Could your child's Christmas toys be doing more for their development? 5 expert tips to make presents count

Want to avoid wasting money on Christmas toys? An expert shares five tips for choosing presents that encourage creativity, learning and lasting fun.

Family in Christmas morning

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Published: October 26, 2026 at 12:10 PM

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Christmas is a magical time for little ones, but choosing presents that do more than provide a fleeting thrill can be tricky. With flashy lights, electronic sounds and must-have toys competing for attention, it's easy to spend money on a gift that loses its appeal before January, without necessarily offering much opportunity for learning through play.

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But research suggests that the toys babies play with can influence how much they communicate with their parents. And choosing toys that encourage imagination, creativity and interaction could help children get more developmental benefits from their playtime, too.

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that during play sessions with babies, electronic toys were associated with less parent-child conversation than when they played with traditional toys or books.

So, how can parents choose Christmas presents that encourage children to learn, explore and develop new skills, as well as have fun? Sid Patel, toy expert at Electric Ride On Cars, shares five tips for finding toys that offer more than a few minutes of excitement.

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1. Choose toys that encourage open-ended play

Toys that can be used in lots of different ways can give children more opportunities to experiment, solve problems and explore their imagination.

Sid recommends looking for toys that encourage children to create and actively take part in play, rather than simply watching or listening.

Construction sets, building blocks, role-play toys, outdoor equipment and games can all encourage children to think creatively, develop problem-solving skills and practise interacting with others.

Open-ended toys can also grow with your child. As their confidence and abilities develop, they may discover new ways to use the same toys, helping to keep playtime interesting.

2. Balance trending toys with presents that keep on giving

Try balancing one or two novelty items with toys that encourage creativity, social interaction or movement.

Sid Patel, toy expert at Electric Ride On Cars

It can be tempting to buy the toy everyone's talking about, especially when your child has been asking for it for weeks. But a popular present isn't necessarily one they'll enjoy for long, or one that gives them many opportunities to learn through play.

Sid says: “It’s not uncommon for parents to buy a popular, trending toy that their child desperately wants, even if it may be forgotten about within a few weeks. Try balancing one or two novelty items with toys that encourage creativity, social interaction or movement.”

There is no need to rule out a much-wanted present altogether. Instead, consider balancing it with toys that invite children to build, imagine, explore or play with other people, giving them more ways to develop skills as they have fun.

3. Don't get swept up in the Christmas toy hype

Social media and Christmas gift guides can be useful sources of inspiration, but the most talked-about toy won't necessarily be the best fit for your child.

Rather than buying something simply because it's popular, think about what your little one genuinely enjoys. Do they love building things, making up stories, getting outdoors or playing games with the family?

Sid advises parents to pay attention to their children's changing interests when choosing toys and games. A present that reflects what they're curious about now may encourage them to spend more time practising new skills, exploring ideas and using their imagination.

4. Ask other parents which toys their children love

If you're struggling to narrow down your Christmas shopping list, a recommendation from another parent could be a helpful starting point.

Ask friends or family which toys their children return to again and again, rather than just which presents caused the biggest excitement on Christmas morning.

Toys that hold a child's attention over time can offer repeated opportunities to practise skills, try new approaches and develop their confidence. Other parents may also be able to share whether a toy is versatile enough to keep children interested as they grow.

5. Think about value for money, as well as developmental benefits

Toys that encourage repeated activity, social or imaginative play can provide months or even years of enjoyment and playtime, making them more likely to earn their keep.

Sid Patel, toy expert at Electric Ride On Cars

A toy doesn't have to be expensive to be a good investment. In fact, a lower-cost present that gets played with regularly could offer better value than a pricey gift that's quickly forgotten.

Sid says: “An expensive, trending toy offers poor value for money if it does get discarded after Christmas. Toys that encourage repeated activity, social or imaginative play can provide months or even years of enjoyment and playtime, making them more likely to earn their keep.”

When shopping, consider whether a toy offers different ways to play, encourages interaction or allows your child to practise skills as they grow. Simple building toys, for example, can encourage problem-solving, while pretend-play sets can give children opportunities to develop their storytelling and social skills.

The aim isn't to choose a toy that promises to teach everything, but to find one that encourages your child to get involved, think creatively and keep exploring.

Can traditional toys support children's language development?

The research published in JAMA Pediatrics offers another reason to think carefully about the toys you choose, particularly for babies and younger toddlers.

Researchers studied 26 parent-infant pairs, with babies aged 10 to 16 months, during 15-minute play sessions involving electronic toys, traditional toys and books.

They found that play with electronic toys was associated with fewer adult words, fewer conversational turns and fewer parental responses to babies' sounds than play with traditional toys or books. Babies also vocalised less during electronic-toy play than during book-sharing sessions.

The researchers concluded that electronic toys were associated with a lower quantity and quality of language input than traditional toys or books. They suggested that traditional toys could be a valuable alternative for parent-infant play when reading books isn't a preferred activity.

This doesn't mean electronic toys need to be banned from the playroom, or that every traditional toy automatically supports development. The study was relatively small and focused on babies under 18 months, so its findings shouldn't be assumed to apply equally to children of all ages.

However, it highlights the value of play that leaves room for conversation and shared discovery. A set of blocks, for example, can prompt parents to talk about colours, shapes and sizes, while dolls and pretend-play toys can encourage interaction and storytelling as children get older.

Ultimately, the best Christmas present isn't necessarily the biggest, most expensive or most popular one. Choosing toys that encourage children to participate, experiment and use their imagination can help them get more out of playtime, supporting learning and development while keeping the fun at the heart of Christmas.

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