Sometimes the joy of giving can feel more of a burden. This year’s Australian Christmas kids’ gift guide takes some of the work out of finding fabulous gifts, for even the grinchiest uncles to hand to the fussiest babies.

With an emphasis on companies that are independent, eco-conscious and Australia-based, there’s also the opportunity for your part of the consumerism-fest known as Christmas to do some good in the world.

• Australia Christmas gift guide 2024: 57 perfect last-minute present ideas you can buy the morning of

Shannon Wong-Nizic, a primary school teacher and the creator of Oh Creative Day, has selected crafty, playful toys that will educate and inspire; while Sarah Ayoub, a journalist and children’s book author, has polled teacher-librarians and children’s booksellers on the best Australian kids books to come out this year. Plus there are a few favourites from Guardian Australia staff and contributors, too.

We’ve listed items at their recommended retail price – during sale periods some prices may be lower at the checkout.

How to use this gift guide

What do you want? You can search by gift category: something cute for objects to have and to hold; something playful for games and activities to occupy hands and minds; something edible for things to snack and sip; something wearable for clothes and accessories; something crafty for the artistically inclined and something educational for teachable moments, thrilling reads and mementoes.

You can also sort by age: someone under two, someone toddler-aged (two to three years), someone at preschool (four to five years), someone in lower primary (six to eight years) and someone in upper primary (nine to 12 years). The teenagers in your life are probably extra picky – just ask them what they want, or give them cold hard cash.

When you spot something you like tap on the plus icon for more details, then hit “buy online” to go to the product’s website.