Gift Buying Guide to Make You the Cool Aunt This Christmas

If you’ve been avoiding your Christmas shopping list, trust me, you’re not the only one. This year has been one long sprint and suddenly we are already in the last month of the year?  

Christmas is 3 weeks away which means presents are due, kids are excited, and you’re standing in a mall wondering what age three even likes these days. 

Take a breath. In this guide, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you choose what to gift your nieces and nephews and where to buy them (with the best deals, of course!). 

Gift Guide Overview 

Age Group What to Buy 
0-2 year olds M Fisher-Price toys Leap Frog toys Silicone toys Yuto Mini Player Lovevery  Play Gym 
3-5 year olds Barbie dolls Lego  Nerf guns Paw Patrol toys Bubble guns Play-doh 
6-10 year olds Switch games Books Bike/scooter 
10-13 year olds IT gadgets Fabric flower bouquet maker Smiggle Money 
14-16 year olds IT gadgets Shopee gift voucher Team jersey Owala bottle Money 

What to Buy for Babies (0-2 Year Olds) 

At this age, babies are busy discovering the world. Everything is new. Their little hands are learning how to grasp and their brains are soaking up every sound, texture, and colour you place near them. 

Here are some gifts that spark curiosity while supporting motor skills and sensory development: 

1. Fisher-Price Toys

Bright colours, gentle sounds, and lots of buttons to press. These toys make early learning feel like play and help babies practise hand-eye coordination. 

Where to buy: ToysRus is having a sale on toys including the Fisher-Price Twist & Learn Gamer 

Price: $16.99 

2. Leap Frog Toys

Great for introducing early concepts like letters, music, and cause-and-effect. Many toys respond to touch, which encourages exploration. 

Where to buy: Get the Learn & Groove Rainbow Lights Piano on Lazada 

Price: $50.90 (Wait till 12.12 to get free shipping and stack up discounts using vouchers) 

3. Silicone Toys

One thing you can be sure of is that babies loooooove to put things in their mouth. Food-grade silicone toys are a good way to introduce texture and colour, while also doubling as toys for when they’re teething. 

Where to buy: Moonkie is having a discount on their baby toys with up to 20% off. 

Price: From $10 

4. Yoto Mini Player 

A screen-free audio player that tells stories, plays songs, and keeps babies entertained in a calming, gentle way. You can also record your own content, making it a great choice babies struggling with separation anxiety. 

Where to buy: Koala Spark 

Price: $125.00 

5. Lovevery Play Gym 

Includes 5 Developmental Zones designed with stages in mind. Every section is built to support sensory and motor development as babies grow from day 1. 

Where to buy: Lovevery Official Store is having their biggest sale of the year 

Price: $150.00 (Sign up to get 25% off sitewide) 

What to Buy for Toddlers (3-5 Year Olds) 

This is when imaginations explode. It is the age where toddlers want to copy every single thing mama does and build their own little worlds. 

Gifts that let them role-play, move around, or practise fine motor skills usually become fast favourites. 

1. Barbie Dolls 

Perfect for pretend play. Kids create stories, build social understanding, model real-world interactions and gives them a chance to think about what they were made for or what they want to be when they grow up. 

Where to buy: ToysRus 

Price: From $19 

2. Lego 

A classic for a reason. Lego helps with problem-solving and spatial awareness while still being loads of fun. 

Where to buy: Lego is having a sale with popular sets like Batman, Captain America and Star Trek up to 40% off. 

Price: From $17.50 

3. Nerf Guns 

A hit with energetic little ones. They’re great for outdoor play and practising coordination. 

Where to buy: Toyster is running their Christmas sales with up to 90% off 

Price: From $5.00 

4. Paw Patrol 

Anything from this series is adored at this age and encourages storytelling and imaginative rescue missions. In the spirit of Christmas, get the Paw Patrol Advent Calendar that comes with 24 toy surprises including 7 vehicles and 11 figures and accessories. 

Where to buy: Amazon 

Price: $20.82 (63% off) 

5. Bubble Guns 

Simple, inexpensive, and guaranteed joy. Toddlers get to run, chase, and laugh endlessly. If you’re looking for a more upgraded version, the ZURU Eggsploder can blast over 5,000 bubbles per minute to create a bubble wonderland. 

Where to buy: PPToys on Shopee 

Price: $19.90 

7. Play-Doh 

Open-ended, creative, and calming. Kids strengthen fine motor skills while shaping their own creations. Let the children play pretend and entertain the family with their food adventures with the Play-Doh Kitchen Creations sets. 

Where to buy: Amazon 

Price: From $15.13 (Up to 30%) 

What to Buy for School Kids (6-10 Year Olds) 

Kids in this age range are becoming more independent. Their attention spans are longer, their interests are clearer. 

Get them toys and activities that challenge them or help them express their personalities. 

1. Switch Games 

If there is a Nintendo Switch at home, choose games that encourage problem-solving or teamwork like Mario Party Superstars and Mario Kart. These are co-op games which makes it a great activity for bonding with siblings too. 

Where to buy: Amazon 

Price: From $59.90 

2. Books 

Most children start reading on their own around 6-7 years old. This is a great time to introduce some classics such as Charlotte’s Web, The Magic Faraway Tree series and The Velveteen Rabbit. Reading can also familiarise children with life lessons and build core values. 

Where to buy: BookXcess Wisma Atria (BookXcess is Malaysia’s #1 affordable book retailer and are offering buy 4 free 1 deals + 15% off when you pay with OCBC) 

3. Bike/Scooter 

A practical, active gift that encourages outdoor play and helps build balance and confidence. Look for models with adjustable handlebars to ensure that they can be used for several years as the child grows. 

Where to buy: Decathlon 

Price: From $59.90 

What to Buy for Pre-teens (10-13 Year Olds) 

This is the age where children are figuring out who they are. They enjoy things that give them freedom to express their interests, try new skills, or feel a little more grown-up. 

1. IT Gadgets 

IT gadgets can be a meaningful choice for this age group because they sit right at the point where curiosity, independence, and responsibility start to grow. Gadgets also give them room to explore hobbies like music, gaming, fitness, or simple content creation.  

Think about: 

  • Fitness band 
  • Gaming controller 
  • Electronic drum kit 

2. Fabric Flower Bouquet Maker 

For those who enjoy hands-on projects, they get to design and arrange their own fabric flowers, which builds creativity and patience. The best part is seeing them proudly display their finished bouquet around the house. It gives them a gentle boost of confidence and a real sense of accomplishment. 

Where to buy: Amazon 

Price: $56.18 

3. Smiggle 

Playful stationery that lets tweens show off their personality while keeping their school essentials in order. Their collaborations with Minecraft, Care Bears, and Disney make it even better for kids who love specific characters. It adds a fun touch to their daily routine and helps them feel confident and prepared for the new school year. 

Where to buy: The Smiggles Official Store is having a Christmas sale with up to 60% off 

4. Money 

If unsure on what to get, money can never go wrong. It also teaches them simple budgeting and financial sense. 

What to Buy for Teens (14-16 Year Olds) 

Teens want freedom, practicality, and things that match their personal style. Choosing their own gifts usually makes them happiest. 

1. IT Gadgets 

Think of things they actually reach for every day, like wireless earbuds or a simple keyboard for their tablet. These make schoolwork smoother and give them a little upgrade for their downtime too. 

2. Shopee Gift Voucher 

Easy for you and honestly the best for them. Teens enjoy choosing their own stuff, and a voucher lets them checkout whatever has been sitting in their cart. 

3. Team Jersey 

If they are into sports or follow a favourite team, this always lands well. They get to show off their team pride and wear it to school or outings. It is one of those gifts that feels personal without you needing to know too much. 

4. Owala Bottle 

This bottle is everywhere right now, and teens love it for the look as much as the function. It keeps drinks cold, fits easily into their bags, and feels stylish without trying too hard. If you want a gift that feels current and practical, this one ticks all the boxes. 

Where to buy: Official Owala Retailers 

5. Money 

Teens love having the freedom to choose what they want (and money). It also teaches them how to manage their own spending, which is a bonus for us moms watching them grow up. 

Before You Hit the Checkout 

At the end of the day, the best gifts are the ones that make kids feel seen and understood. When you choose something that fits their age, stage, and personality, it shows how much you care, even if you bought it during a last-minute shopping rush.  

Whether you go for something creative, practical, or simply fun, you are already well on your way to earning the title of Coolest Aunt this Christmas. And honestly, the smiles you’ll get in return make every bit of the holiday chaos worth it.