Gift Ideas For The Kids

Gift Ideas For The Kids

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Disclosure - We were sent the products below for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our unless stated. This post contains affiliate links.

I love buying Christmas gifts and always search for inspiration. If you're the same, explore our Gift Ideas for kids, featuring a range of products perfect for even the hardest to buy for! And if you’re looking for gift for adults this Christmas, don’t miss our Christmas Gift Guide too!

Unbox your Gel Blaster and get blasting! The rechargeable Gel Blaster Surge shoots water based beads or “Gellets” that burst on impact. This innovative blaster is ready to blast straight out of the box – fully charged with a hopper full of hydrated Gellets. Think airsoft but with no pain, stain or clean up, bring the battle to the garden, park or anywhere else you can think of.

Double your dart blasting fun with the Nerf Elite 2.0 Double Punch motorised blaster that has double barrels and double clips! The Double Punch dart blaster features 2 rapid alternating barrels that move back and forth as you blast darts. The Nerf automatic blaster includes 2 clips, each with 10-dart capacity, so you can unleash 20 darts in a row. This blaster includes an amazing 50 Nerf Elite 2.0 foam darts, giving you more than enough darts to reload both clips twice, with darts to spare.

Squad up with Squishmallows Take4, the family game for any Squishmallows-lover! Looking for a fun group game? In this fast-paced, quick-thinking game, you'll race to collect 4 of a Squad before your opponents. Choose which of the four cards you want from the ones in play—but watch out. If you reach for the same one as someone else, you'll have to race to grab the exclusive Benny The Bigfoot Squishmallow in the center! Perfect game for game night with your friends, family, at school or at home—no matter where or when, you're bound to love it.

Grab a card, read the question, then start the timer! Players only have 5 seconds to name 3 answers to the question—resulting in hilarious goofs, silly answers, and lots of laughter! This Harry Potter-themed game is perfect for fans of all ages.

If you loved Screwball Scramble, you’ll be itching to Level Up and reach for the top of Screwball Scramble Level Up. As you lunge and stretch up the cliff edge, timing and dexterity are tops as you mix patience with speed and cat-like reactions. Play solo to set a time and then beat it, or go head-to-head with family and friends

Word Poppers from TOMY Games is the loopy letter juggling game where fingers scramble to grab letters and make up words before it’s too late. Round by round, players turn over their Word card as the timer starts to tick. The first player to score 25 points is the Word Poppers winner!

With My Very Own Solar System from Brainstorm Toys, you can explore the wonders of the universe from the comfort of your own room! This amazing remote controlled, motorised mobile has eight detailed, colour, planets that orbit the full sun. By day, an impressive and educational addition to any room and by night the illuminated sun is an attractive night light making it perfect for bedtime.

The magnetic Megasketcher Classic drawing board has a unique special screen that allows budding artists to draw clear, crisp pictures. The pictures magically disappear with one sweep of the eraser ready to start again. There is a pen to draw with and four shape stampers are also included.

NOMO’s Choc Fudge Reindeer is brand new and exclusive to Sainsbury’s. Filled with rich, decadent fudge, it makes a perfect treat or stocking stuffer for all chocolate lovers—kids and adults alike. 

The Cookie Dough Reindeer is filled with delicious cookie dough filling and coated in creamy plant-based chocolate. It was the top selling vegan and free from chocolate product in 2022

The festive Kids’ Selection Box contains two Crispy Mos, two Nomster Lollies, and a Cookie Dough Reindeer. This follows the success of NOMO’s new Crispy Mo product this year, designed to ensure that no child needs to miss out on delicious treats. The colourful packaging and Christmas activities on the inside of the box make it perfect as a gift or stocking stuffer for kids.  

Reindeer Hollow is made with delicious creamy choc and free from dairy, gluten, egg and nuts, the adorable Reindeer Hollow makes the perfect stocking filler or gift for a loved one (or yourself) this Christmas. 

Bops N Tops range features collectable characters from some of the world’s most-loved franchises, including PAW Patrol, Peppa Pig, Disney, My Little Pony and the Marvel Universe. The character pencil toppers are the perfect way to personalise a pencil, whilst the Bops each have a unique stamp design to decorate stationery, providing the ideal way to leave your mark.

Puzzle Palz, the 3D jigsaw puzzle eraser, is an award-winning pocket money toy which offers collectable fun for kids aged three years and over. Exclusive to Sambro, they make perfect stocking fillers  for little collectors. Puzzle Palz™ erasers are built using the puzzle pieces, creating characters or vehicles from popular licenses, including PAW Patrol™, Lilo & Stitch, Marvel, Disney Princess and more.

Oilatum Junior Sweet Dreamz Bath Bubbles which contains 'DreamScentz’ sleep enhancing technology are gentle enough to be used from day 1 and contain specially selected naturally derived cleansers and moisturising ingredients. Oilatum  Junior Sweet Dreamz Head to Toe Wash for dry and eczema prone skin soothes, moisturises and cleanses delicate skin. Leaves hair soft and shiny

Have you seen the New Forest unicorn? You may be lucky enough to see the unicorn the next time you’re in the forest! It may be hiding behind the Gorse by the Stone Water Trough at Wootton. Maybe Willow was right... it may go to Setley Pond for a drink! It could even be visiting the Trolls that live under Wootton Bridge. The New Forest Ponies all roam free and wild within The New Forest, if you visit, please remember to look and to admire them, but never ever touch or feed them.

Teddy and the Tygers, explores how Teddy adjusted to the arrival of new kittens in the family, showcasing the importance of acceptance and love when welcoming a new family member. Ideal for young children who may be experiencing similar situations, the book has been praised for its gentle and positive approach to change and adaptation.

Teddy Versus the Underwear takes readers on a hilarious journey of intrigue when the family’s underwear mysteriously disappears. Everyone in the household is baffled, but little do they know that their beloved Teddy might be behind the missing undergarments.

Mister Mishkins' Apothecary, features Mister Mishkins a magical cat, who runs an Apothecary on Mosaic Street - a mysterious place that mysteriously appears in town overnight and is only visible to those in need. Whenever anyone enters the Apothecary, MisterMishkins listens as they share their troubles and fears, before turning to the rows of wooden drawers where, hidden within, is an eclectic mix of cats. These cats take whoever needs them on a magical journey of transformation,

replacing negative emotions with hope, optimism, and just a small sprinkling of magic.

Little Brian Christmas Window Kit includes 6 Window Paint Sticks, 12 Christmas Stencils, 1 Santa Stop Here Sign Stencil. The perfect kit to paint your own Christmas window decorations! Use your stencils to paint and discover your Christmas themed designs easily!

Little Brian Paint Sticks Classic are super silky paints in 12 bold vibrant colours, perfect for painting without the mess. Just twist up and down like a glue stick. Paint Sticks can be used on a variety of surfaces, paper, card, wood and even glass and it dries within less than 60 seconds.

What gifts are you buying this Christmas?

Michelle

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Cosy-up Your Home with this Ultimate Guide

Cosy-up Your Home with this Ultimate Guide

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post 

Do you feel as though your home isn’t as cosy as it could be? Maybe you want to make a positive change but just have no idea where to begin. Either way, this guide will detail some of the top changes you can make, so you can make sure that you are not wasting any time or money on your property.

Update your Bedding

One of the biggest changes you can make is updating your bedding. Crisp cotton and linen are all great for summer but in winter, flannel is the way to go. Trade your crisp sheets in for ones that are able to hold the warmth in. Jersey is another great option here. While you are at it, it could be worth trying to put a blanket or a quilt over the top of your bed so you have something for when the nights get cold. This is a great way for you to make sure that you are always putting yourself first, and that your bedroom is as warm and cosy as it should be. If you want your pet to have somewhere as comfortable as you do, then now is the best time for you to look into Pet Rebellion personalised dog beds.

Snuggly Throw Pillows

If you don’t have any yet, then now is the time for you to add some snuggly throw pillows to your sofa. Add a few of them and then add some normal fabric ones. If you can do this then you will soon find that you can achieve a nice balance and this can work in your favour overall. Don’t be afraid to explore options such as woolly knit, rich velvet or anything else comforting. If you can do this then you will soon find that it is easier for you to cosy up your space. 

Add Some Warmth

Flat-weave rugs are ideal when it’s warm outside but when the weather grows colder, it’s wise for you to have some smaller rugs dotted around. Try to layer them in strategic positions and also make sure that you put some blankets over the reading chair. Little things like this can make a major difference to your home and you would be surprised at how much it could help your home to feel more like yours.

Soft Lighting

When the nights draw colder, it can be tempting for you to go to bed. One way for you to avoid this would be for you to get some soft lighting installed. The great thing about this is that you can add some warm-toned LEDs and candle-light bulbs. By doing this, you can then make sure that your lighting is never too harsh, and that you always feel like you can stay up if you want to.

Warm-up Window Treatments

If you have linen curtains or sheer curtains then why not trade them out for some nice velvet drapes? When you do this you will soon find that you can take advantage of a nice thermal lining. Besides making your space look and feel warm, you may find that it ends up stopping any cold air from leaking through the windows. If you have single-glazing or if you have windows that let a lot of heat out then improvements like this can save you money on your energy bill too, so keep that in mind.

Rethink your Sofa Cover

If you have a couch that has a cover then why not buy a slipcover? The great thing about doing this is that it makes it way cosier for the colder months. If you want to help yourself here then one thing you can do is choose a deep jewel colour and then a soft fabric. This is a great way for you to add a bit of personality to your space and you would be surprised at what a difference it could make to your space.

Put Memories on Display

Putting memories on display won’t warm up your home but it will help to remind you about what your home should be. A place where you feel safe and secure, surrounded by love. Put up family photos and make sure that you always focus on things that make you happy. Snuggle up with a warm drink and have a have your customised coasters to hand with photo's of the ones you love. If you can do this then you will see a huge improvement in the way that you feel. You will also find that it is easier for you to make your home feel warmer on those cold nights as well,  so make sure that you keep that in mind.

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Michelle

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Black Friday Sale From Books2Door

Black Friday Sale From Books2Door

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post. Books2Door referral scheme gives us both £10 off our orders by buying through this link 

For me November is the start of the Christmas countdown. Once Halloween and Bonfire Night are over I can start to focus on Christmas and getting myself organised for the big day. One of my favourite things to do is shop the Black Friday sales. Years ago it would just be on the day that you could grab a bargain however thanks to the internet, Black Friday sales start to pop up at the beginning of November with lots of bargains and offers perfect for Christmas. I have been browsing the Books2Door Black Friday sale and they have lots of books for all ages all reduced and also they are offering an extra 10% off their top picks with a minimum spend of £30. 

I love buying books and they do make the perfect Christmas present and here are some of our favourite offers from the Books2Door Black Friday sale.

Colleen Hoover is a very popular author at the moment after the huge success of her books 'It Ends With Us' and then follow up sequel 'It Starts With Us'. However Colleen Hoover has a wide range of books that can be read as a collection or stand alone books. 

The Maybe Someday series is features Maybe Someday, Maybe Not and Maybe Now and perfect for readers like me to like to curl up with a 'will they, won't they' book.

Now for John he only really likes to read books from one author, Stephen King. He has tried so many books over the years but he doesn't get past the first few chapters before giving up. Luckily Stephen King has a huge range of books and his Dark Tower series box set features 8 books which will definitely keep him busy. 

Books in the set are 

1. The Gunslinger

2. The Drawing of the Three

3. The Waste Lands

4. Wizard and Glass

5. Wolves of the Calla

6. Song of Susannah

7. The Dark Tower

8. The Wind through the Keyhole

These books are different to Stephen Kings usual writing style however after reading lots of reviews I know they will be a hit. 

Little J also enjoys reading, not as much as I would like him to however he will read when encouraged. A favourite of big J's when he was the same age as little J is now was The Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

When browsing the Black Friday sales section I got a shock when I found a Diary of a Wimpy Kid with 15 books inside. I had no idea there were that many now.

Books in the set are 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Rodrick Rules

The Last Straw

Dog Days

The Ugly Truth

Cabin Fever

The Third Wheel

Hard Luck

The Long Haul

Old School

Double Down

Do it Yourself

The Getaway

The Meltdown

Wrecking Ball

This is just 3 ideas from a massive range of books in the Black Friday sales section at Books2Door. If you would like to browse what books are available you use the dropdown menu and search by author, genre, type, age and lots more.

Why Choose Books2Door?

- A huge range of books from best selling authors and offering bestselling titles 

- Deals and discounts all year round with up to 80% off.

- A loyalty scheme earning book points every time you shop

- 18,000 customers giving a 5* rating

- A new delivery service 

Books2Door PLUS+

Books2Door PLUS+ is a unique delivery service offering you free delivery for 12 months, on every order.

With two options, Silver or Gold, customers can pay an annual fee, starting from only £6.95. It’s easy to get started, simply add the ‘PLUS+ Silver’ or ‘PLUS+ Gold’ delivery to your cart and your membership will be activated.

PLUS+ SILVER = Pay a £6.95 one-off fee and get all orders delivered for the next 12 months (standard shipping, 3-5 working days)

PLUS+ GOLD = Pay a £9.95 one-off fee and get all orders delivered for the next 12 months (express shipping, 1-2 working days)

Books2Door App

Head to Google Play or App Store and search Books2Door

Earn 10% off for installing the app.

Do you like browsing the Black Friday sales as much as I do? What books are on your Christmas list this year?

READ THESE NEXT

BOX2DOOR MONTHLY BOOK SUBSCRIPTION BOX

- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

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- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

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- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

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4 Ways To Help Your Child Develop Self-Discipline

4 Ways To Help Your Child Develop Self-Discipline

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post

If you’re a loving parent, you probably want the best for your children. You want them to do well in school and grow into mature, self-sufficient, and successful adults. Instilling self-discipline in them can make this possible. Various studies have shown a positive correlation between self-discipline and improved academic work. The same studies also show that people with better self-discipline are more likely to stay focused on long-term goals. Admittedly, teaching this trait can be challenging, and some parents aren’t sure how to go about it. But you can use these tips to help your child develop self-discipline. 

Create Routines and Schedules

Routines are super important in a child’s life as they build a sense of responsibility. According to experts, routines or schedules can help children feel more secure and confident, especially when their daily activities are predictable and familiar. 

So, how does this improve self-discipline? Experts say good and easy-to-follow schedules can give children better control of their time, mood, and life in general. Also, since routines create an act of responsibility, they give your children a sense of what to do even when no one is watching. As a child’s daily routines become second nature, so does their self-discipline. 

Encourage Them To Participate In Activities That Require Or Teach Self-Discipline

One of the most effective ways to equip your children with discipline is to sign them up for activities that teach or require this trait. The more engaged they are in such activities, the faster they pick up the required qualities. Of course, the activities should also be fun and engaging to make your kids more willing to participate. 

Sports and martial arts are two excellent options. Both require a lot of practice and dedication to perfect while promoting confidence. Sports also teach kids to work together, while martial arts promotes courage and self-discipline, equipping your little ones with the knowledge they need to defend themselves.  

Teach Them To Respond Positively To Correction

Children dislike being corrected, and most respond in negatively and aggressively by throwing fits or getting angry. While this behaviour is unacceptable, it provides an excellent opportunity to teach your child self-discipline. Life does not always require you to have your way, and you must be disciplined enough to follow directions, even if they’re not your preference. Teaching your child to accept corrections and criticisms in a positive manner will help them control their impulses. As they get older, they won’t react suddenly and irrationally whenever they don’t get their way.

Create Rules With Rewards And Consequences

Rewards reinforce and encourage good behaviour, showing kids that following the rules is always worth it. Remember the earlier point about routines and schedules? You can reward your child whenever they stick to a set routine successfully for a period. For example, if they always complete their homework on time, as directed, do your best to reward them for it. 

But it shouldn’t only be about following the rules; it should cover good behaviour in general, especially without supervision. For example, if your child shows kindness without being told to, rewarding that behaviour will encourage them to continue on that path. 

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Michelle

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16 Light Trails In The North West To Enjoy Christmas 2024

16 Light Trails In The North West To Enjoy Christmas 2024

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We love a light trail and this year there are so many to choose from in the North West and surrounding areas. Over the years we have done a few but they have become so popular that this year we already have three booked in and hopefully will book a few more over the next few weeks. As you can imagine tickets sell fast for these events so take a look below for some inspiration on which trail to choose and don't hang about, grab your tickets before it's too late. 

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Radiator Covers: The Ultimate Solution to Your Heating Needs

Radiator Covers: The Ultimate Solution to Your Heating Needs

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Disclosure - This is a collaboration

A radiator is an essential heating element in your home, providing warmth and comfort, especially during the cold winter months. But let's be honest; they're not the most aesthetically pleasing element of your decor. That's where radiator covers come in. Radiator covers are becoming increasingly popular, and not just because they can enhance the look of your home. 

Adds Style to Your Home

Bespoke radiator covers have become popular because they add a touch of style to your home. 

They are available in various designs, styles, and finishes to suit different preferences and requirements. Whether you want a classic, vintage, or modern look for your decor, radiator covers can help you achieve that. Radiator covers come in different designs, which are versatile and can add texture and warmth to your home.

Provides Protection

Radiator covers are popular because they provide protection. If you have children or pets at home, a radiator cover can be a safety feature, shielding them from hot surfaces and preventing burns and accidents. They also protect your radiator from damage by preventing items from being placed on top of them.

Energy Efficient

Another reason for the popularity of radiator covers is their energy efficiency. Radiator covers trap heat, preventing it from escaping through external walls, and direct it towards the room, keeping your home warmer for longer. This leads to less energy wastage and lower heating bills, which is a significant advantage in the long run.

Customisable

Radiator covers can be customised to suit your preferences. Whether you want a specific colour, size, material or design, radiator covers can be made to fit your requirements. You can also add features like bookshelves, cabinets, and benches to serve multiple purposes, which is especially useful if you have limited space in your home.

Convenient

Finally, radiator covers are popular because they are convenient. They are easy to install, remove, and clean, which is useful in case of maintenance or repairs. They don't require any specialised skills or tools, making them accessible to anyone. Radiator covers can also hide unsightly pipes, giving your walls and decor a cleaner look. So, why not spruce up your decor and invest in a mirrored radiator cover today.

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- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

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Michelle

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What Are My Child's Options Post-16?

What Are My Child's Options Post-16?

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As your child approaches the age of 16, it's natural to start considering their educational and career options beyond compulsory education. The choices available to them at this pivotal stage can significantly shape their future. In this blog, we'll explore various post-16 options, helping you understand the different paths your child can take and how to support them in making informed decisions.

Further Education Colleges

Further Education colleges offer a wide range of courses, including A-levels, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, and access courses. They provide a diverse learning environment where students can pursue academic or practical subjects, tailoring their education to their interests and strengths.

Sixth Form Colleges

Sixth Form colleges are dedicated to providing education for 16-19-year-olds. They focus mainly on A-levels and other academic qualifications, preparing students for university or higher-level apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships offer a combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning. They allow young people to earn while they learn, gaining practical skills and experience in a specific industry. Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of sectors, from engineering and healthcare to digital marketing and hospitality.

A Levels

A Levels are advanced level qualifications typically studied over two years. They provide in-depth knowledge and are often required for entry into university. A-levels are offered in a wide range of subjects, allowing students to specialise in their chosen areas. These are commonly on offer in senior schools in Bath, as well as in secondary schools and private colleges.

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate is an internationally recognised qualification that provides a holistic education encompassing academic subjects, creativity, activity, service (CAS), and theory of knowledge (TOK). It's an excellent option for students looking for a broad and globally-focused curriculum.

Vocational Qualifications

Vocational qualifications, such as BTECs and NVQs, are designed to provide practical skills and knowledge for specific industries. These courses are hands-on and prepare students for employment in areas like engineering, business, health, and social care.

Higher Education

University is a popular choice for many students, offering the chance to specialise in a particular field and gain a degree. It's essential to research different courses and institutions to find the best fit for your child's interests and career goals.

Gap Year or Volunteering

Some students choose to take a gap year to travel, work, or engage in volunteer activities. This can provide valuable life experiences and help them gain a clearer sense of their interests and goals before committing to further education.

Work or Apprenticeship

Some young people may choose to enter the workforce directly after school. This can be a good option for those who have a clear idea of their career path and prefer hands-on learning.

Combination of Options

It's important to remember that these options aren't mutually exclusive. Your child may choose to mix and match, such as studying part-time while working, or pursuing further education while volunteering.

Supporting your child in making post-16 decisions is a crucial step in their educational journey. Encourage open conversations about their interests, strengths, and aspirations. Additionally, seek guidance from teachers, career advisors, and professionals in different fields to help your child explore their options thoroughly. By offering support and information, you'll empower your child to make informed choices that pave the way for a fulfilling and successful future.

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- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

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