Christmas Gifts for Kids NZ: Choose by Age, Then by Play Style

Kids' gifts go wrong in two ways: the toy is not right for their age, or it arrives missing something it needs, like batteries or a memory card. Sort out the age first, then choose by how the child likes to play, then check the exact option before you order.

1. Start with age and safety

New Zealand has a mandatory safety standard for toys made for, or likely to appeal to, children up to 36 months. The Commerce Commission's toy safety page explains that these toys must not have small parts designed to come off, or pieces that break off easily, because of the choking risk.

None of the toys in our Kids' Gifts collection is sold as suitable for children under three. For a baby or toddler, choose from a range made and tested for that age. For the gifts below, read the age and supervision notes on each listing.

2. For little photographers

A camera of their own is a gift that gets used on holiday and at the beach. Check the memory card before you buy.

• The A3 Kids' Digital Camera comes in single-lens and dual-lens editions. A memory card is included only where the option says so; the HD label does not set a specific resolution.
• The Kids' Mini Digital Camera has a 2.3-inch screen and a 600 mAh rechargeable battery. Camera options do not include a memory card, so add a card-only option (4, 16 or 32 GB) to the order. Keep it dry; it has no waterproof rating.

3. For music makers

The Kids' Pocket Electronic Keyboard is a small toy keyboard in green or pink, with a supplier-listed age range of 3 to 6 years. Standard versions arrive without batteries, so check the battery compartment for the type and count and wrap a pack with it.

4. For busy hands

• The Felt Busy Activity Book has zips, buckles, laces or matching pieces depending on the design, so choose by the matching photo. It contains small components and cords and needs supervised play.
• The Wooden Mushroom Picking & Sorting Game has removable pieces to match and sort. Those pieces are a choking hazard for younger siblings, so play with an adult nearby.

5. For summer water play

Christmas in New Zealand is summer. The Animal Wrist Water Squirter comes as a dinosaur, shark, crocodile or clownfish and works by manual pressing, with no batteries. Use it with supervision, never spray at faces, and remember it is a toy, not a flotation aid.

6. For bedrooms and cuddles

• The Rechargeable Silicone Shark Night Light comes in a white-light or seven-colour edition; only the seven-colour one changes colour. Keep the charging lead out of young children's reach.
• The Goose Plush Pillow comes in sizes from 50 cm to 190 cm, and may arrive compressed. It is a lounge plush, not bedding for a baby.
• The Hamburger Plush Backpack is a novelty bag in small or large, not a full-size school bag.

7. For older kids and a good laugh

• The Wooden Spider Prank Box springs a model spider when the lid slides. It is not for young children or anyone who would be upset by the surprise.
• The Steering Wheel Holder for PS5 Controller turns a compatible controller into a wheel shape. The game has to support the controller's motion steering.
• The Christmas Pop-Out Surprise Gift Box makes the unwrapping the fun part. Add your own note, cash or small gift inside.

Order early enough

Our orders take 7 to 14 days including processing, so allow time before Christmas. Our Christmas gift method covers planning the whole list, and for anyone 13 or older, the teen gift guide sorts ideas by interest.

Your final check: the child's age, the play style, and whether the option includes batteries, a memory card or the right edition. Then browse Kids' Gifts.