Browsing Tag

christmas

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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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.

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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

Events Family Life Places

What’s On : Television For Little Ones Over Christmas

As soon as the Christmas TV line up was announced, we bought a Radio Times and sat with our highlighter and marked appropriate films over the Christmas holiday season for the little ones.  (I’m not actually exaggerating!)  Obviously we plan to play family games most of the time so this was just in case they needed some downtime in front of the television… 😉

I have included films that are showing on terrestrial (between 0700 and 1900) as there is a problem nowadays with too much choice, so easiest to keep it ‘old school…’ and some grandparents don’t have Sky!

 

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Saturday 19th December

1355 THE MUPPETS BBC1

1710 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS C4

 

Sunday 20th December

1505 TOY STORY 3 BBC1

1515 THE ADDAMS FAMILY C4

1705 PINOCCHIO C5

1800 HOME ALONE C4 (This is an absolute favourite in our house.)

1930 SOUND OF MUSIC SING ALONG ITV (My husband insisted I should include this!)

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Monday 21st December

1035 JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH C5

1210 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK C5

1350 THE BORROWERS C5

1550 SHREK 2 BBC1

 

Tuesday 22nd December

1120 THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS C5

1225 FIVE CHILDREN AND IT C4

1550 SHREK 3 BBC1

1610 THE SECRET GARDEN C5

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Wednesday 23rd December

0735 THE RUGRATS MOVIE C4

0925 SHORT CIRCUIT BBC1

 

Christmas Eve

0905 BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS BBC2

1030 SANTA CLAUSE BBC1

1230 STUART LITTLE C4

1550 FINDING NEMO BBC1

1655 SNOWMAN C4

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Christmas Day

0820 HERBIE RIDES AGAIN BBC2

0945 THE CAT IN THE HAT BBC2

1345 THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL C4

1510 THE WIZARD OF OZ C5

1510 BRAVE BBC1 (This is the Radio Times kids pick)

1645 STICK MAN BBC1

 

Boxing Day

1310 JURASSIC PARK ITV

1525 PUSS IN BOOTS BBC1

1645 THE CROODS BBC1

 

Sunday 27th December

0915 FLUSHED AWAY BBC1

1040 SUPERMAN ITV

1350 MARY POPPINS BBC1

1535 HUGO C4

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Monday 28th December

0900 BEE MOVIE BBC1

1625 MADAGASCAR BBC1

 

Tuesday 29th December

0900 SHARK TALE BBC1

1020 CARS 2 BBC1

1755 FINDING NEVERLAND BBC2

 

Wednesday 30th December

0900 THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG BBC1

1030 CHICKEN RUN BBC1

1230 WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY ITV

1555 ROOM ON THE BROOM BBC1

1620 MONTERS INC BBC1

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New Years Eve

1055 TINTIN

1450 UP BBC1

1520 HONEY I SHRUNK THE KIDS C4

1845 ET ITV2 (exception to the above rule)

 

New Years Day

0900 TURBO BBC1

0935 THOMAS AND FRIENDS C5

1630 WRECK IT RALPH BBC1

1800 TANGLED C4

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Right, i’m off to Sky Plus as much as I can, as nothing like having a back log of movies saved up for after school in the winter months!