What makes a children's clothing gift actually work?

Two things matter most: size and whether the child will actually want to wear it. Go one size up, choose flexible cuts with adjustable waists, and avoid anything that feels restrictive or overheats an active child. When in doubt, ask about their current favourite colour — it changes faster than you'd expect.

Buying clothing for babies is relatively straightforward.

But the more children grow, the more they develop their own strong opinions about what they wear — and what they absolutely refuse to.

My 4-year-old once made me return a perfectly nice jumper I'd bought for the festive season. No explanation. Just a firm no.

Children want to show their independence through what they wear.

But they are also drawn to things that spark their imagination — and that's worth keeping in mind when choosing a gift.

A clothing gift done well? It becomes the favourite piece, worn proudly again and again. Otherwise it will be quietly left in the drawer or regifted.

Done correctly, a favourite garment will be proudly worn over and over again, each time reminding the wearer about you.

And toys will be left to gather dust…

Here is how to make sure your present is the favourite one 

Remember temperature comfort

This is one of the most overlooked factors. Some children run hot — always. For them, one warm garment will simply never get worn. A lighter piece that can be layered is a much safer choice. Look for minimal synthetic content and avoid fabrics with a heavy nap inside or out. Natural fibres like organic cotton breathe better and feel more comfortable against active, warm little bodies.

Get the size right

Ask for the child's current height — not the size they usually wear, as sizing varies enormously between brands. Go one size up, or look for double sizing (e.g. 104/110) which gives more room to grow. Independent labels often cut more generously than high street brands. And remember: cotton shrinks slightly in the wash, so factor that in.

Go for novel textures and special features

Children are highly tactile and love new sensations — it's actually important for their development. Special details on a garment can turn it from just another piece of clothing into a favourite. Think 3D appliqués, big usable pockets, adjustable length, or vibrant colours.

Features that let a child interact with the garment — adjust it, use it, show it off — make all the difference.

Check the fastenings

Can the child do them up independently? Complicated buttons or fiddly zips quickly become a source of frustration. Simple, robust fastenings that a child can manage themselves are always the better choice.

Ask about the current favourite colour — just before you buy

Tastes change fast. The favourite colour three months ago may already be yesterday's news. A quick check saves a lot of disappointment.

Or if this is too much to consider, have a look at Babbily leggings.

• They are both comfortable and durable — guaranteed to please both mum and child.
• No need to worry about sizing — they grow up to 4 sizes and are easily adjustable.
• They will stay with a child for at least 12 months, as they are 20× stronger in the knees.