Gift finder

A closer look: Rather than being read cover to cover, it tends to come off the shelf for a quick check before a job: when to sow, how to plant, what to do with a tricky corner. A thoughtful choice for someone taking on their first garden, and slipping in a packet of seeds makes it feel like the start of a project.

Why we picked it: From the Royal Horticultural Society, a proper reference covering planning, sowing, planting and growing, for beginners and experts alike.

• Hardback
• Covers the whole garden
• Lots of photos
• Good for beginners and experts

What owners say: Really informative and easy to navigate, with lots of great photos.

A closer look: First to 200 points wins, but each extra card risks flipping a number already in front of you, which busts you out of the round. The deck holds twelve 12s but far fewer low cards, so big numbers score well yet bust players more often. Freeze, Flip Three and Second Chance cards add twists, and the box says ages 8 and up.

Why we picked it: A fast push-your-luck game that gets louder with every round. Teenagers and adults get equally hooked.

• 3+ players
• Quick rounds
• Easy rules
• Pocket size

What owners say: Brilliant fun for all ages, easy to learn and perfect for trips and holidays.

A closer look: Grown-ups have no built-in advantage here, which is half the fun: a sharp-eyed six-year-old can happily beat the whole table. Stick to one way of playing until everyone has the hang of spotting matches, then try the others, and keep the tin in a coat pocket for restaurant waits and train journeys.

Why we picked it: Spot the matching symbol before anyone else. Fast, easy and fun for all ages, in a travel tin.

• 2–8 players
• Ages 6+
• 5 ways to play
• Travel tin

What owners say: Quick, easy to learn and properly competitive. Kids and adults love it.

A closer look: Stand it open on the floor in front of them during tummy time and it gives them a reason to lift their head. In the early weeks, hold the pages fairly close to their face, as newborns focus best on things nearby. The sturdy board pages cope with grabbing and chewing, so it stays in use long after the newborn stage.

Why we picked it: Bold black and white pictures that newborns can actually see. A lovely little extra to tuck in with a bigger gift.

• Sturdy board book
• Bold black and white pictures
• Made for newborns

What owners say: Babies are drawn to the bold pictures, it’s sturdy enough for little hands, and it’s great value.

A closer look: The dimples along the edge let a little air in between blade and food, so slices of potato or cucumber fall away instead of clinging. At 107g it’s light, and the wide blade doubles as a scoop to carry chopped veg to the pan. A good pick for anyone who finds a big chef’s knife unwieldy.

• 17cm santoku blade
• Fluted edge stops food sticking
• Only 107g
• Ergonomic handle

What owners say: A favourite knife for many owners: sharp, holds its edge, and balanced and comfortable to use, especially for veg prep.

A closer look: Put the chips in one drawer and the chicken in the other, give each its own time and temperature, and set them to finish together. Each drawer takes up to 1kg of fries or a 1.6kg chicken, and the drawers and crisper plates go in the dishwasher. The dehydrate setting is a fun extra for dried apple rings.

• Two 3.8L drawers (7.6L)
• Both drawers finish together
• 6 functions, including dehydrate
• Dishwasher-safe drawers
• Serves 4–6

What owners say: Brilliant results and simple controls. Owners love cooking two things at once, and say it’s quicker and cheaper to run than the oven.

Heads up: At 38cm wide it takes a fair bit of worktop, so measure before buying.

A closer look: Taste them in order of strength: the 55% sea salt bar first, then the 60% coffee bar, the 70% Peruvian and finally the 85% Ecuadorian, the one for true dark fans. Let a square melt slowly on the tongue rather than chewing it to pick up more of the flavour. At 86g each, there’s plenty to share over the Christmas break.

Why we picked it: Four dark bars, from a gentle 55% sea salt to an intense 85%, made by a British craft chocolate maker. A tasting session in a box.

• 4 dark chocolate bars
• 55% to 85% cocoa
• British craft chocolate
• Gift ready

What owners say: Smooth, not bitter and some of the best chocolate they’ve had. A great gift for dark chocolate fans.

A closer look: Up to 24 hours of play from its 5,200mAh battery means days of bedroom listening between charges. Two drivers give a proper stereo spread, which suits a desk or bedside shelf. After a session in the shower or a soaking at the park, dry it off and let the charging port dry out before plugging it in.

Why we picked it: Waterproof, so it’s as happy in the shower as it is at the park, with big bass for its size.

• 12W with BassUp
• Waterproof (IPX7)
• Bluetooth

What owners say: Excellent sound and more than loud enough for its size, with a solid Bluetooth range.

A closer look: Jokes are one of the easiest ways to get a newly confident reader practising out loud, because each one is short and the payoff comes quickly. Leave it by the bed or in the car door pocket for journeys, with a pencil nearby so they can tick off the ones that got the biggest laugh.

Why we picked it: Jokes from the world of Roald Dahl, with Quentin Blake’s illustrations. Expect to hear every single one at Christmas dinner.

• Paperback
• Illustrated by Quentin Blake
• Ages 6+

What owners say: Delightful and easy to read. Kids giggle through it before they’re out of bed.

A closer look: Once the four characters are built, the same bricks rebuild into a cake with sprinkles, bubble tea, a pear and a panini, so the set gets pulled apart and played with rather than left on a shelf. With 150 pieces, including tiny eyes and mouths, a small tub or zip bag to keep them in is worth handing over too.

Why we picked it: Genuine LEGO: build a cupcake, ice cream, avocado and taco, each with a funny face.

• Genuine LEGO Classic
• Ages 4+
• Builds 4 food friends
• Step-by-step guide

What owners say: Bright, cute and great value, with little projects that are easy for kids to follow.