The holiday season is upon us, and you know what that means: the annual race to Santa’s workshop (a.k.a. your living room) is on. As you tackle those gift lists, we suggest keeping the electronics at bay and opting for gifts that spark joy, creativity, and maybe even a little sibling bonding time. At Gowrie NSW, we’re all about the magic of learning through play.
So, why not pick gifts that inspire wonder and growth this Christmas?
Here are our top recommendations to sprinkle some learning into the holiday cheer:
Puzzles are the ultimate classic. They promote problem-solving, spatial awareness, and a healthy dose of patience. With varying difficulty levels, there’s a puzzle for every little brain. Plus, who doesn’t love a family puzzle night?
Let your child’s imagination soar with building blocks. These colourful wonders enhance cognitive development and foster social skills during group play. Think wooden blocks for constructing everything from castles to rocket ships. These simple toys are gateways to creativity and critical thinking that will keep kids engaged long after the wrapping paper has been tossed aside.
Science kits are like little treasure chests of discovery. These kits, from growing crystals to bug investigations, spark curiosity and hands-on learning. For your aspiring doctor, a wooden medical kit packed with realistic tools (like a stethoscope) fuels imaginative play and nurtures a love for healthcare. Watch out, world—future scientists are in the making.
Bring the gift of music home. Age-appropriate instruments like xylophones, keyboards, or even a tiny drum set can turn your living room into a concert hall. Imagine hearing your kids jamming out to Christmas carols or their favourite tunes. An instrument enhances auditory skills and rhythm recognition and can help create a lifelong love of music.
Outdoor bikes are a hit, and for good reason. They promote physical growth and enhance motor skills while encouraging kids to explore the great outdoors. Plus, nothing beats the thrill of riding bikes with friends. It perfectly combines fun, teamwork, and essential social skills.
Unleash your little Picasso with art kits that invite creativity to run wild. Look for sets packed with colourful paints, vibrant markers, and a treasure trove of craft supplies. The best kits come with simple instructions that make it easy for tiny hands to explore motor skills and hand-eye coordination while they create. These art kits are fun gateways for kids to discover their unique styles and preferences. Plus, each painting or project they complete is a confidence booster, reminding them that the sky’s the limit for their imagination.
Turn your kitchen into a bustling cafe with play kitchens that bring culinary dreams to life. These sets come equipped with everything from tiny utensils and pots to colourful play food, letting children play out a setting they see daily. Your little chefs can whip up miniature feasts, channelling their inner master chefs while learning the basics of cooking (minus the mess). These play kitchens are perfect for holiday gifting, setting the stage for whipping up a festive holiday meal in miniature.
To get you started, here’s a recipe for Mini Muffins you can enjoy together.
Whether your child dreams of being a doctor, chef, musician, or architect, there’s a toy waiting to fuel their imagination. At Gowrie, we believe in the power of play. Share the joy of learning (and fill in some of that school holiday time) through our downloadable activity cards and video storytime resources.
Happy holiday season from Gowrie NSW. Here’s to making it filled with laughter, exploration, and adventure.