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Christmas is fast approaching, which means it’s the season of cosy nights, twinkling lights, and the delightful excuse to indulge in a boozy hot chocolate or a morning mince pie whenever the festive spirit strikes. It’s what Santa would have wanted.

Speaking of the big man in red, it won’t be long until he gears up for his world tour on the 24th, so it’s also prime time to start ticking off your own gift list to ensure you don’t leave things until the last minute. We know it’s easily done but running round the shopping centre on Christmas Eve with tearstained cheeks and an empty basket is enough to turn you into a proper Scrooge.

Buying for children can be a challenge, from babies and tots who can’t tell you what they want, to kids who, quite frankly, need parental supervision when they write their lists. Unless, of course, Amazon does Prime Delivery on piles of dirt and fairy magic.

So save yourself the stress. We’ve asked real parents for their tried and tested recommendations for this Christmas. Whether you’re shopping for your own child, a niece or nephew, or a friend’s little one, these picks are sure to land you on the nice list. From educational toys to imagination sparking books and sensory play, you really can’t go wrong.

Brown The Gruffalo Trail Set

Little adventurers will love the Gruffalo Trail Set, designed to spark outdoor exploration and imaginative play.

Inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved character, the kit is packed with fun essentials including binoculars, a bug catcher, a Gruffalo bag, a water bottle and more.

Perfect for toddlers aged three and up, it’s an ideal gift for budding explorers and nature lovers alike.

Buy Now for £42

LEGO Storage Head

Sure, LEGO is a great toy for problem solving and focus but as any parent will tell you, THERE ARE SO MANY PIECES.

Seriously, you can’t walk across a carpet without getting a sharp bit wedged under your foot.

So this storage pot is the perfect solution. It’s surprisingly spacious and available in a range of fun designs, plus they’re also stackable, making it easy to keep playrooms or bedrooms tidy.

Buy Now for £19.99

LCD Writing Tablet

This gift is such a steal for the price, and the perfect find for creative kids aged 3 and up who love to doodle.

The 10-inch large screen comes with a stylus pen and lets little ones draw, write or sketch. When they’re done, they can just wipe the screen clean.

It’s a lifesaver for long journeys, as parents don’t have to lug around piles of paper and pens.

Buy Now for £9.99

Yoto Player

If you’re looking to reduce kids’ screen time, the Yoto Player is a fab investment. Using physical cards, it plays stories, music, and educational content, boosting little ones' imagination and focus.

It's also perfect for bedtime, as it offers plenty of calming stories to help little ones unwind and fall asleep.

Buy Now for £90

Ewan the Dream Sheep Deluxe

This is the perfect gift for anyone expecting or a sleep-deprived parent desperately hoping for some shut-eye. Ewan easily straps onto any cot and plays calming sounds like white noise or a heartbeat to gently lull babies to sleep.

It even has a clever cry sensor that turns it on as soon as the baby stirs. Basically, it’s like having an extra pair of soothing hands for those tired parents.

Buy Now for £44.99

Globber Explorer Trike 4 in 1

Kids’ gear can get pricey, but this trike is a total game-changer. It grows with your child from 10 months all the way to 5 years, starting as an Infant Trike, then switching to Guided and Training modes, and finally transforming into a Balance Bike.

It’s basically like having four rides in one. Parents also love the easy mode changes and the handy push handle that helps guide little ones as they learn to steer.

Buy Now for £149.99

Jolly Santa

While some Jellies only appear for seasonal fun, Jolly Santa is busy all year long.

From polishing his boots and keeping the reindeer in check to mapping sleigh routes in summer, he’s always planning ahead.

He even makes time to sample every batch of Amuseables Brigitte Brioche’s gingerbread for quality control. For Santa, festive cheer isn’t just for one day – it’s a way of life.

Buy Now for £45

Speed Track

For kids who love wheels, this Speed Track is an absolute must-have. Stretching up to six metres, it lets you build loops, jumps, and twists for endless racing fun.

The cars stay firmly on the track, and it's easy to wind up and store away when you're not using it.

Buy Now for £36.99

Little People Big Dreams 5 Books Set

This iconic book set will introduce little ones to inspiring figures throughout history, whether it’s musical legends like David Bowie and Elton John, influential activists like Malala Yousafzai, or pioneering scientists such as Marie Curie.

The books are bright and colorful for engagement and a great tool for sparking conversation on big things like perseverance, creativity, and making the world a better place for everyone.

Buy Now for £17.99 (was £34.95) – save £16.96

Sherpa Fleece Top & Jogger Outfit

Buying for the little fashionista in your love? This two-piece jogger set from KIDLY by MORI has that Scandi-cool vibe.

The Sherpa fleece can keep them nice and cosy in the colder months, and it’s available from six months to seven years. We only wish it came in adult sizes…

Buy Now for £48

Curved Wooden Baby Play Gym & Charms Set Rainbow

Play gyms are fantastic for babies as they offer sensory stimulation, encourage motor skills, and provide a safe space to explore and play.

If you’re after a stylish alternative to plastic, The Little Greene Sheep's play gym is a perfect choice.

It's crafted from certified organic cotton and hand-oiled 100% beech solid wood, and free from harmful chemicals.

Buy Now for £39.99 (Was £79.95)

Joyreal Montessori Busy Board

This Montessori Busy Board is amazing for toddlers, encouraging exploration and hands-on learning.

It's made from natural wood with smooth edges to keep little hands safe, and it's designed to boost dexterity, hand-eye co-ordination, and fine motor skills.

A great gift for skill-building and an easy way to occupy their attention away from screens.

Buy Now for £21.99

Bath Beats Musical Bath Toy Gift Set

Bath time is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your baby, but not every little one loves getting wet.

That’s where toys come as they can make it more fun and engaging. This set includes a Dingray xylophone, an Octodrum rhythm toy, and two starfish shakers, all perfect distractions as you get them all soapy and clean!

Buy Now for £15.99 (was £22.99)

Red Gingerbread Man Set

No matter what anyone says, matching festive pajamas are absolutely cool, and if you can’t rock a bit of coordination at Christmas, when can you?

This Red Gingerbread Man Set from Next comes in kids' sizes from 9 months to 16 years, plus sleepsuits for newborns, adult sizes, and even pet options. So the whole family can get in on the festive fun.

Buy Now

Christmas Sleepsuit

These all‑in‑one pyjamas are crafted from soft organic cotton, with flatlock seams designed to be gentle on sensitive skin.

Extra‑long cuffs at the sleeves and legs can be folded down as your child grows, while a two‑way zip running from neck to ankle makes dressing quick and easy.

Buy Now for £24

Jewellery Making Kit

Encourage little ones to get creative with this make‑your‑own jewellery kit. Presented in a clear acrylic box, it comes with colourful beads shaped like animals, fruits and alphabet letters, along with string and mini scissors.

Children can design personalised bracelets, necklaces and more, while developing fine motor skills through imaginative play. For an extra thoughtful touch, the lid can be customised with a name or message.

Buy Now for £35

Vintage Popcorn Machine

Bring the magic of the movies home with this charming toy popcorn machine. Beautifully made from sustainable wood, it’s packed with clever details to spark imaginative, realistic play.

Buy Now for £39.95

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‘Why are you using that?’ A stranger said, pointing to my cane. 

‘I’m disabled and sometimes need mobility support,’ I replied. 

That should have been the end of the conversation, instead, they scoffed, gave me a disgusted look and walked away. That told me everything I needed to know about their opinion of disabled people.

When such vitriol towards disabled people exists, it’s easy to see why it’s so hard for some people to accept the label – I know I certainly did.

For more than a decade, I never used the word ‘disabled’ about myself. I was ashamed of it, I feared it even.

But now, at 31, I finally feel genuine pride in my identity – in fact, it’s a defining part of who I am as a person – and I want others to feel the same.

I wasn’t always disabled: for the first 14 years of my life I felt like a normal(ish) kid. I had a few minor health issues but nothing serious. 

Then, in summer 2008, I contracted sepsis following a severe throat infection which, over the next few years, would lead to me developing numerous disabling chronic illnesses including: chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome, joint hypermobility syndrome, and an autoimmune condition called localised scleroderma. 

All this, I later learned, meant I technically qualified as disabled, but I never thought of myself that way.

I remember having this preconceived idea of what being disabled looked like: either you were a wheelchair user or someone who was hard of hearing and that was it. There was no in-between, no grey area.

This belief wasn’t helped by the fact that, whenever I discussed my symptoms, everyone would tell me I was ‘sick, not disabled’ – as if being the latter was the worst thing anyone could possibly be.

Some went even further, saying they would ‘rather die’ than live my life and so I often found myself downplaying my symptoms to appear ‘normal’.

There was also a part of me that didn’t feel like I was disabled enough to use the term. I worried that I would somehow steal attention away from someone more ‘worthy’.

Nothing makes you more comfortable claiming an identity than facing the discrimination attached to it, though.

It was when trying to prove that I’m not ‘just an overly sensitive woman’ – yes, that’s a direct quote from a doctor – while fighting for basic medical care that my attitude around the word started to change. 

I knew I should be receiving help and support but was being let down repeatedly – as many disabled people are. 

But I also hoped that by embracing the word, I might be able to better explain my lived experience and improve my access to the world. 

This didn’t stop the inequality overnight, of course – at work, for example, one ex-employer questioned whether I was ‘really disabled’ and took their time installing reasonable adjustments, such as a standing desk and flexible hours, despite my obvious need for them – but it has made me more confident in speaking up about such treatment.

In fact, since accepting this as part of my identity, I have immersed myself wholeheartedly in the disabled community to try and fight for our rights because the reality is disabled people still don’t have equality.

An estimated one in four adults in the UK has a disability, but it’s my opinion that we are still used as scapegoats. We are portrayed by both the media and government as economic burdens and as a result we face higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and educational disparities.

Legally, we are supposed to have protections for these things, but society has only grown more hostile towards us. In the year to March 2024 there were more than 10,000 incidents of hate crime against disabled people recorded in England and Wales, yet only 1% were convicted of violent offences. 

My heart breaks whenever I see headlines attacking our community. I feel rage when another friend tells me about being harassed in the street or how they were rejected from a job due to accessibility requirements. Most of all, though, I feel confused.

The disabled community is the only marginalised group anyone can join at any time, so why do so few non-disabled people care about how we’re treated? The ignorance is infuriating.

That’s why I think everyone should take a moment to acknowledge International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It’s a chance to recognise our differences, celebrate our similarities and create a world that truly involves all of us.

I know that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my experience of disability and chronic illness. 

It’s why I will always celebrate being part of a one-billion strong global community that champions each other, even when the world wants us to sit down and shut up. 

I won’t ever be silent. 

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

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After a sleepless night, you’ll feel slow, sluggish, and wish you were back in bed – but until you finally get there, your body is working overtime to keep you going.

The impact of a single night without shut-eye pale in comparison to chronic insomnia, which can lead to a weakened immune system, mental health issues, menstrual irregularities and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Still, according to the experts, any amount of missed sleep has the potential to start a ‘ripple effect’ of physiological responses, increasing in severity the longer you’re awake.

One study found that staying up for 24 hours is akin to drinking four glasses of wine or beer, while sleep deprived teenagers eat 210 more calories the next day for every hour of rest lost.

Dr David Garley, director at The Better Sleep Clinic tells Metro that the way your body reacts to sleeplessness throughout the day depends on your chronotype – aka when you tend to be most alert and productive – and ‘a night owl would feel this more in the morning, whereas a lark might feel it more in the evening.’

Assuming you stick to the ‘standard’ 9-5 schedule though, here’s what goes on behind the scenes when you don’t get any sleep the night before.

First thing in the morning

When your alarm goes off after a night spent staring at the ceiling, Dr Hana Patel, NHS GP and resident sleep expert at Time4Sleep says ‘you’ll likely feel immediately unrefreshed.’

‘Despite being exhausted, you might also feel a little jittery or stimulated as your body tries to force you into wakefulness,’ she tells Metro.

‘Sleep deprivation can also impact your appearance, so you might have more hanging eyelids, red and swollen eyes, dark circles and wrinkles around the eyes, or droopier corners of the mouth.’

According to Dr Garley, ‘blunted’ cognition and an ’emotionally slightly friable’ feeling tends to be worse for night owls in those first few hours of the day.

One hour into your day

‘One hour after your usual wake time, your cortisol levels will rise sharply as the body interprets lack of sleep as a threat to stability, giving you a temporary sensation of alertness driven by stress,’ explains Dr Patel.

‘Cortisol – also known as the “stress hormone” – normally peaks an hour after waking up no matter the quality of your sleep, but this is typically worsened by bad sleep. Elevated cortisol is linked to heightened anxiety and reduced immune function, and can even lead to insomnia if it persists.’

Mid-morning

At this point, Dr Garley says many are comfortably into the day phase of the circadian rhythm, which can support function despite poor sleep, commenting: ‘Mood and cognition can improve, along with energy levels.’

That said, others may find the opposite is true, instead experiencing reduced focus levels and memory, problem-solving, and emotional capabilities.

‘This is because cognitive functions are impaired after a sleepless night, causing you to experience brain fog,’ says Dr Patel. ‘Due to low energy, your physical strength and energy levels will typically be lower too, with a slower reaction time.’

Lunchtime

‘Poor sleep affects the hormones leptin and ghrelin, and this works to increase your appetite,’ says Dr Garley. ‘This might mean you have a bigger lunch, perhaps more carb craving.’

However, he adds that it’s important to resist your most ravenousness impulses, as the natural midday dip in most people’s circadian rhythmsdoesn’t pair well with a carb-heavy meal, and ‘could make for some quite significant drowsiness.’

Mid-afternoon

As the day continues and the circadian rhythm slump is over, Dr Garley says you may ‘get a second wind’, with your mood, productivity and energy picking up.

But as Dr Patel also notes, at the five to eight-hour mark after you’d normally have woken up, you might go through episodes of ‘miscrosleep’, which is an involuntary and very brief intrusion of sleep. And while this usually only lasting a few seconds, it can be especially dangerous if you’re driving or using heavy machinery.

‘Sleep deprivation can also affect your emotional state, leaving you more irritable, impatient, depressed, or anxious,’ she continues. ‘The amygdala, responsible for processing emotions, becomes more reactive after a sleepless night, so smaller stressors feel bigger, often leaving people overwhelmed and more sensitive than usual.’

The rest of the day

Dr Patel says: ‘As fatigue accumulates into the afternoon and evening, motivation and concentration generally decline further. It can be tempting to try to nap to combat the tiredness; however, this can be counter productive and can impact your ability to sleep well when you do go to bed.’

Rather than napping, he recommends waiting until your regular bedtime so you can recover your normal sleep cycle, as well as trying to avoid processed or salty foods, as these can cause you to feel more fatigued.

This evening decline is probably more likely for morning larks, says Dr Garley, whereas night owls ‘might start feeling themselves a bit more’.

Either way, he highlights the importance of not putting things in the spotlight too much, as this ‘can lead to higher amounts of stress and worry than might be justified.’

Dr Garley continues: ‘This worry can actually be what disrupts your sleep further, and lead to more consistent problems with sleep.

‘The best thing you can do when sleep deprived is to be kind to yourself, try to keep your day as typical as you can, and avoid the urge to go to bed too early the following night, as this can sometimes throw off your natural rhythm.’

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