Christmas shopping can seem like a chore, but Baby Bean’s 2008 Christmas Shopping Guide makes it fun and easy, with all the products featured available to buy online, either direct from Baby Bean or from other Work At Home Mum businesses that I can personally recommend.
Baby
Choosing gifts for a young baby is tricky, because let’s face it they don’t know anything about it and are likely to be just as pleased with a pile of wrapping paper and ribbon! So stick to small or practical gifts that can fill up baby’s first stocking.
I adore BabyLegs for both boys and girls, impossibly cute but also very useful. The Burt’s Bees ‘Baby Getting Started’ Kit is another great idea; the products are divine and a lovely treat for little ones’ delicate skin. The Apricot Baby Oil smells unbelievably good, much nicer than most baby toiletries.
One of my favourite WAHM shops Arabella Miller has a great range of organic cotton baby clothing, I particularly love the Flutterbye and Close Encounters nightgowns which are available in a Snoozies Gift Box with a matching hat. £20.00 from www.arabellamiller.com.
Toddler
My top buy for toddlers is the Wheely Bug, it is quite simply the best loved toy my children have ever had. Suitable even before your baby is walking it will last and be played with for years. From £48.00 including delivery by courier, the only problem is choosing from the five cute designs.
Try to include some practical items in your child’s stocking; it saves you money through the rest of the year. Socks, soap, cups, and cutlery will all go down well. Steady Co Booster Cutlery is designed for small hands but unlike many sets it has a fork that actually holds food and a serrated-edge knife that really cuts.
Bigger Kids
Great for children of any age, PLANX are deceptively simple wooden blocks which can be used to construct fantastic structures. I’ve seen kids from 3-12 all play together with these for hours, the only limit is their imagination. From £13.95, available in sets of 50, 100, 200, or 400 pieces.
Sticking with construction, let your budding builders beat the housing market crash by building their very own First House. The Junior Tradesman kit includes real clay bricks, non-toxic cement, and everything else you need for hours of absorbing fun, and it can be broken down and rebuilt time after time. £25.00 including delivery.
Games are always a great gift, and a good way to keep boredom at bay during the holidays. I love the Orchard Toys games, Pop to the Shops is my girls’ favourite, from £6.00 from www.educationtakeaway.com.
Funky Dory Party Bags have a great selection of stocking fillers from just 25p!
Gift for Mums and Mums to Be
As a mum it’s easy to spend time and money on choosing great gifts for the kids but forget about ourselves! The Burt’s Bees Mom & Baby TLC set is a brilliant set full of pampering products to treat the skin of both mother and child – a gorgeous gift for a new mum or mum-to-be. £29.95 with free delivery.
Breastfeeding mothers will also love the collection at Lactivist Bling; perfect for stylish mums with breastfeeding babies (or toddlers) that like to fidget - the Nursing Necklaces keep their attention where it is wanted, and look great too. From £11 at www.lactivistbling.co.uk
A new sling is always a great gift, think of it as an accessory like shoes and handbags - you can never have too many! The gorgeous fabrics of the EllaRoo or Moby wrap will brighten up dull days and let you enjoy lovely snuggles with your child on crisp winter walks. From £31.50 with free delivery.
Ideas for Tricky Types
Blokes are notoriously hard to buy for, but for a new(ish) Dad, how about the Ergo Baby Carrier . It is the most dad-friendly sling on the market, and he'll love having a carrier of his own to get out and about without the faff of a pram or buggy. £79.00 including delivery.
Everyone will love the gorgeous Christmas decorations from Craft Matters on Etsy, and best of all they get the fun of making it themselves. The kits include everything you need, with top quality materials, and (important if your recipient is as talentless as me!) easy to follow instructions. My partner loved making up the beaded stars last year, with a little 'help' from the kids! From £4 at www.craftmatters1970.etsy.com
Happy Shopping!
