It’s not long to go now until Christmas Day, and if you’re still scratching your head for gift ideas or need a couple more to pop under the tree, you wouldn’t be the only one.
Mum of two and former Hi-5 star Charli Robinson is among the millions of Aussie parents looking for the perfect gift this year, and she’s partnered with Amazon Australia and Starlight Children’s Foundation to make the task easier.
Returning as an Amazon Playmaker Ambassador after an initial stint in 2022, Charli is thrilled to be back working with the kids as they test and review their favourite toys from Amazon’s Top 100 Holiday Toy list.
“The first time I did it was so much fun, and I was with Johnny Ruffo, which was wonderful. We had a ball working with the kids together,” she tells Now To Love.
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Amazon’s partnership with the Starlight Children’s Foundation sees nine children connected to Starlight’s programs around Australia become “toy experts” as they inspire Aussies with the best children’s gifts to buy.
“From a mum’s perspective, I genuinely buy my Christmas toys off what the Playmakers choose. I did it the first time and it cost me a fortune,” she laughs.
“I bought so many of what I was playing with that day, and it’s happened again. But it makes Christmas so much easier because you know that kids have actually chosen these toys.”
Seeing as how the list is 100 toys long – and Christmas is fast approaching – we’ve asked Charli to help narrow it down to the toys she loves most, and what she’ll be buying her own kids this year.
The best Christmas gifts for kids in 2024
Charli’s top picks
01
Furby Tie Dye
$79 (usually $99.99) at Amazon
If you’re wondering, “What do most kids want for Christmas this year?”, Charli has the answer.
“Every single child while filming was obsessed by the new Furby that’s come out,” she says. “They would not put that toy down and that really stood out to me.”
“So that was already in my cart when I was getting ready to fly home,” she laughs.
Key features:
- Moves, talks, sings, lights up, and even responds to speech
- Speaks both English and Furbish
- Talks to other Furbys
Also available at:
- $100 from Big W
- $109.99 from The Iconic
02
Despicable Me 4 The Ultimate Fart Blaster
$35.63 (usually $60) at Amazon
As for the one toy she refuses to buy, despite it being a hit with the kids, Charli says it has to be the Despicable Me 4 Ultimate Fart Blaster – and we don’t blame her.
“They thought it was the funniest thing in the world, and I know my girls would love it. If they knew it existed, they’re going to ask for it. But there’s no way I’m buying it.”
“Their father would want that as well, so maybe I’ll give that to him for Christmas,” she laughs.
Key features:
- Blasts out real fog fart rings
- Plays over 15 different sounds
- Includes two different scented Fart Formulas
Also available at:
- $49 from Target
03
LEGO® Disney Simba The Lion King Cub
$22 (usually $29.99) at Amazon
“Lego was also a big hit, and we can’t go wrong when it comes to Lego as parents because it takes time to make,” she says.
“It gives us some time to make a Christmas dinner or something!”
Key features:
- 222-piece buildable set with an animal figure standing over 11 cm (4 in.) tall
- Features a rotating head, movable legs and tail and different posing options
Also available at:
Now To Love’s top picks
04
Razor A Kick Scooter for Kids
$69.99 at Amazon
The iconic Razor A kick scooter is still a hotly sought-after ride (in our opinion) and makes for the perfect gift as summer rolls around.
Available in a variety of colours, the lightweight scooter features an aluminium deck, original folding mechanism and urethane wheels to make it the perfect ride for kids on the go.
Key features:
- Lightweight yet durable
- Easy-adjust handlebars
- Original folding mechanism
05
Bratz Slumber Party – Cloe Fashion Doll
$61.97 at Amazon
The Bratz doll collection starts here, with Cloe. Featuring a range of accessories and clothes (along with the actual doll), they’ll love playing dress-ups this Christmas.
Key features:
- A replica of the iconic 2003 Slumber Party Cloe doll
- Comes with a pig stuffed animal, diary, pen, nail polish, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair curler, hair clip, hairbrush, and poster
Also available at:
06
Big Potato Games The Chameleon Card Game
$23.49 (usually $39.95) at Amazon
Open this up after Christmas dinner and gather everyone around to play a friendly game of cards.
It’s easy to carry, so the kids can even take it with them for sleepovers and game nights with their friends.
Key features:
- Includes 56 cards, 2 dice, 1 giant dry-wipe topic card and 1 marker
- Easy to learn, quick to play
Also available at:
- $44.95 from Big W
07
Llama Rocking Toy
$149.95 at Bed Bath N’ Table
Something for the younger kids, we love this adorable alternative to a traditional rocking horse.
It has a soft plush seat and curved wooden base for gentle rocking, and will make a great addition to their bedroom or playroom.
Key features:
- Age: 12 – 36 months
08
Nyla Sandals
$69.95 at Clarks
These summer sandals are perfect for the holidays – made to be worn from the beach to weekends at the park and play dates in between.
Fitted with a flower-shaped buckle and sporting 3D floral detailing, they’ll never want to take them off.
Key features:
- Breathable synthetic lining
- Durable and comfortable outsoles
- Supportive moulded footbed
- Adjustable self-fastening strap
09
SuperPark Tickets
from $27 at SuperPark
If making memories is more your style, suprise them with a trip to SuperPark, an indoor adventure destination at Highpoint, Maribyrnong.
With three themed play areas and over 15 exciting activities, SuperPark promises hours of fun for children of all ages.
Key features:
- 2-hour all-access pass
- Multiple passes to choose from
10
Santa’s Helper – A Personalised Story for Your Kids
$36.95 at Mikki and Me
Create their own Christmas-themed book that features them and their friends as the stars of the story and add extra details like the suburb you live in to make it even more special.
Key features:
- Personalised stories with their name, friend’s names and suburb
- Printed in Australia using biodegradable inks and papers
11
The Shorty
$171.75 (usually $229) at Mustard Made
Doing homework is never fun, but you can certainly make it seem like it is with their very own locker at home.
It comes in left and right opening options, making it the perfect bedside table if that’s where they’d prefer it, and is available in a range of colours.
Key features:
- Two adjustable shelves, one handy hook, one cable hole and two wall attachment points
- Handle, lock, custom keyring, Mustard logo and air vents
- The whole locker is smooth, matte and magnetic
Charli’s gift-giving advice for households with multiple children
We all know getting presents for kids who are of similar age can invoke a little jealousy – one child almost always wants what the other has – but Charli is no rookie to the game and has the perfect hack to keeping the peace.
“I pretty much buy the same gift twice – there’s no arguments,” she says. “I even go so far as the same colour.”
“That just makes it easier. There are no fights because the little one just wants everything that the eldest one has, so that would be my tip for parents,” she adds.
“Why stress yourself over thinking of two different present ideas? Just get the same one!”
Related articles:
- Spread the joy with this list of the best gifts for baby’s first Christmas
- The Christmas Gift ideas that nobody will want to regift this year
