Saturday, December 1, 2012

Christmas present ideas for babies and toddlers

Review

I don?t think I?ve ever been more aware of the potential pitfalls of Christmas gluttony than this year. Having a toddler who is becoming increasingly aware of the idea of ?presents?, I?m keen not to get into a cycle of materialistic abandon, buying everything in sight for my beautiful girl.

That said, she does have a range of gorgeous things to open on Christmas Day. Some of these are second hand (a ?10 wooden doll?s house I?m going to paint) and some are new. The brand spanking new presents are all things I know she?ll love and get lots of use from. And there is no pink in sight.

The toys

I love wooden toys. There?s something old-fashioned and wholesome about them. Plus, they look so much prettier than a lot of the plastic stuff around for kids.

This bundle of toys was bought from a website I write and blog for ? Mums and Me ? and I was beyond excited to take delivery of them. Each puzzle, stamp or game in the collection has an educational focus and the bright colours are sure to appeal to my bright loving toddler. She was given a Melissa and Doug puzzle for Christmas last year which is still her favourite, so I know these toys from the same brand will be met with delight.

The books

I?m planning to get Frog a few second hand books from our local charity shop this year, as she has lots and lots of books already which she reads religiously every day. That said, there was a book we were given earlier this year which I would highly recommend if you have a pre-schooler who enjoys reading.

Arlo Needs Glasses by Barney Saltzberg is all about a dog who finds out he needs specs. The pop-up book is beautifully illustrated and very funny. Kids can take out the different types of glasses and try them on Arlo, an activity that my two year old loved.

I like the fact there are no princesses or annoying cartoon characters in it and she likes the interactive nature of the book. The only word of warning comes from the fact it?s a pop-up book and toddlers are rough. We?ve had to make Arlo a mum / Frog activity only. She?s not allowed near it without supervision!

The snuggly stuff

She?s a bit big for babygrows and little comforters now, but my toddler is still a lover of snuggles and reclining like the Queen on the sofa with a blanket.

This blanket from Jelly Babys will be the new living room cosy item of choice after Christmas.

Unlike Frog?s two ?magic? blankets, it?s not an insipid tone of pink and has not a fluffy patch in sight. But it?s bright, soft and very snuggleable (I may just have made that word up).

Jelly Babys are an award winning online retailer in all things baby and toddler. They do some beautiful comforters for tiny babies, gorgeous soft toys and unique cot bumpers. There?ll be some very happy members of the family on Christmas Day (by the way, if you?re a member of my family then look away now ? chances are you?ll be opening one of these soon).

As for the rest of it, Frog will be opening some homemade items lovingly sewn by my mum, some chocolate lovingly bought by me and some outfits lovingly purchased by her granny from the north.

Despite all of this, I?m quite proud of the fact I haven?t spent a fortune on her and I know she?ll be just as excited to wake up with her mum still at home on a weekday morning, which she hasn?t had all year. When I asked her earlier today what happens on Christmas Day, she replied, ?Mummy and Daddy time, family, chocolate and presents?, in that order.

Love that girl.

Source: http://www.mothersalwaysright.com/toddler-christmas-list/

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