All parents will appreciate that choosing a great gift for a child can sometimes be more difficult than you think! And, as a relative or friend, what to choose can often seem even more overwhelming. Below is a list of top recommendations based on positive feedback from a sample of like-minded gift shoppers and the biggest critics of all – the gift recipients themselves! *

1. Puzzles and games to stimulate and entertain

If you are stuck for an unusual and affordable birthday gift idea, look no further! Every child enjoys a new game or puzzle to play with, and whether they’re looking for something to keep their hands busy on the go, or a game for the whole family to play, there’s plenty on the market to inspire and entertain. Be on the lookout for magnetic games that are ideal if you are on the go. Many also come with handy travel pockets, great for keeping all the small pieces together in one place. Make sure you find a puzzle or game with more than one challenge or solution so it’s not a one-hit wonder. Problem solving logic games are great for keeping kids and even the whole family entertained on trips. Old-fashioned word games / quizzes are still very popular and are another great idea that can be enjoyed while traveling together.

2. Bags of fun

All children love the independence that comes with having their own luggage. There are some fun but extremely practical kids luggage carts on the market that are a real hit with young travelers, such as character wheel carts for kids. Children love to pack their belongings and take their quirky friend with them. Some kids luggage sets even come with a matching costume set for an added travel adventure! Top tip if you are planning to travel a lot: Many children’s suitcases are large enough to encourage independence, yet compact enough to be classified as carry-on luggage – great news if you’re in a rush at the airport!

3. Cheerful brollies to sing in the rain

We all know fresh air is great for kids and if you’re looking for an inspiring way to spice up outings no matter the weather, this is the option. Kids love having their own stroller to load, dismount, and take with them. Look for thick, rounded handles for easy portability, a rounded tip for safety, and nice rounded ends on each radius of the umbrella.

4. Original equipment bags and backpacks

Children are great for deciding to carry half the contents of your toy box when you are ready to leave the house. Get them their own backpack and they will have no problem as they can choose their favorite things to carry and carry too! Choose one that is sturdy, waterproof, has lots of useful pockets, and lots of padding on the straps. These bags are also great for packing nursery or school essentials. In our experience, children can never have too many bags! Gervase Walton

KidsTravel2 – * based on KidsTravel2 customer feedback