Christmas gift ideas for kids that last longer than Boxing Day

By the second week of January, most new toys have found their way to the bottom of the box. The presents children remember tend to be different: something they did with you, something with their name on it, something that became part of the evening routine. Here are ideas that work for ages 2 to 8.

Gifts that become a tradition

• A Christmas Eve box: new pyjamas, a hot chocolate sachet and a winter story to read in bed.
• A letter from Santa that mentions something real from your child's year.
• An advent calendar with small activities instead of sweets: bake biscuits, make a paper star, call Grandma.
• A personalised book in which your child is the hero of the story.

A story read in a familiar voice

Our Christmas story Christmas Eve in Santa's Workshop has your child's name and photo, and it can be read in the voice of Mum, Dad or Grandad. Pompom the elf's bell has gone silent, and only three warm things can wake it up again. It's a gentle bedtime story, so it works on Christmas Eve itself and on every quiet evening afterwards.

Experiences instead of things

• Tickets to a children's theatre show or a pantomime.
• A family 'yes day' voucher, with a few simple rules.
• A first trip to the ice rink, or a winter walk with a thermos and a torch.
• A baking kit and a promise to bake together on a set day.

How to avoid toy overload

A simple rule many families use is four gifts: something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. Ask grandparents and relatives in advance whether they'd like to chip in for one bigger present or an experience. And keep a few gifts back to bring out on a grey day in February.