Top 10 Gifts for Boys and Girls

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I have a fascination with presents. I LOVE buying presents for people. Wishing wells at weddings leave my blood running cold, the person who just wants a gift voucher for their birthday is like a slap in the face and the old chestnut "your presence is enough of a present" at the bottom of invites makes me want to roll in a ball and cry. Nothing brings more satisfaction then when you find the perfect gift for someone and you watch them open it knowing they will love it - even if they don't know it yet.

A mother of two boys and an Aunt of four boys and four girls, ranging from 7 months to 10 years of age I have had my fair share of children's presents to buy. So it occurred to me that there may be people out there grasping at straws when it comes to buying a gift for a child. Well here are my top 10, in no particular order and for all different ages. Enjoy!
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1. Cars, Cars and More Cars**
Yes, so cliché but I don't know a boy (or man for that matter) who doesn't appreciate a brand new car. Whether it be a matchbox classic for the primary aged, the Disney "Cars" franchise for toddlers or (my personal favourite) a do-it-yourself model car for the pre-teens to work on with a remote control option. From $1.80 and up, you can satisfy any transport craving a boy could have.
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2. LEGO GO GO! **
Lego is of course the classic purchase for boys, but in my experience boys don't tend to really get imaginatively involved in these perfect plastic pieces until they reach about three. However once they get their heads around it the world is their oyster and the gift options are endless. There are also wonderful 'female inspired' Lego Friends which my nieces just adore.

3. Rain, rain come again.
Kids have to be allowed to be adventurous, messy and outdoors as much as possible. Don't let the rain get in your way when it comes to getting the kids outside, a pair of sturdy gumboots, a long raincoat with a hood and even an umbrella can be the only incentive to get them exploring the rainy wonderland. A great gift for 2 - 7 year olds. Babyology seem to have some good suggestions.

4. Over and Out ...
An eight year old is hard to buy for, they are in limbo land when it comes to toys and video games, too old for some things and too young for others. So it's a perfect age to whip out this little gem - WALKIE TALKIES! Let their imagination run wild and their inner soldier or spy take form with these fun gadgets. From my experience when dealing with anything 'electronic' you're better off getting quality so that it can be used for years and not end up in the bottom of the toy box in a couple of months.

5. Keeping Secrets
The best present I ever gave my nephew was on his 9th birthday. Something special to keep his secrets and treasures where no sticky younger sibling fingers could touch it or even find it, a lockable safe. But not just any safe, oh no, one disguised as a book. Stacked neatly in a book case you would think it was just another book about the "World's Most Poisonous Snakes" but flick to the right page and you would find a hidden safe for all his secret treasures. Needless to say that any tween girl would love this too. Bunnings do a good variety see.

6. A Girl's Best Friend
Bracelets, necklaces and clip on earrings are something that every girl gets excited about at some stage growing up. Head to any craft store or even toy shop and you can also find great jewellery making kits that primary aged girls love to get lost in.

7. Chuck Another Shrimp on the ...
Barbie dolls are a classic gift for girls. Love them or hate them they are still best sellers around the globe and have taught many a young lass how to match their clothes and shoes over the years. Most girls have a Barbie or two but they ALWAYS want more accessories. Clothes, shoes, dogs, bikes, cars, jacuzzis - you name it and every girl would adore to add it to their collection.


8. Puzzles
Not just an activity for the 'oldies', kids love puzzles and they are a great way of opening their minds up to problem solving, colour matching and imaginative play. A great 'add on' present for any age.

9. Movie Tickets
More and more kids are going to the cinema now to watch the latest release but it can be expensive for the parents. For an easy present that kids aged 6 and above love is a movie ticket to their local cinema. Throw in a bag of microwave popcorn, a bottle of soft drink and some jubes and they will think all their Christmases have come at once.

10. On the Right Course
Something outside the box that has come to my attention are courses. There are any number of art, sketching, woodworking, language and cooking courses out there that are child friendly. If they are showing a special interest in something in particular why not look up courses that may cater to their age and need? A sketching course is at the top of my list for my nephews next birthday.Here's some courses that might tickle your fancy at the Art Gallery of WA .

The list could go on but I thought the Top 101 gifts for Boys and Girls would be going a bit far. Hopefully even these 10 ideas have inspired a new hunger for gift giving that you never thought you had.

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