CatholicCare Giving Tree Initiative 2025
Thank you for your interest in purchasing a gift for a child or young person in one of our CatholicCare Hunter-Manning programs.
Sometimes it is hard to know what to purchase when buying a gift. Whether you’re shopping for toddlers, tweens, or teens, this gift guide has suggestions for you, including practical, fun and thoughtful ideas to spark Christmas joy for all ages.
Please remember to return your gift unwrapped to reception at 841 Hunter Street, Newcastle by Wednesday 10 December.
Ages 0–4: Little Learners and Explorers
Fun, learning and imagination for little ones
- Cuddly plush toys and comforters for snuggly moments
- Lullaby toys, rattles, teething rings and textured sensory balls
- Activity gyms, tummy time mats and play arches for motor development
- Soft cloth or bath books to encourage early curiosity
- Stackers, shape sorters and rolling toys to build coordination
- Fisher-Price and VTech learning toys (walkers, lights and sounds, or activity cubes)
- Wooden play tables, train sets, or activity benches
- Sensory play sets, water and sand tables, or colour-change toys
- Musical toys: guitars, drums, or sing-along sets
- Baby dolls, strollers, and nurturing role-play sets
- Creative fun with story projectors, light-up toys, or magnetic tiles
- Keepsake gifts such as personalised blankets, frames or memory boxes.
Ages 5–9: Imagination & Discovery
Perfect for curious minds and creative play
- Arts and crafts: tie-dye kits, DIY jewellery, squishy-making sets, and 100-piece craft tubs
- LEGO builds, magnetic tiles, and construction kits
- Family board games: Spot It, Guess Who, Twister, Pop the Pig, or Bop It
- Character play: Barbie, Bluey, Paw Patrol, and Marvel hero sets
- Creative science kits and “make your own” experiments
- Outdoor fun: hover soccer, stomp rockets, frisbees, or basketball sets
- Classic toys: Hot Wheels tracks, dinosaurs, or transforming figures
- Interactive tech toys like drones, walkie talkies, and light-up gadgets
- Musical play: kids’ DJ drums, karaoke microphones, and dance mats.
Ages 10–13: Creative Minds & Big Ideas
Encouraging creativity, confidence, and curiosity
- LEGO Creator and Botanical builds, or Pokémon and Fortnite sets
- Bluetooth microphones, karaoke machines, or headphones
- DIY beauty and self-care kits, lip gloss sets, or bath trios
- Art and colouring kits, sketchbooks, or slime and craft boxes
- Fun tech: digital cameras, drones, or light-up speakers
- Board and card games like UNO Flip, Soggy Doggy, or Tapple
- Outdoor fun: sports balls, frisbees, or mini soccer goals
- Weighted plush toys or fidget-friendly gifts for relaxation.
Ages 14–17: Teens & Young Adults
Style, tech, and creativity
- LEGO Speed Champions and Technic builds for the future engineer
- Speakers, drones, and cool tech gadgets
- Art kits, colouring books, and journals for mindful moments
- Practical accessories: sunglasses, sarongs, and tote or duffle bags
- Beauty and skincare gift packs, makeup palettes, or hair sets
- Beach and summer essentials: towels, water pistols, and outdoor games
- Fragrance or self-care sets for both young men and women
- Sporty favourites: basketballs, footballs, or outdoor games.