Gift ideas

Why we picked it: From the Royal Horticultural Society, a proper reference covering planning, sowing, planting and growing, for beginners and experts alike.

• Hardback
• Covers the whole garden
• Lots of photos
• Good for beginners and experts

What owners say: Really informative and easy to navigate, with lots of great photos.

Why we picked it: A fast push-your-luck game that gets louder with every round. Teenagers and adults get equally hooked.

• 3+ players
• Quick rounds
• Easy rules
• Pocket size

What owners say: Brilliant fun for all ages, easy to learn and perfect for trips and holidays.

Why we picked it: Spot the matching symbol before anyone else. Fast, easy and fun for all ages, in a travel tin.

• 2–8 players
• Ages 6+
• 5 ways to play
• Travel tin

What owners say: Quick, easy to learn and properly competitive. Kids and adults love it.

Why we picked it: Bold black and white pictures that newborns can actually see. A lovely little extra to tuck in with a bigger gift.

• Sturdy board book
• Bold black and white pictures
• Made for newborns

What owners say: Babies are drawn to the bold pictures, it’s sturdy enough for little hands, and it’s great value.

Why we picked it: Four dark bars from 70% to 85%, from a British craft chocolate maker. A tasting session in a box.

• 4 dark chocolate bars
• 70% to 85% cocoa
• British craft chocolate
• Gift ready

What owners say: Smooth, not bitter and some of the best chocolate they’ve had. A great gift for dark chocolate fans.

Why we picked it: Waterproof, so it’s as happy in the shower as it is at the park, with big bass for its size.

• 12W with BassUp
• Waterproof (IPX7)
• Bluetooth

What owners say: Excellent sound and more than loud enough for its size, with a solid Bluetooth range.

Why we picked it: Jokes from the world of Roald Dahl, with Quentin Blake’s illustrations. Expect to hear every single one at Christmas dinner.

• Paperback
• Illustrated by Quentin Blake
• Ages 6+

What owners say: Delightful and easy to read. Kids giggle through it before they’re out of bed.

Why we picked it: Genuine LEGO: build a cupcake, ice cream, avocado and taco, each with a funny face.

• Genuine LEGO Classic
• Ages 4+
• Builds 4 food friends
• Step-by-step guide

What owners say: Bright, cute and great value, with little projects that are easy for kids to follow.

Why we picked it: Guided prompts from childhood to words of wisdom. Once it’s filled in, it becomes a family treasure. A Nana version is available too.

• Guided prompts
• Childhood to present day
• Keepsake book
• Paperback

What owners say: Meaningful, thorough prompts, and a gift that gets treasured for generations.

Why we picked it: Scratch the black away to reveal rainbow colours underneath. Quiet, mess-free and absorbing.

• 150 scratch sheets
• Rainbow colours underneath
• 2 stylus pens
• All ages

What owners say: Vibrant colours, easy to scratch and hours of quiet fun.