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Just Right – Birdie Black and Rosalind Beardsaw

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December 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

No gift I buy a child is complete without a book, it’s a compulsion! I have always loved the idea of buying a Christmas themed book to go with Christmas gifts. Especially for my children, something I can curl up and read with them on Christmas night. Unless I have pulled them out early to read it in the lead up to Christmas that is.

Just Right is a beautiful Christmas book written by Birdie Black and illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw, perfect to curl up with and read to your children Christmas night.

just right

A story that teaches about the joy of Christmas being in the giving and it’s not the size and expense of the present but the love and thought that’s gone into it. A heartwarming tale of one roll of red Christmassy cloth and how many different presents it can make, how many brands of Christmas joy it can bring.

The illustrations are bright and eye-catching but just in case that’s not enough to enthrall the younger reader there are some cute little animals that will be sure to amuse. And, in my house, the snow and the forest.

There is enough repetition that by the end of the book the kids can read along with you but it’s still fresh enough to keep their attention.

Just Right is published by Nosy Crow in London, a fabulous new independent publisher of children’s books. It has an RRP of $22.99 and is available from all good bookstores. The ISBN is 978-0-85763-030-8 and the book is recommended for 3+.

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Charlie and Lola Books – Lauren Child

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December 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Charlie and Lola books by Lauren Child are a favourite among toddlers and parents alike. I never get tired of reading these to my son and he loves when the invisible “Soren Lorensen” gets a mention.

There are three books which I will recommend for Christmas, and each celebrates the 10 year anniversary of the original Charlie and Lola with a free wall frieze included inside.

“I Am Too Absolutely Small for School” is about Lola getting nervous about swapping life at home for school, and it shares some common concerns little ones may have.

toosmallschool

This is a really good choice for those who are starting school in 2012, and in the end it all works out for Lola and she has a great time and even makes a new friend.

In “I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato“, big brother Charlie is trying to encourage his little sister who is a fussy eater, to try a tomato (among other things).

nevertomato

Most parents have gone through this at some point, and the dinner table can sometimes be a stressful occasion. This is a fun look at the way children view food.

Lastly is “I am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed“, which has Charlie helping Lola go to bed. She fights it every step but you will be happy to know that eventually she goes to sleep!

notsleepybed

These books are relevant to both children and parents, and help to spread a positive message and give them a little “nudge” in the right direction. Beautifully illustrated, these books will be the perfect bedtime companions.

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The Wiggles Night Lights

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December 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you have young children you would have heard every excuse in the book for getting out of going to sleep. “Mum, I need a drink”, “Muuuummm, I’m hungry”, “Mummy, I need to go to the toilet”.

While I don’t have a solution for those little dramas, I have two Christmas gift ideas that will solve one nighttime problem and that is “Mum, it’s too dark.”

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Tee-Zed have released a new range of nightlights, and there will be no complaints because they feature The Wiggles. Luckily for us, they are completely silent and don’t sing about mashed bananas (parents get enough of that during the day), and they give a little bit of light without being too bright.

There is a battery operated nightlight which can be hung on the wall and turns on with the push of a button. This features The Wiggles driving a car and Dorothy the Dinosaur on a bicycle.

www.Tee-Zed.com.au

The second light is your traditional neon light which plugs into your power outlet. This is handy because you don’t have to worry about changing batteries.

Nightlights give your child a sleeping safety net, and could mean the difference between a restless sleep and a peaceful one. For those a little older that need to use the bathroom during the night, it will prevent them falling over their feet.

For more information visit www.Tee-Zed.com.au or call (02) 9386 4000 or in New Zealand, call (09) 274 8788

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Cabbage Patch Kids ABC Play With Me

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November 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Cabbage Patch dolls have made a comeback, I remember dragging mine around everywhere when I was a little girl, and they are now more interactive.

The ABC Play With Me doll has that same cute look you know and love (there’s nothing creepy about these dolls) with the ability to sing, and even play the kazoo!

ABC_PlayWithMe

For ages 2+, these Cabbage Patch Dolls are pre-schooler friendly because they can cuddle and play with them while learning to sing their ABCs. In addition to playing the kazoo and singing, these dolls will babble, giggle when snuggled and slurp their fruit and vegetable “juice”.

One of the most exciting aspects of getting a new Cabbage Patch doll for Christmas is the birth certificate – finding out your new friend’s name and birthday – and I am pleased to say that this version comes with one too.

ABC_PlayWithMe

The Cabbage Patch Kids ABC Play With Me is one of those “must have” Christmas gifts this year, and Santa will be delivering these to little girls everywhere on December 25th.

Included in the box with the toy is a kazoo and special drink box with straw. Please note if you test this in store it is set to “Try Me” mode and she will do more when you take her home and switch to “On”. Batteries are also included.

RRP: $64.95

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LeapFrog Count and Draw

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November 7, 2011 By 6 Comments

Any product in the Leapfrog range would be a much loved gift from Santa this year, but the Count and Draw is ideal for preschoolers.

Do you remember those Magna Doodles? The Count and Draw is a similar concept that helps your child to learn about letters and numbers.

count AND draw

The Count and Draw talks to your child and gives them learning games which are not only fun but are good for their development. Your child traces over the images with the attached “pen” and when they are ready to move on they swipe the board clean.

In addition to helping them to count and recognise letters and numbers, the Count and Draw gives them practise holding a pen. This is a toy that parents can feel good about, while your child is sitting there playing they are learning without even realising it!

Coun&Draw

You can make it relevant to your child by inputting their age, for example if your child is three and they press 3 the toy will say “that’s how old you are”.

LeapFrog’s Count and Draw has an RRP of $34.99 and is available from all major toy retailers and other independent toy stores across Australia.

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Razor Junior 3 – Wheeler Scooter

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October 22, 2011 By 2 Comments

Scooters aren’t a new invention but they have come back in style and will be big on Santa’s list of must haves this year. Razor is a company who have been making scooters for over ten years and have a design to suit every scooter enthusiast.

For a child of 3+ there is the Razor Junior which is not only fun but with three wheels it helps to build their confidence as they master the art of balancing and steering without having to go straight for the trickier two wheeled version.

Razor Jr 3 Wheeler Blue Open

There are three height adjustment settings for the handle and the scooter folds up so it won’t take up much space for storage.

The wheels light up and flash which will add to the fun factor and this is a good quality little ride on that will encourage them to play outside and get active.

The Junior isn’t just for boys as it comes in both pink or blue and has an RRP of $49.99. Make sure you accessorise them with all the proper safety gear and purchase a Razor helmet to go with it.

Razor Jr 3 Wheeler Girl mr

This will be a much loved favourite and is definitely going to be a best seller for Christmas 2011.

For great scooter tips and tricks, join the Razor Crew at www.razoraus.com.au. The site features exclusive news on Razor, cool games, DIY designs, downloads and heaps more.

For customer enquiries or more stockist information please contact Funtastic’s free-call Customer Care Line on 1800 244 543.

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Safe-n-Sound Maxi Rider AHR Convertible Booster Seat

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October 19, 2011 By 2 Comments

Safe-n-Sound

When your children are babies they don’t really understand Christmas and they will have the rest of their lives to get excited about toys and other novelties. This year, why not buy something for your child that is practical and functional and purchase the new Maxi Rider AHR Convertible Booster Seat from Safe-n-Sound (I assure you they will have hours of fun playing with the box)!

This booster seat will grow with them from when they can safely face forward at approximately 6 months until 8 years old. Most booster seats can only accommodate from 4 years plus so if you have a second child in the meantime you are left with the expense of purchasing a second carseat, and booster later. The built in safety harness ensures your toddler is kept as safe as possible and of course the seat meets all Australian standards.

Maxi Rider

There are a few features that really make this car seat excel, the headrest has been designed with deep side wings that help to contain your child’s head in case of a side impact crash and the head restraint can be adjusted to fit. There is also a Slideguard clip when the carseat is fitted as a booster, this helps to “prevent slumping and the lap belt rising onto your child’s abdomen (this is an exclusive feature to Safe-n-Sound.)

Shoulder pads, a reversible padded insert and an extra high back seat mean the ultimate comfort for your little ones, and a happy child in the car makes life so much easier! There are also recline positions so they can sleep easier…have Safe-n-Sound thought of everything?

If this sounds safe and comfortable to you right now, there are a few other bits that will make the husband jealous of their Maxi Rider AHR Convertible Booster Seat. The headrest has speakers, two rotating cup holders and two pivoting arms – this is beginning to sound more like a lounge chair than a seat to get them from A to B!

All your anchor bolts, fittings and spacers are included so there is no messing around trying to find the right parts. If you are looking for a booster seat then please consider this one, your child’s safety in the car should be high on your list of priorities and as we all know the holiday season is extremely busy on our roads.

The Safe-n-Sound Maxi Rider AHR Convertible Booster Seat is available in a selection of grey and navy colour schemes and has an RRP of $489.

Available from specialty baby shops or visit www.britax.com.au

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Terry Rich Kids Summer Beach Robes

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October 8, 2011 By 1 Comment

Three words that describe Terry Rich? Aussie, quality and design! With another hot summer on the way, it is only a matter of a time before we drop into our local pool or beach for a quick dip to cool off. I have found the cutest towels you have ever seen for your kids from Terry Rich, although I use the word “towels” loosely as they are so much more than that.

I am referring to the Summer Beach Robes, and they come in a range of bright colours and designs which will appeal to the kidlets and make them easy to keep your eye on them.

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Even better than the fun colours is the way they have been designed, as you can see from the images they have a zip down the front and arm holes so unlike regular towels they STAY ON! When your child is out of the water they have the added benefit of being covered for sun protection, and because it is made from high quality toweling it isn’t too hot for them.

Easy to take on and off quickly and easily, even the most impatient child (eg. mine) will be able to stand still long enough to get the robe on and the material does dry them off without much effort. There is also a pocket on the front and they could fit a little beach toy in there.

terry rich

With swimming lessons and family days at the beach, the Terry Rich Beach Robes for kids will be a Christmas present they will use again and again and will outlast most of their toys! There are different designs and colours to choose from so you can mix and match your whole family.

The Summer Beach Robe comes in sizes 2, 4 and 6 and is now also available in a size 1. The RRP is $69.90

To find your nearest stockist please visit www.terryrich.com.au

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Lazy Daisy, Busy Lizzie

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October 6, 2011 By 1 Comment

We are at that stage where my son is starting to enjoy books but he is very selective and if it isn’t fun he isn’t interested. If you have a child like mine, a title you should look out for when you are Christmas shopping is “Lazy Daisy, Busy Lizzie” by Mary Ellen Jordan and Andrew Weldon.

This is a picture book which is based on a farm, but this is no ordinary farm…the animals are C-R-A-Z-Y!!

With a cow that is too lazy to eat grass and would prefer to eat jelly, to a chicken that wears purple underwear, at every page there is something that will leave your mischief maker in hysterics.

lazy daisy

This book was written for Mary Ellen and Andrew’s daughter, Seraphina and the hilarious cartoon artwork was created by Andrew.

With rhymes, animals, an Aussie feel and that special humour that children can relate to this is one to add to your library.

Recommended age: 2-5

Lazy Daisy, Busy Lizzie ( (ISBN: 9781742374291) has an RRP of $19.99 for hardback and is available from all good bookstores.

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Beatrix New York Fernando Bear Lunch Box

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October 6, 2011 By 1 Comment

Fernando Bear has traveled all the way from New York and he is making lunchtime fun with this cute lunchbox. Beatrix New York is a brand that both parents and kids will love this Christmas, the bags and drink bottles are designed to be durable AND lovable and Fernando is no exception.

This lunchbox is a decent size and will fit a drink bottle and food while keeping them fresh with the insulated design. Fernando Bear is a personality that won’t go out of style and in this case he is snacking on a juicy orange fish for lunch. Other bags from Beatrix New York also feature Fernando so you can complement the lunchbox with a matching backpack.

fernando

On the back there is a special slot for your child’s name which is really useful when they start kindergarten or school and there is also a zip pocket for any smaller items or notes they need to take with them. Plus there is a little carry handle for those days when a lunchbox is all that is required.

We all know how messy kids can be, but you don’t have to keep Fernando locked in the cupboard – if he gets dirty you can wipe him down or put him in the washing machine…too easy!

You could also use it as a mini suitcase for toys or pencils, your child will want to take their bear box everywhere with them.

The luncboxes are tested PVC Free, phthalate free, and lead free and the dimensions are: 10 x 7.5 x 4”

For your nearest stockist please visit: www.beatrixny.com

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