Christmas Gift Ideas For Children

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Last week, I posted the first in my annual Christmas gift guides; Christmas Stocking Fillers and Festive Treats for Children and Christmas Gift Ideas For Foodies & Festive Tipples. They are both proving to be very popular, so following on from them is my Christmas Gift Ideas for Children. There's so much variety here that I can guarantee there's something or every child.

1. Orchard Toys Pop To The Shops & Magic Spelling - from £7.99

Christmas wouldn't be the same without a couple of games from Orchard Toys - it's become a yearly tradition of ours. We have countless of their games already and the kids play with them almost every day without fail. Pop To The Shops and Magic Spelling are both games that are suitable for Noah's age and are bound to give him a boost when it comes to literacy and numeracy. There is no better way to learn than through play.

2. Children's books from Quarto Kids - from £4.45
A book makes a great gift, especially at Christmas and even more so when they are Christmas themed. Quarto Kids sent the kids four of their newest releases; The Snowbear, The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker, Look Up At The Stars, and Greta and The Giants. They are all beautiful books, ones that have a feel-good message, and they are all going to be wrapped and placed under our tree this Christmas.

3. Johnson's Cottontouch Gift Set - £12.00

This is the perfect gift for any little one experiencing their first Christmas, or for an expectant parent. The Johnsons Cottontouch gift set contains everything a little one needs for a gentle bathtime, ideal for their sensitive skin. It retails at just £12.00 and contains Cottontouch Face and Body Lotion 500ml, Cottontouch 2-in-1 Bath and Wash 500ml, Cottontouch Extra Sensitive 56 Wipes and a Cotton Changing Mat. It's available to buy now at ASDA.

4. Angry Birds Island Challenge - £27.99

Fans of Angry Birds will have so much fun with the official Angry Birds Island Challenge slot car racing game. Suitable for children from 3 years of age, and with adult supervision - two players race against one another, around the figure of 8 track. I can imagine Noah and Ava having so much fun with this on Christmas day.

5. Baby Shark Dancing Plush Shark Doll - £24.99

Destined to be popular this Christmas - children can now sing and dance to the music with their own Baby Shark Dancing Plush Doll. It spins, dances, and plays the ever so popular Baby Shark song. You can also tap call his name, tap his head or clap to get a reply! You can purchase one right now at Amazon or instore at Smyths.

6. My Fairy Garden Nature Garden - £25.00

Christmas is all about magic, so how about gifting the magic of nature with the My Fairy Nature Garden? Children can decorate and design their own fairy garden and grow their own edible plants from the seeds. The set includes two fairies, animal friends and lots of other fantastic accessories. It's currently on offer on Amazon - grab it while you can.

7. Hape Childrens Wooden Shopping Trolley Cart - £45.00

This wooden shopping trolly from Hape is perfect for children who like to indulge in role-play games. I like the contrast of the natural wood, bright colours, and fabric basket - it's so attractive looking and has a gender-neutral colour scheme too. I'm sure it's the quality that I've come to expect from Hape - their toys are always built to last. It's suitable for children from 3 years of age and measures 42.8 cm x 30 H50.4cm.

8. Playmobil Tiny Paws Pet Hotel - £49.99

Playmobil has been popular with children for generations. The Tiny Paws Pet Hotel is suitable for children from 4 years of age and is the perfect place for Playmobil animals, both big and small. There are so many ways to play with this set - it features both an interior and exterior section, connected by a door for the pets. There's a room inside for all the animal supplies, a reception, a kitchen and more. Outside there are lots more accessories and activities to enjoy. Included are an array of different figures, animals, and accessories including food, toys and even a seesaw for the dogs.

9. Fuzzikins School Pop-Up Playset - £24.99

Fuzzikins are so much fun - a great gift for children who like to colour and be creative. The set pops open to reveal a school, with built-in furniture, a playground, classroom, and dining room. It comes complete with four students (hamster, lamb, monkey, mouse) and a wise owl teacher all of which can be coloured in with the washable pens and there are colours and stickers to decorate the school too. Perfect for storytelling and hours of creative play with endless possibilities of personalisation. Simply create, rinse, re-colour and play! You can purchase the Fuzzikins School Pop-Up Playset online in most toy stores and on Amazon.

10. So Bomb DIY Bath Bomb Vanity Case - £14.99

Have you ever wanted to make your own bath bombs? Well, now you can with So Bomb DIY Bath Bomb Vanity Case! Make your own fizzy creations using the brightly coloured, glittery powder and decorative sprinkles - then mould! Every ingredient is coloured, fragranced and measured out - making it quick and easy to create. The So Bomb DIY Bath Bomb Vanity Case has three 6cm bath bomb moulds and plenty of ingredients to create bath bombs until your heart is content.

11. Pixie Belles - £16.99

Do your children want a pet? How about compromising and gifting them their very own Pixie Belle this year? They are the cutest interactive creatures that are said to bring you love, light, and lots of fun movements. There are 3 Fun Modes; Nurture Mode, Pixie Power Dance Mode, and Spin Mode and include interchangeable and wearable tails. There's also a heart-to-heart connection between a Pixie Belle and their owner, so make sure to keep them close. There is so much more to learn about these cute critters - order yours today.

12. Little Brian Paint Sticks 2-in-1 Art Station - £29.99

Perfect for all those little budding artists out there - the Little Brian Paint Sticks 2-in-1 Art Station is great for getting creative, all without the mess! There's no need for brushes, or water, any of the mess that you usually get with painting. The art station itself is portable, easy to fold, store and comes with a handy clip. Contents also include; 6 Classic Paint Sticks, 6 Chalk Sticks, 10 sheets of paper, 1 duster. 

13. Disney’s Ariel Sing & Sparkle Doll - £34.99

This is an Ariel doll with a difference - one that I imagine to be very popular this Christmas. Such a beautiful doll, one which shimmers from head to fin - the glitter in her tail really glitters and shines. Press Ariels shell necklace to hear her talk and sing the songs we know and love from the film. Available to buy now at Smyths or online at Amazon.

14. Pokémon Battle 8 Figure Multi-pack - £24.99

Pokémon! Gotta catch em all and you can with the battle figure action pack! Containing 8 different figures, they look very realistic, articulated, and ready for battle. Children will have so much fun collecting these and the other packs which are available.

15. Guess How Much I Love You Personalised Mug & Gift Set - £13.99 & £24.99

This story is a favourite of ours, the same can be said for many other families across the UK. The Guess How Much I Love You Book & Toy Set - RRP £24.99 contains a small version of the book and soft toy. It's ideal for new babies, toddlers, children, any child who you think would enjoy the story really. The personalised mug, also from The Personalised Gift Shop costs £13.99 and can feature any name you like. Both items would make fantastic Christmas gifts and keepsakes too.

16. Tonies Starter Set - £69.95
No screens, wires, tricky buttons - bedtime and daytime stories have never been so easy. Available in multiple colours, Toniebox is a revelation and bound to please kids and parents alike. Children can listen to childhood classics like The Snowman, or new classics like The Gruffalo buy simply placing tonies figures on top (figures are sold separately.) The Toniebox is also soft to touch, meaning they can be snuggled up to at night, yet they are tough and hard-wearing - great if your children are a bit more rough and tumble. Once the story has ended, Toniebox will turn off automatically. Perfect for at home, and on the go - I can see why it's on many children's Christmas lists' this year.

Which of these items do you like the sound of the most?

Christmas Gift Ideas For Foodies & Festive Tipples

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It really is starting to look like Christmas - there are just four weeks to go until the big day! Are you prepared? If not and you have gifts yet to purchase then this gift guide may be of some use to you. It features dozens of food and drink (hic) suggestions that are ideal for many members of your family, or friends.

1. Chase Pink Grapefruit & Pomelo Gin - £35.95

Gin is my tipple of choice, and I know it's currently one of the most popular spirits on the market. Chase Pink Grapefruit & Pomelo Gin is a favourite of mine - Made with Williams GB gin as the base spirit and infused with a delicate range of eight botanicals including; juniper, orange peel, licorice, elderflower, and bitter almond before distillation in a copper gin still with pink grapefruit and pomelo peel. You can find this gin and more over at 31Dover.

2. EasiYo Yogurt Maker - £16.75
The EasiYo Yogurt Maker is an option for those who like to make their own foods, all while cutting down on plastics. It's has a sleek and simple design, which would suit any kitchen. It's able to create delicious, thick and creamy yogurt, without the use of any electronics or moving parts. It's easy to make, and fun to do! The Yogurt Maker Pack retails at £16.75 and includes the Pink Yogurt Maker, 1kg Yogurt Jar, and Information leaflet. Yogurt sachets can be purchased separately, at £3.00 each, or in various multipacks.

3. Cranes Cider Gift Set - £16.99

This gift set from Cranes is perfect for those who enjoy fruit cider. Included in the set is one of each of their flavous of fruity ciders; 1 x Cranes Cider Cranberries & Limes, 1 x Cranes Cider Raspberries & Pomegranates, 1 x Cranes Cider Blueberries & Apples and 1 x branded glass. Handcrafted in Cambridge, the drinks are made from all-natural ingredients and contain 30% fewer calories than brand leaders. I have this wrapped up for a family member already.

4. The Gin Club Subscription Box - £34.99
Another suggestion from 31 Dover is their gin subscription box which costs £34.99 per box. Every month, or every quarter, depending on your subscription you'll receive a bottle of gin, plus mixers and other accompaniments. The gin will always be something interesting and exciting as they like to select unique bottles from talented distillers across the world.

5. Beanies Mini Stash Box - £9.00

For lovers of quick, flavoured instant coffee, the Beanies Mini Stash Box would be ideal. You can select 3 flavours from their extensive collection of coffees, including their decaf options. The Christmas box includes; Mulled Wine, Christmas Pudding and Ginger Bread 3 x 50g jars and costs just £9.00. Beanies Thick Shakes would also make a great stocking filler at just £3.50 each.

6. I Heart Wines Rioja - £8.00

I have family members who swear by a bottle of red, especially at Christmas time. With top notes of red berries and a hint of vanilla from aging oak, I heart Berceo Rioja is ideal for drinking with a Christmas dinner and works just as well with sweet dishes too. Rioja and Christmas pudding - it sounds like a winner to me! It's available to buy at Bargain Booze, Nisa, and McColl's - or you can treat yourself to a case of three from Amazon.

7. Mionetto Prosecco DOC Treviso - £11.00

Red isn't my thing personally, but Prosecco is. Mionetto Prosecco is known for its style, quality, and taste. It's so fruity and light, with notes of honey, golden apple, white peach, and acacia blossom. I might have to save this bottle for me! You can find Mionetto Prosecco at Morrison’s, Tesco, NISA, Budgens, Bargain Booze, CostCutter and Londis or online at Amazon.

8. Popcorn Shed's Popcorn Gift Boxes - £3.50 each

Many people like sweet treats at Christmas, how about popcorn for a chance? Popcorn Shed is my favourite popcorn brand, they have a wide range of different sweet and savoury flavours, presented in bags, cardboard sheds, jars, and they even come in hampers too. Butterly Nuts and Pecan Pie are the two flavours that stood out to me, and I'm looking forward to gifting and trying them this Christmas. You can purchase multipacks and more on Amazon.

9. Four Seasons Gin Gift Set Collection - £25.00

There are lots of gifts for gin lovers at Yumbles and their four seasons gift set would tick many boxes, for many people. The gift set contains each one of their limited edition seasonal flavours, all in 5CL bottles. The varieties are; Lemon and Rosemary, Summer edition Strawberry and Black Pepper, Autumn edition Apple, Blackberry and Cardamom and the Winter Edition Cranberry and Clementine - all of which sound amazing.

9. Masha - £39.99

Masha is a multipurpose kitchen tool that is a must-have for all kitchens. It can be used to mash, whisk, beat, blend and puree in a matter of seconds. Its lightweight design has non slip sides, making it easy to handle and use. It's also dishwasher safe as the electric components can be removed for easy cleaning. Masha would make Christmas dinner much easier, that's for sure. You can order a Masha directly from Amazon for £39.99.

10. Booja-Booja Dairy Free Chocolate Truffles - £9.99

This Booja-Booja Award-Winning Selection features 16, dairy-free chocolate truffles for just £9.99 RRP. This is their best-ever value gift box to date, it is a dream come true for chocolate lovers across the UK. The box contains melt-in-your-mouth truffle varieties including; Hazelnut Crunch, Almond Salted Caramel, Around Midnight Espresso, Rhubarb & Vanilla Fool and more. The Booja-Booja Award-Winning Selection is available now from Holland & Barrett, online and in-store. It will be available from independent health food shops across the UK from December.

Which of these items do you like the sound of the most?

Christmas Stocking Fillers & Festive Treats For Children

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There's no denying it now, Christmas is just over a month away! Can you believe it? Whether you are organised or not, the pressure is now on to have everything ready for the big day and as ever - everything is a little chaotic for us. We have quite a large family, and the gift-buying always tends to be left to me - I have so many different Christmas lists on the go. Over the next week or so I'll be posting various gift guides, containing samples I've been sent that I'll be gifting to my own family this year.

1. Chocolates from Thorntons - £5.38

Thorntons are known for pulling out all the stops at Christmas - providing a wide range of delicious chocolate products. Thorntons Cheeky Elf is back for another year, along with the Cheeky Reindeer and Snowy Bear. They retail at £5.38, perfect for in Christmas stockings and are bound to be popular with the little ones. 

2. Mizzie The Kangaroo - £16.80

Mizzie is a baby teething toy is designed for infants’ sensory development and sore gums. Stimulating babies’ sense of sight, touch, smell and hearing. And of course, she squeaks! Mizzie The Kangaroo is made out of 100% natural rubber, contains water-based non-toxic dyes and is free from PVC, BPA, nitrosamines, and phthalates. Designed by parents, you just know it ill be a well-received gift for youngsters.

3. Stib Jumbo Pencils - £9.95
Stib Jumbos are more than just a tub of coloured pencils - they have designed to support and inspire children, making them feel good on the inside and to encourage them to do good deeds too. The pencils are all embossed with a positive and inspirational word and they are presented in a brightly coloured tube. The pencils come with a pencil sharpener, sticker sheet or colouring templates. They retail at £9.95 and 10% of profits go to charity.

4. Foodie Roos - £7.99Foodie Roos are a new collectible toy on the market, brought to you by John Adams. Each Foodie Roo is presented in a brightly colored, realistic-looking food container - ids can choose from popcorn, gummies, chips, cookies, fruit cup, soda, pretzels, juice, cereal, and rare treats! Inside is a collectible, soft plush, which is scented and great for sensory play. Read more about Foodie Roos here.

5. Haribo Christmas Selection - from £4.00

Forget chocolate, some people prefer candy for Christmas. Featuring a mix of favourite sweet treats, the Haribo Hamper is ideal for those with a sweet tooth. Bursting a fab selection, the hampers include a little something for everyone; sour Bear Buddies, Squidgy Strawbs, Jelly Beans, Balla Stixx, Chamallows, and delicious Dummies Z!NG. The Haribo Selection Box and Sweet Medely Box are also great inclusions to the range.

6. Ion8 Leak Proof 'Ladybugs' Kids Water Bottle - £10.00

As a parent, I really appreciate useful gifts and the Ion8 leak proof water bottle is just that. It's just the right size for children, looks super cute and is easy for them to use with the flip lock, soft feel and carry strap. It's BPA free, made from phthalate-free, non-toxic TRITAN and is suitable for hot or cold drinks.

7. Goes To Sleep book - £16.99

Personalised gifts are also a favourite of mine and the Goes to Sleep bedtime book would make a thoughtful gift, especially if the recipient doesn't sleep very well. The book has been created in partnership with ‘The Children’s Sleep Charity’ and each copy is easily personalised for every individual child, and is proven to help children and parents sleep better through the night. What more could you ask for in a gift?

8. Experience Voucher from Red Letter Days - from £20.00

If you wanted to think out of the box this Christmas then I would highly recommend purchasing an experience voucher from Red Letter Days. There are lots to choose from which are specifically aimed at families and children. We have a voucher for Drayton Manor and we are so very excited.

9. Baby Born Clothing - from £9.99
Baby Born sells an array of different clothes, accessories, and furniture which are great for children who have Baby Born dolls or dolls of a similar size. I have a few outfits that I've put away for Ava's dolls for Christmas that I know she'll adore - which will also add more excitement when it comes to role play.

10. Snacks from Fruit Bowl - from £2.99
Great for stocking followers, snacks from Fruit Bowl are a healthy treat and are perfect for nibbling on during the festive period. Their fruit yogurt flakes have been a favourite of Noah's for years so he'll be delighted when he discovers the variety pack in his stocking this Christmas. They are filling and contribute towards their 5 a day. The blackcurrant and raspberry peelers are something new for them to try - I'm sure they'll enjoy them just as much.

11. Bamboo Tableware Set - £15.95
Finishing off the guide nicely is a very practical gift idea with the Miko the Panda Bamboo Tableware Set from Rex London. This set is ideal for children from weaning age, through to toddlerhood and beyond. It features a matching plate, bowl, beaker, fork, and spoon - all made from bamboo and melamine. I adore the the design and I'm sure my children will get many years of use out of it.

12. Klean Kanteen Kids Classic Sports Bottles 12oz - £16.95
I've been a fan of Klean Kanteen for the past couple of years, however, the kids were yet to have their own bottles. These 12oz stainless steel sports bottles would make the best stocking filler, as they are a useful and practical gift and one which is environmentally friendly too. The bottles are great to use at playgroup, nursery, school, at home, and on the go. Read more about Klean Kanteen and purchase them on their website or at Amazon.

Which of these stocking fillers or treats do you like the sound of the most?