Rawk R1 retro drop through complete longboard
Okay, so skating nonchalantly through a park in Guildford isn't quite going to match riding one of these along Venice Beach. But still — very cool.
£79.99, Skatehut — www.skatehut.co.uk
Animambo piano
I think we all know that dad/mum/uncle/aunt/grandma etc will be just as excited to have a go on this as little Jemima. But who knows what you might start by planting this musical seed at an early age?
£69.98, Djeco — www.tickety-boo.co.uk
Personalised Baghera silver ride-on aeroplane
It's a truth universally acknowledged that nothing is as fun as a ride-on, particularly when motored up and down granny's hallway by a toddler fuelled by over-tiredness and chocolate decorations snuck from the tree.
£150, My 1st Years — www.my1styears.com
NASA lava lamp
NASA's recent Artemis launch means space hasn't been more fascinating for decades.
£34.99, Thumbsup — www.thumbsup.com
Hedgehog book cart
Kids really do love this sort of thing. Just don't expect it to be used for books: presents, pets and even baby siblings are bound to end up in this thing.
£48, Great Little Trading Co — www.gltc.co.uk
Red wooden cash register
Let's be clear: in our near-cashless society, and in an era of barcodes which means that cashiers probably key in numbers less than twice a month, your little ones will still get a kick out of playing with this.
£24.95, Le Toy Van — www.letoyvan.co.uk
Lion basket
This probably our favourite thing on the entire list.
£49.99, Bellybambino at Scandi Born — www.scandiborn.co.uk
Spaceman musical box
The happiest astronaut in the galaxy, and he plays on demand!
Childhood Classics read by Alan Bennett
The Wind in the Willows; Alice in Wonderland; Through the Looking Glass; Winnie-the-Pooh; and The House at Pooh Corner, all read by the great Alan Bennett. Perfect for long car journeys to see relatives over the holidays - available as a CD or download.
Childhood Classics read by Alan Bennett, £23.95 – click here to buy.
Dinosaur monopoly
Yes, it's the same old board game. Yes, umpteen million different versions are already available. But for dino-mad kids, this set (made with the Natural History Museum) is fabulous – they also have dinosaur Guess Who and Operation.
Dinosaur monopoly, £35 – click here to buy.
The Beatrix Potter collection
This beautiful gift box contains all 23 original Peter Rabbit books by Beatrix Potter. Each tale is presented in its iconic white jacket and features a publisher's note describing how the story came to be.
The Beatrix Potter collection, £33.99 – click here to buy.
Jungle Friends wallpaper mural
We're not sure if this is for the kids or the parents... but if you're planning redecorating a nursery, it's irresistible.
Jungle Friends wallpaper mural, £39 per sq m – click here to buy.
The Snowman
Made by the iconic Steiff company – made from white cuddly soft plush and is fully jointed and has a big long black mouth and is designed with black shiny eyes and matching three buttons on his tummy.
The Snowman, £59.99 – click here to buy.
Handmade wooden Noah's Ark set
This lovely Noah’s Ark has the usual pairs of animals including giraffes, zebras... but they've thrown a curve ball by — curiously — including dolphins, who we didn't really think would have been too badly affected by The Flood. There's even a little dove to go and find an olive branch.
Handmade wooden Noah's Ark set, £90 – click here to buy.
Oak and Rope Company garden swing
Other names are available.
Oak and Rope Company garden swing, from £245 – click here to buy.
Sumptuous Christmas gifts for foodies, from a chocolate library to a £6,000 hamper
After something special for a person who really appreciates their food? Our suggestions are certain to have something that's just
Christmas gifts for ladies to inspire, delight and entertain
From £50 to £1,280, we've selected some lovely items to help you find the perfect present.
Christmas gifts for men, from beautiful boxers to a classic cocktail shaker
For the man in your life, we've all sorts of things – from simple gadgets to truly magnificent things.
Christmas gifts for nature and garden lovers
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In pictures: A celebration of British food and culture in New YorkFind out what happened when Country Life, The Beaumont Mayfair and Tom Parker Bowles spent a night in New York. Photographs by Andrew Werner.
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Celeriac-crusted cod with chorizo butter and romanesco sauceMake the most of seasonal celeriac whilst it's still around with this easy mid-week or weekend recipe.
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Christmas gift ideas for childrenFrom adorable booties and cardigans to toys that will keep tiny tots entertained for hours.
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Seven perfect Christmas gifts for people who just love beautiful, functional thingsWilliam Morris famously said to have nothing in your house that you don't know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. These things do their best to hit both targets.
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Christmas gift ideas for ladiesFrom mothers and sisters to wives and girlfriends, these gifts are sure to bring a smile to the face of the special lady in your life.
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Christmas gift ideas for menFrom fathers to brothers to lovers, we run through some smart ideas for Christmas presents for the men in your life.
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The five most beautiful Advent Calendars of ChristmasThe best Advent calendars of 2024, as chosen by Flora Watkins.
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The story of how 007 creator Ian Fleming came to write Chitty-Chitty-Bang-BangChitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang, our fine four-fendered friend, turns 60 on October 22nd. Mary Miers relives the adventures of the magical flying car and reveals the little-known story of its creation by Ian Fleming, as the writer turned his attention from the world of 007 to a children's tale.
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When England cancelled ChristmasNo feasting. No drinking. No celebrations. Ian Morton explores what the festive period was like when Oliver Cromwell’s Christmas clampdown gripped the nation.
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11 ways to do Christmas in right royal style, by A-list party planner Johnny RoxburghJohnny Roxburgh, one of Britain's top party planners, shares his tips on the best things to have at your own seasonal celebrations.
