If Christmas shopping leaves you feeling uninspired, there’s a secret strategy to fall back on – buying a Christmas gift for the whole family to share.
A family gift for Christmas, whether it’s a fast-paced board game, cosy Christmas hamper to share, or big-ticket experience day, is the ultimate festive hack that not only gets everyone involved but is sure to be a crowd-pleaser too.
Whether you’re shopping for a busy household, hosting relatives, or treating your own crew, a shared group gift can take the hassle out of Christmas shopping and instead, be a thoughtful gift that everyone – from small kids to fussy teens or hard-to-buy for grandparents – will love.
Our definitive guide to the best family gift ideas for Christmas is sure to showcase something they’ll all love, with editor-approved gifts to suit all tastes, budgets and family sizes. Scroll down for your family gift idea inspiration.
The express shortlist
Stocking Fillers under £25
Things they'll actually use
1
© M&SSpencer Bear™ Striped Christmas Family Pyjamas
£57 at M&S
Why? I've never managed to do the matching Christmas pyjamas trend, but these adorable teddy ones just might give me enough motivation to finally convince my partner to get on board. - Rachel Avery, Homes Editor
•Delivery: Free over £50
•Returns: 28-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
2
Bird Buddy PRO Camera Bird Feeder
£250 at John Lewis
Why? We love keeping track of the birds in our garden, and this high-tech bird feeder is ideal for budding bird watchers to keep track of the wildlife on their doorstep. - Carla Challis. Commerce Partnership Editor
•Delivery: Free over £50
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
3
Family and Friends Photo Album
£45 at Printworks
Why? We visit family in Scotland once a year, and I always send up a set of physical photos after our trip, so this would be the ideal festive pressie for them. There's nothing more magical than memories. - Rachel Avery, Homes Editor
•Delivery: Free over £79
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Available
•Personalisation: Available
4
West End Theatre Tokens Digital Gift Card
£100 at Wonderdays
Why? A great gift for a family to save for the new year and make a day of it with the latest or a classic West End show. - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnership Editor
•Delivery: Free for digital gift card; £3.99 otherwise
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Available
•Personalisation: Not available
5
Sage Smart Waffle Iron
£179 at John Lewis
Why? There's no better way to bring everyone together for a sociable breakfast than with warming waffles. Plus, the automatic cooking time takes the stress out of whoever is nominated as head chef. - Nichola Murphy, Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: Free over £50
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
6
A5 Organiser Pouch
£245 at Anya Hindmarch
Why? This is the chicest way to carry travel documents, and it's handy for busy parents to keep everything together in one place. Even better, it can be personalised. - Laura Sutcliffe, Fashion & Beauty News Editor
•Delivery: Free over £400
•Returns: 14-day returns (not available on personalised items)
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Available
7
Personalised Matching Family Apron
From £27.95 at NotOnTheHighStreet
Why? For those who love to cook together, these personalised linen-blend aprons are the sweetest way for them to look the part. There's no excuse for them to not whip up a showstopper now. - Karen Silas, Senior Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: Not available on personalised items
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Available
8
Nebula Capsule 3 Mini Projector
£399.99 at Amazon
Why? When you don't fancy venturing out into the cold weather for a movie, bring the cinema experience to you! Since the projector is portable, I'll be carrying it to my mum's house for some cosy nights in with popcorn on the sofa. - Nichola Murphy, Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: Free delivery
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
9
Heritage Gilet for Him & Kids
£106 at Joules
Why? My husband and son would love to twin in these practical yet cool gilets from Joules. They come in different colours and are crafted from a soft polar fleece to keep them toasty. - Laura Sutcliffe, Fashion and Beauty News Editor
•Delivery: Free over £100
•Returns: 28-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
10
Personalised Oak Teapot
£88 at Emma Bridgewater
Why? What do you buy the family who have everything? A personalised teapot! The text is hand-painted and can include up to 60 letters, from a family name to a nickname or the name of their home. Such a practical yet thoughtful gift. - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnership Editor
•Delivery: Free over £50
•Returns: Not available on personalised items
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Available
Special family treats
1
The Velvetiser
£119.95 at Hotel Chocolat
Why? Who doesn't love an indulgent hot chocolate? Personalise your flavour, whipped cream and toppings at home to make you feel like a mini barista. - Nichola Murphy, Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: Free over £50
•Returns: 14-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
2
Full English Breakfast Hamper
£75 at Daylesford
Why? I'll be sending this to my best friend and her family, who live miles away. It's a delicious, indulgent treat for them to enjoy in December, with organic produce from Daylesford. - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnership Editor
•Delivery: Free over £150
•Returns: 14-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
3
Gingerbread House Decorating Kit
£41 at Honeywell Bakes
Why? My almost-three-year-old son loves helping out in the kitchen and decorating a gingerbread house would be a memorable Christmas activity for any family! - Rachel Avery, Homes Editor
•Delivery: £3.95 standard delivery
•Returns: Not available on product
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
4
Cast Iron Fondue Gift Set
£55 at John Lewis
Why? Nothing brings the family together like fondue night! This would make a fun gift for any family who love to make mealtimes more memorable. - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnership Editor
•Delivery: Free over £50
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
5
Matching Slippers
£60 at Sheepers
Why? Upgrade your family footwear with a pair of these gorgeous slippers, made from natural sheepskin and oh-so-cosy. They come in adult and child sizes, letting you and your mini-me match. - Laura Sutcliffe, Fashion & Beauty News Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: Available
•Gift wrap: Available
•Personalisation: Available
6
Movie Night In Gift Box
£25 at Joe & Seph's
Why? My family and I love nothing more than to snuggle down on the sofa watching a good movie, and every movie needs snacks - this should keep us happy for a while. - Karen Silas, Senior Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: Free over £35
•Returns: Not specified
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
7
Zanussi Wood Pellet Pizza Oven with Paddle & Cover
£179 at Dunelm
Why? 'Tis not the season for outdoor dining, but when it is, I want this in my garden, ready to be fired up for pizzas galore with my loved ones. - Melanie Macleod, Deputy Beauty and Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: Free over £60
•Returns: 28-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
8
Soft Faux Fur Heated Blanket
£150 at The White Company
Why? I always run cold, so a heated blanket I can cuddle under when the temperature drops is ideal, especially since I can pick from six temperature settings. - Nichola Murphy, Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: Free over £60
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Available
•Personalisation: Not available
9
Cartwright & Butler Night Before Christmas Tin
£23.99 at Selfridges
Why? I adore a stylish novelty Christmas biscuit tin, and this gorgeous design from Cartwright & Butler features light-up detail on the lid - so festive! The tin includes a selection of the brand's chocolate and orange shortbreads. - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnership Editor
•Delivery: £6.95
•Returns: 14-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
10
Luxury S'Mores Gift Set
£26 at The Naked Marshmallow Co
Why? The Naked Marshmallow Co's S'mores kit has everything you need to make your own indulgent treats at home, no campfire required. - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnership Editor
•Delivery: £3.95
•Returns: Not available
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
Thoughtful family gifts
1
Family Membership
£176.40 at National Trust
Why? My brother and his family love touring National Trust properties and usually buy a membership, so this one-for-all gift would ensure family fun days out for the year ahead. - Rachel Avery, Homes Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: Not available
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
2
Personalised Ravensburger® Jigsaw
£29.99 at Photobox
Why? A thoughtful gift for grandparents, I know my parents would cherish a personalised puzzle, made from a favourite family photo. - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnership Editor
•Delivery: £3.99
•Returns: Not available
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Available
3
Tartan Smocked Ruffle Skirt & Shirt
£29 at Boden
Why? This traditional Christmas skirt is such a special piece, and I know my little girl would love to twirl around in it. I would buy a slightly larger size so I could keep it for next year and later pass it down to others in my family. There's matching tartan pieces for boys and babies, too. - Laura Sutcliffe, Fashion & Beauty News Editor
•Delivery: Free over £50
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
4
Virgin Fun For The Family Collection
£50 at Virgin Experience Days
Why? From family-friendly stadium tours and attraction tickets to outdoor adventures and animal encounters, this is such a great gift if you're stuck for ideas, as they can choose what to use it on for a fun family day out. - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnership Editor
•Delivery: Free over £100
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Available
•Personalisation: Not available
5
Stoneware Coupe Set of 4 Mugs
£64 at Le Creuset
Why? There's nothing more comforting than settling down with a hot drink at home. Not only are these pastel colours a stunning addition to any kitchen, but their shape means fewer spills. - Nichola Murphy, Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: Free over £50
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
6
Personalised Street Sign
From £34.99 at Not On The High Street
Why? I’m obsessed with how authentic these vintage-style street signs look, and as someone who loves personalised gifts, I'd be so excited to have one for my own garden. - Karen Silas, Senior Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: Not available
•Gift wrap: Available
•Personalisation: Available
7
Child & Adult Cookery Class
From £120 at Kids Cooking School
Why? Something my daughter and I can do together is always a winner, and I know she'd love this time for us to bond while learning to cook something delicious. - Carla Challis. Commerce Partnership Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: Not available
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
8
Wood Backgammon Game
£50 at John Lewis
Why? As a mum to two ADHD kids, I'm constantly on the lookout for screen-free activities that will grab their attention. Backgammon is just the ticket, and this wooden set is so nice. Much better than the plastic versions out there! - Katherine Robinson, Special Projects Editor
•Delivery: Free over £150
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
9
Pure Wool Picnic Blanket
£49.95 at House of Bruar
Why? For the family who love a bit of the great outdoors, this pure wool picnic blanket has handy leather straps and looks so chic, whatever the weather. - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnership Editor
•Delivery: £4.95
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
10
Family Membership
£135 at Historic Royal Palaces
Why? Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London and Kensington Palace are just some of the many incredible historic venues this membership permits free entry to. A fitting gift for royal fans! - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnership Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: Not available
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Available
Surprise hits
1
Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer
£114.95 at Amazon
Why? This portable printer lets you create mini prints from any smartphone or Instagram and Facebook account. Genius. - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnership Editor
•Delivery: Free with Prime
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Available
•Personalisation: Not available
2
Harry Potter Studio Tour
£188 at Warner Bros Studio Tour London
Why? My twin nieces are in their Harry Potter era, so this is the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with them - while enjoying my own Butterbeer! - Nichola Murphy, Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: Not available
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Available
3
Pott'd Paintables Mug, Frame & Vase Bundle Kit
£149 at Anthropologie
Why? For when you don't want more indoor time to mean screen time, get everyone to embrace their creative spirit with pottery painting. The best part is using the finished product for your daily cup of tea. - Nichola Murphy, Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: Free over £75
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
4
Music Creator Wireless Karaoke Projector
£90 at Argos
Why? I can only imagine how much fun my family and I would have with this karaoke machine over Christmas. It comes with two wireless microphones for those romantic duets - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnership Editor
•Delivery: Free over £100
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Available
5
Gift Voucher
From £25 at Go Ape
Why? I made all my friends do Go Ape for my birthday one year, and it was so much more fun than a night out! I'd love it if someone got me a voucher to do it again. - Rachel Avery, Homes Editor
•Delivery: Free over £40
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
6
Jurassic Park Chess Set
£49 at Noble Collection
Why? This Jurassic Park-themed chess set will appeal to kids interested in chess while taking on grandad. - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnership Editor
•Delivery: £3.99
•Returns: 14-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
7
Nex Playground Interactive Play Space
£269 at Amazon
Why? If you have kids who are gamers, this is a great gift - it's controller-free, which means they have to move to play. A fun and sneaky way to get them exercising! - Katherine Robinson, Special Projects Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
8
Solo Stove Portable Smokeless Firepit
£249.99 at John Lewis
Why? Winter is officially bonfire season, so why not bring some warmth to cooler nights with your own garden firepit? This is going on my personal wish list for hosting my next siblings' dinner - I love the fact it's smokeless and comes with a stand to prevent any damage to my garden. - Nichola Murphy, Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: Free over £50
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
9
iFLY Indoor Skydiving Experience for Two
£159.98 at Red Letter Days
Why? Are your kids thrill seekers? Or maybe the grandparents are! An indoor skydiving experience is bound to be one they'll never forget. - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnership Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: 14-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
10
Just Dance 2026
£44.99 at PlayStation
Why? I don't think I've ever laughed so hard as going up against my brother on Just Dance! It's an easy way to bring the whole family together, even if you're not a dancing queen. - Nichola Murphy, Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: Not available
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
