You could always wuss out and give them cash or a voucher.

But wait; even in this day and age, it’s still possible to impress a kid with a thoughtful present.

The trick is to release your inner child at the shopping stage. Set your sights on stuff they can read, touch and take charge of, then keep one eye on the wild, weird and wacky. Think; what would a tiny ME have enjoyed?

The answer, you’ll find, is right here…

Sprout Pencils

Sprout Pencils are the world’s first sustainable pencils! Made with FSC-certified wood, which means a new tree is planted every time a tree is harvested, when your pencil is too short to write with, simply pop it into a flower pot and watch it sprout into a plant! Sprout Pencils come singularly in either sage or sweet pea or in pack of three containing cherry tomato, thyme and basil.

Buy it at: Designist, €10.50

Mad Mattr Doh

There are only two things you need to know about Mad Mattr: It’s gross and kids frickin’ love it. A super-soft modelling compound, it’s allergen free and it never dries out, even if you leave it out of the pouch! It’s also easy to clean as it only sticks to itself.

Buy it at: Littleones.ie, €12

Pink Letter Board

With 286 letters included, this nifty board helps kids get their message across in a fun (and aesthetically pleasing) way. You can also use it to display your dinner party cocktail menu, FYI.

Buy it at: My Shining Armour, €60

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

This children’s book packed with 100 bedtime stories about the life of 100 extraordinary women from the past and the present, illustrated by 60 female artists from all over the world. Featuring Jane Austin, Ada Lovelace, Coco Chanel, Grace O’Malley, Rosa Parks and Yoko Ono (to name but a few), Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls teaches kids that the obstacles that lie in front of girls are certainly real, but not insurmountable. The second book in the series is out now.

Buy it at: The Book Depository, €20.78

Moon Ball

The moon ball has incredible bounce, but because it has flat edges you can get a crazy spin on the ball and actually send it in the opposite direction your opponent was expecting. You can keep going in the dark too, the bright neon colours will help you keep track of it in the air.

Buy it at: The Gadget Store, €8

Egglings Hatch A Plant

Crack the ceramic egg like you would a boiled egg and inside you’ll find everything you need to grow a sunflower, basil or lavender plant, just water it occasionally give it a bit of sunlight and watch it grow.

Buy it at: Designist, €10