I’m thinking of starting a new rule… once people create a smaller version of themselves (by having a baby), the Christmas present that I would normally get for them will now default to their miniature-selves. I think this is the best idea ever because it means I can spend all my Christmas present money on tiny humans and small-sized gifts that make us all go nawwwww (which is the true meaning of Christmas surely) – instead of spending hours-and-dollars on these ho-hum shopping voucher card thingys and random gifts we adults are all giving each other, because let’s face it – as adults, if we got this far without it, we probably don’t need it. The babies. The toddlers. They need ‘the things’ because they are just starting.
Here are my top five favourite baby-and-toddler presents for Christmas 2014:
#1 MINIJUMBUK Baby Blanket
Why: I swear this baby blanket brings back memories of cot-time. I know this sounds ridiculous but just looking at it makes you feel little again. So soft, so natural, years of love ahead.
Click here for more on Minijumbuk
#2 CHARLIE AND ROSIE Handmade
Why: It’s the thought that counts. Charlie and Rosie take kids artwork and transforms it into beautiful, lasting furnishings and homewares. Such a simple idea but ‘giving’ this gift is a truly different experience. If you think about the moment when a child sees their artwork transformed into something meaningful… something important – it’s like nothing else.
Click here for more on Charlie and Rosie
#3 STIHL Toy Chainsaw
Why: What do you mean why?
Click here for more on STIHL Chainsaw
#4 KINETIC SAND
Why: Unless you’ve been living under a rock sand-castle you must have heard of the best invention in the world. All the benefits of sand without the annoying bits.
Click here for more on Kinetic Sand
#5 INSTAX Mini 8
Why: When I gave this gift to seven-year-old-twins I couldn’t believe the love for the camera (and the art of photography). A combination of the real-time delivery of the physical photograph (something quite novel to an age of kids growing up in digi-land) and also illustrating the importance of taking time in the ‘capture’ because film isn’t endless… like it is in their everyday camera-phone-world. From my experience, the kids had fun and learned a thing or two in the process – and now hold this as a prized possession in the home. Fun colors and prints on the film if you want to add some more fun.
Click here for more on Instax Mini 8
Thanks for checking out the top five, if you’ve got any additions to the list please let me know – happy shopping 🙂
November 25, 2014 1:05 pm
Fantastic list Julie! Love number 2
And number 3 is… Super cute!
I’ve got one to add- personalized books.
http://www.putmeinthestory.com/personalized-books. It’s an oldie but I love it. The little ones get to be the main characters!