The products featured in this post were sent for inclusion in this gift guide, however all opinions are honest and my own. This post also contains affiliate links.

With the countdown truly on until the big day, I thought it was the perfect time to start sharing all things Christmas on my blog! This year I have put together two Christmas gift guides featuring products for children. In this second Christmas Gift Guide I'm going to be sharing some products that I think would make great gifts for slightly older children. Hopefully this gives you some inspiration this festive season!

Twilight Daycare Collectible Dolls

Blind bags and collectibles are still hugely popular amongst children these days, so these Twilight Daycare Collectible Babies from WowWee would make a fab gift this Christmas. The cute dolls are inspired by the babies from the game Twilight Daycare - they even won the bronze award in the MadeForMums Toy Awards 2022 for best collectible toy! You can open 1 of 18 mystery small baby dolls (as well as a costume and a toy), and then even unlock more fun online by redeeming a code in the Twilight Daycare game to play with the doll virtually. Who would you like to get?

The Sock Game

Created by brothers Jono and Nick, The Sock Game is a fun family game (suitable for children aged 8+), to be played with as little as two people, or in teams. The aim of the game is to race to the find correct item in your sock - 'the ultimate race in a sock'. There are 30 unusual objects hidden inside the giant sock, and - using only your sense of touch - you have to race your competitor to find the right one. The winning team/player is the first to find 11 correct items! You can even personalise the game to your family by adding your own unusual items. A great game to play with all the family this Christmas.

Ticket To Ride Europe

A fun strategy game that all the family can play, the aim of Ticket to Ride is to build your tracks across Europe, connecting cities to earn more points that your fellow players. You do this by collecting train cards that enable you to claim routes connecting different cities - the longer the routes, the more points you earn! You can also earn additional points for completing a 'journey' and for being the player with the longest continuous route. The game is easy to learn and has the advantage of being played again and again, as every game is different. And you can now play along with a compatible Echo device too - simply say “Alexa, launch Ticket to Ride” and play against Alexa!

Scentos Sugar Rush Scented Colouring Collection

If you have a keen doodler, then you can't go wrong with this gorgeous colouring scent from Scentos. This Sugar Rush set contains a mix of pencils, markers, pens, and even stickers, in both sweet candy and fruity scents. The bright colours and jolly designs just add to the fun and makes this set a perfect gift choice this Christmas.

SpyX Micro Spy Gear Set

A super fun set for children aged 6+, this Micro Spy Gear set contains everything they need for the perfect mobile spy surveillance set up. The set contains a utility belt with room for 4 micro-tools. A spy light (with handy hands-free ear clip), an invisible ink pen for secret messages, a motion alarm to detect movement, and a micro earpiece. A great set for little ones who enjoy imaginative play and have a future as the next James Bond.

Dobble

The card game of speed, observation and quick reflexes, Asmodee's Dobble really is a fantastically fun game to add to your collection! Suitable for ages 6+, the aim of game is to race to find one matching between one card and another. The images are different sizes and in different positions on each card, but each card only has one picture in common with every other card in the deck - so you really do need to be paying attention at all times when playing! There are 5 different mini games to enjoy, and you can also purchase Dobble in a whole range of other themes, such as Harry Potter, Disney and even a Junior version for younger players.

Molly Brown London Jewellery

If you're looking for a gift that is extra special and can be treasured for years to come, then Molly Brown London is definitely where you need to look. The British brand creates classic keepsake girls (or boys!) jewellery that is simple and sophisticated, and designed to be loved and worn forever. Only telling silver and 18ct gold vermeil are used, and you can add extra special touches with diamonds, freshwater pearls, and even coloured gemstones.

Their newest collection is their Birthstone Necklace Collection, which is filled with beautiful pieces for all ages. From personalised baby bangles, bracelets and necklaces for teens, to birthstone lockets for those that want to keep their loved ones close (these have space for two photos to be added). As with all of Molly Brown London jewellery, all items can be engraved for free, and the 16" sterling silver belcher chains have been fitted with an adjuster at 14", so the necklaces fit most ages and sizes. The quality really is beautiful, and you can tell care and attention is given to the highest level at every step. Even the way the items come packaged just screams luxury - a very special gift this Christmas for sure!

Bananagrams

Bananagrams is a fun but educational game suitable for all the family to enjoy! After receiving your tiles from the fun banana shaped carry-case, the aim of the game is to use up all of your letters to build a word grid. Points aren't the aim here - it really is speed that is most important, as it's the first person to use all of their tiles that is crowned 'top banana'! A great game to enjoy at home or on the go, as it's the perfect size to to pop in a bag for on-the-go entertainment.

Christmas Gift Guide 2022 | Christmas Gifts for Younger Children

The products featured in this post were sent for inclusion in this gift guide, however all opinions are honest and my own. This post also contains affiliate links.

With the countdown truly on until the big day, I thought it was the perfect time to start sharing all things Christmas on my blog! This year I have put together two Christmas gift guides featuring products for children. In this first Christmas Gift Guide I'm going to be sharing some products that I think would make great gifts for younger children. Hopefully this gives you some inspiration this festive season!

Disney Encanto 4-in-1 Puzzle

Ryman have a fantastic selection of Christmas gifts for children this year, including this fab 4-in-1 puzzle. Disney's Encanto has been a favourite in this house (and I can guarantee many others too!) ever since it came out last year, so I know this theme will go down well. I love that the set contains four different difficulty levels, so it could appeal to a range of ages, and also grow with your child as they get more confident too.

Uh Oh Milo! The Excited Elf Storybook

Written by author Kate Wogan, the Uh Oh Milo! series of children's books help to teach children about manners and behaviour in a fun and engaging way. This Christmas you can add The Excited Elf to the collection, where you can join Milo, Mary and their magical granny as they meet the Excited Elf (and enjoy some mischief along the way). Made to be enjoyed throughout the Christmas period, the book talks about the excitement of Christmas, and is full of bright, colourful and fun illustrations. A great addition to a Christmas Eve basket for sure!

Yoto Player

Probably one of the most exciting gifts you could buy your little one this Christmas, the Yoto Player really is the gift that will keep on giving! The award-winning audio players put your child in control of their listening, learning and play - whether that's through audio stories, daily podcast content or even their child-friendly radio station.

There are currently two types of Yoto available - the original Yoto Player retails at £89.99, and then then Yoto Mini which we received retails at £59.99. Both players feature no microphones, no cameras, and no ads, making them perfect for children to use by themselves. The Yoto Mini also features:

- Easily portable for on-the-go listening.

- Up to 20 hours of play per charge. 

- Plays sleep sounds, white noise and features a clock suitable for sleep training.

- Can be used with headphones and as a Bluetooth speaker.

There are over 800 titles currently available to purchase, ranging from the likes of Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol and Julia Donaldson classics, to Disney and Pixar, Roald Dahl classics and even amazing learning bundles like the ones featured above. It's incredibly easy to find the cards you're looking for as you can categorise by age (from age 0 and the way up to 12+), or even by specific author.

We reviewed a Tonie Box a few years ago, and although both are fantastic, I think I prefer the range of titles and accessories with the Yoto Player! You can also purchase travel cases, headphones and more that are compatible with the Yoto Player.

Nuby Plush Learning Bundle

Nuby has been a brand favourite in our household since Indiana was a baby, so I knew the items in this Plush Learning Bundle would be a lovely addition to this guide. The bundle of three items (including a 'My Busy Book', a set of 4 'Little Learner Cubes' and a set of plush 'Alphabet Flashcards'), are incredibly soft and feature multiple educational features so they can grow with your child.

The alphabet flashcards featured bold colours, patterns and animals, making them fantastic for sensory development in the early stages - but also great for introducing letters as your child grows. The cubes feature multi-sensory colours, patterns and textures, as well as noises to encourage play. And my favourite has to be the busy book, which contains a range of items designed to help with fine-motor skills and hand-eye co-ordination. So much fun!

Made Happy Gifts Collection



If your little one already has everything, why not think of a gift that's more out of the box. These gorgeous creations from Made Happy Gifts are the perfect addition to a LEGO mad household - and a great way to introduce LEGO to smaller children who haven't quite made the jump from Duplo just yet. 

Created by mum of three Izzy, Made Happy Gifts design and print all of their products in a family-run studio in Kent. They use environmentally sustainable PLA plastic, which is derived from corn starch and sugar cane, to create their LEGO compatible products. They offer a whole range of products, but of course the Christmas collection would made the perfect gift this season. You can choose from personalised decorations (complete with a jingly bell), tree decorations in different shapes, sizes and colours, and of course the Christmas trees featured above. So fun - and of course all compatible with everyone's favourite brick!

Squishmallows

If you're a parent, then I'm sure you've heard about the newest craze - Squishmallows! Squishmallows are super soft and super huggable plush toys, that come in a whole range of sizes and designs. There are more than 1000 characters to collect, and each one has its own unique name and storyline - very much like the Beanie Babies of this generation. 

My Little Pony Role-Play Toys

If your little one is as unicorn obsessed as my youngest is, then these My Little Pony Styling Heads would be a perfect choice. Chose from either the larger Sunny Starscout doll (that comes with 30+ accessories) or the smaller Pip Petals styling head (that comes with 15+ accessories). Both pony dolls have long flowing hair that your little ones can brush, style and create with - a great way to practice those perfect hairstyles! Both sets also come with stickers too, so your child can enjoy getting creative with those once they've finished their hairstyles. Hours of fun!

5 Tips for Visiting the Edinburgh Christmas Markets

If you’re going to be heading into Edinburgh for Christmas, then you owe it to yourself to experience the city’s amazing Christmas markets. The city is beautiful throughout the year, but when it’s all lit up at Christmas time, it’s truly magical. 

If you’re going to get the best from your stay, you’ll want to track down some high-quality accommodation at a convenient location. If you’re a key worker, then you might be able to do so without paying over the odds. Did you know you can find Premier Inn discounts for NHS workers available online – and there are fifteen branches throughout the city!

So, what activities are on offer at this time of year? Hopefully this post will give you plenty of ideas...

Have a Mulled Wine

Christmas just isn’t Christmas unless you’re enjoying a mulled wine. It’s on sale from multiple street vendors, and it’ll keep you warm even when the weather gets chilly in the evening. Of course, this isn’t the only festive tipple on offer in the city – but it is the one that’s traditional.

Go to a Panto

Pantomime season will be in full swing at Christmas time, and there are a range of different shows available. They’re all family-friendly and uproariously funny. There’s Sinbad at the Brunton Theatre in Musselburgh, there’s Cinderella at Edinburgh South, and there’s Mother Goose at Howden Park Centre in Livingstone.

Check the dates before setting out, and make sure that you’ve booked your tickets in advance if you want to avoid disappointment!

Enjoy a Glass of Fizz at the Dome

No venue screams Christmas quite as volubly as the Dome. There’s a festive set menu on offer throughout December, and an a la carte menu available after Christmas Day. Of course, if you’re going to be dining here, then you should set aside a little bit of your budget for a glass of quality fizz. There are plenty of options to choose from!

Go Ice-Skating

Outdoor ice-skating is one of those activities that’s only available at certain times of year. Even if you’re not all that steady on your feet, you can still enjoy your time on the ice. The ice rink has been a major draw of the market for years. The skate hire is bundled in with the cost of entry, making this an affordable way to spend your time, too.

Go on the Rides

The Christmas market is famous for its stunning fairground attractions, including a sizeable ferris wheel from which you can get a decent view of the surrounding city. And if you’re going to be taking children to the market, then going on a ride or two should be considered obligatory.

Have you ever visited Edinburgh at Christmas time before?

This is a collaborative post.

What you Need to know About Insuring your Jewellery

You’ve popped the champagne, toasted with family and friends and you can’t stop staring at your left hand. You’re engaged! The next step – before you even say yes to the dress – is to make sure you protect that glittering diamond and keep it safe for many happy years to come. For most people, an engagement ring is the single most valuable piece of jewellery they own. So, like your home and car, it’s vital to make sure it’s insured and stored safely. Not sure where to start? In this post I have outlined a couple of simple steps to help you on your way. 

Call your Insurer

Many couples insure an engagement ring under their household insurance, such as the home insurance policies with FBD. Most contents cover will include jewellery, but depending on its value, the ring might need to be added as a specified item. It’s important to take your time to go through the details and arrange the right cover for you and your lifestyle. It might also be a good time to evaluate your overall home insurance, especially if you’ve recently renovated, built an extension or purchased new additions for the home. If you’re lucky enough to receive high-value gifts for your engagement or wedding, you’ll want to make sure that these are protected as well, especially if you’re planning on heading off for an exotic honeymoon overseas.

Valuation

In the event of a claim, insurance companies will usually ask for supporting documentation, such as the receipt or an original valuation. The jeweller you or your beloved purchased the ring from will often provide a valuation without charge. If not, the price depends on the value of the ring, and can usually be negotiated. You should choose a reputable jeweller with proper accreditations for this task, as you want to ensure you get an accurate valuation you can rely on. It’s important also to keep the original document safe, sending it to the insurance company by registered post and asking for it to be returned when they’re finished their inspection. Some insurers require you to get the ring valued every couple of years, as the value of jewellery, especially diamonds, can fluctuate. You don’t want to be under or over-insured.

Check the Fine Print

When it comes to special high-value items such as engagement rings, most insurance policies have certain requirements regarding valuation, maintenance and storage. It’s always a good idea to read through the paperwork and ensure you’re covered for all eventualities including loss, destruction or theft. For most people, it makes sense to get cover for outside the home, as well as inside. Rings can sometimes go missing on holidays - they can easily slip off fingers slick with suncream - so you should probably check that it’s insured overseas before you fly. Depending on the value of your ring, you may be required to keep it in a locked safe when not wearing it. Be careful to take note of these little details so that you’re fully covered should the worst happen.

Keeping it Safe

We’ve all seen those social media posts about rings lost in swimming pools, shopping centres and even down a lift shaft. You don’t want that to be you, so have a think about how you can keep your beautiful new ring safe as you go about your daily life. There are small changes you can make that’ll help protect your ring, such as using hotel safes on holidays and secure lockers in the gym. Make sure you don’t leave it out on display at home, and it might be a good idea to leave it on while washing your hands - you certainly don’t want to leave it behind, or worse, watch it disappear down the sink! It can be tricky too to make sure it fits properly, depending on how warm or cool your hands are - if it’s a little loose, you should get it resized or even get a ring-guard fitted. Weddingbee has a handy guide to making sure it sits just right on your finger.

Maintenance

Depending on your contents cover or your specified item policy, you might find that you need to get a professional jeweller to check the ring’s settings every two years or so: nobody wants that precious diamond to come loose. That’s often a good time to get it cleaned, too, as hand sanitiser, creams and washing-up liquid can build up on jewellery, dulling the sparkling effect of a precious jewel. It’s important you bring your ring to a professional, well-recognised and fully insured jeweller to be cleaned or checked, though, so that it’s in safe hands.

Making sure your engagement ring is protected and insured will help give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy this special time of your life - all you have to do now is send out the invitations, organise the party, and show up on the big day!

In the interest of disclosure and transparency, the syndication of this article has been provided and paid for by FBD Insurance.