You're going to want to sit down for this, because I’m about to blow your mind: Christmas is quickly approaching. I know, I know! If the knowledge that Santa Claus is dropping in soon and you haven't even started thinking about presents strikes fear into your heart as it does mine, then I can only assure you that you aren’t alone. Like many other parents around the country, I am woefully under-prepared.
But because it's your lucky day, I've done the legwork on your behalf — a round-up of failsafe gift ideas for primary schoolers which will be sure to earn you the Parent/Aunt/Uncle Of The Year award. (They give those out, right?)
Tile Town Sets, from $70
I have never seen anything quite like the magic of Tile Town, which has the unique ability to engage kids (and adults) of all ages in the pursuit of magnetic architectural greatness.
You can nab them from BIG W, and they're available in many different sets — special mentions to crowd favourites, Tile Town Pet Clinic & Rescue Tile Set, Tile Town Fire Station Tile Set, Tile Town Bluey Heeler Home Tile Set, Tile Town Jurassic World Dino Rescue Tile Set and Tile Town Jurassic World Gate Escape Tile Set — there really is a Tile Town set for every kind of kid.
All of the Tile Town sets foster creativity and open-ended play, which are two of my top priorities when buying toys for my own kids. I love how the Tile Town sets elevate traditional magnetic tiles with action figures to really help build imaginative worlds.
The Action Tiles have an added level of action-adventure play too that brings the Tile Town world to life. Take the Fire Station Tile Set for example: this 46-piece construction set includes two firefighter action figures, plus interactive water cannon blaster with knock-down fire targets, and a spiral down firefighter’s pole, great for extra movement and interaction for your kid to learn through play.
As a bonus? All the Tile Town magnetic tiles are compatible with other leading magnetic tile brands, so you can add these to any existing sets with no issues.
Crocs Kids' Classic Clog, $60
No, seriously, hear me out — once viewed by our generation as the ultimate in daggy footwear, Crocs are back in a massive way. Kids love the options to personalise with jibbitz and I can attest to the fact that, as a parent, they are the ULTIMATE summer shoe. Sturdy enough for longer walks, easy to slip on and off at the beach, protective enough for walking over rocks and slippery surfaces, and with an option to slip a cosy pair of socks underneath for cooler nights on the campsite, Crocs are the go-everywhere shoe of the summer holidays.
Project Kindy Furniture Kids TeePee Tent, $129.95
Primary school is a prime time for imaginative play, and a garden tee-pee is one of the best ways to get kids outdoors on weekends and in the summer holidays. I love gifts that let kids create their own narratives, and this tee-pee can be a cubby house, a kitchen, an army base or even the site for a very first sleepover under the stars — the possibilities are endless.
Australian Geographic Planetarium Projector, $59.95
One of the nicest things about having a primary schooler is that they're starting to take control of their own space, which can only mean one thing: bedroom glow-ups are a guaranteed hit for birthdays or Christmas. If the words "stars on the bedroom ceiling" conjures images of peeling stickers that fail to glow in the dark (and rip the paint), let me assure you that these planetarium projectors are in a whole other galaxy to the failed projects of our own childhoods.
When I first saw one of these in action, I was honestly taken aback at how clear the projection was. My kids were mesmerised, and are desperate for their own.
Pop Up Soccer Goals, $10
Matildas fever is certainly still in full swing in my household, which means it's never been a better time to get the kids into soccer. I’m calling it: beach soccer is the new beach cricket.
American Tourister Little Curio Kids Suitcase, $127.50
If you have a holiday on the horizon, consider investing in a suitcase for your primary schooler. Kids absolutely love the autonomy of packing their own bag for a trip (under supervision, of course! We don't need 176384 toys to accompany us to Queensland, kids) and are more likely to be careful with their belongings when they feel like they're in control.
This is an unexpected gift idea which has been a total winner every time I’ve tried it.
Sunny Life Luxe Ride-On Float, from $90
If "summer time" and "giant inflatable unicorn, flamingo or whale" aren't already synonymous in your mind, they should be. I’ve never met a kid who didn't jump at the chance to ride on one of these — your only issue will be kind of wanting a turn yourself. (On second thoughts, maybe get one for yourself?)
Taronga Zoo Annual Pass, $110
Now, I know this is a very Sydney-centric recommendation, but feel free to sub this out with an annual membership to any accessible zoo, aquarium or wildlife park. Kids are never too old or too cool to lose their mind over animals, and in my experience, the more you go, the more you get out of it.
I love annual wildlife passes because they take the pressure off seeing every single animal in one visit — if you're lucky enough to be local, you can dip in and out as needed.
Smiggle Fly'n Hardtop ID Pencil Case, $24.95
I'm so sorry to even mention this, but hot on the heels of Christmas is the next school year (yes, the years start coming and they really do not stop coming). Save yourself a chaotic shop run on the last day of January and invest in adorable, high-quality stationery as your primary schooler's presents instead.
This must be what they call "thinking ahead".
Shop Tile Town sets online or in-store from your nearest BIG W.
Feature Image: Moose Toys/Australian Geographic/Temple & Webster/Crocs/Sunny Life.