Ride-On & Outdoor Christmas Gifts

Two year olds want to move, so ride-ons make some of the best Christmas gifts for 2 year olds. A 2-in-1 trike that converts to a balance bike grows with them for years, while stepping stones and a balance board turn the lounge or lawn into an obstacle course. Pair the main gift with a helmet so they can ride safely on Christmas morning.

At one, children are finding their feet, so look for gifts that support standing, climbing and early balance. Christmas gifts for 1 year olds that last include colourful stepping stones to climb on, a baby swing seat and, from around 18 months, a low trike they can push along with their feet. Choose sturdy, simple designs, and supervise early play while they build strength.

Yes, two is a popular age to start. Balance bikes are light and low, so 2 year olds can sit with both feet flat on the ground, push along and gradually lift their feet as their balance improves. Many of ours start as a stable three-wheel trike and convert to two wheels, which suits children who need a little more support at first.

Size by inside leg, not age. Measure from the floor to the crotch while your child stands in shoes, then choose a bike whose lowest seat height sits about two to three centimetres below that, so they can stand flat-footed. Adjustable seats let the bike grow with them. If they are between sizes, the smaller frame is usually easier to control at the start.

A balance bike is a bike without pedals. Children sit on the seat, push along with their feet and lift them up as they gain speed, which teaches the hardest part of riding: balance. Several in our range are 2-in-1 designs that start as a stable trike and convert to a two-wheeler, so one Christmas gift covers both stages of learning to ride.

We strongly recommend one. A balance bike moves at real speed on paths and slopes, and early riders do take tumbles while they find their balance. Choose a lightweight helmet that sits level on the forehead with straps forming a V under each ear. Wrapping a helmet with the bike on Christmas Day makes wearing one feel like part of the fun.