By Nicole Kotarac, owner of Xchange Sports
The best Christmas gifts for kids in Australia are ones they can ride all summer. At 1 to 3, that means a light balance bike or a 3-wheel scooter. From 3, a convertible Kidvelo Rookie grows from balance bike to first pedal bike. Older kids want a pro scooter, or a bigger Rookie if they’re still learning.
Christmas falls early in the long summer school holidays, so outdoor Christmas gifts get weeks of use. For every age from 1 to 13+, we pair one main present with a helmet and a stocking filler. Metro orders placed by Wednesday 9 December should arrive by Friday 18 December.
Dispatched from Sydney · Flat-rate shipping Australia-wide · 30-day Love Your Ride guarantee
Christmas Gifts for Kids by Age: Quick Finder
Start with your child’s age, then add the helmet and a stocking filler. Ages are a guide only, as leg length and confidence matter more.
| Age | Main present | Add the helmet | Stocking filler |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 years | Cruzee Ultralite 12 or the i-Glide 3 Wheel with its seat attachment | Toddler helmet | Bell or horn |
| 2 to 3 years | Kidvelo Rookie 12, Hornit Airo 12 or i-Glide 3 Wheel | Toddler helmet | Bell or horn |
| 3 to 5 years | Kidvelo Rookie 14 (back in November) or i-Glide 3 Wheel | Toddler helmet (youth helmet from 5) | Gloves or lights |
| 5 to 8 years | Kidvelo Rookie 18 or Root Industries Type R Mini | Youth helmet | Gloves or a BMX number plate |
| 9 to 13+ years | Kidvelo Rookie 24 (back in November) or Root Industries Type R PRO | Teen helmet | Bike lock or lights |
Christmas Presents for Toddlers (1 to 2 Years)
For a 1 or 2 year old, choose a light ride-on they can move alone. The Cruzee Ultralite 12 balance bike weighs just 1.9kg and suits riders from 18 months. Toddlers who can’t balance yet can sit and scoot on the i-Glide 3 Wheel with its seat fitted.
Cruzee Ultralite 12 balance bike
The Cruzee Ultralite 12 is the lightest bike in this guide, so toddlers can lift and steer it alone. Its foam tyres can’t go flat, so there’s no pumping on Christmas morning. The seat and handlebars adjust without tools as your child grows.
i-Glide 3 Wheel with the seat attachment
Fit the i-Glide 3 Wheel Scooter Seat Attachment and children from 1 can sit and scoot. Take the seat off around 2, and it becomes a lean-to-steer scooter. Add a toddler helmet to complete the gift.
Christmas Gifts for 2 to 3 Year Olds
A first bike for Christmas at 2 or 3 should be a 12-inch balance bike under 3kg. The Kidvelo Rookie 12 is our pick for this age, and it weighs 2.93kg. Kids who’d rather scoot will love a 3-wheel scooter they steer by leaning.
Kidvelo Rookie 12
The Kidvelo Rookie 12 is best for 2 and 3 year olds with a 30 to 46cm inseam. Air tyres and a built-in footrest help them glide further. It takes about 5 minutes to build, so it’s ready before the kids wake up. Kidvelo is our own Sydney-designed brand, backed by a 5-year warranty.
Hornit Airo 12
The Hornit Airo 12 suits adventurous toddlers who want a tough first bike. A magnesium-alloy frame keeps it to 2.95kg, and air tyres cushion bumpy paths. Hornit backs the frame and forks with a lifetime warranty.
i-Glide 3 Wheel scooter
The i-Glide 3 Wheel is for kids from 2 who want speed before balance. They steer by leaning, and the light-up wheels need no batteries. Height-adjustable handlebars let it grow with your child.
Pair any of these with a toddler helmet. You can compare every option in our 12 inch balance bikes and 3 wheel scooters collections. A bell or horn makes a fun stocking extra.
Christmas Gifts for 3 to 5 Year Olds
Between 3 and 5, many kids are ready for a bike they can keep for years. The Kidvelo Rookie 14 starts as a balance bike and converts to pedals when they’re ready. Kids who love to scoot can stay on three wheels until their balance is strong.
Kidvelo Rookie 14
The Kidvelo Rookie 14 suits ages 3 to 6 with a 40 to 58cm inseam. It starts as a balance bike, and the included Easy-Ride Pedal Kit turns it into their first pedal bike. Front and rear hand brakes give growing riders real stopping power. It’s back in stock in November, so plan your order early.
i-Glide 3 Wheel for scooter fans
Kids who’d rather scoot can keep riding the i-Glide 3 Wheel until they’re about 5. Confident riders from 4 can move to two wheels on the Root Industries Type R Mini. You’ll find it in the next section.
Add a toddler helmet now, then move up to a youth helmet from about 5. Browse more in our 14 inch balance bikes and scooters for 3 to 6 year olds collections. Kids bike gloves or lights make easy stocking fillers.
Christmas Gifts for 5 to 8 Year Olds (Boys and Girls)
The best Christmas gift for a 5 year old boy or girl is often their first big-kid ride. The Kidvelo Rookie 18 suits ages 5 to 8 and converts from balance bike to pedals. Scooter fans can ride the Root Industries Type R Mini, a tough first pro scooter.
Kidvelo Rookie 18
The Kidvelo Rookie 18 suits kids aged 5 to 8 with a 48 to 68cm inseam. It starts as a balance bike, and the included pedal kit saves buying a second bike. Smaller 5 and 6 year olds may fit the Rookie 14 better, so check their inseam first.
Root Industries Type R Mini
The Root Industries Type R Mini suits riders aged 4 to 8. It uses the same quality parts as Root’s full-size Type R, just a little smaller. That makes it tough enough for ramps and first tricks at the skatepark. Check the rider height range on the product page before you order.
Triple 8 pad set for skatepark starters
New skatepark riders fall often, so pads make a smart add-on. The Triple 8 Dry Erase protective gear set covers elbows, knees and wrists in one box. See more in our kids protective gear range.
Add a youth helmet sized for ages 5 to 8 to any of these. Browse more in our 18 inch balance bikes and scooters for 5 to 8 year olds collections. Kids bike gloves or a BMX number plate make easy stocking fillers.
Christmas Gifts for 9 to 13+ Year Olds and Teens
Older kids want speed, independence and time at the skatepark with friends. The Root Industries Type R PRO is a complete pro scooter for riders up to 14. Older beginners can start on the Kidvelo Rookie 24, which converts to a geared pedal bike.
Kidvelo Rookie 24
The Kidvelo Rookie 24 suits ages 9 to 13+ with a 62 to 84cm inseam. It starts as a 24-inch balance bike, then converts to a pedal bike with 2-speed automatic gears. There are no gear levers, so new riders can focus on balance and pedalling. It’s due back in stock in November, so join the waitlist on the product page.
Root Industries Type R PRO
The Root Industries Type R PRO suits riders aged 6 to 14 and 137 to 168cm tall. Its forged fork and IHC compression handle first jumps through to advanced tricks. It comes in Gold Rush, Matte Black and Rocket Fuel. Wrap it with a teen helmet, and the first session can start on Boxing Day.
A teen helmet fits ages 9 to adult and goes with every pick here. Our 24 inch balance bikes and pro scooters collections have the full range. Once they ride to school, a bike lock makes a practical stocking filler.
Stocking Fillers for Kids Who Love to Ride
Small accessories make good stocking fillers for kids because they add to a ride they already love. Pick one or two from these collections:
- Kids bike bells and horns for footpath riding
- Kids bike lights for summer evenings
- Kids bike gloves for grip and fewer grazes
- BMX number plates for kids who race
- Scooter accessories for kids who already scoot
- Sugar-free electrolytes for kids for hot days on the bike
Add one to the main order so everything arrives together. Most work with the bike or scooter your child already owns.
Bike or Scooter: Which Makes the Better Christmas Present?
Both make great Christmas gifts for kids. The right one depends on how your child rides now and what you want them to learn next.
| Balance bike | Convertible bike | 3-wheel scooter | 2-wheel scooter | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best ages | 18 months to 5 | 3 to 13+, by size | 2 to 5 | Usually 4 and up |
| How the child rides | Pushes with their feet, then glides | Balances first, then pedals on the same bike | Leans to steer on three stable wheels | Kicks and glides, then learns tricks |
| Parent control | No pedals; kids slow with their feet | Front and rear hand brakes | Rear foot brake; optional seat on the i-Glide 3 Wheel | Rear foot brake |
| Choose this when | You want an easy start on pedals later | You want one bike from balance to pedals | They want speed before they can balance | They balance well and want more freedom |
Want model-by-model detail? See the best balance bikes by age and the best kids bikes by age. Scooter fans can compare the best kids scooters by age.
Christmas Delivery: When to Order
Order Christmas gifts for kids by these dates for delivery by Friday 18 December, a week before Christmas. We dispatch in-stock orders from Sydney within 2 business days.
| Delivery area | Order by | We dispatch by | Delivery time after dispatch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | Wednesday 9 December | Friday 11 December | 2 to 5 business days |
| Regional | Friday 4 December | Tuesday 8 December | 3 to 8 business days |
| Remote | Monday 30 November | Wednesday 2 December | 5 to 12 business days |
Each date allows for the slowest delivery time in that area. Weekend orders start processing on the next business day, so earlier is safer. The Rookie 14 and Rookie 24 follow the same dates once they’re back in stock in November. Our shipping and delivery page has the full policy.
How to Make Christmas Morning Easy
Ride-on Christmas gifts for kids need a little set-up, so plan ahead. Work through these five steps in early December.
- Get the size right in secret. Measure the inside leg of their long pants, then add a little for the gap to the floor. Check it against our kids bike size guide, and if two bikes fit, choose the larger one.
- Build it the night before. The Kidvelo Rookie 12 takes about 5 minutes to assemble, and the convertible Rookies about 10 to 15. Our guide on how to set up a kids bike covers seat and handlebar height.
- Fit the helmet. Check head size against our helmet size chart. Choose one that meets the Australian mandatory standard for bicycle helmets.
- Plan the first ride. Start on a flat, quiet path away from traffic. The Raising Children Network and the Better Health Channel both share safety tips for young riders.
- Keep the box until you’re sure of the fit. Our 30-day Love Your Ride guarantee runs from delivery, not Christmas Day. If the size is wrong, contact us early: returns must reach the courier within 30 days of delivery.
Christmas Gift FAQs
What is a good Christmas present for a 5 year old boy or girl?
A first big-kid ride is a strong choice at 5. The Kidvelo Rookie 18 suits ages 5 to 8, starting as a balance bike and converting to pedals. Smaller 5 year olds may fit the Rookie 14 better, so check their inseam. Boys and girls ride the same models, so choose by size and favourite colour.
What’s a good big Christmas present for a 2 year old?
A 12-inch balance bike under 3kg makes a strong main present at 2. The Kidvelo Rookie 12 is our pick at 2 and 3, with air tyres and a built-in footrest. Over the summer holidays, many learn to glide with their feet up. Add a toddler helmet so the first ride can start on Christmas morning.
Is a bike or a scooter the better Christmas present?
It depends on your child and what you want them to learn next. A balance bike builds the balance they need for a pedal bike later. A scooter is quick to learn and easy to take to the park or the shops. Many families give one now and the other later in the year.
What size bike should I buy when it’s a surprise?
Measure the inside leg seam of a pair of your child’s long pants. Their real inseam is a little longer, as pants stop above the floor. Choose a bike whose inseam range includes that number, and if two fit, take the larger one. On a balance bike, their feet should sit flat with knees slightly bent.
When do I need to order for delivery before Christmas?
Order by Wednesday 9 December for metro delivery by Friday 18 December. Regional areas need orders in by Friday 4 December, and remote areas by Monday 30 November. Each date allows 2 business days to dispatch plus the slowest delivery time in that area. Ordering earlier also leaves time to check the size before the big day.
Can I exchange a Christmas gift that doesn’t fit?
In most cases, yes, under our 30-day Love Your Ride guarantee. Contact us within 30 days of delivery, not Christmas Day, so check the size early. Keep the box and all parts, and keep test rides short and on clean, dry ground. Change-of-mind return shipping, including for a wrong size, is at your cost.
Should I buy a helmet with a bike or scooter?
Yes, because a helmet belongs on every ride, starting with the first. Choose one that meets the Australian mandatory standard for bicycle helmets and sits snug and level. Our toddler, youth and teen ranges cover ages 2 to adult. Wrap it with the bike or scooter so they can ride straight away.
What’s a good Christmas gift for a 10 year old who can’t ride yet?
The Kidvelo Rookie 24 suits ages 9 to 13+ and starts as a balance bike. Older beginners learn balance first, then add the included pedal kit and 2-speed automatic gears. It’s back in stock in November. Add a teen helmet, which fits ages 9 to adult.
What stocking fillers suit kids who love riding?
Small accessories that add to a ride they already enjoy work best. A bell or horn, lights, gloves and a BMX number plate all fit in a stocking. Sugar-free electrolytes suit kids who ride or play sport on hot summer days. Gloves come in sizes, so check their hand size before you order.
Choosing Their Christmas Gift
The best Christmas gifts for kids are the ones they still ride long after Boxing Day. Start with their age, then shop our kids bikes and kids scooters ranges. Add a helmet, check the size, and order early so the only wait is for Christmas morning.
Shopping for a different occasion? See our birthday gift ideas for kids, sorted by age from 1 to 13+.
