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christmas

Gift Guides

28 Thoughtful Gift Ideas For New Mums & Babies

If anyone is ever in need of pampering and showering in gifts, it’s a new mum. ‘Is it something they’ll actually use?’ and ‘Will they already have been gifted a hundred of these?’ are the two key things to consider when looking for a baby gift. You won’t go wrong with blankets, muslins, toys and very cute outfits, so I’ve dug out the best of the best from those categories. As for mum, I recommend leaning towards pampering, self-care and comfort.

Looking for something else? I’ve got a homeware fix for the interior-lover and some self-care gifts for the women constantly on-the-go. Now, it’s time to find something extra special for a new mama and baby.

BABY

My Little Star Baby Filled Christmas Stocking, Liberty London

£80

Ring in baby’s first Christmas with this Liberty baby stocking packed with delights from Cam Cam Copenhagen, Liewood, Sebra and others.

Dohar Baby Blanket, Wila and the Bear

£45

Made with hand-blocked fabric, you will not get two of the same blankets from Wila and The Bear. Perfect for use all-year-round, this gift will without a doubt come in handy.

Rainbow White Splash Mat, The Gilded Bird

£17

Few people are blessed with a tidy baby, so it’s wise to arm all new parents with a splash mat. Waterproof and wipeable, these PVC mats are ideal for dinner time, bath time and messy play time.

Merino Sheepskin Baby & Toddler Mittens, hug hug

£20

Little hands will be forever cosy and warm in these adorable sheepskin mittens. Suitable for up to 24 months, you can turn the cuffs up or down to resize them.

Get 10% off everything on hughug.co.uk  with code LondonMummyHug.

Muslin Sheets Gift Set, Wila & The Bear

£65

A beautiful fitted sheet and changing pad cover make up this lovely gift set. They’re both made from soft muslin and come packed in a delightful gift box.

Orange Print Baby Leggings, The Little Art Collection

£16.50

Add a brilliant colour pop of orange to baby’s wardrobe with these super-cute baby leggings. There’s an equally sweet hat and dribble bib to match.

Duck Chime, Jellycat (Indian Summer)

£13

Let the little one snuggle up with this squidgy and stripy Duck Chime that, when turned upside down, makes soothing chime noises.

Peekaboo Fox Merino Baby Blanket Grey, Woolish

£49

Made from silky-soft merino wool, this Peekaboo blanket ranks very highly on the comfort scale for any baby or toddler. It comes with a cool accordion-style book — a good incentive for baby to raise their head during tummy time.

Woodland Friends Gift Set, Little Aurelia

£150

This wonderful suitcase is packed with luxurious Little Aurelia goodies to care for baby’s skin, alongside a calming pillow mist and relaxing massage oil to send them off soundly into dreamland.

Baby Bubble Pants, Little London Bloomers

£24

Super-soft and super-comfortable, these delightful bubble pants come in a range of colours and are available for kids up to three years.

Baby & Kids Set, Dr Barbara Sturm

£205

Barbara Sturm wants to protect baby’s skin right from the start with a focus on nourishing and soothing delicate skin. This gift set, filled with shampoo, body cream, face cream, bathing milk and bum cream, is an all-round starter kit in baby skincare.

Dinosaur Blue Hooded Towel, Em & Lu

£26

With bath time a daily occurrence, a towel is a handy gift choice. Em & Lu has a luxurious selection of cotton towels to choose from, all available to buy with matching wash mitts and change mats.

Beatrix Potter Bookends, Sarah Sherrington

£50

No doubt they’ll amass loads of books in the coming years, so pick up these beautiful hand-printed bookends to keep those stacks of kids books tidy.

Baby Safe Fragrance-Free Hand & Body Cream, Queen Organics

£18

Suitable for use from one month old, this organic hand and body cream is great for mum and baby to use. Made from organic shea butter, sunflower, olive, hemp and coconut oil, it’s suitable for vegans and not tested on animals.

The Baby Book of You, Colour Chronicles

From £25

Record all the memories and moments from the first year of baby’s life in this vibrant keepsake book. Fill out prompts including ‘The things that have made you laugh’ and ‘Our favourite way to spend a day’.

Organic Cotton Padded Rainbow Blanket, Fabelab (Little Baby Co.)

£60

This one caught my eye because it works as a play mat, blanket and wall decoration, so you can decide what you want it to be based on baby’s needs. It’s made from 100% organic cotton and is soft and padded.

Swaddle & Peacock Rattle, Cam Cam Copenhagen (Scandiborn)

£33

A beautifully packaged rattle and swaddle gift set, I’m sure any baby would be delighted to play with this sweet peacock rattle.

NEW MUM

Post Partum Nutrition: An Expert’s Guide To Eating After A Baby, Dr Harriet Home

£16 paperback, £10 Kindle edition

Postpartum Nutrition combines nutrition and health information with practical advice for new mums to make the best choices for their own health and their baby’s.

Breastfeeding Mama Gift Set, Hot Tea Mama

£24

Gift a new mama some soothing teas and a KeepCup to prevent any splashing on baby as she breastfeeds. The Milk’s Up blend can naturally support breastfeeding, while Night Owl can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

Sea Salt Bath, Buff Mama

£30

A soak in the tub is just what the doctor ordered, so make it count with some luxury bath salts. This natal blend, designed with mum in mind, is a luscious blend of lavender, mandarin and frankincense.

Dainty Mama Necklace, Caitlyn Minimalist

£22.30

Keep things simple and elegant with this dainty ‘mama’ necklace. Available in 18k gold, rose gold or silver, this is a really thoughtful gift for anyone new to the parenting world.

Mama Bee Belly Butter, Burt’s Bees

£14

A rich and nourishing belly butter packed with cocoa, shea and jojoba butters will help a new mum keep her skin supple and help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks post-baby.

Memory Case In Grey, Meminio

£145

Go chic with this gorgeous grey memory case to fill with keepsakes, photos and baby bits. You can also personalise it with a name and date.

Aromatherapy Liberty Print Eye Pillow, Spritz Wellness

£25

A good one for soothing tired eyes: warm in the microwave or chill in the freezer, depending on your preference. Spare five minutes when baby is sleeping? Pop this over your eyes and relax…

Cream Animal Print Hoody, TLM Edit

£59

Every mum needs a slouchy hoody to cosy up on the sofa in or wrap up in when they’re out and about. I promise this one is super-comfortable!

Healing Spirit Bath Soak, Wilder Botanics

£32

Nurture the mind, body and spirit with this heavenly blend of Vetiver & Rose Geranium, Calendula infused oil and pink Himalayan salts.

Send Your Love Letterbox Chocolate & Truffles Bundle, Love Cocoa

£19

Mamas of any age will appreciate the gift of chocolate. If you’re not able to see friends this winter, send off a lovely letterbox chocolate and truffles bundle.

Hey There Mama Bear! Message Mug, Gilbert & Stone Ceramics

£20

A sweet and thoughtful ceramic mug, I love the reassuring ‘You’re doing great’ message at the bottom. There is a Papa Bear one too, check out this one a new pop!

For more gift guides, click here.

Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the parenting, style and business recommendations.

Gift Guides

20 Wellness & Self Care Gift Ideas

Everyone could do with a bit more relaxation and self-care in their lives. It’s so often that life takes over and we forget to care for ourselves. You don’t have to be a yogi, wellness guru or gym bunny to appreciate a bit of self-love. This gift list is perfect for anybody in need of some pampering. Help a loved one to channel some inner peace or create some space to relax with one of these pretty ‘zen’ Christmas goodies.

The Positive Wellness Journal, The Positive Planners

£20

It’s all in the planning! This journal gives fantastic daily guidance to anyone on a path towards a happy and healthy mind, body and soul.

Anti Ageing Silk Pillow Case, Hollistic Silk

£80

We all know the importance of getting enough sleep; firstly for our overall health and, secondly, for our beauty regimes. A silk pillowcase reduces frizz, while a silk eye mask combats facial creases.

The Self Care Cookbook, Bookspeed

£15

I know how easy it is to get into the routine of cooking the same meals week-in, week-out. Spice things up with this plant-based cookbook.

Sunshine Candle, The Kentish Soap Company

£8

Self-care is about having healthy habits and rituals. I love to have some candles burning as part of my evening unwind ritual and Kentish Soap Co. has a divine selection of soy candles to choose from.

Self Care Isn’t Selfish, m.a.d.e

£7

A clever little reminder pin for when we’re putting ourselves at the bottom of the pile and very close to burn out!

Personalised Yoga Mat, Koko Blossom

£40

Any yogi pal would love to receive this personalised mat. Or maybe you’ve got someone in mind who needs some motivation to get moving again.

Self-heating eye mask, Spacemasks

£15

Tried-and-tested, Spacemasks are a really simple way to switch on the relaxation button and relieve any tiredness and tension.

Brazil SAD Light, Lumie

£149

A ‘must’ for anyone who feels extra blue in the winter months — isn’t that all of us? These lights are proven to boost mood and make you feel more energised.

Luxury Bath Gift Set, 100 Acres

£67

Go 100% natural with this nourishing 100 Acres gift set. The set of bubble bath, body wash, body oil and bath salts is made in Britain by botanical artisans and — take it from me — it smells absolutely fantastic.

Mia Smart Facial Cleansing Brush, Clarisonic

£129

Using the Clarisonic beauty device is a good habit to get into. It exfoliates, cleanses and helps the absorption of skincare. It also leaves your skin looking and feeling amazing.

The Hygge Box, Alice & Peg

£35

Give someone the gift of ‘hygge’ — the Danish word for joy and cosiness. This box of candles, teas and chocolate is the definition of relaxation.

Lemongrass and Peppermint Bath Oil and Soap, Mariana London

£16.50

If there’s any excuse for pampering sesh, it’s receiving this luscious bath and oil set. Lock the bathroom door, light the candles and relax…

Luxury Sleep Gift Set, The Oil Hut

£44

Sleep health and hygiene starts with the right environment. Place the diffuser beside your bed, spritz your pillow and dab some sleep oil onto your pulse points.

Manuka Honey, Manuka Direct

£30

Add this healing manuka honey to smoothies, combine lemon and ginger in hot water or eat raw from a spoon. As a natural antibiotic and antiseptic, it can also be used on cuts and wounds. There are so many benefits to this wonderful honey.

Calm CBD Hemp Oil, Grass & Co.

£39.50

This is a good starter into the world of CBD oils. It’s a blend of calming ingredients: CBD, mint, chamomile and ashwaghanda.

Destress Herbal Tincture, Blooming Blends

£22

Know someone who’s feeling particularly unsettled or anxious? A de-stress tincture from Blooming Blends can help to soothe symptoms of anxiety and panic.

Kombucha Home Kit, Boo Chi

£50

Kombucha can be hugely beneficial for the whole family’s health. But making it yourself? Where on earth do you start? Get creating from scratch with this wonderful kombucha kit.

Looking to update your wardrobe, buy a gift or treat yourself?

You will find a gorgeous range of jewellery, accessories and clothes on TLM Edit, all hand-picked by The London Mummy.

Personalised Leather Yoga Strap, Vida Vida

£45

Any yogi friend will love this classy leather strap that can be personalised with a name, initials or message.

Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Oil, Aesop

£43

Cleansing and nourishing your skin is crucial in any self care routine. Start strong with this divine facial oil from Aesop.

The Full Tour, A Cook’s Tour

£110

Self-care for the stomach! A Cook’s Tour is a pretty special gift to treat any couple. It features two cook-alongs each month for two people. Great for picking up some new culinary skills.

Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, style and business recommendations.

More Christmas inspiration…

24 Purrfect Presents For Pet (& Pet Lovers)

24 Home Gift Ideas To Buy Any Interiors-Obsessed Friend

Gift Guides

24 Home Gift Ideas To Buy Any Interiors-Obsessed Friend

We’ve all got that one friend who can’t get enough of home design. Whether it’s their quirky artwork, gorgeous glassware, or wallpaper that is impossible to find anywhere else, you’re always a bit envious of some oddity that you spot about their house. If you’re looking for something unique for a loved one or something to style your own house, I’ll do my best to steer you in the right direction with my suggestions below. There’s a mix of stuff from here, there and everywhere that’ll (hopefully) impress any homeware lover.

Diamond Decanter Set, thumbsup

£35

This decanter makes such a wonderful table centrepiece and the diamond glasses make it the perfect set.

Smelly Room Tin Candle, Betsy & Blue Boutique

£6

Definitely a novelty gift but it does make me giggle. The orange and grapefruit scent is perfect for covering any bad smells!

Jali Table Cloth, The Summer House

£70

The Summer House has a lovely collection of elegant table cloths, it was tough to choose which one to feature. The Jali one keeps things simple and look great indoors and outdoors.

Ready For The Races Print, Amelia Anderson

£38

I’m a big fan of Amelia’s animal portraits, so was delighted to find she does prints too. The elephant one is definitely a favourite.

Rope Words, Betsy & Blue Boutique

£18

Pick up some cool and quirky rope words from Betsy and Blue. Choose from ‘love’, ‘happy’, ‘hello’ and ‘gorgeous’.

Colourful Glass Bud Vases, The Pink Pheasant

From £8.25

It’ll be tough to buy just one of these, as they look so lovely together in all the different colours! Leave them empty or add one or two flowers.

Bespoke Ruler High Chart, The Real Ruler High Chart Company

£115

These rulers are pretty special. You can customise them with your family’s name, kids’ names, special dates or anything else you can think of.

Turquoise Blue & Gold Alarm Clock, Addison Ross

£48

Add a pop of colour to their desk or bedside table with one of these gorgeous silent clocks from Addison Ross. Super simple, super chic.

Botanical Collage Kit, Cai & Jo

£45

This collage kit is such a lovely way to brighten up your kitchen, conservatory or any wall around the house.

Petit Moroccan Espresso Cup, Chabi Chic (Savannah Willow)

£9

Handmade and painted in Morocco, I’m loving these stylish espresso cups. The proceeds provide sustainable income to the Moroccan artisans.

Pink Achillea Foliage Fabric Notice Board, Handcrafted by Harriet

£65

With the family here, there and everywhere, a noticeboard has become invaluable for keeping track of everyone’s schedules and not losing letters from school. Handcrafted by Harriet has a lovely range of fabric print noticeboards to choose from.

Looking to update your wardrobe, buy a gift or treat yourself?

You will find a gorgeous range of jewellery, accessories and clothes on TLM Edit, all hand-picked by The London Mummy.

Feather Wreath, Forever Wild Interiors

£30

A wreath doesn’t just have to be for Christmas and this feather one is very much an all-year-round interior. It makes a great table centrepiece too.

Tea Towel And Tray, Indigo Prawn

£20

How lovely is this vibrant matching set? Indigo Prawn can kit you out with prawn-themed art prints, cards, aprons and towels.

Dark Green Pheasant Glass Tray, Melissa Lafave London

£60

Hand-painted and finished with 18k gold edging, this pheasant tray will complement any bedside or coffee table. It’s available in red too.

Melamine Tray, The Mews Furnishings

£12

It’s always good to have trays on-hand for serving drinks, cakes and everything else. I like the quirky chicken feet pattern on this one.

Starburst Salt Cellar, ASL Ceramics

£45

These bowls an ideal size for condiments. I love these as kitchen decorations — they’re almost too lovely to use!

Martini Print, Emma Van Zeller

£45

Emma’s ‘Limericks For The Loo’ collection is just brilliant. I’m loving this Dorothy Parker quote on Martini and the ‘perfect husband’ quote made me giggle.

Lipstick Print, Emma Van Zeller

£45

Small Round Enamel Light Pink Tray, Turnbull & Hooch

£14

Turnbull & Hooch is one of my favourite places to pick up unique tableware. I know that trays and bowls are gifts that you know are always going to come in useful, so these are my two top picks.

Round Enamel Red Tray, Turnbull & Hooch

£40

Find out more about Turnbull & Hooch in my Spotlight interview with founder Sarah here.

Tea Cup Candles, Antique Teacup Candles

From £27

Give a gift steeped in history with one of these teacup candles. Each china cup comes with its own hand-written background story. You can reuse again and again once the candle has burnt down.

Coated Linen Tablecloth, Polkadot Parsley

£12.50

These tablecloths are genius for anyone who has kids. Easily wipe clean after whatever mess they’ve made.

Scallop Tole Planter in Yellow, Matilda Goad

£36

A bold and brighter planter suitable for indoors and outdoors. I think it’d look fantastic filled with herbs on the kitchen windowsill.

Table Napkins With Kantha Stitch Border, Truffle Home

£55

What gorgeous napkins! These are perfect for both formal and informal dining. Truffle Home recommends teaming with a plain table cloth.

Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, style and business recommendations.

Gift Guides

24 Purrfect Presents For Pet (& Pet Lovers)

Looking to treat your pet? Whether it’s a new food bowl, some tasty treats or cute new wardrobe addition, there are some wicked gifts out there to spoil your furry friend. I’ve also added in some bits and bobs for pet-lovers too.

Jump to:

Dogs
Cats
Pet Owners

For Dogs

Large Taster Hamper, Different Dog

£40

Everyone loves a hamper, so I’ve no doubt your dog would be delighted with this Different Dog hamper too. It’s packed with nutritious seasonal recipes, slow-cooked lamb bone broth and packs of dog food.

Plain Dog Leads, The Jambo Collection

£35

Sometimes I’m a fan of keeping things simple and you know these leather dog leads are going to stay sturdy and last you a long time. Plus, you can mix-and-match with any colours of collar or bowtie!

Medium Dog Basket One-Of-A-Kind, Wovenology Baskets

£120

This is a dog basket you’d be happy to have on display anywhere your home. I really love its vibrant colours. It comes in small, medium or large to best suit your dog.

Handmade Glazed Dog Bowls, Reg & Bob

From £30

I love the ethos behind Reg & Bob: ‘dogs should be dogs’. From this, they’ve developed a simple and practical range of collars, leads, bowls and bags.

Blue Collar, Reg & Bob

From £17

Cotton Rope Bed and Blanket Bundle, The Dandy Dog Company

£65

A great one if you’re short on space or looking for a bed that isn’t too bulky, pad out this boho cotton rope bed with a blanket in the cooler months or use without when it’s warmer.

Dog Collar Mustard Yellow with Bowtie, Ollie & Co England

£24

Make yours the smartest (and most stylish) dog on the block with this mustard bowtie. Handmade in the UK from 100% Scottish wool.

Read also: 13 Activewear Pieces That’ll Motivate You To Actually Get Active

The Ball Bag, The Distinguished Dog Company

£18

Dogs are always in need of new tennis balls. Add an extra special touch with this personalised bag from The Distinguished Dog Company.

Luxury Oval Wicker Dog Settee, Prestige Wicker

£69

Remind them who is top dog with this brilliant wicker dog settee. It’s stylish, functional and very sturdy.

Zhivago Dog Carrier, Hugo & Otto

£215

This luxurious faux-fur dog carrier is ideal for transporting your little dog anywhere. Plus, it doubles up as a portable dog bed.

Dog Meal Plans, Butternut Box

See website for prices

Butternut Box tailors food packages exactly to your dog’s needs. Fill in the questionnaire that asks for your dog’s breed, measurements, level of fussiness and other preferences and Butternut provide you with food your dog likes and needs.

Indian Print Fabric Neckerchief, The Dandy Dog Company

£11

I am loving the whole collection of neckerchiefs from The Dandy Dog Company but this Indian print one is definitely the most eye-catching.

Tartan Waxed Waterproof Dog Coat, Mutts & Hounds

£48

A very practical one for the winter weather, this waxed coat will keep your mutt dry all-year-round. Plus it has a fleece lining to keep your pet warm too.

Looking to update your wardrobe, buy a gift or treat yourself?

You will find a gorgeous range of jewellery, accessories and clothes on TLM Edit, all hand-picked by The London Mummy.

Natural Dog Paw Bam & Dog Toothpowder, Ollie & Co England

£17

Ollie & Co has a wonderful collection of dog shampoos, cleansers, and toothpaste. This toothpaste is all-natural, vegan and comes in eco-friendly packaging.

Read also: 10 Fashion Picks To Brighten Up Your Autumn

‘Pure Paws’ Original Organic Dog Shampoo, Purelight Botanics

£13

Not only is this shampoo luxurious, but it’s also a brilliant all-rounder: it restores shine, uses antiseptic, contains a natural insect repellant and it’s great for sensitive skin. Perfect for any pampered pooch!

Large Dog Blanket, Herringbone & Plaid – requested image

£35

Blankets are essential for dog owners. Whether you’re protecting furniture or car seats, making your dog cosy and comfortable, or drying them off after a walk. Herringbone & Plaid has a great array of options.

For Cats

Wooden Cat Bowl, The Wood Life Project

£23

Not only do wooden bowls look really good, but they’re also naturally antibacterial. Suitable for wet and dry food, these bowls from The Wood Life project are sustainably-sourced and made from British trees. Available for cats and dogs.

Two Tier Wicker Cat House Basket, Prestige Wicker

£55

This is a pretty fancy cat house! With two tiers, they can take their pick between relaxing on top or hiding underneath. Prestige Wicker has some brilliant pet carriers too.

Mini Pet Bowl, From The Oaktree

£45

These bowls and super sturdy and I like that you can easily remove the stainless steel bowl to easily wash it. Plus, the personalisation element is always a winner.

For Pet Owners

Pet Portraits, Jess Ridley

Contact Jess for prices

How fantastic are these? Send Jess a photo of your pet and she will bring them to life on the page using graphite or charcoal. Click on the link below to see more examples.

Neon Walkies Sweater, The Distinguished Dog Company

£48

Wrap up for your dog walk in the wonderful ‘Walkies’ sweater. Cosy, slouchy and made from organic cotton.

Original Framed Pet Portrait, Maggie’s Needle

£65

There’s something truly vibrant and refreshing about these portraits from Maggie’s Needle.

Cat Lovers Personalised Pet Portrait Print, Florence & Ottie

£48

A really fun print for cat lovers, send a photo of your cat and pick on outfit choice, then Florence & Ottie will get to work hand-drawing and digitally printing your bespoke print.

Pet and Children’s Studio Portraits, Carlotta Maitland Smith

Usually £260, quote LONDON MUMMY for £80 discount*

Carlotta creates beautiful pet portraits which truly capture your pet’s personality in a contemporary light. I highly recommend checking out her Instagram, @carlottamaitlandsmith, for further fantastic examples of her work.

*Quote LONDON MUMMY for the discounted rate of £180 (from £260). This includes a pre-shoot discussion for a full understanding of your pet and your wishes, the shoot itself and 4 digital high-resolution images beautifully edited and retouched. This gives you the full flexibility to make as many prints as you like, where and when you like. Should you prefer for your print needs to be taken care for you, Carlotta also offers this service.

Dog silhouettes, Sophie Ziegler

From £175

I love that these are something a little different. You can keep these prints strictly pets or get the whole family printed in silhouette.

Personalised Cat Socks, Solesmith

£14

A simple (yet quirky) gift to pass onto any with a feline friend. Get the cat’s name printed onto the socks too!

Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, style and business recommendations.

24 Home Gift Ideas To Buy Any Interiors-Obsessed Friend

28 Thoughtful Gift Ideas For New Mums & Babies

Fashion Gift Guides

10 Comfy, Cute Lounge & Underwear Gifts (With A TLM Discount)

Luxury loungewear is definitely high on my winter shopping list. Slipping on something soft and cosy is crucial for entering ultimate comfort mode. The old t-shirts and worn-out sweatpants are starting to feel a bit.. well, old. It’s certainly time to switch it up and ask Santa for some new PJs and underwear.

Loungewear has really come into its own this year with all the time we’ve spent indoors but, even before that, I’ve always loved having a luxurious pyjama collection. Stripe & Stare has been on my radar for a while and, this festive season, I can’t get enough of the cute yet comfortable offerings in their holiday season gift guide. The luxury loungewear brand has even offered me an exclusive 10% discount code for The London Mummy readers. Enter TLM10 at the checkout for a site-wide discount on top-quality t-shirts, joggers, bras, robes, underwear sets and more.

Don’t forget the cheeky 10% discount code TLM10 before you begin. Happy shopping!

Hoodie – Heart Throb, Stripe & Stare

£95

How sweet is this heart-print hoody? A good one for cosying up on the sofa in or throwing on wherever you’re off out to. It’s made from thick weave and is unbelievably soft and breathable. I’m loving the whole heart-throb line, especially the bed shorts and night slip.

Days of the Week Knicker Box, Stripe & Stare

£80

What a vibrant box of knickers! And one for every day of the week! You can never have too many knickers and this gift is perfect for anyone whose drawer is in need of a refresh.

Lounge Pant & Sweatshirt Set – Multi Leopard, Stripe & Stare

£125

Ever a lover of the leopard print, this sweatshirt and pant set is great for those of us who love to be matching on top and bottom. Made from super-soft modal, this print set is the height of luxurious loungewear.

Vest & Knicker Set – Black Constellation, Stripe & Stare

£35

Matching vest and knickers is a great one to be packing underneath in the chillier months. Team with your favourite joggers for lounging and make this your base layer for heading out.

T-Shirt Bra & Bedshort Set – Grey, Stripe & Stare

£45

Keep things simple with this grey bra and bed short set. Made from breathable, sustainably sourced modal fabric, this is just the outfit for a good night’s sleep.

Sweatshirt – Ink Tie Dye, Stripe & Stare

£80

Not sure if tie-dye is for you? Ease yourself into wearing this watercolour print by adding it to your loungewear collection. This sweatshirt is super-cosy and can be bought alongside a lovely pair of sweatpants too.

Enter TLM10 a 10% discount on Stripe & Stare

Looking to update your wardrobe, buy a gift or treat yourself?

You will find a gorgeous range of jewellery, accessories and clothes on TLM Edit, all hand-picked by The London Mummy.

Sweatshirt – The Happy Vagina, Stripe & Stare

£80

In collaboration with The Happy Vagina, Stripe & Stare has designed this wonderful sweater to celebrate gynaecological positivity and self-love. Let’s free the stigma of sexuality and gynaecological health.

Pyjama Set – Navy With Pink Trim, Stripe & Stare

£120

I love a classic pyjama set, especially if I have a few nights away from home or have relatives staying over! This one promises to be as soft as Stripe & Stare’s superb knickers.

Stripe Pant & Sweatshirt Set – Khaki, Stripe & Stare

£125

On-trend and practical, this pant and sweatshirt set is perfect for heading out with the dogs or sitting around watching the TV.

Men’s Boxer Briefs – 3 Box Basics, Stripe & Stare

£40

Need to pop something in the basket for him? Stripe & Stare has extended its underwear expertise into men’s too with this soft and luxurious men’s boxers.

Enter TLM10 a 10% discount on Stripe & Stare

Not sure? Pick up a gift card from £25 to £100 here.

Uncategorized

7 Ways We Can Help Others This Christmas

It’s so easy to get carried away at Christmas with all the shopping, family and festivities. The other side of it is that some people find this time of year the most challenging, in particular following the year we’ve had. I noticed that Deliveroo is providing free food deliveries for NHS workers and started researching ways we can support people locally and around the world this winter. It’s brilliant if you can make a monetary donation, but if this isn’t possible donations of stuff you don’t need any more or a couple of hours volunteering really goes a long way too.

Gifts For Local Children

Each year the Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal benefits millions of children and young people who would not otherwise receive a Christmas gift. It’s a really simple way to give back locally. Find your nearest Salvation Army via their website and pop in any time before the appeal closes in mid-December. Recommendations on what to give include: teddies, baby clothes, educational games, colouring sets, books and puzzles, makeup and toiletries.

Shoe Box Gifts For Children Worldwide

No doubt we’re all familiar with the famous shoebox appeals! It’s such a simple way to have a positive impact on a child’s life. Encourage your children to think up little gifts (soft toys, crayons, school supplies) that they’d like to pack into the box. The boxes reach poor and disadvantaged children around the world, and in some cases, as with Children In Distress, there is an option to pack a box for an older person too. You may be able to organise sending a box through your child’s school or local church. Otherwise, here are a few online options: Samaritan’s Purse, FSCI, and Rotary Shoebox.

Clothes & Everyday Essentials For Families

Support local babies, children and families, by donating stuff you don’t need anymore — think cots, blankets, playmats, clothes the kids have grown out of — to a local charity like Little Village. This London-based charity also has a wish list from which you can contribute by buying nappies, toiletries, period products and more. While Little Village is London-based, there’s a helpful map on its website showing baby banks across the UK where you can donate items.

You might also like: 21 Christmas Gift Ideas For The Man Who’s Hard To Buy For

Free Food Deliveries For NHS Workers

Deliveroo is offering some phenomenal support this winter. The food delivery service is giving away 500,000 meals for free to NHS workers and those most in need. If you have a restaurant and would like to donate food, you’re able to do so by completing the Deliveroo form here. You can also support the NHS food deliveries with a monetary donation here or through the Deliveroo app.

Christmas Dinner For Homeless People

Nobody should be alone at Christmas and Crisis are working to bring homeless people support, friendship, food and a place to stay this season. You can help by donating money, volunteering or campaigning. There are options to volunteer nationwide, currently in Birmingham, Coventry, Newcastle and London. Otherwise, get involved by running your own sponsored event!

Support Charities Through Online Virtual Fairs

A highlight of the festive season is usually getting out and about supporting small businesses through Christmas markets and fairs, but sadly not this year! Instead, everything has moved online. The Rugby Portobello Trust Christmas Market (15-18 November 2020) raises funds for children, young people and families in North Kensington through stalls and a Silent Auction, and gives you a discount on top quality artisans, designers and brands. Other online fairs to check out are: The EEC Fair (in support of the ABF Soldiers’ Charity) and Thomas’s Online Fair (in support of Thomas’s Foundation).

Books For Vulnerable Children

With many people facing a difficult Christmas this year, you can help the BookTrust send book parcels to children who may not receive anything else this Christmas. The reading charity is asking for £10 donations to make this possible and support over 14,000 children. Books being sent out this year include The Gruffalo Sound Book, Elmer: A Classic Collection, Through the Animal Kingdom, Our Planet, Wild Lives and Guinness World Records 2021.

Beds For Young Homeless People

There are a record number of young people sleeping rough around the UK and winter is the time of year they’re most at risk. Homeless people’s charity Centrepoint works to turn people’s lives around by providing them with a warm place to stay, basic essentials, and counselling services. A donation of just £10 can really make a difference to someone’s life.

For more Christmas content, click here.

See also:

22 Christmas Decorations To Get Your House Ready For The Big Day

A Lockdown Christmas? 18 Things To Keep Your Family Entertained This Season

23 Things To Treat Your Tween To This Christmas

Looking for something else? Take a peek in my directory for gift recommendations, services and small business support by clicking here.

Photo by Kat Yukawa on Unsplash

Gift Guides

A Lockdown Christmas? 18 Things To Keep Your Family Entertained This Season

We all know Christmas isn’t going to be quite the same this year. It feels like we’re all trying to guess at what to expect but I think it’s easy to say we won’t be getting out and about as much as usual. That got me thinking about indoor activities to entertain the whole family, stuff to keep the kids occupied for hours, and crafty things to stimulate your mind. So, here’s what I’ll be buying for “new normal” festive season.

Jump to:

Whole family fun
To keep the kids quiet
For the adults

Whole Family Fun

Christmas Name Game Party Hats, Postbox Party

£11

Post-Christmas dinner, this party hat game is simple one for all ages to get involved with. Everyone dons a hat with name card and asks questions to the rest of the players in order to figure out who they are.

The Sock Game, The Sock Game

£20

I’m very curious about this game. It’s a family team game where you spin the spinner and race to find items that are inside the sock. It’s a game that its founders have been playing every Christmas since the 80s and are now selling it in game shops across the UK.

Family Conversation Prompt Cards, Three Boys Rock

£20

A lovely one to kick-start family conversations around the table, these prompt cards are a great way to get the kids talking and forming opinions on a variety of topics.

Beat That!, Serendipity Presents

£22

Relieve some of that pent of energy taking part in a bonkers game of Beat That! Players must complete a series of wacky challenges involving random objects — think ping pong balls, chopsticks and cups. It’s definitely one that’ll have everyone laughing!

To Keep The Kids Quiet

Christmas Special, Doodle Dents

£6

Hit a festive note with these lovely Santa, Rudolph and Snowman doodles from Doodle Dents. A good one to keep them busy while you’re cooking or for the post presents ‘what shall I do now…?’ question.

World Map Pillowcase – Colour In & Learn, Eat Sleep Doodle

£15

Educational, creative and washable! Let them run wild colouring in countries, famous landmarks and exotic animals, then pop it in the wash ready for the next world tour.

Personalised Christmas Eve Crafts Letterbox Gift Set, Little Lulubel

£16

I love to have something special in mind for Christmas Eve and these Little Lulubel letterbox gifts are a fab idea. It includes a Make Your Own Mask set, instant snow and sweets. Perfect to send to nieces and nephews you might not be able to see this Christmas.

Create Your Own Snappy Shark Head, Clockwork Solider

£10

Time for some chill and concentration in building this Snappy Shark Head. It will look brilliant on their bedroom wall afterwards too!

See also:

The Women’s Christmas Wishlist Every Man Needs To See

25 Purrfect Presents For Pet (& Pet Lovers) This Christmas

24 Home Gift Ideas To Buy Any Interiors-Obsessed Friend

SmartMats Set 1 A3, Smart Mat Kids

£12

SmartMats are ingenious for keeping the kids entertained wherever you go. The sheets are suitable for each age group (2-4, 5-7, and 8+).

Get 15% off Smart Mat Kids using the code ‘TLM‘ until 1 Jan 2021.

Looking to update your wardrobe, buy a gift or treat yourself?

You will find a gorgeous range of jewellery, accessories and clothes on TLM Edit, all hand-picked by The London Mummy.

Harriet Versus The Galaxy Gift Set, Parrot Street Book Club

£20

Books are brilliant gifts but a book with an activity pack, pin badge and bookmark? Even better! The activity book is a great way for kids to dive deeper into the adventure story.

Sesame Street Play Dough Kit, Made To Play Bins

£20

Learn and play with Sesame Street! These homemade, organic play dough sets from Made To Play Bins will keep the little ones occupied for hours.

Handwritten letter from Father Christmas, The Christmas Letter Co.

£12

All kids love to sit down and write a letter to Santa and receiving a response is really the icing on the cake. The Christmas Letter Co. allows you to add personal details and is closed with a wax seal to make things all the more authentic.

For The Adults

Mesmerise 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle, Pieces of the Puzzle

£35

I’m sure the kids would be on-board with this one for all of five minutes, then it’ll be over to you to complete this beautiful ‘Mesmerise’ swirl jigsaw.

Sproutword (2 – 4 player box), Sprout & Gerkhin

£22

Calling Scrabble fans! Here’s something new to get the cogs ticking. Sproutword involves making and changing words to create winning combinations.

Luca Pom Hat Knitting Kit, Stitch & Story

£28 (was £35)

A Stitch & Story set is a lovely one to challenge yourself to make something new and something you’ll actually wear. I’m loving the hats but the scarves, blankets and sweaters are fantastic too.

Curious Creatures: A Colouring Book Adventure, Millie Marotta

£6

Colouring books for adults were all the rage a few years ago but I still find a spot of colouring therapeutic. Millie Marotta’s illustrations are beautiful.

Three Month Cocktail Kit Subscription, Taste Cocktails

£89

Who knows what the next few months will bring? If it’s expertise in cocktail-making, I will try not to complain too much!

British Isles Counties and Sea Areas Puzzle, Heirloom Wooden Puzzles

£35

Test your knowledge on the UK (or rather learn about where the different counties are!) with this sweet wooden Heirloom puzzle.

For more Christmas inspiration, here’s what to buy a man who is hard to buy for, how to treat your tween this festive season and things to keep everyone entertained for a potential lockdown Christmas.

Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, style and business recommendations.

Gift Guides Interiors

22 Christmas Decorations To Get Your House Ready For The Big Day

Holiday season is almost upon us, so it’s time to stock up on the Christmas decorations! I know it doesn’t feel like it usually does but one of the ‘normal’ things we can still do is decorate for Christmas. With so much time at home, are you feeling tempted to do it earlier than usual? I know I am… if only to brighten the place up and welcome in some festive cheer.

My Christmas shopping is almost complete and I’ve made a list of all of the lovely festive food I’ll be picking up nearer the big day. So, all that’s left is the wrapping and decorating. I’ve got a stack of decorations from previous years to pull out of storage but part of the fun is always picking out some new baubles, fairy lights and candles.

Some years, it’s nice to go traditional with reds and greens, glass baubles and classic Santa knick-knacks about the place. While other times, I feel like indulging in all the quirky, modern trimmings that come in all sorts of colours.

I’m still undecided which way I’ll go this year, so this post feels like a mood board of all the brilliant, vibrant Christmas decorations out there and it’s really inspiring me to bring together a tasteful combination of old and new ornaments and decoration.

For more Christmas inspiration, here’s what to buy a man who is hard to buy for, how to treat your tween this festive season and things to keep everyone entertained for a potential lockdown Christmas.

LED Leaf String Lights with Remote Control, Kikkerland Design

£13

Make your fairy lights fun and functional with these remote-controlled leaf lights. I’d place these on a windowsill or around a mantelpiece — anywhere that could be brightened up with some greenery.

Circus Candlesticks, Tooka

£16.50

Christmas decorations you can use throughout the year will always be a better investment and these Circus Candles fit that description. Great for your Christmas Day table and a colourful addition elsewhere the rest of the time.

Little Harrods Tree Decorations, Bombki

£99

Glass, hand-painted ornaments are the epitome of traditional Christmas decorations. The Bombki Little Harrods selection are each classic markers of Christmas: the tree, the bauble, the present, the stocking and, of course, the champagne. Place high enough that the children can’t pick off the tree!

Bauble Name Place Holders, Nordic House

£12

Laying the table at Christmas is all about the finer details and setting up a beautiful place to eat dinner together. Mark each person’s place with a sweet bauble place holder.

Ceramic Fox Terrier Hanging Christmas Tree Decoration, The Dandy Dog Company

£11

I came across this porcelain dog decoration while putting together my gifts for pets list. You can also get the ornament personalised with your dog’s name. Definitely a decoration you’ll pop on the tree year after year.

Dyri Burgundy, 54 Celsius

£27

As much as I love traditional Christmas decorations, I can’t resist this deep purple reindeer candle from 54 Celsius. It’s made from Pyropet wax which means the wax burns away differently to regular candles and it reveals the reindeer skeleton as it goes.

Personalised Christmas Eve Board, Artsy

£15

Continue the family tradition of leaving a little something out for Santa with this personalised Christmas Eve board. If you leave Santa a bottle of beer or something other than a mince pie, you can personalise this bit too.

LED String Light Set with Star Topper, Urban Outfitters

£60

Bigger is always better, right? That’s the attitude I’m taking when it comes to the Christmas star this year. These LED lights with a superstar attachment really make a sparkling statement.

Personalised Velvet Christmas Pom Pom Stocking, We Are Bread & Jam

£60

Add a lavish touch to your mantelpiece with a string of these Christmas stockings. I want to buy just one but the colour options hanging together compliment each other so well.

Christmas Paper Wreath Craft Kit, May Contain Glitter

£24

With plenty of time indoors on our hands, Christmas crafts are the way forward. Follow the step-by-step instructions and create this beautiful floral leaf from paper flowers.

Limoncello Bottle Decoration, Liberty London

£13

Liberty London has some really cool and kitsch ornaments, like this Limoncello one, that blend together the traditional hand-made bauble feel with a modern twist.

Orange & Cinnamon Candle, Manchester Candles

£13

It wouldn’t be Christmas without orange and cinnamon scents wafting through the house. Made from coconut and rapeseed wax, this candle will last longer and burn cleaner.

Looking to update your wardrobe, buy a gift or treat yourself?

You will find a gorgeous range of jewellery, accessories and clothes on TLM Edit, all hand-picked by The London Mummy.

Octopus Glitter Fabric Tree Decoration, Meri Meri

£8

Have the kids pick out some fun and funky tree decorations from Meri Meri. The shimmering, glitter octopus is my favourite but don’t miss the flamingo, donkey and toadstool.

Crystal Cluster Fairy Lights, Evie’s Drawer

£23

Classic, crystal lights glow perfectly amongst the festive decor but will also add warmth to the family home all-year-round.

Festive Spirit Tipple Tray, From The Oak Tree

£35

Give your special tipple pride of place on this solid oak tray. Plus, you can stop worrying about drips on the sideboard or Christmas table cloth.

Stocking Made With Liberty Fabric, Poppy & Honesty

£35

Hang this lovely hand-made, Liberty print finished, stocking on the end of your child’s bed and fill with sweet treats for them to open on Christmas day.

Vintage Wooden Box Trio, Bethlehem Baubles

£32

Hand-blown by Muslim artisans and hand-painted by Christians in Bethlehem, these baubles remind us what Christmas is really about. These are truly unique Christmas ornaments to adorn your tree year-on-year.

Paper Sprout Wreath, Liberty London

£37

Inject some humour in your Christmas decor with this paper sprout wreath that will amuse fans of the festive vegetable.

Round Christmas Wine & Gold Stag Tablecloth, The Tablecloth Company

£23

Roll with the red and gold on this traditional reindeer tablecloth. Machine-washable, you’ll be able to reuse throughout the festive season.

Natalie Embroidered Christmas Napkins, Ragged Rose

£20

Impress your dinner guests with these delightful, embroidered dinner napkins. They keep things simple yet sophisticated.

Winter Scented Ceramic Bell Decorations, The White Company

£20

The White Company’s ‘Winter’ scent is often known as ‘the smell of Christmas’ and these fragrant baubles keep that dreamy smell hanging around throughout the magical season.

Rattan Deer Head, Cox & Cox

£65

Add an elegant deer head to your seasonal decor to bring a classic Christmas feel to your home this winter.

Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, style and business recommendations.

For more Christmas content, click here.