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The 36 best Christmas gifts in the UK for every kind of teenager – chosen by teens

From Polaroid cameras to skincare, loungewear to gaming accessories, here are the presents teenage boys and girls told us they rate for 2026• Homemade Christmas gifts anyone can makeBecause there is no doubt your teen thinks they know better than you, we took them at their word and asked what they think makes the perfect

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Puddlesuits, movie nights and daytime baths: how to survive rainy days with small kids

Wet weather dampening your plans? From screen-free stories and craft kits to waterproof gear, here’s how to keep little ones – and grownups – entertained• The best gifts for kids by ageBefore becoming a mum, I never appreciated quite how complicated getting out the front door would be with kids in tow. But in my

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The best gifts for nine-year-olds, picked by nine-year-olds and parents

Popcorn makers, Lego Fortnite and the coolest water bottle around … surprise the mini tween in your life with our pick of the top gifts and toys• The best gifts for eight-year-oldsThe start of the tween years, nine years old, is a sweet spot between curiosity and growing independence, making it a fun, though sometimes

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Is tech the secret to a more analogue life? How gadgets, apps and tips could actually reduce your screen time

It’s often thought of as the problem, but what if the right technology could help us switch off and live more in the moment?• The best screen-free activitiesWith the continued backlash against AI and growing concern about our reliance on screens, an analogue life has never looked so appealing. I haven’t gone so far as

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How to buy a bike: expert tips for finding the right budget, frame and fit

Whether you’re commuting, training or riding for fun, we asked specialists to break down what to know before you buy – from specs and safety to price• The best bike locks for every budgetFor me, cycling is therapy. It’s calming, meditative and uncomplicated. But there’s a catch. To experience the simple joy of riding a

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I’ve been gaming for 40 years. Here are the best chairs in the UK for comfort, support and serious play

Whether you’re on PC or a console, level up your setup with our gaming expert’s pick of the best chairs• The best games of 2026 so farComfort is crucial to the gaming experience. It’s hard to focus on blasting aliens or taking Stoke to the Champions League final if your bum has gone to sleep

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I tested 53 water bottles to find the best for leaks, looks and sustainability: here are my favourites

Ditched single-use plastic bottles but can’t find a good reusable one? I spent months putting dozens through their paces – these are the ones worth buying• The best travel mugs and reusable coffee cups, testedIf you think a water bottle is just a water bottle, it’s time to wake up. These days, there’s a lot

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£12m for a Pokémon card? If you’re not in the game you’re missing a trick

The record sum paid at auction for a rare example is part of a boom in trading cards – and the prices can be staggeringFor £12m, you could buy a seven-bedroom mansion in Hampstead, north London, or a Bugatti La Voiture Noire, one of the world’s most coveted sports cars, with a few hundred thousand

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The rise of the analogue bag: fashion’s answer to doomscrolling

As screen fatigue grows, a new trend is swapping smartphones for crosswords and sketchbooks – turning the humble bag into a tool for offline livingThere’s a new “it” bag – but this time it is not about a designer label or splashy logo. Instead, it’s what is inside that counts.So-called analogue bags, filled with activities

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The best exercise bikes for home workouts, spin and getting sweaty, tested

Our fitness expert clocked up his indoor miles to put the best exercise bikes, including simple spin machines and gym-quality models, to the test• The best treadmills for your home, testedCycling has the potential to benefit your health in myriad ways, whether it’s the mood-boosting properties of inhaling fresh air, the social element of riding

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