This is so exciting. It’s December, and it’s Chriiiistmaaaas!
I’ve really enjoyed looking at gift guides this year so I wanted to share the ideas we have for Arlo’s prezzies. I love the magic of Christmas and that feeling when you find the perfect gift.
This year we have agreed that we will treat Arlo to a ‘proper’ magical festive Christmas. We’re starting our family traditions, even if he is too young to understand or remember. We’re just a little too excited…!
I’ll be photographing all the details (of course) so Arlo can look back at this glittery season when he’s older and he can see the magic of Christmas has always been very much real, and very much a part of our family.
Considering he can’t ask for anything yet, we’ve tried to pick a range of things that we think he’ll love and grow with. As always, we have tried to keep things minimal and all the gifts are made with quality materials.
Arlo’s birthday is in February, so I’ve had to hold back on some ideas and save them for a couple of months. It was hard, there’s just so many gorgeous things out there.
‘twas the night before Christmas
On Christmas Eve we’re going to give Arlo a little box (or stocking, we haven’t decided on the perfect package for it yet.) It’ll be full of little treats to enjoy on Christmas Eve – a tradition I would like to do every year when he has finished devouring his advent calendar.
Christmas Eve Box:
Polar Post Letter
We’ve been in touch with Santa at Polar Post and requested Arlo’s first letter. These letters are so special and look so authentic. We’ll be bringing this out every year for us to read together.
A Personalised Story Book
Another little treat to bring out at all future Christmas’, a personalised story book featuring Arlo’s name through out the book.
http://www.prezzybox.com/personalised-christmas-book-your-letter-to-santa.aspx
Mamas and Papas Christmas Pyjamas
A pair of brand new cosy jammies in perfect red Christmas gingham. These make me squeal a little, proper little boy pyjamas!
Christmas Muffins
It wouldn’t be Christmas without something sweet to indulge on! The best part about this muffin recipe is that they’re healthy and suitable for babies and toddlers. They’re also happy to be frozen so I’ll make a batch of these to whip out for the festive period.
http://www.babyledfeeding.com/recipes/cranberry-and-orange-christmas-muffins/
Christmas Stocking:
Hevea Rubber Duck
Arlo loves his bath toys, and he particularly loves rubber ducks. He can chew on them and squeeze them with his little fists, so I figured a Hevea natural rubber duck would be a great idea
Happy Little Folks Musical Ball
I’ve had my eye on this for a long time, and I’m really pleased we’ve finally got one for Arlo to play with
https://happylittlefolks.com/collections/wooden-toys/products/wooden-musical-ball
Babyshaki Rattle
Arlo found one of Milo’s cat toys with a little bell inside and absolutely loves to shake it around. It’s made out of thin plastic though so it isn’t very safe for him to play with it. I’m hoping this one will be a good replacement
https://www.mysmallworld.co.uk/collections/babys-first-christmas/products/djeco-babyshaki-rattle
Schliech Animal Figures
These figures last forever and they’re incredibly durable
Under the tree:
Maileg Bambi Girl Doll
This is actually my favourite gift. I am absolutely fawn obsessed. Bunnies and mice are still a firm favourite of mine but I think fawns are my new obsession. Maileg toys are so special and handcrafted. I love everything Maileg create and when I saw their new bambi doll we had to get her! (There is a boy too)
https://www.hurnandhurn.com/maileg-bambi-girl-41cm-p7979
Kids Concept Shape Sorter
Arlo is starting to love filling things and emptying them again, I figure this will be a great developmental toy for him
https://www.scandiborn.co.uk/products/kids-concept-shape-sorter
Happy Little Folks Wooden Blocks
Stacking, building, loading into the back of his wooden truck, emptying them again, chewing on them, pushing the stack over – wooden blocks should supply hours of fun
Baby Noise Musical Instruments
Arlo loves making noise at the moment, whether it’s slapping his hands on a drum, on the table, hitting two toys together, rattles, shaking bells, clapping, watching us click and sing – I think it’s time to introduce him to some percussion instruments. Next up Piano and guitar (hah!)
https://babynoise.myshopify.com/
Cuddle and Kind Doll
Another brand that I’ve kept my eye on recently. I absolutely adore their ethos and their dolls are adorable. Handmade and charitable – what’s not to like. We’ve got Arlo a little Sebastian The Lamb. I wouldn’t hesitate to get more of these in the future.
https://www.cuddleandkind.com/
Clothes and Bedding:
Little Blue Nest Quilt
I’ve talked about Little Blue Nest before here. I absolutely love this brand. We currently have the cot bed sheet and would love to get a warm quilt to match. I find items like this stay in the family for years and turn into something of an heirloom.
Organic Zoo ‘Milk’ Jumper and Organic Zoo ‘Chocolate’ Bodysuit
I like to focus Arlo’s wardrobe on organic materials in neutrals, mustards, grey, muted blues and greens. Organic Zoo have a range of tasteful pieces with subtle cute slogans.
http://organic-zoo.com/products
Buck and Baa Romper and Pants in Seafoam
Lucky for me my sister lives in New Zealand, so I’m always keeping an eye on my favourite stores in the southern hemisphere. Australia and New Zealand have a vast range of gorgeous brands and small shops. Buck and Baa are one of my favs, and their ‘Seafoam’ coloured pants and romper would be a fabulous addition to Arlo’s wardrobe. I absolutely LOVE this colour.
Other Ideas:
I’ll be keeping shtum about Arlo’s birthday gift list, but these are some other magical gift ideas I love for Christmas…
Noc Noc Wooden Toys Christmas Play Blocks
https://www.nocnoc.com.au/collections/christmas
Mama Owl Alpaca Wool Sweater
https://mamaowl.net/collections/baby-tops-and-sweaters/products/copy-angel-sweater-white-0-24m
Nova Amberlight Romper
Maileg Christmas Mouse
Olli Ella Holdie House
https://www.cottage-toys.co.uk/whats_new_LC273/olli_ella_holdie_house_P5002.html
Miann & Co Fawn Crochet Rattle
https://www.lilyandfred.co.uk/collections/playtime/products/deer-hand-rattle
Velveteen Rabbit Book
https://www.lilyandfred.co.uk/collections/playtime/products/the-velveteen-rabbit
Fable Heart Magic Wand
https://www.lilyandfred.co.uk/collections/playtime/products/fairy-wand?variant=40163884294