Christmas is never not overwhelming in my head - the constant balance of what the kids will get the most joy out of versus the toll on the planet and what may or may not be good for their innocent minds. I try to make sure there is a good balance of practical gifts and a few items that will tickle them with joy and bring that touch of magic. I try to buy second-hand where possible, support independent makers and avoid plastic and amazon as much as I can but these days I also don't beat myself up if not every present meets that perfectly.
I've broken it up into stocking ideas and bigger presents below. I will perhaps come and update this blog as the ideas come in which i'm sure they will!
My kids are obviously surrounded by Forivor so they need nothing in that department but of course our blankets and pyjamas are presents that have longevity, comfort, learning and creativity embedded in them. All elements that I look for in presents I buy. For a main present I'd invest in a quilted blanket and as a stocking filler pyjamas or a quilted hot water bottle.
STOCKINGS
- A beeswax otter candle for Taryn and a beeswax hedgehog candle for Remie from an artisan maker called Bydafau in our local market in Hay on Wye. I don't think she sells online but there will be other small makers out there on etsy or like this one
- A mini pure wool felted animal (I bought them one last year and they were a huge hit). Made locally to me but available on etsy.
- Kolsvart fish shaped Swedish sweeties - expensive but a stocking treat! Available here
- A kitchen timer to encourage their cooking skills in the kitchen - Remie already has one of these legami ones and loves it!
- Tiny Journals - Remie is obsessed with anything mini and these little journals are appealing to adults and children alike. Our brilliant local stationary shop Bartrums in Hay on Wye has these and you can buy them here
- Living in a book town, books are always a part of our Christmas list. I love to browse the second hand bookshops and find an unusual reference book, pop up book or storybook that they will like. Charity shops are also great for this and World of Books.
- Other great stocking fillers in the past have been marbling kits, modelling clay, chocolate money of course, oranges always.
- Remie loves Petit Bateau underwear and its a bit of a treat so i'll pop some of that in her stocking
UNDER THE TREE
I won't be buying all of these but this is my list i'll be choosing from!
- Taryn has been obsessed with a 'Perplexus' his friend lent him so I will be getting one for him, Remie and my niece and nephew as they absorb them so completely and that feels worth the 'plastic' spend . I'll get the Rebel model for Taryn which is the one he's been playing and the slightly harder 'beast' for Remie and then they can swap.
- a new bicycle for Remie. I tend to look for second hand frog or isla bikes and trade in her old one as they are £££ even second hand but excellent bikes so worth it. I'll be looking in the second hand bike groups on Facebook Market place.
- We were in a toy shop in Glastonbury in half-term and Taryn really wanted a wooden marble run which looks like endless hours of play so that is firmly on the list.
- a karaoke kit for them to share. I try to always get them one present intentionally for them to enjoy together. There is quite a lot of music being played in our house at the moment so i feel like this will be a good addition. This is on my wish list but perhaps too £££
- Every year I buy the kids new art materials. A new good sketchbook each and nice materials to use. It makes me happy to look back over the year of drawings and how they progress over the years. Early on they were used up quickly and full of paint and then slowly the art work appears and it is a very special thing to have recorded in one place. I tend to buy ringbound ones like this one as they are easier for little ones to use.
- I love this watercolour set as its incredible for travel and easy to clean out when they mix up the paint colours!
- I've already bought Taryn a Playmobil mechanic set from Farah Kids charity shop when I was in London recently. It was an absolute bargain! I also picked up a couple of good quality clothes for Remie - always worth looking in Farah Kids for the high end kids brands at bargain prices. I'll be browsing Kidswear Collective to see if I can pick up any lovely but practical second hand additions to their presents.
- Mabli Knits have always been a firm favourite in our house and are also a Welsh company and friends of Forivor - this jumper for Taryn. and this little waistcoat (he has some from a different company and they are so useful for little lego men!). I've got my eye on this for Remie.
