A Christmas gift they play, not one they unwrap and forget.
By December 26th most of it is on the floor. This one has their name on the title screen, their favourite things hidden inside it, and a message from you at the end — and it still works in July.
Questions before you choose? Email hello@bigdayarcade.com.
Why a game beats another toy this year
The problem with Christmas gifts for kids aged 5 to 12 isn't finding something — it's finding something that survives January. A personalized game is the rare gift that gets more interesting the more they play it, because they're in it. They see their own name on the title screen, the things they're obsessed with turn up inside the levels, and the ending is a message you wrote. It takes up no shelf space, needs no batteries, and can't be lost under a bed.
It arrives as a link, so nothing can get lost in the post
No courier can leave this present in the rain. We deliver a secret web address for a mobile, iPad or computer, and you choose the exact Christmas-morning moment. Families who already mirror a device may use their own screen or projector, but the gift works without either. Add the $19 print pack when you want a scannable card to wrap under the tree. There is no installation, child registration or commercial break.
Order by mid-December — and what to do if you've left it late
Delivery runs 3 to 7 days depending on the package, and that clock starts once you've answered a few quick questions about them and approved the hero we draw. Ordering by the second week of December is comfortable. If it's tighter than that, tell us the date before you buy — we'll say honestly whether we can make it rather than take the money and miss Christmas.
What you actually choose
Three sizes: Quick Play at $79 is one bright level, Hero Adventure at $149 is two levels and a real ending, and Party Epic at $299 is three chapters with guest cameos and printable QR cards. Then pick how it plays — running and jumping, hunting for hidden surprises, or exploring a whole world — and how it looks, from pixel art to hand-painted storybook to full 3D. Every world and character is drawn from scratch. We never copy a brand or a famous character.
Questions grown-ups ask
When do I need to order for Christmas?
Order by the second week of December to be comfortable. Delivery is 3 to 7 days depending on the package, and that starts after you answer a few quick questions and approve the hero. If your date is tight, ask us first and we'll tell you honestly whether we can make it.
Is there anything to put under the tree?
Add the printable QR party pack for $19 and you get cards you can print, wrap and hand over — they scan it and the game opens. Otherwise it's a private link you send whenever you choose.
What ages is this good for?
Ages 5 to 12. Search & Find suits 5 to 8, Run & Jump suits 6 to 10, and Explorer Quest suits 8 to 12 because it involves more reading and puzzling. They're guides, not rules — pick whichever fits the kid.
Do you need a photo of my child?
No. We can draw their hero from a nickname, favourite colours and what they're into. If a grown-up wants an approved child or family photo used for an in-game cameo, we arrange a private transfer after ordering. It is optional, used only for that game and deletable whenever you ask.
What if it doesn't work on our devices?
We test every game on iPhone and iPad, Android phones and tablets, and Mac or Windows computers. If the finished game won't run on the devices we listed and we can't fix it, you get your money back.