretend play toy recommendations

Must-have Christmas gifts for kids under 6.

Christmas shopping can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the

perfect gifts for young children. That’s why we are helping families this Christmas by

sharing our expert recommendations for toys that spark creativity and imagination.

Every week, we welcome hundreds of young children to our play sessions and see

firsthand the joy pretend play brings. You might be tempted to buy tech-based gifts,

but the toys that stand the test of time are those rooted in imagination.

As our founder Vicki says,

“Each week, parents, grandparents and carers ask us for our

recommendations for Christmas gifts for kids under the age of 6.

There are hundreds of options available in the shops and online, so

we’ve spoken to our team to hear it directly from them! These are

the toys that we see children making a beeline for every single

week, and we know how much fun they can be.”

Here are our recommendations for the must-have Christmas gifts and stocking fillers

that will be loved long after the wrapping paper has been cleared away.

To make it easier for you, we’ve organised our recommendations by price point.

We have no affiliation with any of these toys, other than that they are tried and tested

and loved by the children who visit our Little City sessions.

Christmas gifts for children under £50

The HOMCOM Kids Truck Engine Toy Set, Toddler Educational Car Service Station,

£44.94, is an ideal choice for budding mechanics. It simulates horn and lock sounds

and gives children an option to pretend to fix a car.

As Louise from Little City Cambridge says, “Our garage and mechanics in Little Cities

are always hugely popular as children can’t resist pretending to fix something that’s

broken. This is a great toy that we think would be well-loved by any child with a love

of cars.”

Nikki from Little City South West London recommends the Dyson Supersonic & Corrale

deluxe styling set, £40.

She says, “Budding hairdressers will love these! They encourage creativity and fine

motor skills while letting children copy real-life routines. Our hairdressing station is

always popular with kids, and it’s an easy game you can do at home when you want

to sit down for a few moments!”

Christmas gifts for children under £35

Cara from Little City Southend tells us that the Skylety 5 Pieces Cat, £32.99, is her

favourite toy this Christmas. She says, “Cat lovers will love playing with the mummy

cat and its kittens. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and I think that plenty of young children

would love to find this in their stockings on Christmas morning.”

Sticking with the animal theme, the Le Toy Van Animal Vet Set, £29.95, is a big hit

with Jen from our Milton Keynes branch.

“These sets teach empathy and caring while sparking imaginative role play. Children

love anything to do with animals and learning how to look after them, so this vet set

gives plenty of freedom to think about their pets.”

Christmas gifts for children under £20

The Melissa & Doug Condiments Food Toy, priced at £15.99, is always a popular

option among parents and caregivers.

It was recommended by Kris from our North Herts & North Beds branch, who said it’s ideal for mini-chefs and café owners who love learning how to bring food and drink into their

playtime games.

Christmas gifts for children under £10

Natalie from Little City Norfolk recommends LCD Writing Tablets, £8.99, which are

perfect for children aged 2-4.

She says, “These are the ideal Christmas gifts if you’re going on a road trip to visit

family. They offer mess-free creativity while also enabling mark-making and

imaginative doodles. And who can resist something which can be easily stored

away?”

Finally, Emily from Little City Bristol says that as young children love copying

what their caregivers do, there’s nothing better than the Bigjigs Toys Wooden Tea

Bags, £7.49.

She tells us, “There’s something charming about the idea of a pre-schooler copying

mum or dad having a cup of tea, and these wooden tea bags are absolutely

adorable!”

You can always head to the Little City shop for further

recommendations

Our team's recommendations are just a few options we know kids would love this

Christmas.

In case you didn’t know, we also have our very own Little City shop, where you can

also find some of our favourite toys that are always popular during our sessions.

What are your favourite Christmas gifts for children? Why not let us know what

you’re planning on buying this year over on our Instagram or Facebook pages?