Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Hey hey hey, it’s no secret that I really love to shop, so that means I really like making gift guides as it’s like shopping without spending! I’m breaking it’s down into a few categories and price brackets so hopefully there is something for everyone! I’ve also made a very conscious choice to support small businesses  and shop local for these ideas. Particularly in a time when the economic climate is unsure, this can make a huge difference to people.

Sporty Mum

Save It’s no secret that I like things that are personalised, I’m basic, ok! As someone who is just getting into exercise I would say one of the few legitimately essential  things is a water bottle and I don’t know why my son cannot resist stealing my water! The solution is to get it personalised so there is a legit answer to it hasn’t got your name on it..!’
Spend This bag is perfect for taking your gym gear wherever you need to go whilst letting the world know how awesome you are!
Splurge Now, the price or these leggings isn’t crazy, but you’d be mad to not get matching for your little one! And how cool would you look at your mumma baby workout class... or more like chasing them across the park!

Homey Mum

Save I love these! The possibilities are endless in how you could personalise them and then use them in different areas of your home for styling! A big one with blankets in the lounge labeled SNUG, or a smaller on in the bedroom by the bed with mums essentials? I love it!
Spend I have two Pebble Art pictures in my home, they are timeless and the wording can be customised to perfectly reflect your family! I would highly recommend them!
Splurge If your lady is a bit of a Hincher then some labelled homeware may be right up her ally! I bought my bathroom bottles from this Etsy site and they are lasting well and really smarten up my bathroom!

Arty Mum

Save If your arty mum is looking to try something different then ‘By Charlie’s Hand’ do digital downloads for paper cutting! They may be a labour of love but when complete they will make a stunning piece of decor!
Spend I love the idea of a fun family portrait that will reflect this moment in time forever! I’ve been a long time admirer of ‘Winding The Bobbin Up’s’ style on Instagram as it feels young and fun which is very appropriate for young families!
Splurge I think any art lover would appreciate the work that would go into these customised Russian dolls! They would make awesome decor!

Feminist Mum

Save Everything Sweet uses iconic logos and mixes them with a feminist message and these badges are a great way of getting a taste of the brand but there is LOADS on the website I love and currently it’s all on sale!
Spend Lioness Not Princess is a great brand, the quality of the clothes are great and the designer is amazing! I’m in love with the new limited edition designs!
Splurge I’ve bought a few things from Black & Beech and they have always been great quality, if you are looking for feminist  merch to suit all budgets then I would urge you to check them out!

Pamper mum

Save I saw this and thought it looked very luxe, a lovely leather look personalised make up bag. I often have a little pouch in my bags for the essentials as mums end up carrying the world around with them! At least this way it’s done in style!
Spend A local afternoon tea can be a nice treat for the mum that wants to be pampered. Time to get away and relax, or time to spend with the each other! Try and find a nice local place and enjoy a cheeky slice of cake
Splurge I fantasise about having a makeover day! Get my haircut, check my nails! Maybe a facial, wack on some eyelashes and my god I could take over the world. If you got some dollar and some organisational skills I think that could be the ultimate treat, a day away from the kids in which you know they are going to comeback feeling invincible!

New Mum

Save When you have a baby it really is like joining an elite club where suddenly you have a new gang, and this pin embodies that! Mere Soeur is a really cool brand and there is lots to pick from for the insta mum!
Spend A few of my new mummy friends have requested this personalised silver teething ring for their Mothers Day gift. It’s stylish and when they are through with it, would be a nice addition for the babies memory box!
Splurge I am OBSESSED with this gift box! For £50 you get a great selection of products and any new mum will certainly be a member of the Tired Mums Club!

1st Birthday Present Ideas

Having recently had Chloe’s birthday it is  fresh in my mind as to what makes a nice present and things I’d like to get for mine and other babies! So without further ado, here it is!

Books

• That’s not my... - these touchy feely books are classics, I’m yet to find a baby who doesn’t like them.
• Little people, BIG DREAMS - I bought Clo two of these for her birthday, although she is too young to properly engage with them I think they make great decor and is something nice to grow in to.
• Calm Down Boris! Both kids love this book! The puppet on the front makes it interactive and it’s a fun book to read!

Clothes

• Pyjamas - one of the joys of babies becoming toddlers is them starting to wear pyjamas, it makes my heart melt when they look like little people! 
• Luxury items - not necessarily high couture fancy items but things that are a bit special and make you feel like your baby is getting a treat.
• Personalised items - I am a sucker for something personalised, it’s the feeling that something is made just for her that makes me feel fuzzy  inside.

Toys

• Tea set - For Chloe’s birthday we got her a tea set and almost instantly she started to engage with role play, one almost thinks it’s like she has spent a year watching me have a coffee cup permanently in my hand  
• Little People - Another hit has been the Fisher Price Little People, Clo was already playing with Toms old Batman figures and now has some of her own to add to the fun. The sets really vary in price depending on what size you get but have recently been on 2 for £15 at Argos .
• Baby Doll - We were lucky enough to be given a selection of toys from a friend that didn’t need them anymore and included were several dolls which Clo really took to! She loves patting them and giving cuddles (and lobbing them on the floor).

Other

• Plate Set - my sister has bought both my children Emma Bridgewater plate sets for their first birthdays and they are simply beautiful, a nice gift that gets daily use!
• Personalised puzzle - my sister also got Clo this puzzle when she was christened, it’s a lovely gift to grow with her and should assist when it comes to reading and writing her name!
• Something to make - we received a set to make for Chloe as part of her present and it got me thinking how lovely it would be to receive a hand made item. Someone investing time and effort into a gift is just the nicest thing! 

I hope these ideas were helpful and I would love to know if you have anything to add! 

Mothers Day with Avon

This is not a sponsored post. 

Mothers Day - March 6th 2016! 

I was cruising through the Avon catalogue at my mother in laws and was chatting about how underrated Avon is. I rarely buy from Avon but have received lots of nice presents that are from Avon. I think it's the buying system that throws me. However, after looking through the catalogue I am thinking that my Mother's Day present will be purchased from Avon this year! For reference, I have used the Avon guide below :

 

There was also a sale guide that came with it which I have used. Excuse the hokey pictures, they were snapped from the magazine. I will show the clearance items below :

First thing I saw was this cute oversized mug. Pop some hot chocolate and marshmallows inside and you have a sweet (gettit!) inexpensive gift! 

I then saw this Lipsy rose gold satchel bag. I think this would be great for summer and would be a great gift for fashionista mums! This looks like a dress up or down style that would pop against any outfit! 

Lastly in the sale section, I saw this nail selection box, I'm guessing this was originally an advent Christmas present, but I think it still really stands as a general present as it doesn't have a particularly festive vibe. Many of these are the gel formula which I have on good authority lasts well, perfect for hardworking mum hands!   

So onto the regular items! What would Avon be without the fragranced pages, and after smelling this I was quite tempted! Avon Dreams describes itself as "... Dreamy notes of sweet plum, lucious  rose and patchouli". It's a sweet but delicate and very feminine fragrance and you can get the body spray, body lotion and eau de perfume for £12! Bargain!

I liked this double frame as a present, which I would not have thought was Avon, a shabby chic style with rose gold details! Perfection at £8! And I can already see it in my sisters house! 

I thought I would show this watch as it has a classic but contemporary style and what mum isn't permanently keeping an eye on the clock! The charms signify wish, dream love and the gold, rose and silver tones mean it will match any outfit! Currently £25 but reduces to £10 when certain cosmetics are bought alongside it, so maybe you get to get a little something something too! 

Lastly, I just had to include this, as we know #sophiewantsmac, well apparently Avon heard my call and ... 

If Avon are putting themselves in the same league as MAC then this mama is interested! And I know I would be happy to receive one or two of these as a present! Hint hint ...

Mother's Day is still a month away but I thought I would give a little head start. I hope this has been helpful! Let me know what you think or if you have any ideas! 

Want, Need, Wear, Read : Me! 20-something mums with fabulous taste!

The final instalment of the gift guide! I left a gap as I was waiting for my birthday to pass, after all what is the point in asking for what you already have!

Want : I am loving this blogger travel mug, or well, blogger anything! I am really proud of starting my blog and the progress I have made, sure I should spell check more often and writing at 3 AM isn't always a good idea, but it's me and for that I am happy! So this little travel mug from Esty is a mark of pride! 

(https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/228989368/bloggers-gonna-blog-pink-travel-mug?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_c-home_and_living-kitchen_and_dining-drink_and_barware&utm_custom1=13eaca8d-733d-aac9-d2f8-0000477bdd6e&gclid=CjwKEAiAkb-zBRC2upezwuyguQ4SJADZG08vWCQvlkQ9gBMSt53FrS3vjTyNydW2iCKw2vQYJZBKCRoCxoTw_wcB)

Need : My go to mascara is L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara in black. It gives me a long full effect, not dissimilar to They're Real by Benefit, except not a total ball ache to try and remove at the end of the day. This mascara kicks arse, and I'm nearly at the end of my tube. This is the first mascara I am dreading to run out and might be the first I have ever fully used! So I'm a needing a back up for the eventual sad day that she goes to mascara heaven! 

(http://m.boots.com/h5/cat_hub?unCountry=uk&path=%2Fen%2FLOreal-Paris-Miss-Manga-Mascara-Black_1416309%2F)

Wear : For my birthday I received a beautiful 15" Cambridge Satchel in  a lovely dusky blue, perfect for work and college. I live the brand and have mega fallen for the silver cloud bag! I really need a decent evening out bag as generally I like something spacious with a strap and being as I'm not likely to get a Chanel chain bag anytime soon I would take this as a blimmin' good second!

(https://www.cambridgesatchel.com/en-gb/the-metallic-collection/the-small-metallic-cloud-bag/CLDSM1132PGH11901.html?cgid=metallic-collection#start=5)

Read : Read is a tricky one, as a student I do not get much free time to read things that aren't about counselling! So I would love Ann adult colouring book to de-stress when I am not studying! I have ordered myself a bible verses colouring book but not as pretty as the one below! With the idea that I am working on my body and soul! It's all about time management! 

(Beauty in the Bible: Adult Coloring Book https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/194132522X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_QesCwb3HVX89Z)

I hope you have enjoyed all my gift guides! It's been a pleasure to write them! 

Have a merry Christmas X 

Want, Need, Wear, Read : Dad/Granddad

Instalment number 7 for the Christmas gift guide! And nearly at the end! This ones for the Dads and Granddads! I don't know if it's just me but I really struggle with what to get men and especially my Dad, it often seems that we have bought it all before and it's getting harder and harder to be creative! 

Want : Now I don't think my really seems to want anything these days but I think everyone wants a hot cuppa when they can and the Bodum travel mug will keep your tea for literally hours! So if you have an outdoors dad who enjoys gardening or fishing it would be perfect. Stylish and chic, this is an present that will be appreciated by all! (http://m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/bodum-travel-mug-0-35l/p1943665?colour=Blue&un_jtt_v_pdp=yes&un_jtt_v_from_product=un_product_3#page_loaded)

Need : My dads always worked hard and after a long day he will often come home and have a bubble bath, much to my amusement! Well if you are going to have bubbles there is nothing better than Lush! I love this Santa's Belly set, containing two products it will make for a lovely gift in its bauble packaging and it's a practical gift to make the recipient feel festive after every use! (https://www.lush.co.uk/products/under-15/santas-belly)

Wear : This chunky fair isle cardigan will suit men of all tastes, shapes and ages, a bit of a timeless classic! Not much else to say about it! 

(http://www.clothingattesco.com/mens-knitwear/f+f-fair-isle-shawl-collar-cardigan/invt/es522407)

Read : Aldi's Premium Whisky Gift Set includes a whisky appreciation book, so I'm saying it counts! It also comes with a nice glass and three aged single malt whiskies, all in a nice box for £12.99. I was surprised to see this in Aldi as it has a real look of quality to it, I'm sure any whisky drinkers would old joy perusing the book whilst having a nice glass! Cheers! (https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/christmas/christmas-drinks/spirits/product-detail/ps/p/premium-whisky-gift-box/)

I hope you have enjoyed it! Have I missed anything? 

Want, Need, Wear, Read : Mum/Nan

Instalment number 6 for the Christmas gift guide! This is for the mamas and Nanas out there! I think this is a bit of a tough one as mums and nans are getting younger these days, no longer can you shove them a bottle of talc and be done with it! So what to get the hip nana..?

Want : Hard working hand need some luxury, but a nice hand cream seems a bit, dare I say, old? So for a touch of fancy schmancy I would suggest the Sensationail at home gel nail kit. Nails are 'cured' under an LED light to give long lasting colour with a really glossy finish. So for the woman who is working, running a home and wanting to look amazing, it would be a great present! Plus it is very user friendly. There is a Black Friday half price offer if you are quick!

(http://m.international.boots.com/h5/cat_hub?path=%2Fen%2FSensatioNail-Special-Starter-Kit_1766752%2F&unCountry=int)

Need : Mum's are always busy, Nan's never stop! This is why I have put Personal Planner diaries as a need! Mums are juggling their life, and cheeky babysitting duties (or in my case childcare, thanks mum!) What I like with personal planner is that you can add in birthdays (which save so you don't have to type them in when you order next a years diary!) and what not and it is so customisable, mine has a to do list and a weekly meal plan! Plus it comes in so many designs that there really is something for everyone!

(http://www.personal-planner.com/EN/planner)

Wear : Nans may be getting younger but they still love a cardi, everyone loves a cardi! And it is a perfect gift for the horrible cold winter! What I live about this New Look cardigan is the subtle but trendy print, long sleeves to cover those pesky bingo wings, and a really flattering waterfall cut. Bonus is that Mums and Nans do not usually shop on New Look so it's less likely they will already have it! (http://m.newlook.com/shop/womens/knitwear/black-aztec-fine-knit-waterfall-cardigan-_366961009)

Read : At first I really struggled with this one, but when I saw this I was so impressed, a simple idea but one that would become a treasured memory. the idea is that it is a book of questions for your mum to filming about her life, from early memories to school etc. We have all grown up hearing different stories from our parents life and this way you will never forget them and will be able to pass it on to grandchildren and beyond, the story of granddad checkerboard Christmas cake will never be forgotten! 

(https://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk/gifts/dear-mum-from-you-to-me.htm?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_feed&utm_campaign=froogle&gclid=Cj0KEQiA4eqyBRDUh7Omv9vCtsoBEiQAspfs8ui_Lb0vFM6tHKwAbhultXS3TUm-sbQZrH8DXOofOC0aAjkO8P8HAQ)

I hope you have enjoyed it! Have I missed anything? 

Want, Need, Wear, Read : Best Friend

Instalment number 5 for best friends! 

Want : Anna Sacccone's zodiac necklace line are stunning! A hotly anticipated release in the blogging world and they do not disappoint, there are the more purse friendly silver options through to the delicate rose gold finish. I am already thinking I may get one for me as a self birthday present, and I think it's a lovely way to offer a quality quirky personal gift! 

(https://stilnest.com/en/leo-zodiac-sign.html?attr_173=36) 

Need : There are some people in life that are always cold and my bestie most certainly fall into that category, so I would say she needs warming up with a nice jumper! I love this cream Superdry jumper, it's chic and wintery and would work well with layering! Ticking all the boxes! (http://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/ZQ2806/Superdry-Womens-Brittany-Crew-Knit-Cream)

Wear : My bestie is a hard working girl, and when she isn't working, well, usually she is asleep! So I've chosen some cute pyjamas and they are the items she is most likely to be wearing! Primark are totally rocking the Disney princess jammies and I like that they aren't the traditional girly style! (Top: http://m.primark.com/en/product/white-disney-princess-pyjama-t-shirt,R35397113618471)

(Bottoms : http://m.primark.com/en/product/pink-disney-princess-pyjama-leggings,R35397113618723)

Read : Now, my girl is many things but a reader she is not. However, a bride to be she is! So what better than a subscription to a wedding magazine! You can choose the length of time and give a gift that she will look forward to month after month! 

(http://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/wedding/9012000009496)

I hope you have enjoyed it! Have I missed anything? 

Want, Need, Wear, Read : Secret Santa

Instalment number 4 of 'Something you want, something you need, something you wear and something you read'. This one is for Secret Santa ideas, that wonderful or annoying gift exchange depending on who you get! The presents are in the £10-ish mark as that is what I am used to but all gifts could be scaled up or down according to budget! 

Want : For the younger or more boozey colleague I would suggest making a little coctail kit. A bottle or Irish liquor and Tia Maria makes a 'Baby Velvet'. Aldi sell Ballycastle Irish Country Cream (NOT Baileys, wink wink) at £3.75/70cl, they do sell a not Tia Maria but it isn't on their website so I can't offer a price, but it would bring the total down further. A 35cl bottle of Tia Maria from ASDA is £8.50. By printing off a cocktail recipe and adding a four pack of Christmas shot glasses from Poundland, and you have a festive present that will you know will feel the receiver with festive cheer(s)!

Shot glass: (http://www.poundland.co.uk/christmas-shot-glasses-4-pack)

Tia Maria : (http://groceries.asda.com/asda-webstore/landing/home.shtml#/product/910000282119)

Ballycastle: (https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/drinks/spirits/spirits-product-detail/ps/p/ballycastle-irish-cream-liqueur/)

Need : This is what I am doing for my colleagues Secret Santa! The person I work with is a young, geeky male who works shifts so I am getting him a personalised Gameboy style mug, and on the back I am having printed 'Insert Coffee To Start' (I know, I am hilarious!). I am then putting in a bag of fancy shamshy coffee, and some nice biscuits as well, if I am so inclined! A small but useful present! 

(http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/141831775147 ) 

Wear : My view is we all have heads and we live in England where it's cold, ipso facto hat and scarf! This set of ombré beanie and scarf comes to £11, and it's chic enough to look good from hipsters to gentlemen! It's from ASDA and the items are available separately so could be mixed and matched with gloves or another item. 

Hat (http://m.direct.asda.com/george/mens/accessories/ombre-beanie-hat/G005204129,default,pd.html)

Scarf (http://m.direct.asda.com/george/mens/accessories/twist-ombre-scarf/G005204130,default,pd.html)

Read : Ok, so I am taking liberties in this being reading, but it is a book! Adult colouring books are all the rage, and by promoting relaxation and calm they would do even the most David Brent of bosses a bit of good to chill out! I particularly like Johnanna Basford's delicate and grown up style, this is defiantly not your little sisters Noddy colouring book! The 'Artist Editonn, Pull Out and Frame Book' pictures are so pretty the book is designed to be coloured and then framed, much as the title suggests! Add a pack of pretty pens are you are giving a gift that keeps on giving!

(http://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Johanna-Basford/Secret-Garden-Artists-Edition-A-Pull-Out-and-Frame-Colouring-Book/17522935)

That's all for Secret Santa! I still have a few more gift guide instalments up my sleeves, but let me know if there is any specifically you want to see, and what you are making of there gift guides.

Gift Guide : Want, Need, Wear, Read : Sisters

Instalment number 3 of 'Something you want, something you need, something you wear and something you read'. This one is for a combination of my sisters and all their  different tastes! 

Want : This beautiful Ted Baker scarf will appeal to older women for its classic style and younger ladies for the brand and lovely bright colours. Perfect for the duller days and who doesn't want to feel all fancy shmanchy in a nice scarf (http://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/TB3368/Ted-Baker-Womens-Amarili-Tangled-Floral-Long-Scarf-50-Deep-Pink)

Need : With the 5p bag tax and a general responsibly to look after the environment, a food away shopper is so convenient, and my sister have a particular penchant for biscuits! This Sass and Bell shopper is perfect for popping into your bag and folds into a wee Jammy Dodger! Perfection!  (https://www.sassandbelle.co.uk/product.php/5274/biscuit-foldable-shopping-bag)

Wear : Who doesn't like a little sappy message, and what a delicate little present. In our family we have a sister in heaven so this seems a particularly special gift, but I think all sisters would love this sweet Sour Cherry bracelet and they stock plenty of other styles for the more sassy or alternative tastes! (http://www.sourcherry.co.uk/sister-heart-and-wings-bracelet-gift/)

Read : One of the best things about siblings is being able to sit and reminisce of childhood days. I love the vintage style of the Ladybird books and I think mindfulness is a wonderful thing to think about and share. A book with fun and a bit of meaning! 

(https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-ladybird-book-of-mindfulness/jason-hazeley/joel-morris/9780718183523)

I am really enjoying writing this gift huide series and would love to know what you think! 

Gift Guide : Want, Need, Wear, Read : Husband

Want, Need, Wear, Read : Dad/Husband 

Installment number 2 of. 'Something you want, something you need, something you wear and something you read'. This one is for the man in my life, this is not what I am getting him, maybe some of it ... Ooh mysterious! I don't want to ruin any surprises! 

Want : In a universe where I'm not a student and a part time employee, I would be getting Mr B an Apple iWatch. He is a tech kinda man, and although initially reluctant to join the Apple tribe, is now a fully paid up iMember! I think he will end up with one but maybe a model further on so any early glitches can be worked out. To be honest I kinda want to play with one too! (http://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-watch/apple-watch-sport) 

Need : Mr B is not in the game of needing things, but there is something I can just about consider a need. I am a Cambridge Satchel fan, I am getting mine for my birthday and am so excited! Mr B is an assistant headteacher and goes to work looking ever the professional, but I can't help but think his boring laptop bag lets him down! I am a bag lady (not the Home Alone 2: Lost in New York kind - just love bags), and I think Mr B would look so dapper with a Classic Batchel in black leather. A cross between Don Draper and Steven Hawking, smart and sexy - you can decide which is which! (https://www.cambridgesatchel.com/en-gb/for-him/the-15-inch-classic-satchel/SAT151002NIC10101.html?cgid=gifts-for-him#start=14)

Wear :  Mr B isn't mad on clothes as gifts, much like a child! But he will always receive an amusing set of socks from me. I like to add a touch of whimsey to his look when he is suited and booted, and socks never go out of style! Now I usually go for a multipack of Star Wars or Marvel from ASDA, but I have seen these Pringles Design Socks from ASOS which I think are a game changer! (http://m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-2-Pack-Socks-With-Pringles-Design/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=5557795&istCompanyId=6f061ed0-7427-4b6c-bb90-987c0bd08468&istItemId=lawwxpxqi&istBid=tztx&affid=14179&channelref=google+shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=67778836182&utm_content=&utm_campaign=&cvosrc=ppc.google.67778836182&network=g&mobile=1&search=1&content=&creative=53496280341&ptid=67778836182&adposition=1o2&r=2&mk=ab&gclid=CjwKEAiA7MWyBRDpi5TFqqmm6hMSJAD6GLeAfzrl_-fTBK-d3C4YJcLlFQpM-ZZUo0IFp3XQvR6zjRoCNuvw_wcB&un_jtt_application_platform=newPlp&un_jtt_redirect) and I would say the colours are almost festive?!

Read : Mr B doesn't read much unless is Star Wars or Jeremy Clarkson, so it took a while to think of something but then I remembered that the person who deigned the artwork in our house also wrote an adorable Star Wars book! Wookiee The Chew - The House at Chew Corner by James Hance. The style is of the traditional Winnie The Pooh but with a Star Wars twist, which would be lovely for Me B and Tom to enjoy together. I would also recommend looking at the artworks available as there really is something for everyone with a geeky, nostalgia twist! (http://www.jameshance.co.uk/wookiee-the-chew/wtc-book-001-wookiee-the-chew-the-house-at-chew-corner-book) 

I would like to add that I find men and especially Mr B really hard to buy for! And it has taken me a while to gather these ideas! If you have any to add then they would be greatly appreciated! 

Gift Guide : Want, Need, Wear, Read : Toddler

Last year I found a pin on Pintrest regarding gift buying for your children. The premise is 'Something you want, something you need, something you wear and something you read'. We stuck to it last Christmas and it was a success! I had totally forgotten about it until my mum reminded me and so Now I am back on track! I am going to do a gift guide series following this idea to show what is out there for 2015!

Want : We have got Tom the Little People DC Super Friends Batcave from Smyths (http://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/pre-school-electronic-learning/c-447/fisher-price/p-6829/little-people-dc-super-friends-batcave/). We had bought Tom some of the figures for his first birthday and he has played with them a lot so it was a good idea to build the collection. I also feel that the batman theme will appeal to him over a longer time period than some other toys aimed at a younger market. 

Need : Does a toddler really need anything? Not in my house! The closest I can come up with is toiletries, we all need to be clean! I would suggest the Lush Ickle Baby Bot bath bomb (https://www.lush.co.uk/products/ickle-baby-bot). Filled with lovely essential oils to encourage your wee ones to sleep sleep sleep, after all the sugar and excitement! And what little boy doesn't like a robot?

Wear : This alternative Christmas jumper by Gorgeous Little George has been on my radar for quite some time! (http://gorgeouslittlegeorge.co.uk/collections/boys-clothes/products/glg-brand-sweatshirt-just-another-christmas-jumper-1) I know the quality of GLG clothes are second to none and I love the uniqueness in the design. This one is high on the wish list! 

Read : Mr B calls me an advertisers dream as, let's say I'm not difficult to sell to! Well Sainsbury's has got me this year with the Mog Christmas advert! We used to have a family cat called Mog and it has filled me with nostalgia! And I really want to get the Christmas Calamity book, especially as each book sold donates £2 to Save The Children. (http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/gb/groceries/mogs-christmas-calamity?langId=44&storeId=10151&krypto=l9zQ2%2FVRR5JB99e6iGGI41F7CE8m52tSZ%2BF5VzMp7zSd5cOI59gyHcjNErxKy8AvkXsHG5f8XFRX%0AjwO%2FPWZKrczs1J0wmIRvSqVcxOfBtbACXUqK9X1w9xz5pnqsKxaz&ddkey=http:gb/groceries/mogs-christmas-calamity)

I hope that Part 1 of my gift guide has been useful! Let me know if you think I have missed anything!