8 • Gifts for Family, Friends & Loved Ones


useful gifts are often those that spark curiosity, creativity and a lifelong love of learning. Early cognitive development can lay the foundations for problem-solving, memory and emotional intelligence, skills that underpin success well beyond the classroom. “Early cognitive development is the soil in which all later learning takes root,” says Dr Tracy King, clinical psychologist and parenting expert. “Through play, a child learns how to think, imagine, take risks and recover from frustration. It’s the rehearsal space for emotional regulation and fl exible thinking.” From sensory toys for babies to


challenging puzzles and STEM kits for older children, this year’s selection of educational gifts promises to delight as much as it develops the mind.


1 FOR BUDDING ASTRONOMERS: CELESTRON STARSENSE LT 80AZ EXPLORER TELESCOPE, AGE 13+ For teens and older kids ready to explore the cosmos, this smart


Gifted minds A


mid the fl urry of wrapping paper on Christmas morning, the most meaningful and


Christmas Inspiration - brought to you by APL Media • Wednesday 12 November 2025


Encourage curiosity and creativity with these educational gift ideas. Words: Amber-Rose Hurst


telescope makes stargazing a hands- on adventure. With the StarSense app, it’s easy to spot planets, lunar craters and celestial wonders, or trace constellations like Orion, Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper. As they focus, adjust angles and track the night sky, teens build problem-solving, spatial reasoning and scientifi c curiosity. Adults will fi nd it hard not to sneak a peek, too. £229.99 at amazon.co.uk


2 FOR EARLY LEARNERS: LOVEVERY THE THINKER PLAY SET, FOR AGES 11 TO 12 MONTHS For little ones just beginning to explore the world, this thoughtfully designed play set from Lovevery supports early learning through hands-on play. It helps babies in grasping concepts like opposites and object permanence while building hand-eye coordination. Inside, you’ll fi nd a sensory switch board, a wooden peg drop for fi ne motor practice and a parent play guide with expert tips and simple at-home activities. Lovevery also off ers play kits for every stage, with sets for both younger and older babies. £94 at lovevery.co.uk


3 FOR TECH WIZARDS: LEGO EDUCATION SPIKE PRIME SET, FOR AGE 10+ If you want to inspire the next generation of innovators, this Lego set is the perfect starting point. Designed for students aged 10+, this STEAM kit combines Lego Technic pieces with a programmable hub, motors and sensors, allowing children to build and control their own creations, from mechanical animals and vehicles to robots. It connects via USB or Bluetooth to computers, tablets and mobile devices, letting kids use scratch- based coding or Python to bring their ideas to life. £444.99 at lego.com


4 FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS: THE DEN KIT COMPANY THE ORIGINAL DEN KIT, FOR AGES SIX+ As a child, there’s something magical about creating your own secret hideaway. The Original Den Kit by The Den Kit Company grew from a forest school exercise in shelter- building. Designed for children aged six and over, it encourages outdoor, screen-free play with no set instructions, sparking imagination, problem-solving and STEM skills. Packed with a tarpaulin, mallet, rope, tent pegs and more, the kits are now used by schools nationwide to inspire independent play, creativity and teamwork. £55 at thedenkitco.com


5 FOR BOOKWORMS: TONIEBOX 2, FOR AGES ONE TO NINE Children’s development and interests evolve quickly, and the Toniebox 2 grows right alongside them. Designed for little listeners from 12 months through to older primary school age, this smart, screen-free audio player delivers full-length audiobooks, quizzes, games, challenges and songs without advertisements or distractions. It encourages literacy, language development, listening comprehension, memory and problem-solving skills — brought to life by their favourite characters. £94.99 at tonies.com


Save up to 65%


off the cover price + get a free Big Book of Even More Knowledge worth £20!


Forget throwaway toys. A giſt subscription to The Week Junior gives kids the tools to talk about the world and the joy of sharing their newfound knowledge with you. Feed their curiosity, boost their confidence and fuel family conversation by having it delivered to their door every week of the year. You’ll find plenty of ways to connect with them – at the dinner table and beyond.


Christmas subscriptions start in January so we don’t spoil the surprise. Plus you’ll be sent a Big Book of Even More Knowledge for them to unwrap on the big day if you subscribe by 11th December.


connection this Christmas


Give the giſt of


Order their subscription today Visit theweekjunior.co.uk/offer


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USE CODE Y25XM2


Christmas giſt subscriptions will start with the first issue on sale in January (received on or around 9th January 2026). You can subscribe up until 9am on 5th January 2026 to start with this first issue in the new year. The free book swill be sent separately from the first issue of the subscription and should arrive before Christmas if the subscription purchase is made before 11th December 2025. If the subscription purchase is made aſter 11th December 2025, we cannot guarantee delivery of the book before Christmas. The free book is only available with print and print + digital subscriptions and not Digital Only. Offer closing date is 31st January 2026.


01/10/2025 10:57


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