Gift Guide for Tweens

The 'Tweenage' years have started in our house, this period between being a child and a teenager, when everything is changing and they are growing up too fast.  I wanted to share some Christmas gift ideas for 10-13 year olds.

Positive Vibration Headphones

These positive vibration XL headphones, available in black or copper, are a great gift for music or gaming loving tweens.  They offer up to 32 hours of playback after charging and come with the option of ANC- Active Noise Cancellation.  Even a 15 minute charge can offer two hours of playback.  They are designed by House of Marley, a sustainable brand created in collaboration with the family of Bob Marley, designed to carry on his love for music and the planet.  These headphones feature 40mm Hi-Definition Drivers for that signature Marley sound and crafted using FSC certified wood, recyclable aluminium and iconic Marley REWIND™ fabric.  I think these would be a huge hit on Christmas morning!

This is Silk Hair Scrunchies

Gone are the days of oversized bows, this is the age of starting to look after your hair and a more grown up style.  These pretty silk hair scrunchies are excellent at preventing damage to hair which is caused by elastic hairbands and they protect from friction.  These pure Mulberry silk hair scrunchies also look great on your wrist when they aren't keeping hair up.  I think these would make a gorgeous gift for this age and This is silk have plenty of other products including silk pillowcases which I use for myself to prevent frizz.

Mechanics Gravity Track

The Mechanics Gravity Track is a  STEM product is designed to  develop children's imagination and curiosity through the science of magnetic construction and I think my son would love to find this under the tree on Christmas morning.  Harnessing the invisible forces of magnetism and gravity this construction system shows how motion can be achieved without electricity or batteries.  Secondary school begins during this age and the introduction of Physics as a seperate science and I think this kit will help nurture of a love of learning and experimenting.  A great hands on gift for this tricky in between age.

Moleskine Notebook

The luxury notebook brand Moleskine released a set of children's noteboooks earlier this year and I think they would make a wonderful gift for tweens.  The start of secondary school falls at this age and this range which includes Hello Kitty and Pinocchio as well as the Little Prince pictured below and they are both fun and special (and may well start a stationery addiction!). 

The Best of Sport Logo Game

The Best of Sport and Leisure Logo Game is a great idea for this tween age as they start playing with toys less and games more.  This looks like it would be ideal for families too, something to bring us together as they start pushing for more independence.  There are other versions of The Logo Game is Sport isn't for your tween too.

Mega Spin Saturn

If you are looking for a stocking filler for a child this age, then check out the Mega Spin Saturn.  Yoyos are making a comeback and they have been upgraded since we had them in the playground! The Mega Spin Saturn comes with a super smooth ball bearing axle and bright colour changing LED lights.  So much from my childhood is making a comeback at the moment (the fashion included) so I might have to see if I can remember any of the tricks! 

Friends Top Trumps

Top Trumps have been a staple family game for us for many years and I am excited to see there are always new versions coming out that are relevent as children get older.  This Friends Top Trumps set is great for the tween age as they start discovering the program that we loved all those years ago! Not only good for playing at home, this is a great set for popping in a bag and playing out and about too.

Guylian

You cannot go wrong with chocolate at any age in my opinion and Guylian make beautiful Belgian chocolates that not only look pretty but taste delicious (taking this picture before I popped one in my mouth was challenging!). These are a great stocking filler!

Roxi

ROXi provides unlimited on-demand access to every original music video, album and song with 70 million music recordings which are constantly updated with the latest releases and right now they are offering a free karaoke microphone to anyone who signs up for a 30 day trial.  The microphone works with any TV and allows you to sing along with any of the 140,000 tracks.  ROXi is backed my music royalty Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams and would be great entertainment for tweenage music fans! 

Hopefully this has inspired some Christmas shopping!

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Baby's First Christmas Gift Guide

With our own baby just arrived, it seemed the perfect year to show some great options for Baby's First Christmas.  We have always used the opportunity to gift a few new toys and treats for the next stage alongside essentials and practical gifts (like the next size up clothing) and this gift guide reflects this idea.  Whether you are buying for a brand new baby or one that has left the newborn stage behind, here are some ideas for a very first Christmas.

Mizzie Teething Toys

It doesn't take long before babies stop waving their arms and legs around with no control and start wanting to use all their senses to experience the world around them, and it often coincides with teething.  Mizzie are a new brand to me but the kangaroo is sure to be a big hit with little hands.  Made from all natural rubber, Mizzie stimulates babies sense of touch, smell, sight and hearing (she can squeak!).  It also helps to sooth sore gums and comes in different styles so you can take Mizzie on the go with you.  Mizzie is available from John Lewis, Amazon and www.mizziethekangaroo.co.uk.

Chicco Rainbow Sky Arch

As new babies sight develops, they become a lot more interested in their surroundings and the Rainbow Sky Arch from Chicco can be fitted on to the Chicco next to me crib and other similar styles to light up and entertain sleepy babies (and hopefully settle them for sleep too).  It comes with a removable, portable night light and the plush toys can also be removed so baby can enjoy for longer.  I love how calm and sweet this looks and I think it makes a gorgeous gift for little babies this Christmas.

Joone BabyCare

Joone is a brand for new babies and parents that offers complete transparancy about what is in their products.  From nappies (which can be delivered so you never run out) to gorgeous tiny clothing, they have a great selection of products, and their baby care range makes a brilliant and practical gift for new babies.  Joone Babycare is organic and good for delicate skin - something very important to me as I have always had problems with mine.  I love how transparent the ingredients list is and the products come beautifully presented.

Nuby Stars and Clouds Play Mat

A playmat is an essential for the early days and I love how soft and snuggly this Nuby Clouds and Stars playmat is, especially with a winter baby due! The fluffy base is machine washable and the bars can be removed for transport and cleaning.  With different textures, sounds and a little mirror, this mat stimulates all baby's senses and when they outgrow it, I know the fluffy mat will still be used for snuggling on!  This is perfectly unisex and I can't wait to try it out with our own baby soon! A great Christmas gift for a newborn.

Gund Kissy the Penguin

Kissy the penguin is just the softest toy for babies aged 10 months + and I couldn't stop stroking it when it arrived!  The buttons on her feet play 'Frere Jacques' as she lifts her flippers to her beak to blow kisses.  Kissy is surface washable and comes with three AA batteries ready to start playing on Christmas morning! Gund have a selection of adorable soft toys suitable from newborn onwards so perfect for baby's first Christmas.

Snoozeshade

Snoozeshade is an award winning pram and pushchair shade for single buggies, strollers and prams that offers protection from the sun and encourages sleep.  It attaches in seconds and protects babies from 99% of UVA and UVB rays as well as encouraging a dark sleeping environment.  This is a practical present that parents are going to love as much as the baby!  It comes with three different colour trims, pastel pink, safety green and a soft grey and folds up in an easy travel bag.  It is breathable mesh and so safe to use, unlike muslins which should never be used to cover prams.

Taf Toys Tummy Time Book

Tummy time is so important for little people and this tummy time book from Taf Toys is designed for babies from birth upwards.  With different pages designed for different stages, the black and white is perfect for early days when their vision is still developing and the mirror and more interactive pages will encourage strong core and neck muscles as they get bigger.  The book is a fantastic gift for a first Christmas.

Frugi Hat and Booties

With Winter coming, most parents are starting to think about how to keep their babies wrapped up and warm and Frugi's matching hat and booties set are perfect.  You can even get a matching blanket if you want to brighten up a colder day.  Everything is made from Organic cotton and this set is wonderfully unisex and perfect for baby's first Christmas.  If you want to treat the baby to new clothing, then check out Frugi's wonderful 'My first Frugi' collection.

Nuby Portable UV Steriliser

As much a gift for parents as it is baby, Nuby's portable UV steriliser has a handy strap to attach to a pram or bag and can sterilise a dummy without water, chemicals or a microwave in only one minute! I remember how often Finn used to drop his dummy when we were out and about and this would have been a game changer!  This award winning innovative product runs on three batteries or can be plugged in and used through a USB port.  It comes with one dummy ready to go and is such a handy little device, ideal as a festive gift!

Critically Endangered Animal Socks

Is there anything cuter than tiny baby socks? This box of four not only fits perfectly through a letterbox, but every sale of these sustainably made socks helps save critically endangered animals.  This pack of four should fit babies roughly 6-12 months but they can also be used as sock puppets! Supporting the World Wildlife Fund UK, these organic socks are also supporting the protection of the rainforest so you can purchase them and feel great! If you are looking for a gift for a new parent, then check out Critically Endangered animal socks for adult too! 

I think there are some great suggestions here for different stages of baby's first year, I hope you find some inspiration! 

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Gamer Kids Gift Guide

I am sure my children are not the only ones whose Christmas wishlist this year includes a large number of gaming related items.  Their dad is a gamer and so far he has passed on the love to three of them.  I must admit, that over the lockdowns, being able to let them having their gaming time has given me some much needed peace to get things done and for my eldest especially, it is the way he connects with and communicates with many of his friends.  I have put together a few ideas for gamer kids ahead of Christmas 2020

With three children that game, I have to admit it isn't always as peaceful as I would like so I feel giving the gift of headphones is a gift for everyone.  These Milo the Turtle headphones from Planet Buddies are designed with children in mind and feature a child-safe audio limit and a microphone and come in a variety of endangered species characters.  They are sustainably packaged and even better, you can get 30% off with the code BUDDIES30!  These make a beautiful gift for children aged 3+ and we love the friendly characters.

My children have been asking for a Nintendo Switch for a long time and they might be in luck this year.  I discovered Outright Games and their selection of games which are available not only on the Switch but also Playstation 4, X-box and pc.  

Trollhunters is a favourite TV show here and the game sees you pairing up with Claire to face unknown evils and stop the time-pocalypse.  Become the hero and levelling up your armour and abilities as you battle to save the Trollhunters universe.

Ben 10 Power Trip is a new game packed full of adventure.  Ben and his family are enjoying their European vacation... until evil magician Hex unleashes the power of four mysterious crystals! Only Ben 10 can break the curse – so get ready to transform into powerful aliens to battle enemies, solve puzzles and freely explore an exciting 3D world. It’s hero time! With Gwen and Grandpa Max on your side, all the humor and rivalry from the Cartoon Network show is here

Race with Ryan allows you to race against your brother (or a friend of course) in a split screen mode and has simple controls, optional auto-acceleration and a tutorial to guide younger players through their first video game, drivers of all ages will love to Race with Ryan. Race your way to the top in Career Mode or speed past your friends in 2 - 4 players split-screen races. 

Whatever you do. don't be caught out without batteries on Christmas morning.  Panasonic Evolta Neo batteries have the longest lifespan in the history of Panasonic batteries as well as being safer.  They are ideal for gaming controllers, toys and anything else you can think of.  The Pro-Power batteries come in Power Ranger branded packaging and you can enter this brilliant competition to win the chance to hang out with the Power Rangers! 

My gamer kids love programming and Robo Wunderkind make fantastic robotics kits that allow you to build and program your own Robot.  The building blocks are compatible with lego, the free, intuitive  app helps tell your robot what to do, drive in a circle, turn on a light or something else.  The creativity element is endless and this a gift that not only plays to the gamer side but is also educational, nurturing a love of science and technology, creative and so much fun!  It is available in three different kits and I think this is going to be a big hit this Christmas!

My gamer kids have been really into Pokemon for quite a while, and Pokemon Go is still played daily in our house.  This Pokemon carry case playset brings Pokemon to life in an easily transportable way.  Perfect for kids on the go, this set is fun and interactive and you can buy more Pokemon to go with it to make it even more entertaining.  I think this is going to be a popular gift this Christmas!

Gamer kids doesn't always mean technology and this Tasudoku game is great for those that prefer to be competitive in board games instead.  Sudoku is great for problem solving and this multiplayer game is ideal for multi-generation gaming.  Only released this month, this is new out and I am excited to try it out with the bigger boys.  Test your logic and skill to become the champion.  Tasudoku doesn't require previous knowledge of Sudoku but is perfect for beginners as well as those who want to work on their speed!

Whatever your Gamer Kid is into, I hope these suggestions give you some ideas for Christmas!

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Gift Guide for Outdoorsy Families

Products were sent to me for the purpose of inclusion

We are a family that loves being outdoors, discovering everything nature has to offer and with Lockdown 2.0 upon us, I think most people are learning more about their local area and what there is to do outside to keep their mind and bodies healthy.  I have put together a gift guide for the outdoorsy family, with ideas for parents, children and whole families.

For the Grown Ups

I used to run on empty pavements in the evenings but this year I have seen more people than ever grabbing their trainers and starting the couch to 5k challenge.  It makes me so happy to see so many people running and as the weather gets warmer and the light starts fading, the Proviz reflect360 hoodie will be perfect for keeping them warm and visible as they maintain this fantastic hobby. It is both breathable and warm and is exactly what I have been looking for to help me through the colder months. The silver areas are all light reflective and are on both arms and the hood

Keeping up with children requires comfy shoes and the slip on trainers from Rieker are easy to wear and have super comfortable memory foam insides as well as shock absorbing flexible soles.  They will be ideal for all sorts of outdoors adventures.  These anti-stress shoes are designed to keep you walking with a spring in your step all day!

This summer I spent a lot more time swimming in the sea and one thing I have been meaning to buy is some good goggles.  Aqua Sphere Kaiman goggles offer 180 degree vision, a scratch resistant coating and extra comfortable materials.  These will be ideal for anyone braving sea swimming over the winter months but also for those who are sticking to indoor pools whilst the temperature lowers!  Aqua Sphere have ranges for men, women and children.

The Zippo Heatbank 9s is a brilliant device that not only works as a handwarmer with six different heat settings, but also charges devices via USB.  Ideal for camping trips, long walks and everything in between, this multipurpose tool is a great gift for a grown up who loves to be outdoors.  The ergonomic shape fits a hand comfortably and has a run time of up to 9 hours. 

For the Kids

For any child who has big dreams to explore the world, the Travel Edition of Atlas of Adventures would make a beautiful gift. Each section begins with an illustrated map of the area followed by its most fascinating locations.  If they want to learn more about riding a gondola in Venice, sleeping under the Northern Lights or showering with elephants in Chiang Mai, this book will inspire them.  The Atlas of Adventures is a book I could easily get lost in and is such a beautiful gift.

Childhood is the perfect time to learn a new skill and two of mine are desperate to give skateboarding a go.  I think this Rampage Skate board would be perfect for a beginner and a great way to make the most out of being outdoors.  Skates.co.uk also sell helmets and other protection - something I think we will need! 

With our plans including getting outdoors no matter what the weather this winter, I need to make sure the children are dressed for adventure and won't get cold.  This starts with the first layer and a good pair of thermals will be vital this winter.  We love Reima for outerwear, but their merino wool thermal sets are not only super fun and colourful (there are four different colourways in this print) but snuggly warm, making sure we don't have to cut our fun short.  Base layers are something I would always advise investing in and these would be a great Christmas gift for mini adventurers.

The more my children travel, the more interested they have got in the world.  With every subject they study at school inspiring questions, I think Our Wonderful World is a perfect present this Christmas to encourage curious minds.  Full of beautifully illustrated maps that not only share the geography of each country but other interesting information, this is something that any little adventurer will love, as well as it being a book you want to have on display thanks to the fantastic artwork. 

Outdoor adventures require snuggly attire and Frugi's Blizzard Bobble Hat is fun and bright as well as cosy and warm.  It comes in two colours and you can buy matching knitwear for both.  We love Frugi for their soft organic cotton and strong ethics and my children love a new bobble hat so I think this would make a great Christmas gift!  Check out all their Christmas gift ideas!

If you are looking for an Eco-Friendly gift idea then The Bike Club is a great way to keep up with growing children's bike needs.  You pay a monthly subscription from £5 per month to borrow a bike and can exchange it every time they grow (which is very regularly in my house!).  There are options if you would rather only borrow new bikes or whether you are happy with used, but each one is carefully looked after by the team so you are only getting the best. This is a great way to get kids cycling without the big expense at the beginning!

We are a family that love to camp and one thing that I think will make life easier as well as way more fun, is a kids head torch like this one from Whitby and Co.  Designed to be as robust as the adult version but with extra safety features, this makes the dark so much more fun, not just on camping trips but for nightime treasure hunts and mini adventures too.  With 9 hours burn time this head torch is easy to use and full of fun possibilities!

I can't leave out the smaller adventure lovers and this Kinderkraft balance bike from Kiddies Kingdom is ideal for children aged 2 years and up.  A great reason to get outdoors, balance bikes make a brilliant first bike and encourage balance and movement in preperation for pedals later on.  The seat is height adjustable, the bike is sturdy and easy to carry and the frame is made from environmentally friendly beech wood.  

For the Whole Family

Outdoor adventures can be tiring and we often want to stop for a picnic or a drink, so this camping chair from Helinox is ideal for camping trips, woodland walks, festivals and more.  It packs up so small and light and can be popped in a backpack, it is easy to assemble and is so comfortable! If you purchase one at the moment it comes with a free seat warmer which adds extra padding and stops any drafts.  The chair one weighs 960g and is 35cm long in the bag but easily accomodates an adult, this is a great gift for the whole family to enjoy.  

Playing cards are an essential family camping game and this pack of Foragers playing cards from Kikkerland Design is educational and multi purpose with each card sharing a fun foraging fact.  Whether you are a novice or an expert at foraging, these cards are full of interesting information and will make any woodland walk more interesting. 

Gifts don't have to be something we can open and one of the best ideas for the family that has it all, or wants to give back is a tree from Treedom.  You can buy a tree in one of 17 countries around the world in partnership with NGOs and small farmholders.  Your tree is photographed and geotagged and you can watch it grow as well as learning about the farmers you are helping.  My cacao tree is in Cameroon and I can track the co2 absorbtion and its growth.  This is the ideal gift for a family that wants to work towards balancing their emissions and help efforts to reforest. You can find my tree here

We all know how much better it is for the environment to use a reusable water bottle and for anyone who doesn't already own one (or for those of us that like a collection), then this Friends of the Earth bottle from Ion8 is a beautiful and eco friendly gift.  It is never too late to change a habit and this bottle works towards eliminating the fact that over 1 million plastic bottles are bought worldwide every minute.  Fill it with your favourite drink and let it accompany you on all your adventures.

With the temperatures dropping rapidly and many of us hoping to keep up outdoor adventures all winter, a hand warmer is a great gift for a family.  This one from Whitby and co is compact and easy to use with a flameless burn that lasts up to 12 hours.  It can be used 90 times before it needs refilling and comes with a protective fleece bag.  Whether you need to keep your hands warm during a sport or on a long walk, this pocket sized warmer is a great companion. 

There are so many wonderful gifts for an outdoorsy family and there has never been a better time to get outdoors and explore!

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