Blake's Christmas Sack

I'm so excited for Christmas this year. 

I really believe that having children at Christmas time makes it all the more special and

there is so many things I want to see, do and make with Blake. 

We have so far made a special Christmas tree bauble with Blake at Reason's to be cheerful where I use to work. We have also been to the light switch on in our local town which happened on  Friday 27th. Although we didn't stay for long as Blake started getting upset with the fireworks. There was going to be a market day on the Saturday and Sunday and we had planned to go on the Sunday to see the reindeer's but unfortunately due to bad weather it had to be called off. 

Since tomorrow is the first of December I am even more excited as I have so many ideas of traditions that I want to start doing as a family with Blake.

When I was little every Christmas I had two Christmas sacks which were always full of toys and gifts from loved ones. 

One was left under the tree and the other was always at the bottom of my bed. 

Getting personal have fab range of personalised items and I am so happy to have received a personalised Santa sack for Blake. 

This wonderful red sack is the perfect way to make Christmas morning that bit more magical. Featuring a textured design with white furry trim around the top, it's exactly like the sack used by Father Christmas himself and is sure to bring some added festive cheer.

The sack has a drawstring with white pom-poms on each end, so you can secure the presents inside and make sure no stocking filler goes amiss! 

 

What Blake Wore: first birthday outfit

Now that Blake's first Birthday is under three weeks away. 

We have more plans in place and got more things organised. 

We are planning a family party over at Stuart's parents the weekend before his birthday.

Then on his actual birthday we are taking him to snakes and ladders which is a soft play place. 

Stuart has booked the day off work as Blake's birthday is on a Wednesday. 

I have chosen to show you the outfit that we have picked out for him to wear on his special day. 

I am either going to check that the shoes he wore for his christening in July still fit or may find some new ones for him to wear.

The navy shirt has cute little anchor design on it and the navy chino's go with it perfect. 

I think navy is a color that really suits Blake and he wore navy on his christening day too. 

What do you think of his little outfit?

Did your little one have a special outfit to wear on their birthday?

Gift Guide: For Children (Non Toys)

Today I am sharing a collection of Non Toy gift Ideas.

I know that sometimes you don't want to get children toys as a gift, as other family members tend to buy them lots of toys. 

If like Blake and your children have a birthday so close to Christmas or even on Christmas day like one of my Nephews than this guide will be helpful. 

Crazy Soap Bath products*

Crazy soap sell a fun range of bath products for an exciting sensory experience. 

Body paints, foaming soaps, fizzy bath tints, bath goo and color changing bubble bath are

all fun ideas for making the most of bath time and having lots of fun. 

Blake loves the color changing bubble bath and is fascinated seeing the color of the one we were sent go from orange to green.

Blake has also loved playing with the other products and its lovely seeing him squeal with delight in the bath. 

Cheeky Chompers Neckerchew and comfortchew* 

Cheeky Chompers sell a range of fab products for babies. 

There are many designs and the one we were sent is called twinkle twinkle. 

The Neckerchews retails at £11.99 and the Comfortchew retails at £17.95.

Neckerchew is the world’s first chewable dribble bib for teething tots  that is stylish, reversible, absorbent and hygienic.

The twinkle twinkle neckerchew is  stylish  and reversible with light blue and navy stars,with a navy reverse. 

 suitable 2 months to 2 years. 

Comfortchew is an attachable teething comforter with baby’s four favorite essentials :comforter, teether, tags and the feel of their favorite teddy.

Slumbersac Simply Baby Sleeping Bag*

Slumbersac's simply range offers real quality as well as fantastic value for money! Made from soft 100% Jersey Cotton with a simple star print this cute design is a great alternative to blue or pink and suitable for boys and girls.

The sleeping bag is available in four sizes:

0-6 months

6-18 months 

12 months - 3 years

and 

3-6 years. 

The sleeping bag comes in three different tog ratings:

0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 perfect for the changing seasons.

You can personalize your sleeping bags by adding name embroidery in the color of your choice! Simply select the name embroidery option when you check out and add the name and the color you require.

Storie-child*

Storie Child is a brand that sell a range of gorgeous printed books. 

Storie child books are books that help you to capture memories of your little ones which you may have forgotten about. Such as photo's that you take on a day to day basis on your mobile for example.

I love this cute idea of keeping your memories in printed form rather than digital form. 

I think this would be a lovely gift to add to a memory box that your child can look

back on when they are older. 

Little Dandies*

Little Dandies is run by two sisters and all clothing is hand printed here in the UK.

I love how cute there designs are and what I also love is that you can have them personalised with your child's name as well. 

The dinosaur top that we received is of high quality and such a cute design. 

I know that Blake is going to gets lots of use wearing this. 

Posh Canvas*

Posh Canvas provide beautiful canvases for your home, whether it's a birthday, wedding or a new addition to the family, they have plenty of canvas designs for you to choose from.

I love this "twinkle, twinkle little star do you know how loved you are..." print as when 

I was pregnant with Blake it was one of nursery rhymes I would sing to him and he would kick like crazy. 

This is going up on the wall of his bedroom. 

Gift Guide: For Children (Toys)

Hi Everyone today I have compiled some toy ideas for your little ones. 

Most of the items included are gifts that we have got for Blake for either Christmas or Birthday and also some from his amazon wishlist or that I have come across and thought that's a great idea. 

Tomorrow I've got a non toy item list coming up which includes clothing, books etc. 

Playmobil City Life Car*

This playmobil city life car is suitable for ages 4-10 years. 

The car accommodates two figures the front window is removable and the trunk can be opened. An ideal gift for children who love the Playmobil range. 

£14 Sold in most toy stores. 

Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Piggy Bank

We purchased this toy for Blake's birthday its suitable from 6 months . 

This piggy bank introduces counting, colors and music. 

There are 10 colorful coins that drop into the piggys back.

There are a variety of developmentally appropriate songs, phrases and sounds within two levels of play - just slide the switch to choose the right one.

Level 1 - Explore - 6 months+ First words and sounds spark baby's curiosity

Level 2 - Encourage - 12 months+ Prompt baby though questions and simple directions. 

In The Night Garden Explore and Learn Musical Activity Table

We have also got this for Blake for his birthday. 

I can't wait for him to play with this he loves In the night garden especially iggle piggle. 

There are many fab features of this activity table: 

-  Table,hammer, bridge, carousel, cave, Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka figures

-Dimensions: 40L X 60W X51H cm

-Iconic In the Night Garden bridge which the figurines can stand on

-Put Makka Pakka to bed in his cosy cave

-Use the character figurines to wind up the carousel for a gentle lullaby

-Flip the page on the electronic book to hear short stories

-5 light up stepping stones featuring character images

-5 electronic learning games – use the squeaky hammer or hand to play

-Store accessories within the table

-Batteries required: 3 x AA (not included)

Sold in most toy stores

Fisher price Beat Bo

This is said to be one of the popular toys for Christmas 2015. 

Suitable for 9 months and upwards. 

 Press  Fisher-Price Bright Beats Dance and Move BeatBo’s tummy or any of the buttons on his feet to  activate fun songs, learning content and dance moves. 

 BeatBo is your futuristic friend even allows parents or baby to record a phrase, and he’ll remix it into his favourite song.

 His 3 modes, Dance ‘n Move, Learning and games, and customized Sing-Along, "grow" with baby to make him a fun, entertaining companion for years to come. All the while, he’s introducing baby to letters, colors, counting, music and much more!

Barbie Malibu House

Barbie loves her Malibu House there are tons of possibilities for play. 

From relaxing quiet time to a house party with her fabulous friends and family. 

With six rooms, stylish furniture and awesome accessories, you can recreate favorite scenes and imagine new Malibu fun adventures. 

Suitable for 3 years and above 

Megabloks time to build 

60 builders blocks for hours of fun play. 

They are in  classic primary color theme although you can buy pink ones too. 

I personally don't like the idea of pink for girls and would have the classic ones

for both genders. 

They are eco friendly with PVC-free packaging with strap for storage and portability.

compatible with other megoblocks products to continue the fun. 

Fisher price smart stages scooter

This is Blake's main Christmas present and it looks like so much fun! 

It has the smart stages learning technology meaning it will grow with him. 

Every baby develops at his or her own pace, and Smart Stages technology gives you the ability to select the stage that’s best for your child! 

There are a variety of developmentally appropriate songs, phrases and sounds within three levels of play,just slide the switch for level changes.

 Level 1  is Explore  suitable for  12M+ First words and sounds spark baby’s curiosity.

 Level 2  is Encourage suitable for 18M+ Prompt baby through questions and simple directions.

 Level 3 is  Pretend  suitable for 24M+ Imaginative fun and early role play.

Leapfrog My Pal Scout/My Pal Violet

Give learning a personal touch with a soft, cuddly puppy pal. 

My Pal Scout/Violet can learn your child's name and likes such as favorite food.

This is done via connecting to your mobile or tablet and using the app. 

If your child has a very unique name though its worth looking to see if that name

is in the list of names.

Suitable for children 6-36 months. 

The cute puppy teaches:

- Learning about numbers: children are introduced to number names and number order through counting games and activities.

- Introducing daily routines: learning about daily routines help children develop a sense of time and sequence.

Learning about feelings: even very young children can begin to recognise and express their feelings, as well as the feelings of others.

Lego Duplo my first  farm

Introduce farm life to little ones with Lego Duplo 

my first farm. 

An ideal gift for helping with fine motor skills.

Includes chunky, special decorated bricks which help to teach your toddler about farm life.

Features an easy-to-build farm with opening doors and windows, a feeding trough and two child LEGO DUPLO figures.

Also includes a sheep, cow and chicken animal figures, plus three brightly coloured bricks decorated with farm animal produce.

Suitable for children 2-5 years

Leapfrog Sing and Play Farm

Keeping with the farm theme the Leapfrog Sing and Play farm 

is a great toy that has many buttons to push, keys to turn and switches to flip. 

The farm has lots of great little features, including an illuminating lantern, a chirping chick, a hidden owl and lots, lots more! Every touch triggers familiar tunes, sound effects, and voices.

Ideal for 6 months and up

Connect 4

I love traditional games for Children that we grow up with.

Connect 4 is one of them games which is why I have included it in

this gift guide. 

suitable for children 6 years and up. 

Orchard Toys Shopping List

I use to work in a Nursery and studied childcare at college, so this 

was when I first came across this game. 

I really love it and the children in the pre-school had so much fun.

It's suitable for children ages 3-7 years. 

I will certainly be wanting Blake to have this game when he is a little older. 

So there you have it my Christmas Gift Guide for children. 

I have tried to include a mixture of ages so that you can find something suitable. 

Check back for tomorrows gift guide on non toy items for children. 

Gift Guide: For Couples

Sometimes when it comes to buying gifts its lovely to purchase one present for a couple.

Whether  it's your  Mum and Dad,  your sibling with his/her partner or a friend and her partner or any other couple you know.

I have compiled a list of some lovely items that they may love. 

Degustabox*

I am a huge fan of Degustabox, so would recommend if the couple you know are real foodies to purchase a subscription or one off box. 

The boxes are £12.99 a month including postage. 

The thing I love about Degustabox is that each month you don't know what 

is going to be in the box.

 So its a lovely surprise and you get to try out brands you may not have tried or heard of before. 

Degustabox £12.99 a month 

 Personalised Rustico Utensil Jar*

Add a touch of vintage style to a modern kitchen with this charming, ceramic utensil pot. In a beautiful, graduated shade of biscuit brown, and with a grainy texture, it's a practical yet stylish piece of kitchenware.

I love personalised items so this is ideal present especially  if like us they have so many utensils so need another or even a new pot. 

We chose our pot to say 

The Bayford's 

Fun Filled

Kitchen. 

£14.99 Getting Personal

Personalised Indoor Doormat*

Door Mats can often get overlooked and to be fair most people

tend to just have a plain one. 

So leave your shoes at the door with this personalised door mat. 

What I love about this personalised one is that it comes in 3 different colors

so you can pick one to match their home and also comes in two sizes. 

Colour options available: Slate grey; taupe and terracotta.

Available in 2 sizes: H40 x W60cm or H50 x W75cm

£26.99 for 40x60 

and

£31.99 for 50x75

From Getting Personal

You can find some more ideas over on last years gift guide For The Home.

 There are some lovely bits that would be ideal for couples too. 

Gift Guide: For Her

When it comes to gifts for her I tend to find it so much easier than for him. 

However there are so many lovely bits out there that I would love to show you but 

I've had to narrow it down which was pretty tricky. 

Cozy Boots*

Cozy boots are microwavable slipper boots. 

They are soft, cosy and warm, I literally live in these at the moment when I am at home. 

They are gently scented with lavender and an ideal gift for someone who loves their home comforts. 

I love getting into these slippers boots when I get in especially if its been cold and wet outside. 

£14.99 Getting Personal

Nspa*

These Nspa goodies are great if you are on the look out for a small gift for someone for example

if you get involved in a secret Santa. 

The cranberry hand wash is such a christmassy scent that makes me feel really festive.

The caramel chocolate shower gel is a lovely treat for chocolate lovers out there. 

Available from ASDA

Lush T-shirts*

Want to get that christmassy feeling for Christmas Day, than this is an ideal gift for someone that loves Christmas as it can be worn year after year. 

With a cute snowman design you the amazing Snowman T-Shirt is a fitted style. Complete with round coal like graphics and an orange carrot for a nose. 

The top is of high quality and you can find a range of Christmassy and non Christmas (if you would prefer)  t-shirts. 

Lush T-shirts £14.99 

Jo Malone Candle

Jo Malone candles tend to be expensive but I just love this pomegranate Niore candle.

I got this candle a few  years ago thanks to a blog collaboration and use it sparingly as its such a lovely

scent. I am also a huge fan of Yankee candles and really want their Christmas cookie scent. 

I think candles are a great gift as so many women love them so its a gift most women will like 

no matter what age they are. 

Dance In The Rain Sterling Silver Necklace*

I am totally in love with this necklace from Grace and Valour. 

Its such a pretty design and I love a lot of Grace and Valour Jewelry. 

This Cute thundercloud and raindrop necklace is made from Sterling Silver 

and the inscription on the card says 'Life is not about weathering the storm, its about learning to dance in the rain'

I really like that quote as life can sometimes bring you down but you have to embrace it.

Grace and Valour £33

Soap and Glory The Whole She Bang

Every year I want one of these ultimate soap and glory sets and always try and get

one when they go down to half price just before Christmas and always seem to miss out. 

The set contains many fab soap and glory products and this year there a nine products in total. 

The set this year contains: 

Soap and Glory Clean On Me MoistureShower Gel 

Soap and Glory Sugar Crush The Scrub Of Your Life Body Buffer 

Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter 

Soap and Glory Hand Food, Hand Cream 

Soap and Glory Heel Genius, Foot cream 

Soap and Glory Thick and Fast High-Definition Collagen-Coat Mascara

Soap and Glory Thick and Fast Peaches and Clean 4 in 1 cleansing milk 

Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter Instant Sunkissed Tint Body Lotion

Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker lip gloss in Pink Rose and Shine 

all in a Soap and Glory cosmetics case. 

A great gift for the lady in your life as its so popular.

£60 Boots 

Ted Baker Treasure Chest

Bring a bit of designer sparkle into a loved ones life. 

If you can't afford to spend a lot on designer items than why not 

go for the Ted Baker Treasure Chest Instead. 

This set contains 6 items for £25

Hand Cream (50ml)

Body Wash (200ml)

Body Lotion (250ml)

Body Spray (150ml

Bubble Bath (50ml)

Soap (140g)

I really love the packaging of these items as they such a lovely pink floral look that will look fab in 

your bathroom. 

£25 Boots

Calvin Klein Eternity Moment Eau de Parfum

ETERNITY MOMENT is a modern and luscious "fresh-squeezed" floral scent, bursting with succulent beauty. For the woman who makes the most out of every moment and believes in the possibilities of modern day romance.

I just love the smell of this although I don't have it myself I would love to find it under the tree this Christmas. 

£34 Boots was £68

I really hope this post has given you some inspiration for more ideas you can see last years gift guide.