Best Christmas gifts for kids

By Tanya Jackson

Published: Tuesday, 14 December 2021 at 12:00 am

It’s hard sometimes finding the balance between buying kids something that will encourage them to spend time in nature – and reflects well on you as a parent or family friend – and that which they will be over the moon to receive. We’ve scoured the internet to create this list of fantastic kids gifts that do both. Whether you’re looking for a larger present to ask Father Christmas to deliver, or some excellent stocking fillers, here is the BBC Countryfile Magazine pick of the best presents for nature-loving kids in 2021 to help you tick off the last of your shopping list.

Still got some adults to buy for? You might like to check out our list of Best eco friendly gifts for Christmas 2021, 35 best gift ideas for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers and Best gifts for walkers: 15 top presents for hikers.

Best gifts for nature-loving boys and girls

The Den Kit Company Forest Den Kit

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There are two types of den: the one you build in your bedroom to read your favourite book under on a rainy day, and the one that serves as your spy headquarters for your adventures in the great outdoors. This fantastic den-building kit contains everything a child needs to create the latter: his or her very own shelter among the trees, with a tarpaulin, tent pegs, wooden mallet and groundsheet. The kit is perfect for encouraging children to get creative in the great outdoors, engaging problem-solving skills and a sense of achievement. It comes with a beautifully illustrated identification and fact sheet, to help expand knowledge of our native, living heritage. There’s also a trowel and a helpful guide to growing your own sapling.

Frugi pyjamas

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This family clothing brand is well loved for its cheerful, bright designs and sustainable manufacturing techniques, whether that means using organic cotton or recycled plastic on its outerwear. Frugi pyjamas remain firm favourites with parents and children, and this year sees a delightful range of unisex sleepwear – including the Jamie Jim Jams (left in picture) and Port Isaac pyjamas, both in a range of sizes from 12-month-olds up to age 10.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Cardboard Bugs kits

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These adorable folding cardboard bugs from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust make an excellent stocking filler for budding naturalists. With simple, easy-to-fold designs, they’re a great introduction to the more complicated origami sets on the market – and what’s more, a child can actually do them without your supervision. Wins all round.

Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ refractor telescope

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As recommended by our sister title, The Sky at Night, this is a brilliant beginner’s telescope for the whole family to have a go with. At around the £99 mark, it’s at the lowest end of what you should pay for an entry-level telescope, offering some fantastic extra features including a smartphone dock that allows you to locate objects via the StarSense app.

Read the full review at Sky at Night magazine, and see their buyers guide to telescopes for more information about how telescopes work and what to look for when buying your first one.