60 Gift Ideas for an Only Child

The Baby Play Kits

Sign up for the Lovevery subscription and you will receive these specially designed award-winning play kits every two months to meet the development needs of your child. You will also receive a book to explain how each toy was designed and how it will stimulate your baby’s brain.

Play Gym

Sops had a play gym when she was a baby. But it was not as fancy as this one. The Lovevery Play Gym contains five sensory zones, designed by baby development specialists to allow the baby to use all their senses whether lying on their back, tummy, or sitting up. The toys are made from natural products and the gym has been created from sustainable products.

Baby Stroller and Travel Activity Toy

Sitting in the back seat of a car on a long journey is mighty boring for a baby. Sops tended to go to sleep for the whole period, but if your baby is wide awake and wants some serious stimulation this is the toy for them. They can pull on the toys and squeeze them and they will just stay put. No need to worry about losing any attachments.

Orchard Toys Farmyard Heads and Tails Game & Jungle Heads and Tails Game

You might notice that Sops and I recommend quite a few Orchard Toys products on this website. That is because it was a very popular product in our home when Sops was young.

We often played with the Orchard Toys on long rainy afternoons and had a jolly good time with the games. This one is cool as you can mix-match the parts and make funny noises, like a pig-monkey.

Nuby Octopus Floating Bath Toy

Babies love bath toys. There is a whole host of waterproof toys you can choose to entertain your baby during bath time. The choice seems endless.

We recommend this Octopus as he simply floats on the water, so you don’t have to use suckers to stick him to the side of the bath and you can throw rings at his tentacles. This will give your child good practice at hand-to-eye coordination to prepare for future fairground games of throwing a ring around a bottle. This skill could come in handy.

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Car

Who doesn’t want this funky car? These toys were extremely popular in all the playgroups that Sops’ attended. Sure, there was lots of hustling and jostling of children trying to get their turn in one of these cars, but if you are buying this toy for an only child they have no fear of a sibling taking it away from them. They can have their own little car to drive around in, and be the envy of the neighbourhood.

Soft Baby Dinosaur Unicorn Animal Learning Cloth Book 

Books are for reading unless you are a baby and then they are for drooling all over. These charming soft books are full of brightly coloured images and plenty of toggles for your baby to chew on.

Sure, they hardly ‘War and Peace’, but they should keep your baby amused for some time.

Evo 3 In 1 Cruiser Childrens 3 Wheel Scooter

Toddlers are obsessed with scooters. As soon as they have found their feet they want to jump on some wheels to go even faster. What’s that all about?

If you are thinking of getting your toddler a scooter you cannot go wrong with this one as it grows with your toddler. Initially, your toddler can just sit on it and get used to pushing themselves along with their feet. But eventually, they will be confident enough to stand on it and scoot around the park at breakneck speeds.

Peppa Pig Car Toy Toaster Playset

Who knew how essential it would be to have a toy toaster/car? What genius put this idea together?

This Peppa Pig toy toaster playset is a big hit receiving excellent reviews on various websites. I confess, Sops never had this gem, but I couldn’t help but add it here, because, well it’s a toaster car!

Rosie Rag Doll

This adorable doll is a fan favourite among 2 year olds. It is so soft to the touch and just plain pretty. Your child can have tea parties with this doll, or take her to the park and whizz down the slide together. This doll can make an excellent companion for your child so they can exercise their imagination.

BabyBoo Kitty Dolls Pram/Stroller

If you get your child a Rosie Ragdoll then allow us to suggest you give them this charming pram/stroller as well. Sops had something very similar and it was one of her favourite toys of all time. She used it for years with all her millions of cuddly toys. It is best to get one of these style pushchairs as they can collapse easily and do not take up too much space.

Teamsterz JCB Mega Transporter Toy Truck

If your child loves playing in sandpits or seems fascinated by the construction industry then this is the toy for them. They could spend many happy hours digging for dinosaur bones, or ancient artifacts or laying down the foundations for a mighty castle. Perhaps they will accidentally trigger a curse and an army of mummies will erupt from the sandbox. You never know.

Snappy Sharks

This is a game that can be played with all the family. Sops had the Hippo version of this game, but it works the same way and is easy for toddlers to play. This game is fun and fast-paced and you can use it to help your child to count.

SOKA Owl Portable Foldable Pop Up Play Teepee

What child doesn’t like their own little tent? Sops’ had a Princess castle just like this one. It was easy to pop up and she had hours of fun in it. She even slept in it on occasion. Admittedly, it was a bit of an effort trying to get it back in the bag when you folded it up again. But that is what YouTube videos are for.

BUYGER Pretend Play Food Set

This is a great toy to encourage imaginative play. Your child can play ‘shop’ or ‘cooking’ especially if they have a toy oven. Small children love to imitate what they see their parents do, and domestic duties are top of their agenda. Shame that enthusiasm for shopping and cooking doesn’t last.

A Beautiful Personalised Story Book

When I was little, my older sister gave me a personalised Christmas story. It featured me and my best friend, Laura. I was so thrilled to see my name in print.

This book will make a wonderful addition to your child’s library, which they will treasure forever because they are the star of the story.

WATINC 6Pcs Animal Hand Puppet Making Kit

Did you play with puppets when you were younger? When I was young we had hand puppets and my brother even had marionettes. The strings would get awfully tangled. So we figured that hand puppets are easier to manage for little ones.

With this puppet-making kit, you and your child can make funny puppets and have a jolly fun time inventing stories together.

VTech Smart Doctor’s Role Play Kit

Playing Doctors and Nurses has always been a common game among children. I know I played it with my friends when I was young and I am sure plenty of generations have played doctors and nurses generations ago.

It’s super healthy for children to pretend to be healthcare specialists, because it fosters a caring spirit, and for some children, it can help form their career decisions later in life.

Princess Costumes for Girls 

On the other hand, it is also fun to dress up as a princess just for the fun of fantasizing. If you cannot fantasize about being a princess when you are little, when can you do it?

This kit comes with 4 beautiful dresses and accessories that will make your tot shine wherever they go.

Kids Police and Fireman Costume

But then again, maybe your child wants to work in the emergency services when they grow up. When Sops went to nursery the dressing-up box was one of the most popular toys among the toddlers. They loved pretending to be a firefighter one day and then a Princess or even a pumpkin on another day. It always amused me to see what Sops’ had dressed up as when I collected her at the end of the day.

Little Partners Artist EZ Easel

Sops had a reversible black and white board when she was young and often played ‘school’. This easel is a thousand times better than what Sops’ had. Your child could play ‘school’ with it, or they could use it as an artist’s easel and create marvellous works of art fit for The National Gallery.

146 Pcs Magnetic Building Blocks

When I was young, my building blocks were made out of solid wood. If I built the blocks too high and they tumbled down I think there was a real danger they would have knocked me out cold.

Thankfully, these magnetic building blocks are lighter and easier to manage for small hands. Your child can build more complex structures with them as they grow and develop.

JCB Pop-Up Kids Toy Workbench with Tools

Some children enjoy building stuff and using tools. Perhaps they are destined for work in engineering or construction? Is your child like this?

JCB is a well-known brand and this quality kit will inspire your child to practice using handy tools before they are ready to try the grown-up power tools.

L.O.L. Surprise! OMG Glamper Fashion Camper

I had to add this toy to the mix as it is one of Sops’ favourite toys of all time. She has certainly got our money’s worth out of it.

She tends to stuff her soft toys into the camper van and other random things, as only children do with their toys. But I can honestly say this is a super popular toy for Sops and her friends.

Flexible Bendable Glow in the Dark Racetracks Set with 2 Light-up Dinosaur Cars

Imagine driving around a park on tracks amidst dinosaurs, who thought of that crazy idea? Oh yeah, Michael Crighton. But seriously, what child wouldn’t want to add dinosaurs to their car tracks?

There are a few companies who have made similar tracks with dinosaurs, but this one got the best reviews, and it glows in the dark! What more could you want?

Galt Toys, Science Lab, Science Kit for Kids

Is your child a budding scientist? Do they like performing experiments around the house, much to your annoyance? Have they blown your kitchen up yet?

If you are afraid your child may blow up your kitchen you would be wise to give them this science set. Sops and I have used Galt kits before. They are easy and safe to use. Your child can enjoy learning new and exciting things about science and you won’t have to worry that they will blow your kitchen up.

Blue Squid 3000+ Piece Deluxe Craft Chest 

The winner of our Easter Colouring Competition won a Blue Squid craft set. That’s because Sops and I think their craft sets are awesome and we enjoy making decorations at Christmas Time.

So, if you have a crafty kid, this is just the gift for them.

Orchard Toys Shopping List Game

Here we go again, another Orchard Toys recommendation, (they really are great toys). Sops and I enjoyed playing this game on rainy days. It is a simple game to play but can help build connections in the brain and strengthen your child’s memory skills.

Transformers Toys Heroic Bumblebee Action Figure 

It’s a toy car and a robot! Wow! I remember what a hit these toys were when I was young. My brothers certainly owned a few Transformers. It is good to see they are still popular.

Your child will have heaps of fun either playing cars or playing robots, or a bit of both.

LEGO Friends Pet Adoption Café

Sops has a few of these Friends Lego sets. They are a good starter set for younger children.

You can build a whole lovely little community of Lego friends. Sops didn’t have this set, but I thought I would recommend it because it is a pet adoption cafe, and what child would not want a pet adoption cafe?

Dance Mat Toys 

Is your child a bouncing bean? Do they ever stop jumping and jiving? If your child is full of excess energy then this is the gift for them.

They can merrily hop on each pad and keep themselves amused for hours, and then hopefully ware themselves out ready for bedtime.

Pet Toys Play Set

This toy will be an automatic hit for any child. It’s a portable grooming parlour. Your child can treat their pet toy pooch to a shampoo, conditioner, and brush. With an active imagination, your child can have oodles of fun with this toy. Also, if they are going on a long journey they can carry it with them on their back and have a portable game to play to keep them amused for hours in the car.

BEST LEARNING i-Poster My World Interactive Map 

We thought we should at least add one Geography related toy to this list. I am sure there are some children out there who like Geography (not Sops though).

This map is great fun as it is full of fun facts that will keep your child enthralled. Perhaps your child will become a worldwide explorer in the future or teach Geography at school, or maybe they will just be a jolly useful person to have in a pub quiz when they grow up, and all because of this marvellous map.

Jewellery Making Kit for Kids 

Charm bracelets are very popular at the moment. It is good to see they are back in vogue. I rather like them. There are quite a few amazing designer jewellers creating beautiful keepsakes that people will treasure for a long time. So if your child is creative and would like their very own charm bracelet then this is a good starter kit for them.

Silicone Sensory Fidget Toys for Kids 

A fidget toy and Tetris. What a perfect combination. This toy has taken the fidget toy concept to a whole new level. This is a good toy for your child to use when they are stressed or if they are sitting in the back of a car or airplane on a long journey and need something to keep them amused for a while.

Mobile Maker-STEM Kit to Create & Play Your Own Video Games

A lot of young people have told me that they want to be a games designer when they grow up. If this is something your child is interested in then I think this would be a great tool for them to start. Because if you want to be a games designer you need to be good at digital art.

(Sops has just added this toy to her own Christmas list).

Real Kids Baking Set Pastry Cooking Kit

Is your child a budding baker? Did they volunteer to help bake gingerbread this Christmas? If so, then they may want their very own baking kit and this is a great kit to use.

Sops had her own baking kit when she was younger with an apron that fitted her and tools that were small enough for her little hands. We baked so much gingerbread in the early years.

Drumond Park Articulate! For Kids

This is a popular game in our house. Admittedly, it works better in groups of 4 and above, but Sops and I just like using the cards and not the board necessarily. We just have a laugh over it.

It’s a good game to help expand your child’s vocabulary.

Marvin’s Magic – Kids Magic Set 

Marvin’s magic kits are a firm favourite for aspiring magicians. Many years ago I used to demonstrate toys in major London department stores and Marvin’s Magic stalls drew a lot of customers as skilled magicians demonstrated the toys to amaze customers.

To learn magic tricks takes a lot of practice and patience, and this is an ideal toy for an only child who possesses these virtues.

KIDWILL Solar Robot Kit for Kids

“Robots are the future”, that’s what they say. So why not let the future generation learn how to build a robot now?

This solar-powered robot can roll, walk and even float! It’s a brilliant starter kit for the engineering enthusiast in your family.

Ravensburger Enchanted Christmas 500-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

A puzzle? Really? Who wants a puzzle for Christmas? Well, lots of people to be honest. Puzzles are still very popular because they promote well-being. When you are putting a puzzle together you are just focussing on the present moment as you seek each piece. When you have completed the puzzle you will have a deep pleasant sensation of achievement triggered by the happiness hormones. What more could you want?

LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts: Sirius’s Rescue Castle Tower

Lego has been an extremely popular toy for decades. And Harry Potter has been a popular franchise for quite some time now, so what would be a better combination than Lego and Harry Potter?

There are a plethora of Lego kits designed around scenes from the Harry Potter Books. We have suggested this set because it has a Hippogriff in it. But seriously, there are so many sets that may appeal to your little Harry Potter fan, so do have a look on what is available.

KidsLabs – Anti Gravity Maglev

Gravity is a fascinating force. Even now, hundreds of years since Newton ‘discovered’ gravity physicists are baffled by the complexity of this invisible force and how it works in space.

And then we throw anti-gravity into the mix to really baffle the brains of the brilliant.

But I am sure your child will find this kit fascinating and will learn loads about how gravity and anti-gravity works.

LEGO Minecraft The Ice Castle Toy

The world of Minecraft looks similar to Lego as it is made of blocks. Both Lego and Minecraft have been designed to help children build worlds.

So I think it is fitting that Lego offers Minecraft kits, so you can pull your child away from the screen, but they can still enjoy playing in the world of Minecraft.

Illuminated Apparel Childrens Interactive Green Glow T-shirt In Black

How fun do tee-shirts look? What amazing modern technology allows a child to draw green glowing pictures on their clothes?

Think of the awesome christmassy designs your child can draw on their tee-shirt. The images are not permanent and fade away after a little time, so they can draw another picture for another event at another time.

Qlook Magnetic Dart Board Set

My brothers had a real darts board with actual heavy pointed darts, but that was back in the 80s when toys were dangerous things.

Thankfully, someone had the common sense to design these magnetic darts so no one has to fear getting a dart in their head anymore.

Hooray for progress!

Pipkits Friendship Charm Bracelet Kid

In our post, ‘How to make friends when you are an only child’, we recommend your child give something as a small gift to a potential friend. These friendship bracelets would be an ideal gift to offer. They are simple to make and would work as a gesture to reach out to form a happy fruitful friendship.

Skillmatics Card Game: Train of Thought

This award-winning game works as a great conversational tool. If dinner time can be a bit of a silent affair in your home then why not ask some of the intriguing questions on the cards to strike up an interesting conversation? It’ll help you get to know your child better and it has got to be better than, “how was school today?”

“A’right”.

Mango Papaya Mousse Cow – Delectable Tropical Creamy Cloud Slime

Sops really wants this slime. But she knows that slime is banned in this house because it is the devil’s snot.

But she assures me that cloud slime is clean. It will not mark my walls, or stain the carpet or get stuck in her hair, so I have taken the liberty of ordering it and she will test it for us all to see.

Kids Gardening Kit

Do you have a green-fingered child? Does your child love watching things grow? Would they like to learn more about how seeds grow into plants? How cool would it be if your child can eat some of the produce they grow?

This box is a perfect starter kit for your child to learn about the joy of gardening.

Wireless Headphones Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds

Oh, how things have changed over the years. I remember having a cassette player walkman with uncomfortable metal headphones and scratchy foam covers.

Now you can get your child these remarkably comfortable wireless Bluetooth ear buds, so they can listen to any music they want from their phone, rather than whatever weird mix tape that their boyfriend compiled.

Make your own comic book

Is your child a highly imaginative artist? Do they often draw comic strips when they should be doing their homework?

A cartoonist is a uniquely talented person and such a talent should be encouraged and harnessed. The world needs more cartoonists. So if your child has the gift, this is the perfect present for them.

CityComfort Hoodie For Boys

I won’t lie, Sops is eyeing up this gift for herself. Sure, it is for boys, but any snuggly hoodie would draw her attention.

This is the perfect gift for any child for the winter to keep them toasty warm and comfortable as they play games with their chums or simply sip on hot chocolate and watch a movie with their family.

KOMBOID Ball Bouncing Skill Game

Is your child an active person? Do they enjoy sports? Sometimes it is hard to do anything remotely sporty at home in the winter, but this ball is something they could enjoy playing on their own or with their friends. It will challenge their hand-to-eye co-ordination and it is a lot harder to play than it looks.

Watercolour Brush Pens

These pens are perfect for your artistic child. Your child can create beautiful watercolour images with these unique fine tip pens and a blending brush. Or they could try learning calligraphy.

The art of fine writing is a great skill to possess. If your child knows calligraphy they will be regularly complimented throughout their life. Everyone loves reading pretty handwriting.

An Hour Young Driver Experience

How do you fancy your precious only child driving a car? Or does it scare the Dickens out of you?

Well, if your kid is car crazy and really wants to drive a car then the safest option is to send them on a driving experience.

The minimum age is 10 years.

Wild Environmental Science Forensic Science Lab 

This is another kit developed for the budding scientist.

If your child fancies a career in forensics this is a good starter kit to try. They can analyse fingerprints, test for poisons and even send secret codes. Maybe they will become a spy instead?

Coloured Pencils and Sketch Pencils

This set would be a perfect combination with the watercolour pens to complete your artistic child’s art supplies collection. It even comes with a sketch pad.

Think of the marvellous illustrations your child with produce with this comprehensive artist set.

Etsfmoa Unisex Bluetooth Beanie Hat

How funky is this hat? You can listen to music and see where you are going in the dark. It will be a perfect accessory when you are cycling in the winter or going for a walk in a dark muddy field.

Maybe you think this hat is stylish, maybe you don’t, but at least it is practical.

CHRISTMAS VERSION Autumn Cosy Home Spa 

End you Christmas day with this glorious Christmas pamper kit. Relax in a warm bath surrounded by candles and stick gold under your eyes. Scrub your skin with coffee and then enjoy a hot chocolate whilst watching your favourite Christmas film of all time.