Christmas gifts for Portuguese children living abroad

For a Portuguese child growing up in another country, the best Christmas gift is one that brings them closer to the language, traditions and games of their parents and grandparents: books in Portuguese, traditional games, recipes and stories from Portugal to enjoy as a family. Here are 8 ideas, from things to buy to traditions to share.

Why choose a Portuguese gift

Many emigrant families speak Portuguese at home, but school, friends and cartoons are in another language. A gift linked to Portugal gives a reason to speak Portuguese, tell childhood stories and plan the next visit to the grandparents.

8 Christmas gift ideas

1. Children's books in Portuguese

Choose books with short sentences and lots of pictures, to read aloud. If your child still reads better in the language of the country where you live, activity books work well: there's always something to colour in or complete, even when a word is hard.

2. Traditional Portuguese games

The spinning top, noughts and crosses, dominoes and the yo-yo are games many parents and grandparents have known since they were small. Teaching the rules is a natural way to share memories.

3. A Rabiskas kit with the book in the right language

The Explore Portugal with Rabiskas kits combine an activity book about Portugal with traditional wooden games. The book comes in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish, so children can discover Portugal in the language they read best, and the adults can tell the rest in Portuguese. There is a kit for ages 3 to 6 and another for ages 6 to 9, and we ship worldwide.

4. Portuguese songs and nursery rhymes

Traditional songs and rhymes, such as "Atirei o pau ao gato", are easy to learn by heart and great for car journeys. Make a playlist to listen to as a family during the holidays.

5. A Christmas recipe to make together

Rabanadas, filhoses or bolo-rei: choose a family recipe, write it on a card and give it with the dry ingredients. The gift is the afternoon spent in the kitchen.

6. An Advent calendar of traditions

Instead of chocolates, each day can bring a small Portuguese tradition: a new word, a legend, a song or a recipe. The legend of the Rooster of Barcelos, the nativity scene and Midnight Mass (Missa do Galo) can fill several weeks.

7. A map of Portugal for the next trip

A big map with the grandparents' home town marked helps children understand where the family comes from and choose what they want to visit next summer.

8. A video call with the grandparents to open the gift

Arrange a time to open the gift with the grandparents in Portugal. If it's a game, you can play together at a distance, each showing the pieces to the camera.

When to order so it arrives in time for Christmas

In December carriers handle far more parcels, especially international ones. Check the delivery times in our Shipping policy and order with time to spare. At checkout you can enter the child's address, so the gift goes straight to them.

Frequently asked questions

Do you ship the kits outside Portugal?

Yes, we ship worldwide. Shipping is €10 to the European Union and €25 to the rest of the world, and is shown at checkout before payment.

What languages is the activity book available in?

Portuguese, English, French and Spanish. You choose the language on the kit page before adding it to the cart.

Can I send the gift straight to the child?

Yes. At checkout you enter the delivery address, which can be different from the billing address.

To see what's in each box, compare the contents of the two kits.