For kids: Hand over, stand back, and watch the wrapping paper fly

1. Tomy ski-jumping penguins, 14.99

Pure bathtime fun. This attaches to the side of the bath and the penguins self-propel up a ski-lift before jumping off into the water.

Tel: 023 8066 2600, www.tomy.co.uk

2. Spidersapien, 52.50

The latest spin-off of the Robosapien bestseller features 40 Spiderman phrases and shoots web from its wrists. Very cool.

Tel: 020 7723 3065, www.woolworths.co.uk

3. Space hopper, 9.99

A retro toy that seems to be making a real comeback. Great fun and keeps kids active.

Tel: 0800 2802 444, www.hamleys.com

4. Brio Freight Yard set, 119

Contains all you need to keep the trains running and cargo moving.

Tel: 0207 7301234, www.harrods.com

5. Sylvanian Family Grand Hotel, 99.95

A fabulous twist on a dolls' house. The Sylvanian Family figures are indescribably cute, and the Grand Hotel building has lovely attention to detail. One of our favourite toys.

Harrods, as before

6. Star Wars extending lightsaber, 5.99

I've seen one used to cut the cake at a wedding so this is a great gift for big kids, too.

Woolworths, as before

7. Breyer Classic Barn, Horse and Rider, 24.95

A beautifully realised set that's great for kids obsessed with all things equestrian.

Tel: 08700 118 916, www.breyerhorses.co.uk

8. LNER A4 Mallard Live Steam, 375

A Hornby trainset with real steam-powered locomotives (don't worry, it's completely safe). The perfect gift to get dads and sons playing together.

Harrods, as before

9. Freaky Body Illusions, 29.99

The gory-minded can play enthralling and effective magic tricks with this range of prosthetic body parts.

Hamleys, as before