Melbourne's best gifts for kids

Treat the kids in your life to a little something special this Christmas. Check out our cheat sheet for fun toys, games and unique treasures.

Chocolate Aussie animals, $4.90

A little sweet treat never goes astray as a stocking stuffer. Pop into Koko Black and pick up a handful of the most adorable chocolates. The strawberry white chocolate penguin pop is sure to be a hit. Or how about a cookies and cream wombat? Take a look at the full line-up of Aussie animal chocolate goodies. 

K-pop Demon Hunters merch, from $12.98

The kids are going crazy for Netflix’ new animation K-POP Demon Hunters. Swing past JB Hi-Fi at 206 Bourke Street and shop for Pop Vinyl figurines of characters like Rumi, Mira and Zoey. Or brighten up a bedroom with a giant poster or two of the main trio, Derpy the cat or the Saja Boys. 

Nanoblock kit, from $12.99

Have you heard of Nanoblocks? It's Japan's answer to Lego (only mini). Create an entire zoo of tiny animals and build polar bear, crocodile, wombat, Tasmanian devil and great white shark sculptures. Or build complex cityscapes in the likeness of Paris, New York or San Francisco. Find them at Hearns Hobbies.

UNO Flip cards, from $15

Word on the street is a pack of Uno cards is a right of passage in kid world. This retro card game has gone beyond its familiar format with a bunch of fun, new versions available at Mind Games. There’s Uno Splash with its waterproof cards making it perfect for beach holidays and days by the pool. Uno Teams is ideal for big family get togethers, birthday parties or sleepovers. And there's even a Minecraft pack!

Unicorn water gun, $14.95

Level-up your kids’ water fight with this epic unicorn water gun from Monsterthreads. It’s quick and easy to fill up when you’re in the middle of a battle. And it shoots water up to 2.5 metres. This adorable toy is made for tiny hands with a grip made for little ones age 3 and up. And if your kid isn't into pink unicorns go for a dinosaur, shark or sea horse option instead.

Kite, from $24

There’s nothing more magical than flying a kite on a summer’s day. Have a look at what’s on offer at Poppy Shop and choose from a bunch of stunning options. Brighten up the sky with this multi-coloured beauty. Choose one with a quirky jelly bean print. Or send this adorable sea turtle soaring into the sky. If you’re into the idea of a kite that can perform nifty tricks, the Prism Stunter is just the ticket.

Nature scavenger hunt tokens, $26.95  

Turn your nature walk, park visit or backyard play session into an adventure with these nature scavenger hunt tokens. Each token features a prompt for little explorers. Hunt for a butterfly or moth, find a slimy snail, seek out a spider’s web or collect three different leaves. They come in a handy pouch for easy carrying. Available at the Melbourne Museum shop.  

Mini instant camera, $129

Kids will adore the novelty of IRL printed photos. Instant cameras are always a hit and this Fujifilm mini instant camera is super simple to use. Designed for taking happy snaps in all lighting scenarios, just point and shoot and the auto exposure will do the rest. It even has a selfie mode. Grab yours at Myer.

Balance bike, $249.95

What could be better than a new bike? Mini riders will adore adventuring around playgrounds and driveways all summer long on a brand new balance bike from Cecil Walker Cycles. It comes in green, purple, pink, blue and red and weighs in at just 1.9kg. Don't forget to pick up a kid-size helmet while you're there.