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Gift Guides Services Spotlight

The Mother’s Day Gift Guide with Sentebale

After a couple of months of planning and plotting, I am so excited that I am finally able to bring you a wonderful Mother’s Day Gift Guide from 6 wonderful brands.  The difference with this Gift Guide however, is that every purchase or booking you make will support the charity Sentebale!

Sentebale Logo

 

What is Sentebale?

Sentebale is a charity founded in 2006 by Prince Harry, together with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, that supports orphans and vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa, many of whom are victims of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

 

Sentebale Children

 

Through programmes of education, psychosocial support, and care, Sentebale is supporting the mental health and wellbeing of these children so they can lead healthy, happy lives.

 

Prince Harry

Find out more about Sentebale here

 

Why Am I Involved? 

I am so delighted to be partnering with Sentebale as I spent 6 months in Sub Saharan Africa working with children affected by HIV in 2007.   My time spent in South Africa and Uganda really enabled me to see how vulnerable these children are.  Now that I am a mother myself, I understand even more how hard it must be for children who don’t have a mother and really want to do something to help.

 

 

I am sure you will love all the choices below, shopping in the knowledge that you are supporting the most vulnerable children in Lesotho and Botswana, many of whom are living without their mother.

You can make a difference by choosing a gift for your own mother or perhaps you can forward this onto your husband or partner who is choosing a gift for you on behalf of the kids!

So, here they are…

Any Items from Harry Rocks London

Runs Between 17th – 29th March, 2017

Harry Rocks is one of my favourite jewellery brands. She is so on the money with her pendants and bracelets, it is no surprise she is stocked in Harvey Nichols!

 

Lightning Bolt earrings

 

I am delighted with my new necklace – my 3 kids initials all on one pendant with a little diamond on it (representing whoever is being the best behaved that day!)

 

Pendant

 

Harry Rocks are offering 20% off their entire collection between 17th and 29th March. with the code . They will donate 20% of these sales to Sentebale

Buy here using code SENTEBALE20 at checkout.

 

A Beautiful Bouquet of fresh flowers from Moyes Stevens

Runs between 17th – 29 th March, 2017

My house if filled with faux flowers and so my husband doesn’t see the point of buying me flowers ‘as I already have so many’. However when he saw this bouquet, he had to agree that they were beautiful and a massive treat to have in the house.

 

Moyes Stevens Bouquet

 

Not only are Moyses Stevens the Royal florist, they have a flare for colour and the smell is sensational. Sentebale means ‘forget me not’ in Lesotho, so it is fantastic to see these represented within the arrangement.

What’s In The Bouquet?

White Anemones
Pink Tulips
White Hypericum Berries
Viburnum/ Guelder
Forget-me-nots
Sweet Avalanche Roses
Rosemary and Eucalyptus

Wrapped Bouquet

There are 3 different sizes for you to choose from –

Standard: £70.00

Large: £104.00

Deluxe: £136.00

This one is a large! Can you imagine a deluxe! Wow!

Moyes Stevens will donate 20% to Sentebale from every ‘Sentebale Bouquet’ ordered

Order yours here

 

Any Items from Willa The Bear

Runs from 17th – 29th March

This is a perfect gift for a new mother or mother to be. Willa and the Bear is a lovely brand selling beautiful bedding and nightwear. It will last forever and become a keepsake for the next generation.

They are donating 100% of proceeds from the sale of all cot quilts sold between 17th and 29th March to Sentebale!

Quilts on Chair

Willa and The Bear are offering you 30% off any other product when you use the code SENTEBALE30, and will donate £5 to Sentebale for every sale that uses the code!

Quilt

Buy here  and please use SENTEBALE30 at checkout.

 

The Gallery Mess at The Saatchi Gallery

Runs from 17th – 29th March, 2017

Gallery Mess are adding a discretionary £1 donation in support of Sentebale to ALL diner’s bills between 17th and 29th March.

Set amongst a plethora of interesting sculptures and art works, the food is as good as the setting. Not only very generous helpings, utterly delicious.

Gallery Mess

Why not have a wander around the shops in Sloane Square and then stop here for lunch? It is a real treat and a favourite amongst the locals. And 2 year olds..

Saatchi Gallery Sculpture

Book your table here and they will donate £1 from every bill during the 17th and 29th March.

 

Mother’s Day Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Bulgari Hotel

Runs Between 17th – 29th March, 2017

What mother doesn’t need some time off once in a while? However, unless it is booked for you, it easy to feel guilty about leaving the little darlings, and you literally need to be sent.

With this in mind, I would love to be sent with a girlfriend into the centre of London to have an Afternoon Tea with Champagne. Where is more opulent and spoiling than the Bulgari Hotel?!

Afternoon tea

Set in pure opulence, you will be waited on hand and foot and actually have an uninterrupted conversation. Bliss!

The Bulgari Hotel will donate £5 to Sentebale every time a Champagne Afternoon Tea (47pp) is booked between 17th – 29th March.

Book online here and please be sure to reference ‘Sentebale Afternoon Tea’ in the ‘special requests’ section!

 

Any Items from ME+EM

Offer is on for 24hrs 22nd March, 2017

Fashion brand ME+EM are donating £5 to Sentebale for every sale over £50 on Wednesday 22nd March. I am so excited they are participating in this campaign. Their pieces are a great price point, beautifully made and uber cool. If you haven’t heard of them yet, take a look and I have no doubt you will find some great pieces for your Spring Wardrobe.

ME&EM

However, please hold off until Wednesday 22nd before you buy anything – don’t worry I will remind you in a post on Wednesday morning (including my top picks!)

Outside Shop

NO CODE – JUST SHOP ON THE 22ND!!!! (You can plan your purchase here)

 

I would be so utterly grateful if you dug deep and blessed a mother with one of these thoughtful gifts. Not only will it make them a very happy lady, but you really will be making a difference to the lives of children affected by HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.

Thank you so much and have a very Happy Mother’s Day

Love from

Lucinda xx

PS: If you’ve already got your gift sorted but would still like to show your support, you can donate to Sentebale here

 

Please would you share this post on Facebook or forward it via email?

 

Gift Guides

33 Gift Ideas For Mum

It’s here! So many wonderful courses, handmade goodies, super stylish clothes and accessories and life changing beauty products that I have carefully put together for yourself, a friend, your mum or any other lovely lady in your life. Please forward to this gift guide to the person who is meant to be buying for you too! I promise they will appreciate the guidance…

The London Mummy

 

Apricot & Rose Faux Bouquet – Abigail Bryans Designs £39

These are so pretty and good enough… to believe they are real. Abigail sells beautifully crafted handmade signs and arrangements.

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Amanda Stotesbury – Personal Trainer

Book a 2 week personal training January kick starter block with the lovely Amanda.  She can either come to your home across London (or park if you prefer!) 6 x 1hr sessions in 2 weeks (between 9.30 and 5.30) for £240.  I have shed a couple of excess pounds (I am 2/3 of the way through my two weeks) and feel amazing. She has laden me with tips, tricks and recipes and I am ready to conquer Christmas armed and ready. Book her now so you can relax over Christmas knowing you will be in her capable hands come Jan!! amanda@bellabello.co.uk

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Amalia Embellished Waistcoat – Monsoon  £69

If you haven’t had a peruse of Monsoon since you were first looking for your VIP ball dress when you were a teen, I urge you to take another look. Tops that I bought 10 years ago are still going strong, the quality is that good, and the fit and style of lots of their clothes are just right. This waistcoat is fab to dress up a casual outfit to smart and more edgy.

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Cashmere Wrist Warmers – Cove £39

These work so well as you can still can still show off your manicure whilst keeping toasty. I have the grey and neon ones and can vouch that they are gorgeous!

10% Discount for The London Mummy readers.  USE TLM10 at Checkout!

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Rose Hip Oil -Trilogy £20

Every night I whisper a quiet thanks to the friend who introduced me to this oil. If you feel your skin is a bit tight and dry, whack this on after cleansing morning and night and you will feel as flexible as a 2yr old at Gymboree!

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Selection of Jewellery – TLM Edit 

A shameless plug for my website but I haven’t done it for a long time! I couldn’t chose one, there are so many lovely pieces. I like the spiky earrings! img_1430

 

 

 

3 Star Jumper – Marie & Lola £40

This style comes in red & black, electric blue & navy and khaki with black stars. Why not get all three! The top 1/3 is mesh so good for the evening too. As a huge fan of everything Marie & Lola, I can assure you they fit well and wash beautifully. Contact her through Instagram. 

PS. If you want to know about my next house sale where Stephanie from Marie & Lola will once again be selling, sign up here to receive the information.

3stars-jumper

 

Changing Clutch Gold Snake – Tibi & Marl £35

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Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream £70

Ok, being a CT fan may soon become a bit of a cliche amongst the London mum’s, but it is popular for a reason as makes you feel fantastic. This cream is above my usual allowance but for Christmas if someone is asking, ask for this – you won’t be disappointed!

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Perfect Peace 3 Wick Candle – Neom £45

The smell of this candle is so fresh.  As there is only a subtle hint of Christmas, it could also see you through into the NY if you can hold off from having it burning for the whole month of December – it is delicious.

 

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Gold Clutch – Davina Mulford £40

I haven’t taken off Davina Mulford’s Cross Body Bag since I received it earlier in the year and this gold clutch is a firm favourite in the evening too.

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Grace Silk Camisole Top – Parasol Rose £110

Now this is the time to receive new nightwear/underwear! Forward Parasol Rose to your other half and let owner Mim help him out to get you the perfect wear for you.

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Bespoke Beanie – Arkell & Wills 

New brand Arkell & Wills have hit the nail on the head with their personalised beanie service. Choose the colour, pattern, motif and pom pom and I guarantee you won’t look like everyone else in the playground with their uniform pom pom hat on!

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Indian Cookery Course with Meri Rasoi 

Whether you are a complete beginner or a dab hand at Indian cuisine, Meri’s 3 week courses at her home in Southfields will teach you how to cook confidently at home.

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Glossy Box Subscription Box 3 month plan £9 per month

Who has time to learn about new make up and experiment with different colours and styles? Not me! (Although I am going to do a ‘What’s in My Make Up Bag’ series next year!)  Why not be spoon fed with a subscription box each month!

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Clare Haxby Prints £249

The incredibly talented Clare Haxby is selling her fabulous prints for Christmas. They arrive carefully in a robust tube, ready to adorn your wall.

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Door Mat – Larktopsham £20

Oh so fun, especially for a harassed mother of young children!

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Rebecca Challis Gift Card £50

This would be a great present for a loved one who is just starting a business or needs new marketing materials of themselves or their products.  I am currently running a competition to giveaway 3 x £50 vouchers for a normally £200 photo shoot, so take a look and enter!

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4 Pack of Tea Towels – Happy + Co £25

Every room has to have a bit of black in it so why not start with these gorgeous tea towels from new company Happy + Co. All their interiors are black and white and everything is sent in a lovely gift bag, making it all the more special. Gorgeous!

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Bottle of ‘Garden’ – Seedlip £29.99

Perfect for a pregnant mama. A distilled non alcoholic spirit. It tastes as good as the real thing (i.e. Gin & Tonic)

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Monmatre Rose Gold Watch – Auree £130

I am so over using my phone to tell the time, especially if I want a bit of a tech detox. This the watch I have my eye on.  Auree have now expanded into watches too. Watch this space! (Sorry)

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Dark Night Shawl – Pom Amsterdam at Hengelo £59

These shawls are heaven. Whichever way you put them on, they fall so you look like a ‘shawl’ expert. They aren’t too bulky either. The colour combinations are fab too.  They come in a lovely box and would make a gorgeous present.

 

 

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Triple Star necklace – Cabbage White England £75

I have this necklace. It hasn’t come off since it arrived! Here is a snap of me wearing it – it sits perfectly. If you are a fan of stars, check out their earrings, bracelets and necklace range. They are awesome.

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Over Night Bag – Pirates & Violets £98

Heavy Duty with leather handles and the option to monogram. Yes please!image-2

Trinket Trays – Ibai Direct 3 for £18

Pretty machine washable trinket trays. Perfect to make all our nonsense actually look pretty.

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Top Mum (& Daughter) – Envie de Fraise £37.99

If you think twinning is winning but find it hard to find mother and daughter combo’s, check out this French brand. As they are French they evade being too cheesy so the twin look is more acceptable!

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Mama Clutch – Jem & Bea £45

Love this new range and this is my pick if I were lucky enough to receive one… (*cough)

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Gel Lash Fibre Extension Mascara £14.99

I can’t tell you how amazing this mascara is! I have actually been asked by friends if I have had extensions put on when I wear it. The beauty is, it also comes off as easily as it goes on so no panda eyes in the morning.

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Stack Bracelets from Zojora 

I am perfecting my arm candy at the moment and these are an integral part of it. These gorgeous friendship bracelets are made in Singapore and are exceptionally well prices.   She also does incredible bright fabric cuffs that I have my eye on…

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Friday Night Make up Bag  – Anna Wright £17.50

Everyone needs a new make up bag once in a while and I love this one designed by artist Anna Wright.  Fun and Christmasy!

 

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Yummy’s Club – Members Card for Parents

This is a great club to be a member of. If you do clubs, activities and host parties for your little ones  regularly, you will the discounts from a variety of wonderful companies that are signed up to Yummy’s to give reader discounts. A great present fro a busy mum.

Alice from Yummy’s has a reader offer for The London Mummy readers. 20% off the normal price of £50 a year membership. Enter TLM20 at checkout.

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Oval Overware – Alice Peto  Start at £15

I couldn’t decide which dish as they are all so scrum, so I have included a selection of Alice Peto’s amazing ovenware. Imagine being served lasagne and having a little electric blue penguin saying hi half way through! She also does tableware – check out her hot pink palm tree range – MEGA.

 

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Mantra band – Nordstrums £24

I am majorly into cuffs at the moment and at this price, I think I could add this to my cuff collection. A great stocking filler.

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I hope this has given you a few ideas for yourself and any other ladies who you have to buy for. Please tag me if you receive any of these goodies – I would love to hear!

Lucinda xx

If you missed my other gift guides, take a look here 

Gift Guides

20 Gift Ideas for Granny

Whether you are buying for your own mother, mother in law or for Granny on behalf of the kids – my hope is you will find something suitable (and maybe for yourself too!)

There are also a couple of small things that you could post to easily further afield.

BTW if you are enjoying TLM, please sign up here to receive emails straight into your inbox.

The London Mummy-4

The Wyld Cookery School – Wandsworth

A lovely gift for a Granny who has a few spare hours (unless that will take her away from a bit of extra childcare!) Also a lovely thing to do together. This cookery school is top notch.

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Hand Block Printed Table Cloth – Torna Lucia £65

Can’t think of a prettier back drop than this Torna Lucia pink table cloth to display your culinary work.

 

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Portable Phone Charger £15

Ease her in gently to the technology of the modern era with this simple portable phone charger. A must for all – not just Granny!

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Personalised Dachshund Phone Case – Willow of London £39

If you have a zany Granny to buy for, this personalised phone case will give her something fun to chat to her friends about!

 

 

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Gold Dog Bone Necklace – BellaJoo £27

 

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What Happens At Grandma’s Stays at Grandma’s – Etsy £12.99

This would be a fun little present to send along with your children (if you are lucky enough to ever have Grandparents babysit!)

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Zara Pearls – Suzie Pringle £59

Suzie Pringle pearls are as varied as they are beautiful. I bought my mother some for her birthday and they went down a treat. Lovely easy to clip clasps too.  (She also does lovely cashmere…)

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Lancome Hypnose Mascara Gift Set £23

Old School but still one of the best and this lovely gift box makes an every day item a bit more special.

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Grey Cashmere Poncho – John Lewis £120

Hard to include clothes in a ‘guide’ as everyone has such different tastes but I thought this grey polo neck would float a lot of boats.

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Amazon Echo Dot £49.50

My mother has been raving about this since she had it installed. She talks and the Dot acts!

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Guinea Fowl Cushion in Dove Grey – Bella Wilmot £40

An old friend has started making these lovely cushions which would make a great addition in a drawing room. Check her out – they are lovely and subtle.

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Breakfast Tray – Flossie & Bumble £45

Nothing says mine quite like a personalised item. If there is someone to serve her breakfast in bed, this would be a lovely way to present it and if not, it will look lovely with Granny’s home made cakes on when you go round for tea!

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a5 Red Leather Bound Notebook – Rollo London £24.95

If she is getting a bit scatty as the years go on, this leather bound notebook is a perfect size for a handbag and extremely smart too. Comes in lots of colours!

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Silhouette – Darling & Darling from £130

What about a silhouette of the Grandchildren?

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Playing Cards Napkins – Sarahk Designs £8

If they are a bridge player, these napkins will go down a treat!

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The Goodwill Hamper – Daylesford £125

This would be a lovely present to take down just before Christmas.  Granny would REALLY appreciate such a plentiful and stylish hamper.

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Luxury Towelling Robe – John Lewis £55

Once you have a robe, you don’t buy another one, even if it is does need replacing. That’s why it is so nice if you get given one!

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Simple White Wooden Photo Frames – John Lewis from £12

Who doesn’t need picture frames (you can’t replace photos! you just need more!) and if they are filled, even better.

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Anti Ageing Set – Caudalie £141

This is lovely set. Cleaning water, face & eye cream to keep Granny looking as fresh as a daisy.

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Want more?

 

 

 

Gift Guides

29 Gift Ideas For Girls

Oh I am having such fun putting these gift guides together! Thank you for your positive feedback from my 3 previous ones, Daddy, Grandpa and Au Pair. Now for girls.

(Those of you who have been following will notice that I have removed the ‘Nanny’ bit from the latter!)

If you would like to receive my last few gift guides and The London Mummy subsequent posts that are emailed straight into your inbox – I don’t bombard btw and you can always unsubscribe – please click here.

Anyway, enough. I personally think children are the easiest to buy for and girls especially. Included are some main presents, most for little girls, a few for bigger girls (not teenage!) some stocking fillers, some classics but hopefully none just for Christmas.

 

 

The London Mummy-7

Liberty Print Hoop Decorations – Coco & Wolf £36

These are lovely wall hangings and are a change from a picture.

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Assorted Dresses – Coco-Belle Clothing from £30

This is my huge secret that I am sharing with you. If you like trad, contact Sophie, give your size and she will send you what she has in stock. Bingo.

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Pipity Activity Case £24.99

We have had this in the glove compartment of our car for a while. It is a dream and our first port of call when the children need distracting (before sweets, then Ipad but often it doesn’t get to it when they have their hands on a Pipity Activity Case!)

 

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Alpaca Rabbit Hoodie – Oeuf NYC  £116.12

So indulgent, but oh so sweet. Would also make a good hand me down to a different gender!

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Bebelux ‘Big Pink’ Pushchair – Bebes Boutique £240

These are the doll pushchairs and prams to end all doll push chairs and prams. Hand made in Spain, they are exquisitely made with no details forgotten.

Our daughter is a ‘doll’ girl, as in some are ‘animals’ some are dolls and some are etc (I can’t think at the moment but you get my gist) so we are going for this super duper one that should last the distance. This is one present that won’t be going to the charity shop!

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Mini A Ture Skirt in Rose Dust – Four Fairies & A Princess £38.50

If your little one I lucky enough to be stormingNY with you, this is the skirt to do it in.

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Princess Carriage – Wow Toys £20

As you can see this list has a large range of age and price and this is on the lower end of both spectrums, but if you have a Cinderella fan, you can’t beat WOW toys for quality and longevity.

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Cashmere Winter White Poncho – Mamma & Me £75

They actually do this in adult sizes but my ‘mum’ list is overflowing, I thought I would share this beautiful item in ‘girls’. Not suitable of ra messy one, but if they are susceptible to spilling their spaghetti they also come in black, grey and navy.

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Magical Fairy Garden £16

This is something I would have loved when I was little (other than the illusive Mr Frost…) What do you think? Cute?

 

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Twister Dancing Game £31

Burn off some hyperactivity with the Twister Dance game. Will also teach them a bit of rhythm (if it can be taught!)

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White Rabbit Tights – Braveling £15

Super cute selection of character tights from Braveling. I love these White Rabbit ones.

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Glitter Heart Snap Hair Clips – Glammrags £5

Glammrags has hot the little girl accessory market by storm and I can see why. These clips are original and stay in. Check out their glitter hair bands too.

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Home Education Bead Game – Hape £12

If you have a Hama fan, they should like these but with an educational angle thrown in.

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V Tech Camera £42.59

Stop them pinching your iPhone and give them a camera instead.

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Raffia Toy Storage Basket – Little Knickerbockers £44

What to do with all the stocking fillers in Christmas day? I love this raffia box that would suit hair ties, sunglasses and all the plastic jewellery they somehow accumulate.

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Kids Navy/Biscuit Cashmere Sweater – Little Leggies £78

These contrast cashmere sweaters are insane. I love them. They also do adults (in slightly different and bolder colours) if you want to give a nod to the mini me trend this Christmas.

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Boots – Monsoon £30

As you can see I have a penchant for sparkle and Monsoon are feeding it this season. Sparkly boots, metallic trainers – if you want to buy some eye catching footwear for your little one – head over to Monsoon.

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Cut Green Grass, Bloomsbury Coat – Great British Baby Company £240

The range of traditional coats from the Great British Baby Company is extensive and they are all as beautiful as the next, If you are on the hunt for one to go to that Christmas Day Service , this is the place to go.

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Elephant Lunch Box – Kidly £15

Kidly was recommended to me by a friend and I am so grateful The items are so cool and original and I defy you not find anything on their for your bambino’s!

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Double Pom Pom Hat – The Bobble Hat £15

Last year it was all about the single pom pom, now it’s all about the double!

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Horse Tassel Bracelet – Millie Pink £7.50

If you have a horse lover, this bracelet is a perfect stocking filler.

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Baby Annabell Interactive Doll £36.99

Even before I had a daughter I had heard of Baby Annabel. It is the quintessential first doll of most young girlish the UK and they have just launched an interactive one. Feed it, take it to the loo (well not that you take it to the loo but you get my drift) this is the doll of all dolls.

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Louise Misha Angora Scarf – £32

I want this for myself. Enough said.

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My Dream Puppy – Little Live Pets £49

This does everything you would expect a puppy to do (apart from need a walk, make a mess and poop) and it has such a sweet little face.

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What You Talking About Game £20

We love a game in our family and this looks like it would create a few laughs (and maybe keep them quiet?)

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Interactive Unicorn – Baby Born £29

I went to my friends house who has 2 girls for a bit of inspo on this post and she showed me this light up unicorn that has consistently been a hit with them in her house. If it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for me!

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Hamleys Sticker Scratcherz £20

This was also on her hit list. If they like sticker, this is a bit more than just whacking them in a sticker book.

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Foam Factory – Tomy £19

Might look slightly babyish but I bet your older children would also play with this foam machine in the bath too. Be generous with the bubbles and you will get some seriously good ‘ice cream’ in the bath.

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Liberty Print Dolls Blanket – Coco & The Wolf £18

If the acrylic dolls blanket give you goose bumps, buy this one. Beautiful quality and a lovely print.

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What are you getting your daughter/ God daughter/ niece for Christmas? Would love to hear your ideas.

Want more?

Gift Guides

14 Gift Ideas for Dad

Ok. Let’s hope this Gift Guide goes down better than the one I kicked off with –  Nannies & Au Pairs! (‘If I as given a wallet with a London skyline on it, I would throw it in the bin’ was my favourite!)

There are plenty of great ideas from practical to funny to experiential. This is the one time I don’t want hubby to read my latest post (he is getting better at doing it off his own back now!)

Check out my other Gift Guides too and if you would like to be on Th eLondon Mummy List, subscribe here 

The London Mummy-2

Headphones – Kavsons £49

Noisy children? These would go down a treat and you can always use them when you have had enough too!

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Golfclub Cufflinks – Deakin & Francis £250

Cufflinks are always a good idea. I love these but if they are on the penny side, check out Deakin & Francis other gift ideas. They are fun of them.

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Wordsmithery – John Lewis £20

Test his linguistic skills with the new Wordsmithery. Compact, easy and fun to play, and perfect for family get-togethers (no arguing now!) Wordsmithery puts your knowledge of words and their meaning to the test.

 

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Gin Palace Extravaganza Tour – Sipsmith, Chiswick £75

For any gin lover, this tour sounds fantastic. You end up at the local pub too!

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Matching Father & Son Pyjamas – PJ Pan from  £89 & 38

There isn’t much (to my knowledge) father & son matchy match out there, but if you are game, these matching pjs are a good way to kick off. They are also pretty festive and could be quite sweet seeing the boys in your life open their presents in matching pjs?

 

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Superman Smartbox – Buyagift £49

Over 1380 experiences for 1 or 2 people. Either send him or go together. Cars? Boats? Climbing? Have a look at the tremendous selection. A great present for the man you don’t know what to buy for!

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Boot & Shoe Driers – Drysure £30

Drysure extreme boot dryers offer a simple and sure way to dry any type of boot, free from the fuss of having to find power points or batteries.  Married to a runner or a skier? Ski boots will dry overnight and Drysure’s other product Drysure Active can dry running shoes in under 6 hours. Nice, no more wet (and smelly) feet in your life.

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Children’s Art Collage – Barney & Wilf from £39

This gorgeous print makes a statement in any room, using up to 88 pieces of artwork so you can display boxes full of beautiful art in one space. Choose from our most popular sizes below, or get in touch to request something in any size that fits. Choose a print only or have it framed in a custom made white wooden frame, professionally sealed to protect from damage.

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A Chubby – The Great Present £40

A Chubby is an acrylic box that houses 300 sheets of recycled paper which have been personalised for your own message. There is a choice of four boxes, with two types of font in four colours. Simply decide what you would like in the Main Header and what you would like printed in the Border Surround.

A stunningly stylish luxurious hardworking piece of stationery that looks really fabulous and at home where ever you choose to put it. A great personalised present!

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Giraffe Loo Roll Holder – Qwerkity £29

Oh we do like novelty and you can’t get more novelty than a giraffe loo roll holder! Hopefully this will stop my toddler putting the loo roll in the loo… hmmm

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Tuk Tuk Swimming Trunks L’etale £75

15% DISCOUNT FOR TLM READER. Use TLM2016 at checkout.

Handmade in Dorset, these trunks are eye catching and fabulous.  If you are heading to Winter sun (please don’t tell me) these will turn heads.

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Personalised Wash Bag – Will Bees Bespoke £59

Guys just don’t have the cosmetic bag choice that we do, do they. Even if they did, it is probably the last thing they would buy. Surely stuffing there deodorant and the like in your cosmetic bag is acceptable. Well, no it isn’t. Especially as it is now housing about 10 toothbrushes and a frozen hairbrush to boot. Time to give him his own, and a nice one. I love this Will Bees one, and it can also be personalised so no confusing whose it is!

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Grey Linen Shirt with Colour Print Collar& Cuff – Tobias Clothing £80

I am about to publish a Spotlight on Tobias Clothing’s I love the shirts and the whole ethos of the company. Here is a taster. (And a percentage of each shirt goes to charity so all in all it is a great choice).

 

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I really hope this has helped. Let me know if you have any other ideas!  If you don’t subscribe to my blog and have just stumbled upon this post but would like to read more from The London Mummy, put your email HERE and hey presto, they will come straight to your in box! xx

Gift Guides

15 Gift Ideas For Your Au Pair

Kicking off The London Mummy Christmas Gift Guides are ideas for your Nanny or Au Pair.

If you value them (which you should – bxxxxy hard job don’t you think?) they deserve something that is thoughtful and shows your appreciation for them.

Whether they have been with you a month or a year, here are some fab ideas!

The London Mummy-3

Moroccan Beach Basket from Mymia £35

These are great for all their miscellaneous belongings and it also looks super sweet and can double up as a ‘playground’ bag in the summer.

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Dasher Hair Ties from Millie Pink £8

If you are pulling together a few bits for them, be sure to include these gorgeous festive hair ties from Mille Pink. Also make great arm candy.

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Flamingo Cushion from Poppy & Honesty £35

This handmade flamingo from Poppy & Honesty is lovely and will be a lasting present once they move on. (Sob)

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Luxury Beauty Cracker from The Vintage Cosmetic Company £9

Who doesn’t love a cracker? Filed with beauty treats, this would be lovely for them to pull on Christmas Day.

 

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 London Skyline Wallet from Accessorize £19

This spacious wallet will be sure to impress their friends back home.

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Save The Children Christmas Jumper from The Fmly Store £45

If you are giving them a present that they will open before Christmas (as perhaps they are flying home and want to travel lightly) this Christmas jumper is not only gorgeous, profits go to Save The Children. Win Win.

 

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Birchbox Subscription £30 for 3 months 

5 full size beauty products each month. I actually want this… Perhaps we could share!

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Ear Jacket from Marta Frisnes £46

If you aren’t familiar with Marta Frisnes, her jewellery is stunning.  This cool ear jacket typifies that she is a frontrunner of this years trends. If they are slightly edgy, give them this, they won’t know what’s hit them!

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Early Throw from Sheridan Australia £79

If they are from warmer climates, the arctic air that has suddenly hit us will be a shock to the system.  Keep them warm this winter with this lovely soft, knitted wool blanket from Sheridan.  They also of lovely Duvet Sets.

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Paddington Guide To London from Wordery £6

This is a great guide and fab as an introduction to the popular sights of London. Easy to use and clearly laid out, every house should have one of these in their book shelves.

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A Spa Experience from Buyagift.com  £55

The voucher comes in a beautiful gift box, and with thousands of different experiences across the whole on England, they can swap to something else if they aren’t keen on what you have bought them!

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Brownie Gift Box from Sugarella from £10

No doubt the best brownies I have ever tasted and the packaging is gorgeous too. Perfect to take back to their homeland too.

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Original Green Hunter Boots £90

I bought these for three consecutive (Spanish) au pairs at Christmas. Well, they did ask! They loved that they were ‘traditionally English’ and perfect for the wet weather.

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Personalised Leather Wrap Dice Bracelet from Merci Maman £49

If your nanny really loves your children (!) get them this bracelet with each initial on it.

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Lit Fabulous Plaque from Next £40

If you find it hard to tell them how much you value them, show them with this battery operated wall hanging from Next.  Next also do lots of different wall lights, including the popular box lights where you can change the words around. Worth a look!

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I hope this has helped. A nicely written card is also a good addition to a present. After all, you want them to comeback after Christmas!!!

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