Shopping Support!

I often get asked by people for ideas of what to get their grandkids or friend's kids or even their own kids for Christmas. I'm definitely not an expert but I thought I'd share some of the things my kids have LOVED playing with over the past year as well as some of the things I have found the most useful! So here goes!

First of all, BOOKS! My girls are obsessed! And they get it honest enough! I too am a bookworm and have shared my passion for books with them since the day they were born! I could add oodles of favorites but thought that perhaps their top 2 (for today, anyways!) would be the most helpful!
At the moment, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is Taitum's favorite! She loves pointing to each animal and I think the repetition is very appealing to her, too!

Piper has really gotten into Eloise Wilkins Stories which is so exciting for me since I remember reading 'Baby Dear' as a child and loving it! That story and others are included in this book. It was one of the books recommended in the Sonlight P3/4 curriculum and I am so glad I got it!

Next, stuffed animals. Now normally, as a mother, I would say, "NO! Please! No more stuffed animals!". Sometimes it feels like their rooms are overrun with the things and more often than not they are not played with. But, as always, there are exceptions to the rule such as 'Eggroll'. He is Tait's all time fav. He gets loved and cuddled, pushed around in a doll stroller and at the end of the day, tucked into the crook of my baby's arm, where she rubs his ear until she goes to sleep! Honestly, I can see why she loves him so much! He is soft and squishable as are all the animals made by JellyCat and at the top of the list!

Here's the big one: Toys! And this was actually the hardest one for me because my girls are pretty simplistic with what they like to play with...Tait would rather be in my cupboards then anywhere else and Piper is all girl, spending most of her time playing dolls or with her Fisher Price My First Dollhouse. The dollhouse has been great fun for her but I have been dissappointed with the quality so I'm not sure I'd highly recommend this one. Regardless, a dollhouse is truly a must have for that little girl in your life! I'd even say it would be worth your while to spend a bit more on a really nice one. I've especially had my eye on this one as it is set up at Chapters and she loves playing with it when we're there. I am also especially fond of Calico Critters and the whole idea of collecting the different sets over time and passing it on to the grandkids someday. (My parents did that with the Fisher Price Little People my brother and I played with growing up and now my kids are playing with them and loving them!)  Alas, I can't give you any real review on these items but they are worth checking out if thats something you think the child you have in mind might be interested in!

I'm excited to share this next item with you because not only does Piper enjoy playing with it but so do I! In fact, you may have heard about them as they are gaining popularity...they're Wedgits! We only have the small single set that I found at a second hand store but it has been loads of fun!

The Playskool Ball Popper has recently been a big hit with Taitum. I'd forgotten all about it until I found it while digging around in Piper's closet. I popped some batteries in and Tait was laughing and giggling for a good hour straight as she chased the balls around and watched them pop out of the machine! Downside: 4 D batteries....

I know its not overly exciting for kids to recieve cloths for Christmas but the Children's Place Tutu Leggings are one item my girls are crazy about wearing! And its so darned cute to see the scurrying around in them! If you're into making your own gifts, here is the Plumtickled tutorial I used for making tutus for the girls for their birthday - these aren't really great for everyday wear like the tutu leggings but fun for dress up and adorable in pictures!!

In the picture to the right, also notice Taitum's shoes - they're  Pedoodles! We gave them to Tait as a first birthday gift since we thought she should have some really good footwear as she was on the verge of walking. I did my research and came up with these. Despite being a bit disturbed about paying $30 on a one-year-old's footwear, I have never once regretted my decision!

Finally, a couple of my favorite things when it comes to childcare...To top it off, Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy and Prevention. What mama doesn't want her baby's bum to be, well, soft as a baby's?? This is the answer! But wait! There's more! Not only is it amazing at clearing up any rash problems and preventing them but its also safe to use with cloth diapers!! (Look out! There is a post to come on my switch to cloth!) As if that wasn't enough, it works wonders on Pipey's eczema too! Check out the link for the list of things Grandma El's can remedy!

And clean teeth! I don't know about you but I want to do all I can to keep the kids pearly whites as shiny as they day they (finally!) pushed through! I came across the Angel Toothbrush one day while shopping around downtown and at the time was using one of those baby brushes that you put on your finger. If you've ever used one before you'll understand when I say that gets painful especially as more teeth arrive and the babes is feeling a need to chew on things! I prefer it not be my finger! The Angel brush was the perfect solution! Tait loves getting her teeth brushed and spends a few minutes every night chewing on the thing!

Last but not least, is one of my all time best purchases - the Combi Stroller! I picked this up in preparation for Piper's and my trip to Europe last year. I chose it because it was compact enough to be allowed to take on the plane but sturdier than the cheap-o umbrella strollers you can get. Considering that as tourists we would be doing a lot of walking I figured that would be necessary! My intention was to sell it after we got back to Canada but I can tell you I will never let it go! It has been the world's best everyday stroller! Its light and compact, has a strap on the back so you can throw it over your shoulder when carrying it and 'strolls' nicely. Yes, there may be some sentimental value attached to it still but its always my first pick when taking the girls out for a walk or to the mall. (Obviously its not a 'plow-through-the snow' kind of rig but who goes for strolls in the snow anyway!)

In Prague with the ever useful Combi!

That is the end of all my recommendations! If  any of these ideas result in you purchasing one of these items, let me know! I'd also be interested to know how you or the person you gave it to liked it! You can take confidence in the fact that I recieve no compensation for recommending these items other then the joy of knowing it has made your shopping a little bit easier this year! So happy shopping! And stay tuned! If I can get my act together, I may have some homemade gift ideas coming up in the days ahead!