Ready for Advent with Playmobil

If you are looking for an alternative to the chocolate advent calenders, then check out Playmobil.  They have a choice for older children  (recommended for age 4/5 upwards) as well as one in the '1,2,3' collection which is designed for children 1.5 - 5 years and therefore perfect for my little ones.  Everyday a new piece is uncovered which means by Christmas day you have a whole play set.

I sneaked open the back of the packaging to take a look at it all, and the boys got to 'test' the toys before they were put away ready for December 1st.  We know already how fantastic the quality of playmobil is, how well it endures, how it encourages imagination and how it is the perfect toy for me to leave Dylan and Archie with if I want to spend some time with Finn as they get lost in their play.

These pictures also contain another Christmas set that features a simple nativity, also from the 1,2,3 range.

Yes, Mary is riding on the reindeer, straight after Father Christmas had brought baby Jesus a dinosaur present.

We were sent these products as part of our role as Playologists.  Be quick if you want to get one before Christmas!

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Our Advent Box

The first of December is withing touching distance and I am getting just a little excited! I have tried to keep away from most of the early festivities so that I don't have to wake up to 'Is it Christmas now?' every day for too long, but from December 1st we will be in full flow.  

Last year, we had a box of goodies downstairs for the boys on December 1st and this year we are doing something very similar.  It is partly practical things, but we want to start the magic early, so here is our Advent Box.

Both the boys have a new pair of festive pyjamas to wear from Gap, and some funky Christmas socks to keep their feet warm as the weather gets colder.  They have a book - The Grinch stole Christmas - which we choose as they both love the Cat in the Hat and the other Dr Seuss books we have, alongside an activity book full of things we can do and make over the month.

I bought Archie a new nappy as I couldn't resist this TotsBots Frugi print, and I got Dylan a reindeer mug for those snuggly evenings with hot chocolate.  The boys also have a lovely plate sent to us by Born Gifted with their names on the bottom, so we can start getting excited about the big day.

As well as a more traditional advent calender, they have this gorgeous playmobil one which I know is going to be a big hit! I can't wait to see the little santa and reindeer!

I can't wait for Monday knowing that Dylan understands so much more, although I am a little scared of putting Archie and a tree in the same room! 

Disclaimer:  The plate and the advent calender were sent to us but everything else has been paid for by myself.

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Homemade Advent Calendar

There are so many amazing ideas for homemade advent calendars around, that I couldn't resist attempting my own.  Armed with a box full of empty toilet rolls (the most useful craft tool to date I reckon), some paint and some washi tape, I set to work creating something unique for the boys.

I started off by painting all my tubes white, and then made four slits in one end, and folded them over to make a cup shape.  I secured it with white duct tape and decorated.

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