The best gifts for schoolchildren: big and small gifts for 6-year-olds and up

Children love to try new things like experience adventures or create their own fantasy worlds. If you want to choose a great gift for school children, you must consider their interests. But what topics interest children from the age of 6, 8 or 10? And which gifts are educational? In this article, we share big and small gift ideas for schoolchildren. We'll also tell you which gifts are suitable for girls and boys.

Gifts for school children - tips

A new phase of life begins for most children at the age of 6, as they start school and are exposed to a completely new world. In primary school, boys and girls learn arithmetic, reading and writing and develop their skills further. At this age, children are excited to learn new things and want to know exactly how the world works. 6-year-olds are still fascinated by role-playing and like to slip into other characters.

If you want to get a great gift for a child over 6, it should match the child's development and interests. At this age, boys and girls have a wide range of interests, from building projects and board games to sports activities.

Painting or craft sets are a great gift idea to encourage creative skills. For boys, a wooden craft set would be exciting, while for girls, making their own jewellery can be a highlight. Books for beginners also encourage the child's imagination and fantasy.

If the child would like to try something sociable and new, then board games or puzzles are great gift ideas. It is great fun for them to crack puzzles or compete with friends or family. There are also mysteries to solve in nature. For example, what does a leaf look like under a magnifying glass? For young explorers, a junior microscope is a great gift to introduce them to the world of science.

If you want to encourage exercise and games outside, there are many gift ideas, for example, balls, hula hoops, stilts, throwing games, a swing or a trampoline. Remember to always consult with parents about larger gifts.

Other gift ideas:

• A fluffy cuddly toy

• A wristwatch or smartwatch

• A bag or backpack

What inspires boys & girls aged 8 and over

8-year-olds have a great thirst for knowledge and love to observe the world around them. They are very keen to experiment and want to understand what is happening around them. They are also learning to form their own opinions. This is reflected in their interests as many 8-year-olds develop a passion for a certain topic or a hobby and like to spend as much time as possible doing it. In general, children at this age are already independent to a large extent, but still need the loving support of their parents.

We have put together the best gift ideas for you, so you are sure to give something of value:

For active people:

Vehicles, for example, inline skates, a scooter, a skateboard or a bike are ideal for gaining independence and travelling further. A helmet and protective equipment can be given as a matching gift. Ball games are also a big hit with 8-year-olds from badminton, fireball, and football to boccia. Another idea is a sports bag to hold all their new sports equipment.

For the creative:

Many children like to paint and draw, therefore sets such as 'paint by numbers' help improve their fine motor skills in the process. If a child is interested in drawing techniques, a drawing book or a painting course would also be a nice idea.

For the musically inclined:

Musical instruments, for example, a recorder or keyboard, give children the opportunity to develop their musical and motor skills. If you want to go one step further, you could surprise music fans with a music camp. This would be a fantastic experience where; the child can share his or her passion with other children and gain unforgettable memories.

For architects:

If children are interested in technology, a construction game would be an exciting surprise. It can be used to learn how to strategize and train the imagination. Children can also train their cognitive skills and concentration with 3D puzzles.

For the imaginative:

Who doesn't dream of a bed under the stars? With a starry sky projector, this dream can become reality and the child's imagination can be stimulated. Children's books are also an ideal gift to immerse them in new worlds. Reading is a great way for children to develop their language. For those who prefer to listen, audiobooks are also a great gift.

Gifts for 10–11-year-olds: How to surprise boys and girls aged 10 and older

Identity and self-esteem become increasingly important for children aged 10 and older. They start to attach greater importance to outward appearances (such as clothing or styling) and are increasingly oriented towards their peers. Children in this age group want to be independent and no longer be seen as young children. Nevertheless, parents are still the most important role models. 10-year-old girls and boys love to discover new things and experience adventures.

If you are looking for a gift for a 10- or 11-year-old, then we have collected some ideas to inspire you:

Gift ideas for action:

How about some thrills with a strategy or puzzle game? The Rubik's Cube, for example, provides endless entertainment. Those who prefer to try some magic can practise with a magic set and then entertain family and friends with a little magic show.

Styling gift ideas:

Friendships are an important part of a young person’s life, so friendship bracelets are the perfect opportunity for this. You can buy them ready-made or make them yourself. 10-year-old girls also like to get creative with a nail or make-up set. Here they can try their hand at creating cool looks.

Gift ideas for relaxing

For music fans, headphones are a good idea. Look for models that have a volume limit to protect children's sensitive ears. A Bluetooth speaker is also great for a cosy afternoon with an audiobook.

Other practical gift ideas:

• With a lightbox, children can write little messages, and use it as a light source and decoration.

• In a beautiful storage box, children can collect different items. For girls, a jewellery box in which they can store their necklaces, rings and bracelets, is a good idea.

• How about an underwater camera for the next holiday? That way, children will enjoy going swimming even more.

Conclusion: How to find the perfect gift for schoolchildren

To find the right gift for schoolchildren, you can look at the child's development. How are their abilities developed? Where can you positively encourage them? In addition, the child's interests can be an inspiration for your choice. As children get older, they become more interested in certain topics or hobbies. Some children are sporty, some love to be creative and others prefer to go exploring in nature. But all schoolchildren have one thing in common: they are happy to receive presents.

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