What to buy the little people in your life is always a dilemma. How to entertain and get them something they will love whilst avoiding the inevitable unnecessary plastic? While buying second hand where you can is a great shout (check out your local charity shops for brilliant buys on nearly new books and toys, if you can’t quite find something that inspires, we’ve pulled out a few of our favourites.
A Folio Society book is a cherished gift for any bookworm, but no more so than a much loved classic. From The Roald Dahl collection and Alice in Wonderland to Black Beauty and Winnie the Pooh, the clothbound classics with beautiful illustrations will undoubtedly be treasured long past childhood. My personal favourite has to be Little Women (£49.95), probably the book I’ve read more than any other in my lifetime and one I still adore! www.foliosociety.com
Sticking on the same theme, the Reading Adventure Club was set up by nine year old twin brothers Albert and Finn as a subscription service aimed at 8-12 year olds. Each month you’ll receive a book with accompanying gifts to relate to the story - a great gift to make Christmas last longer! www.thereadingadventureclub.com
We’re a little bit in love with the acrylic wall art names from PersonalisationBoutique.co.uk. Available in a rainbow of colours, the 40cm name will come ready with adhesive tape on the back to peel and stick to doors and walls. We love the fact that they’re fun and vibrant but without being too childish - something that we think will be cherished for many years to come! £28 each.
Kookoo But Kind make incredible customised denim jackets incorporating unique messages sending a positive earth message and as many recycled elements as possible, from PVC free and recycled sequins to recycled organic cotton and thread. From £55 each, they’re also available in adult sizes. Available exclusively from www.kookoobutkind.com.
It can be tricky teaching kids about themes like looking after the planet, consumerism and global warming. Founder of eco-able.co.uk Dani Seatter has written a picture book for kids aged 3-7 to explore themes around waste and what impact it has on the planet. ‘Away’ is a beautiful story based in the wondrous woodland; it’s eco through and through, printed on 100% recycled paper and using eco friendly inks and processes and made using carbon balanced paper as certified by the World Land Trust. Available in both paperback (£8.99) and hardback (£16.99) from www.eco-able.co.uk
Swotties, the affordable tutoring platform, has launched a new Gift Voucher service so children can receive truly original and fun experiences to boost their curiosity and confidence this Christmas. The one to one sessions are given online by top university students who are not only super brainy and passionate about their subject specialisms but have experience in mentoring and leadership roles with kids too. Choose from unique experiences like Loch Ness hunting with a marine biologist, a space odyssey with a physicist, and playwriting with a theatre student, but if shoppers don’t see an experience to suit the child they have in mind, they can drop Swotties HQ a note and their Christmas Swottie Elf will come up with suggestions for a bespoke adventure to reflect their interests or obsessions! Plus, on a mission to democratise tutoring and make learning support as affordable and accessible as possible for UK families, the Swotties Give Back Scheme donates a lesson to an underprivileged child for every 20 lessons booked by a single household. One-off sessions cost £19.99, or sessions are available in bundles of four or eight. www.swotties.com
For kids who love the great outdoors, Little Box of Nature is am monthly subscription aimed at kids 3-8 year olds and contains a mix of craft and outdoor activities that will teach them about wildlife in the UK, spark their imaginations and bring them closer to nature. Each box contains all the materials needed for two indoor craft activities, as well as three outdoor activities; a nature hunt, rainbow bingo and a nature diary. Perfect to keep the little ones entertained on those long walks! From £11.95 at www.littleboxofnature.co.uk
