Creative play: Christmas gift ideas that encourage imaginative play

Crisp mornings, the nights drawing in and a smell of cinnamon in the air? The festive season has almost arrived, which can only mean one thing - the wonderful and magical time that is Christmas Day is on its way!

Creative play: Christmas gift ideas that encourage imaginative play

Crisp mornings, the nights drawing in and a smell of cinnamon in the air? The festive season has almost arrived, which can only mean one thing - the wonderful and magical time that is Christmas Day is on its way!

Crisp mornings, the nights drawing in and a smell of cinnamon in the air? The festive season has almost arrived, which can only mean one thing - the wonderful and magical time that is Christmas Day is on its way!

And we have no doubt that your little ones are eager to get those wish-lists off to Santa and his elves at the North Pole. The good news is, Chad Valley has everything you need to keep your kids happy, so grab yourself a cuppa and help them get those letters written.

Whether your children love playing at being a chef, want to be a super-stylish pretend hairdresser or even a mini horse rider, any one of these toys will make you the best gift-giver ever. Your children will be just like happy little elves when they're setting up house, creating fab hairstyles, cooking up a storm or riding into the sunset. Chad Valley's brilliant range of more than 400 toys has plenty of exciting ideas for you to choose from.

So, whatever you decide to go for, whether it's the fantastical Unicorn Rocking Horse, Sophia the stylist doll, the brilliantly realistic remote-controlled digger or even a colourful caterpillar chum to follow them around, Chad Valley's toys promise to inspire and spark children's imaginations. And while a White Christmas isn't always a given, these fantastic toys will guarantee that there'll be lots of happy, smiley faces when Christmas morning comes! Discover our top picks here?

Deluxe Wooden Kitchen

Perfect for cooking up a storm! Let budding chefs loose in their own kitchen and soon they'll be in yours helping to make their own lunch. Great for inspiring creative play, this kitchen is almost a metre high and has plenty of exciting features to explore, including a fridge with a chalkboard, a freezer with a real ice dispenser, sink with turning taps, opening appliance doors and five clicking dials. Whether they're making pretend bacon and eggs or serving up a round of chilled drinks on a warm day, they're sure to have hours of fun in this smart, sturdy kitchen.

Sophia Stylist Doll Set,

Creative play: Christmas gift ideas that encourage imaginative play

If your child has a flair for hair, nurture their creative talents with stylist doll Sophia. As well as her super-soft long, flowing locks that are just right for plaiting, primping and ponytails, she comes with hair rollers, hair clips, a battery operated hairdryer, straighteners, a brush, and a stylist trolley with fold out drawers and wheels, so there's no hairstyle your child won't be able to try. They can put her hair into gentle waves, bouncy curls or backcombed bunches, write in her doll diary and even wear her pretty charm bracelet with a heart pendant.

Unicorn Rocking Horse

Creative play: Christmas gift ideas that encourage imaginative play

Giddy up! Let your little ones gallop off for a ride on this magical, marvellous unicorn rocking horse and who knows where they'll end up? Its pretty pink hooves could take them to a party with princesses, a fantasy castle or to play with new friends in a land of make-believe. With an enchanted horn, a soft plush body, comfy saddle, and a strokeable fluffy mane and tail, it's the perfect pal for adventures galore, while sturdy wooden rockers and handlebars make sure it'll keep cantering along for hours of exciting playtime.

Wooden Doll’s House

Creative play: Christmas gift ideas that encourage imaginative play

Sometimes the classic toys are the best and this sweet pink three-storey doll's house is no exception. Crafted in a beautiful Victorian style, it has an opening panel at the back that transforms into a garden and comes with 11 wooden pieces of furniture, including staircases, a bed, bathroom items, seating and tables. Your child will also love the two pose able dolls who'll help to create lots of imaginative play possibilities in this dream house. With its twin chimneys and pretty decoration, it's a toy that's sure to be treasured for years to come. 

Pull Along Caterpillar

Creative play: Christmas gift ideas that encourage imaginative play

(Image credit: Christian Lewis)

Hands up, who wouldn't love to have a happy musical friend that followed them around the house? But it's not just loyalty this colourful pal brings to the party – he also lights up and plays 16 different songs just by pressing his neck. Plus, as your little one pulls him along on their travels, he wobbles cheerily from side to side. It's perfect for keeping them entertained as well as encouraging their coordination skills and helping them learn to walk. He's sure to raise a smile every time. 

Fantasy Island Playset

Creative play: Christmas gift ideas that encourage imaginative play

What have a toucan, a hippo and a monkey got in common? They're all on this super-cool fantasy island electronic playset and will keep your tot busy and intrigued. It comes with three animal-themed balls and three swirly slides to roll them down as well as a rotating pond. Press the hippo's head and get set for even more fun as music is played and the balls spin round. There's also a rattling roller ball and a rocking toucan for even more giggles and good times. 

Baby Playnest

Creative play: Christmas gift ideas that encourage imaginative play

It's like having a mini zoo at your fingertips! Your baby will love exploring the cute animals and cheerful primary colours of this soft, comfy Baby Playnest. Each animal features a fun activity, from a furry mane to a shiny sun and squeaky beak! As well as keeping them occupied, it's also a perfect way to encourage sitting skills, as the padded Playnest offers great all-round support.  

Activity Saucer

Creative play: Christmas gift ideas that encourage imaginative play

It's such an exciting milestone when your baby starts standing, and with the Baby Activity Saucer they can kick, wriggle and step out while being fully supported by the padded frame. And not just that - the saucer is a ring of delights with loads of fun lights, sounds and electronic activities to keep them engaged and amused. The fun will last too, as its adjustable leg height means it can grow with your baby. 

Radio-controlled Excavator

Creative play: Christmas gift ideas that encourage imaginative play

Let's get digging! Let your child take the controls and start work on shifting some earth with this amazing radio-controlled excavator. It moves backwards and forwards, and you can also move the digging arm for a realisitic experience. It's a brilliant role play toy that'll appeal to any child who's fascinated by diggers and big trucks, plus it encourages hand-eye co-ordination as they manoeuvre the controls to keep that excavator working. 

Supermarket Playset

Creative play: Christmas gift ideas that encourage imaginative play

Playing at shops is a perennial favourite, and this fabulous toy has the whole experience in one brilliant supermarket playset. Perfect for role play games with other children, they can take it in turn to be customer or cashier. You can weigh your shopping on the weighing scales and there's also the satisfying beep of a chip and pin card for paying for all that food! 

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