![Get organised for this year's Elf on the Shelf adventures.](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/w/g/s/v/image.related.landscape.380x253.gswbi2.png/1480037160679.jpg)
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![Presents don't have to be toys to be awesome.](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/d/a/i/7/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.gld86k.gjzsb9.png/1478742997929.jpg)
20 non-toy holiday gift ideas for kids
Children everywhere have already begun to give serious thought to their holiday wish-list while parents everywhere have already begun to cringe with the realisation that in just a few weeks more toys will be invading their home.
![Easy ways to make your gifts presentable.](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/p/o/l/z/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.glpmtm.gjzsb9.png/1478742997929.jpg)
Five gift wrapping hacks for Christmas
There are two types of people in this world, those who are amazing at wrapping Christmas presents – and the rest.
![Xmas craft](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/j/n/1/d/6/image.related.landscape.120x80.gjn1ag.gjzsb9.png/1478742997929.jpg)
![Save that wrapping paper for some Christmas day games.](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/e/6/m/f/image.related.landscape.120x80.glchr9.gjzsb9.png/1478742997929.jpg)
![Cracker jokes for kids.](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/u/2/h/6/image.related.landscape.120x80.glfado.gjzsb9.png/1478742997929.jpg)
![ULTRA-COOL: Have fun opening one of these each day. Photo: Donna Bailey @ Stampin Up](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/3/l/f/m/4/image.related.landscape.120x80.11waau.gjzsb9.png/1478742997929.jpg)
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![Reid Duggan-Tierney checks out his Santa sleigh design.](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/r/6/6/4/image.related.landscape.300x200.gsr61w.png/1479359540816.jpg)
We meet a real Lego designer who's calling on kids to make their own Lego Santa sleigh for a competition
What Lego-loving kid can resist a good design competition? Kids have the opportunity to design, make and submit their very own Lego version of a Santa sleigh for Lego's latest competition for Christmas 2016.
![ebay Gift Lab. Supplied](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/r/j/8/2/image.related.landscape.300x200.gsrifx.png/1479357973208.jpg)
Out with screens and in with nostalgia: the top toy trends for Christmas 2016
Including the craze no-one saw coming!
![<a ...](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/l/7/j/f/image.related.landscape.300x200.gsl8kq.png/1479188088028.jpg)
11 strange Christmas foods you need to know about
Christmas is supposed to be a time for a deliciously stuffed roast turkey and a round of classic mince pies but not everyone is on board with the traditional menu.
![Magnetic Polaroid frames to decorate and frame your memories.](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/n/2/y/f/image.related.landscape.300x200.gsmykm.png/1479163814754.jpg)
The Essential Kids stocking stuffing guide for kids and teens
The greatest thing about stocking filler surprise gifts is that you usually get more than one treat and they tend to be more affordable and long lasting.
![<a href="http://pickleheadsoup.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/attack-of-lego-people.html" target="_blank">By Pickleheadsoup</a>](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/a/0/z/8/image.related.landscape.300x200.gsa0fb.png/1479076508330.jpg)
25 Elf on the Shelf ideas
Christmas for many of us can be a drain on creativity but we always want to make it magical for the kids. If you're embracing the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon this year, you may need a helping hand with inspiration because we just know how many other things you have on your plate.
![These Seedling DIY butterfly wings would be lots of fun, and you can wear them afterwards! $42.95 at <a ...](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/l/4/5/6/image.related.landscape.300x200.gsi81s.png/1478830208151.jpg)
50 of the best Christmas gifts for kids and teens
Take the hassle out of Christmas shopping this year, with our 2016 gift guide and tick off your list well in advance.
![Strike a balance between what kids want and what they need this Christmas.](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/m/y/d/k/image.related.landscape.300x200.gsmxsh.png/1478818648518.jpg)
Useful Christmas gifts for kids that will save you money later
Worried about how Christmas is going to hit your hip pocket? Check out this list for everyday items that are special enough to masquerade as gifts.
![The kids who have the answers.](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/i/b/d/1/image.related.landscape.300x200.gsib60.png/1478234954542.jpg)
Kids man hotline for clueless parents on what they want for Christmas
A survey of 2000 parents found that 68 per cent had no idea what to buy their kids for Christmas.
![The top eight gifts that teachers would rather not receive.](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/h/s/1/f/image.related.landscape.300x200.gshs0l.png/1478468715226.jpg)
Please, no more coffee mugs! What teachers really want for their end of year gifts
If you're thinking of buying your child's teacher a box of chocolates or a scented candle for their end of year gift – while we know it's always the thought the counts –they're among the most "worst" gifts teachers receive.
![Available at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/krukrustudio" title="">Krukrustudio</a>](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/g/y/4/h/image.related.landscape.300x200.gsgwfk.png/1478134358815.jpg)
Perfect gift alert: astonishing book bags made to look like your all-time favourite books
This takes the meaning of 'book bag' to a whole other level.
![Shoppers gather outside a US branch of Toys R Us.](/web/20161129060540im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/g/1/5/a/image.related.landscape.300x200.gsbw0f.png/1477530479484.jpg)
Toys R Us to offer quiet shopping hour for children with autism
Branches of Toys R Us across the UK will be holding a 'quiet hour' on the morning of Sunday 6th November, aimed at parents and carers of children with autism.
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