The Duchess of Edinburgh got into the festive spirit with a Christmas tree-hued dress as she was seen arriving at King Charles’ pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, which was also attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Weird Science star Kelly LeBrock revealed she now lives like a ‘recluse’ after moving out of Hollywood for a simple ranch life in California

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Kate Middleton’s ‘grid girl’ look couldn’t be more different than her usual royal wardrobe. See photo.

Prince Louis stole his older brother Prince George’s Christmas jumper from 2020 on the way to King Charles’ festival meal with his parents and siblings at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, 16 December

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Christmas countdown is on, and while some may have started (and completed) their Christmas shopping in Black Friday, others may need a little more time to find the perfect gift. 

Granted, shopping for girls can be tricky. Whether it’s a six-year-old who’s outgrown her old toys or a pre-teen eager to feel a little more grown-up. It seems their interests change every other day, and it can be hard to keep up. 

They’re a tough crowd to impress, and the last thing you want is for the young girl in your life, whether she is a daughter, niece, granddaughter, or sibling, to wake up on Christmas morning feeling like they landed on the naughty list thanks to your gift. 

That’s why we’ve curated a gift list for girls of all ages, asking real parents for their approved  picks. From budding fashionistas and creative artists to future lionesses and STEM trailblazers, these gifts are sure to please. 

We have whittled down the absolute best Christmas gifts for girls of all ages and interests – you can thank us later.

Shop Our Top Christmas Gifts For Girls:

Astrid & Miyu Welded Bracelet

If you have a teenage girl in your life, you may find it hard to get quality time with them. The solution – a gift that delivers both. Astrid & Miyu allows you to book a welded bracelet that is a gift for life. Not only do you have a chic piece of jewellery for her, but it can double up as a day out making memories together too.

BUY NOW FROM £35

Boux Avenue Red Heart Pyjamas In A Bag

A pair of Boux Avenue’s PJs in a Bag are a sell-out success. In fact, one sells every 30 seconds. So, if you know a girl who likes to be cosy, and on-trend, this ticks both boxes.

BUY NOW FOR £40

M&S Hello Kitty and Friends Faux Fur Bucket Bag

A gift a girl of any age will appreciate – even the millennials out there who grew up being Hello Kitty obsessed.

BUY NOW FOR £18.50

StylPro Beauty Podlette

For the teens who are starting to show an interest in beauty and skincare (just not retinols please), then this Beauty Podlette will go down a storm. There are compartments to store their prized beauty possessions – and keep the room tidy, which is an added bonus.

BUY NOW FOR £29.99

Instax Mini 12

Whether you know a budding photographer, an artist, or someone who loves to be creative away from their mobile phone, an Instax Mini never goes amiss.

BUY NOW FOR £74.99 (was £79.99)

LANEIGE Dreamy Lip Kit Gift Set

Laneige is a popular beauty brand, so if your little lady likes beauty but is too young for the big brands, then a set of lip balms is a great way to start. Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is deeply nourishing and hydrating, but gentle on the skin too.

BUY NOW FOR £20

Monster High Wednesday Addams Collectable Doll

If she’s less into Barbie pink and more drawn to a touch of gothic eeriness, a Wednesday Addams Collectible Doll is sure to raise a smile. Actually, knowing a Wednesday fan, probably not. Still, the doll is a perfect replica, dressed in the Nevermore Academy uniform complete with some platform heels, a bold belt and spiderweb tights. She also comes with a doll stand, a backpack, and Thing accessories.

Buy Now for £35

FUNLOCKETS Secret Journal

This journal is perfect for ages 6 and over, and can encourage little ones to note down their thoughts and feelings. It comes with a lockable case and secret key, plus fun stationery like notebooks, bookmarks, stickers, stencils, and gems.

Buy Now for £15

Dislocati Karaoke Machine

If you know a budding singer, this karaoke machine is the perfect way for them to hone their skills. It's lightweight and portable, so you can move from room to room or take it with you on holiday. It delivers an immersive 360-degree sound, and it even lets you experiment with funny voices for extra laughs, making it a hit for the whole family to enjoy.

Buy Now for £17.99

Tiny Treasures Baby Dolls Carrier

This adorable accessory is perfect for little ones who love imaginative play. They can take their favourite dolls or cuddly toys on fun adventures, whether it’s exploring around the house or heading out for a stroll. The adjustable straps ensure a snug and comfortable fit that grows with the child, and it even comes with its own organza storage bag.

Buy Now for £11

Wireless Bluetooth Dance Mat

Yep, we’re taking it back to the early noughties with an electronic dance mat. An oldie but a classic, this design is battery-operated and has an upgraded Bluetooth function to sync with your own playlists. There are five speeds and nine levels to tackle, plus it has a slip pad to avoid accidents, and it’s easy to wipe clean between uses.

Buy Now for £49.99

LEGO Modular Space Station

LEGO is more than just fun. It’s a brilliant way to boost creativity and fine motor skills in children, and this Modular Space Station set could be an exciting find for any young space enthusiast. Designed for ages 7 and up, it features over 1,000 pieces, including some small ones, so little builders will need to handle them with care. But putting it together can be a really rewarding project.

Buy Now FOR £62.99

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Galt Toys Science Lab

Nurture their love of science and experiments with this Galt STEM set. It's packed with over 20 exciting experiments to discover, including creating a floaty ghost, building a test tube kaleidoscope, or making their own bouncy ball. They can even explore how to stack liquids and create some rather lively lava.

Buy Now for£15

Kickmaster Steel 5 x 3ft Premier Football Goal

With the Lionesses dominating the pitch, it’s such an exciting time for women’s football and the next generation of talented players. This net is great for home practice, with a rust resistant paint finish and a strong, steel frame that makes it ideal for outside use.

Buy Now for £25

Juicy Couture Crystal Sunshine Jewellery Set

For the little fashionista who loves making her own bespoke and unique accessories, this kit has everything she'll need to craft her very own Juicy Couture jewellery. They can get creative with a mix of faux suede, sparkly beads and Swarovski crystals, plus the kit can also help youngsters develop their visual, tactile-sensory, and fine-motor skills.

Buy Now for £10

Kinetic Sand Kit

Kinetic sand makes a fantastic gift for kids who love to get creative. It’s mouldable and easy to shape, and the best part? It only sticks to itself, not everything else. So unlike regular sand (that seems to get into every nook and cranny) this kinetic kit is a win for kids and parents. The set includes 2lb of sand, plus moulds and tools to get stuck into, and it won’t dry out, meaning there’s hours of fun to be had.

Buy Now for £22

Sandsuced Kids Merino Wool Socks

Winter is the ultimate cosy season, so keep their toes toasty with this set of six adorable socks. Cat lovers will adore the playful feline designs, while the soft merino wool keeps feet snug against the winter chill while still feeling breathable on the skin. They're also machine-washable, so you don't need to worry about puddles soaking through the toes or accidental spills.

Buy Now for £10.39

Starter Skincare Gift Box For Girls

It's no wonder young girls have such an interest in skincare, especially when social media is awash with 10-step routines and strict regiments. This set from Spots & Stripes lets them experiment safely, without harming their delicate complexions. It includes an organic muslin cloth, as well as the Skin Goals Gentle Cleansing Lotion, which clears congestion without stripping natural oils, and the Super Balm, which is a multi-purpose wonder for blemishes, dry skin, chapped lips and even eczema.

Buy Now for £28

POSCA Pens

Posca acrylic pens are the perfect tool for young artists to unleash their creativity. Available in seven vibrant shades, their versatile tips make it easy to layer and blend for extra detail, and they can work on virtually any surface, meaning everyday objects can become a fun, new canvas.

Buy Now for £22.99

Girls Who Changed the World Book

This book by Michelle Roehm McCann brings together an inspiring lineup of young women who left their mark on history before even turning twenty. From Cleopatra to Mindy Kaling, and Aretha Franklin to Emma Watson, each story highlights how they shaped the world and created opportunities that changed their lives.

Buy Now for £7.35

Have you started or even finished your shopping yet? Let us know what’s left in the comments section below.

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Everywhere you turn, someone is coughing and sneezing at the moment. 

To make matters worse, there’s the supposed ‘super flu’ surge to contend with, and it’s the end of the year, so many of us will be feeling pretty run down after a busy 12 months.

But if you’re desperate to try and avoid getting sick ahead of Christmas, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk, according to a doctor.

Dr Suzanne Wylie, a GP and medical advisor for IQdoctor, has shared five top tips with Metro that she claims can make a ‘meaningful difference’ to your health.

Here’s what she recommends…

Vitamins, vitamins, vitamins 

I’m sorry to say that there’s no one single ‘superfood’ that you can pile your plate with for every meal to stave off sickness.

That said, the food you eat does impact your health, so Dr Wylie advises following a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, as well as wholegrains and protein, as these support your body’s ‘normal immune function’.

Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc also play a role in immune health, so if your diet is lacking in any of these, she says it could be ‘reasonable’ to start taking a standard daily supplement – particularly, Vitamin D during the gloomy winter months.

However, be sure to read the packaging carefully, as Dr Wylie doesn’t recommend taking a high-dose supplement. These are unlikely to provide any extra ‘protection’ and sometimes can cause harm. 

‘More is not always better,’ she warns.

Avoid alcohol

While you’re thinking about the food you’re putting in your body, you’ll also want to examine what you’re drinking, as staying hydrated is crucial.

Drink plenty of water and fluids, but you might want to moderate your alcohol intake. ‘Tis the season for a festive tipple, but that Christmas cocktail or glass of fizz could end up disrupting your sleep, which in turn can impact your immune responses. 

Good sleep strengthens your immune system, helping your body to fight off illness and infections, so it’s really important to be catching those zzz’s if you don’t want to get sick. 

You’ll also want to ensure you’re not getting too stressed out and resting enough during the day as well.

Dr Wylie adds: ‘Poor sleep and chronic stress are associated with a higher risk of infection, so prioritising good sleep hygiene, taking breaks and allowing time to recover if you feel run down are genuinely important.’

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Get a flu jab 

According to the doc, there’s no tablet that you can take when you feel the sniffles coming on that’ll reliably prevent colds or flu. 

‘Over-the-counter remedies may help relieve symptoms if you do become unwell, but they don’t stop viruses taking hold,’ she explains. 

‘The most effective medical protection remains vaccination: having your flu jab if you’re eligible, and ensuring COVID vaccinations are up to date, significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and helps protect others as well.’

Wear a mask 

And speaking of COVID, it might be time to dig out your old face masks from the pandemic – or buy a new one.

Dr Wylie claims they ‘do work’ when used ‘properly’ as they reduce the spread of respiratory droplets and ‘can lower the risk of catching a virus and passing one on’.

The mask needs to cover your nose and mouth with no gaps, and you should wash your hands before and after touching it. 

It’s not a ‘perfect’ solution, but wearing a well-fitting mask on public transport or while out doing your Christmas shopping in busy spaces adds a ‘sensible additional layer of protection’ during peak respiratory virus season.

And if you’re still not convinced, it might help to know that the British Medical Journal recently reviewed the science and also agreed that masks help.

They said: ‘In community settings, any mask use is protective during epidemics, especially if used early, when combined with hand hygiene, and if wearers are compliant.

‘Community use of N95 respirators is more protective than surgical masks, which are more protective than cloth masks, but even cloth masks provide some protection.’

They added that ‘extensive evidence’ gathered during the Covid-19 pandemic supports the use of masks during periods of high epidemic activity of any respiratory illness, such as flu.

Practice good Tube hygiene

As well as wearing a mask on the Tube, you might want to take several other precautions when using trains and buses, like washing your hands or using alcohol hand sanitiser after touching handrails and other shared surfaces.

Avoid touching your face where possible, and also consider where you’re standing/sitting. Ideally, you’d want to keep some distance from others when you can.

‘Good ventilation matters,’ points out Dr Wylie. ‘Standing near open doors or vents can help.’

And if you’re feeling unwell at all, it would be considerate to avoid travelling if you can, so you don’t make others sick. 

She adds: ‘Taken together, these sensible, evidence-based steps give you the best chance of staying well and enjoying the festive period in good health.’

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