What’s On Your Kid's Christmas Wish List This Year?

It’s that time of year again when we parents brave the scorched-earth heat of shopping centres (or Amazon) to find the holy grail of presents that’ll make our kids squeal with joy for about five minutes before asking, “What’s next?” This year’s list of trending gifts is a mix of genius innovations, nostalgic revivals, and the inevitable toys that make parents question their life choices.

So, if you’re still wondering what to wrap up this year, here’s the ultimate guide to what’s making Aussie kids (and retailers) happy this festive season.

Bluey Everything

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way: if it’s Bluey-branded, it’s gold. From plush toys to playsets to Bluey Monopoly (which teaches kids that even Bandit’s doghouse costs a fortune), this little Aussie blue heeler has taken over the shelves.

Magic Mixies Cauldron

These magical little cauldrons let kids create their own cuddly pet by “casting a spell.” Basically, it’s like Hogwarts meets Build-A-Bear. Sure, the first mix is magical, but spoiler alert: you’ll be the one cleaning up glittery potion spills for the next six months.

LEGO Sets

It wouldn’t be Christmas without LEGO, the toy that’s equal parts creativity and tiny foot torture device. This year, the LEGO City Rescue sets and Super Mario adventures are top picks. They’re fun, build resilience (when the tower inevitably collapses), and double as a parent-child bonding exercise—if you can survive following the 200-step manual.

Squishmallows

Soft, squishy, and ridiculously cute, Squishmallows are like the Beanie Babies of today’s kids. Your child will beg for one and then insist on collecting them all. At least they’re quiet and don’t require batteries—an underrated win in the world of kids’ toys.

Kids’ Smartwatches

Gadgety and a little bit fancy, kids’ smartwatches like the Garmin Bounce and Spacetalk Adventurer are big this year. They let your child feel like a mini spy while you subtly track their every move. Just be prepared for them to call you 17 times a day from the lounge room to ask what’s for dinner.

Barbie DreamHouse (Now with Inclusivity!)

Barbie continues to thrive in her DreamHouse empire, and this year’s version includes eco-friendly designs and diverse dolls. Because even Barbie knows it’s time to step up her game in 2024. It’s massive, pink, and costs about as much as an actual house deposit, but hey—childhood dreams.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Track

Is it loud? Yes. Will it send tiny cars flying across your living room? Also yes. But the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Arena Smashers track is a surefire hit with little revheads. Just make sure the dog’s out of the way before the kids unleash their inner stunt driver.

Whether you’re battling toy aisle chaos or casually clicking “Add to Cart” from your couch, remember: Christmas presents are fleeting, but the joy on your kid’s face (and the tantrums) last a lifetime. Just don’t forget the batteries, because there’s no greater Christmas sin than giving a gift that doesn’t work straight out of the box.