The best gift ideas for kids aged 2-8 you've never thought of

Buying for children can be tough. Especially at Christmas and especially when they've already got a bedroom full of too many toys.

Instead of opting for more toys, that they'll play with once then relegate to the bottom of the toy box, never to be seen again, why not gift them presents that they're unlikely to ask Santa for but likely to love once they unwrap it on Christmas Day.

We've curated a list of gifts that will make your gift for the most thoughtful one under the tree.

Frida Kahlo Isabel by Sanchez Vegara, Eng Gee Fan, $12.99

Part of the Little People, Big Dreams series, this book about Frida Kahlo will teach your little person all about history's most inspiring people. If Frida isn't the right fit, there are plenty of other history-makers to choose from.

Cyclone Kids Patch short handle garden trowel, $3.50

Don't stop at a spade — get your little ones the complete gardening set so they can get their hands dirty in the garden in a more productive kind of way.

Mr Fothergill's Herb Garden Starter Kit, $18

Or perhaps you'd prefer they focus their attention on something small, like a herb garden. They can plant their own seedlings and grow their own produce. Who knows? Your kids might be the ones supplying the flavour at the dinner table.

A goat, $40

It's not a present they'll get to play with, but it's definitely one that will show them the value of charity. Just by buying a dairy goat for a family in need through World Vision they can provide a family with 11,000 litres of milk, fertiliser for vegetable crops and income to help build a long-term investment strategy -- all really important things for those in need.

Lego storage head, $29

You know — for all the toys they already have.

The Mad Scientist Kit, $10

Grow your own scientist! Because the world needs more amazingly talented scientists.

Eddie Woo's Magical Maths by Eddie Woo, $19.99

If there's anyone who can make maths fun, it's this guy! There's colouring in, doodling and drawing, so it's definitely not what you'd expect from a book about maths.

Young Creative Farms, email (youngcreativefarms@gmail.com) for price.

This adorable farm is a 'Buy from the Bush' purchase any child would love.