Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids in NZ: Cool, Comfortable Summer Gifts for Boys and Girls (6 Months–6 Years)

Summer has officially arrived in Aotearoa, and with it comes that familiar rush towards Christmas and New Year: beach days, BBQs, long evenings, family catch-ups and, of course, the yearly mission of finding the perfect Christmas presents for the little ones. Whether you’re a parent, aunty, uncle, grandparent, godparent or a family friend on “kid gift duty,” choosing the right Christmas gifts for kids can feel like a puzzle every year.

And because we celebrate Christmas in the middle of a warm, bright NZ summer, many of the traditional gift ideas floating around online don’t quite fit our lifestyle. Heavy fabrics? Nope. Winter pyjamas? Not right now. Toys that clutter the lounge? Not ideal.

That’s where practical, breathable, summer-ready clothing steps in, with pieces kids will actually wear on repeat.

At Crumb, we’ve created a guide full of thoughtful, stylish and comfortable Christmas gift ideas for kids aged 6 months to 6 years, built around real Kiwi summer living. From breathable cotton outfits perfect for hot days to upcoming kids sunglasses and caps that match the season, these ideas make gifting simple, useful and stress-free. And if you want your present under the tree in time, ordering before 18 December is key.

Let’s get into it.

Why Summer-Ready Clothes Make the Best Christmas Gifts for Kids

When you’re buying for little ones in the middle of a Kiwi or Aussie summer, comfort and breathability matter more than ever. Kids are constantly on the move, playing in the sand, running at the park, splashing at the beach or simply cruising around the backyard.

That’s one of the reasons French terry cotton has become a Crumb staple. If you’re not familiar with it, here’s why it’s perfect for summer Christmas presents:

• Soft loops on the inside mean the fabric feels gentle against sensitive skin.
  
  

• A smooth outer finish keeps it looking stylish and tidy.
  
  

• Lightweight and breathable, so kids stay cool rather than sweaty.
  
  

• Moisture-managing, ideal for warm days filled with backyard water play or beach outings.
  
  

• Durable and stretchy, made for climbing, crawling, biking and general kid chaos.
  
  

Unlike heavy winter sweats or synthetic materials, cotton moves with them, dries quickly and never feels clingy or hot. It makes a difference—especially when summer in NZ can swing from humid heatwave to breezy beach weather within a single day.

Clothes that feel good, look good, and actually get worn? That’s a Christmas win.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Babies (6–18 Months)

Shopping for babies is always fun, but summer gifting gives you even more freedom to choose outfits that are cute, comfy and climate-appropriate. This age group grows quickly and needs breathable, gentle fabrics, making our pieces perfect for them.

Here are some great Christmas gift ideas for babies:

1. Lightweight rompers or onesies

Soft on sensitive skin and easy to put on, they give babies plenty of airflow during warm summer days. Perfect for little explorers who are rolling, crawling or just beginning to stand.

2. Short-sleeve sweat sets

Relaxed, breathable and super easy for quick nappy changes. They’re great for pram naps, park picnics and cruisy mornings at home. The oversized fit adds that modern, streetwear-inspired Crumb look.

3. “First Christmas” comfy outfits

Skip the thick, scratchy novelty costumes. Instead, choose breathable summer-ready pieces in soft, neutral colours that still feel festive. Babies stay comfortable, cool and adorable for all those Christmas photos.

4. Gifting tip for babies

Parents appreciate anything practical like clothing that’s durable, comfy and actually gets worn in day-to-day life. Clothes beat plastic clutter every time.

Crumb sizing note: Many newborns fit 0–3M, but if you want a little more room, size up especially in summer when clothes are washed often.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Toddlers (1–3 Years)

This age group is BUSY. They’re running, climbing, getting messy and needing outfits that keep up. When choosing Christmas gift ideas for toddlers, go for items that can survive playground scrapes and sudden splashes while keeping them cool in the sun.

Here’s what works beautifully for summer:

1. Mix-and-match shorts and tees

Soft, flexible and quick-drying, these are made for water play, beach days and hot afternoons. Toddlers love the comfort. Parents love that they wash well and last.

2. Unisex sets in fun, bold or earthy tones

These make great practical gifts because older siblings can hand them down, saving families money and helping reduce waste. Crumb’s oversized fits mean lots of room to grow.

3. Kids caps for sun protection (coming soon!)

A lightweight summer cap is an easy stocking stuffer that genuinely gets used. Toddlers love choosing their colour, and parents appreciate anything that keeps the sun off their face.

4. Kids sunglasses (coming soon!)

Perfect for bright summer days at the beach and road trips. Useful, stylish and a very “Kiwi summer” sort of gift.

5. Easy, relaxed summer outfits

Anything that lets toddlers climb jungle gyms, splash in kiddie pools and zoom around in total comfort is a great Christmas present.

Crumb picks:

• Downtown Set — the fit is roomy, comfy, and toddler-proof
  
  

• Off Beat Overalls — ideal for active toddlers and still soft enough for naps

Christmas Gifts for Boys and Girls Aged 3–6 Years

By this age, kids have opinions and they want to look cool. This is where Crumb’s playful, streetwear-inspired pieces shine, especially through the long summer holidays filled with family BBQs, beach trips and outdoor adventures.

Great gift ideas for this age group:

1. Oversized sets

These have that “big kid cool” vibe without being heavy or hot. Kids can bike, climb, run and play comfortably all day long.

2. Matching sibling outfits

A fun idea for Christmas morning photos, holiday outings or family beach days. They’re adorable, practical and make parents smile.

3. Caps and sunglasses

Ideal stocking stuffers for both boys and girls. Stay sun-safe, stay stylish—and let them pick a colour they love.

4. Summer essentials for active kids

Lightweight tees, flexible shorts and French terry cotton pieces that any child can wear from brunch to the playground.

Matching Accessories: Kids Sunglasses and Caps for Sunny Summer Days

Summer accessories make simple, thoughtful presents that kids actually get excited about. Even better—they get used every day.

Why they’re great gifts:

• Perfect for long, bright summer days.
  
  

• Easy stocking fillers.
  
  

• Kids love choosing their favourite colours.
  
  

• They go with every Crumb set.
  
  

• They get used at the beach, park, playground, BBQs and holidays.
  
  

And with Crumb’s kids sunglasses and caps coming soon, they’ll slot perfectly into any Christmas gift bundle.

If you're buying for nieces, nephews or children you don’t see often, accessories are a safe, easy choice that fit every age group.

How to Pick the Perfect Christmas Present (Without the Stress)

Finding the right Christmas gift for kids doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are a few tips to help make gifting simple this season:

1. Choose practical over novelty

Useful gifts get more appreciation long-term. Breathable clothes will be worn all summer and all through the other seasons.

2. Think about the weather

Christmas in NZ/AU is hot and active—breathable material is perfect for this time of year.

3. Pick relaxed fits that grow with them

Oversized sets are brilliant because kids can wear them for months longer.

4. Consider unisex colours and styles

Easier to hand down, more sustainable, and still super stylish.

5. Add a small accessory

A cap or sunnies alongside a clothing set makes a thoughtful, complete present.

Order by 18 December to Get Gifts Under the Tree in Time

If you want your Crumb gifts to arrive before Christmas, make sure to order by 18 December. This gives plenty of time for your Christmas presents to be packed, shipped and sitting beautifully under the tree.

Whether you're shopping for babies, toddlers or preschoolers, Crumb makes finding the perfect Christmas gifts for kids simple and stress-free.

Our breathable material, oversized fits, unisex colours and new accessories (coming soon!) are made for real Kiwi summers—from backyard cricket to sunset BBQs.

Give them something they’ll actually wear, love and live in all summer long.

Happy gifting—and happy summer from us here at Crumb.