Great gifting ideas, Part Two: 1-2 year olds

Thanks for dropping by for Part 2: 1-2 year olds! 

This is such a fun age and there are some so many great items for this age category it can be a little overwhelming.. here as a momma, are my top 10! 

Starting off, this age group is all about exploration and learning new skills and being involved in everything!! 

My first item would be an annual pass or monthly pass to somewhere new and exciting like a science centre, the one in Calgary has an amazing tot-zone. A local zoo, swimming classes, gymboree...whatever will get them into new environments learning and socializing. 

Another top choice for this age group are items like a great step stool, this can serve as a chair or more-but you better believe that by year 2, it will be used daily from hand washing to helping momma! 
There are some great ones out there at many price points. 

An activity tree like this Tree top adventure from Manhattan toys, is a bit of a splurge, but it does so much your babe will be enjoying it for longer than you think... 

Interactive books with music and lights are a huge hit at this age and get littles interested in reading! These are great for car rides and in mommas purse- you can never have enough, this is a great go to gift! 

Practical gifts are always welcomed by parents- sure it might not be as fun for baby- but practicality has its silver lining too.. a few toys that would fit into that category are fresh and new sippy cups- soon baby will be onto the next step in its foody career so new cups with straws or push and release tops are great for baby to learn new skills.. 

Another one that can always be used is bath toys, simple but they get gross so quick - its nice to have new and fresh ones at the ready. 

Activity and exploration toys like a sand/water table or small ball bit are great fun and offer hours of baby-tainment! These can be found at most local toy stores or of course, amazon. 

From personal experience, shopping carts are like crack for littles, so metal, plastic, wood or whatever- its going to be loved! 
Same goes for a sneaky place to hide out, wind down, play, read, snuggle... there are lots of options for tent like play structures so just keep in mind child's interests and space when you are choosing something like this.. 

Hope you enjoyed Part 2- Final part 3 will be up later this week! Happy shopping!!!! 

Mommy & Toddler Favourites for DECEMBER

Hello All! I wanted to get this out quickly mid month so perhaps it could inspire you for some gift giving ideas - Ill be doing a separate post for gift ideas for littles but here are a few quick ideas, enjoy and happy shopping!!!! 

I'm loving these products this month and they are also especially festive and would make great treats for any momma or toddler in the family. 

Here we go... 

Frosted Plum Body Butter from Body Shop

This first item is a new-found-find, only around for a limited time! Body Shop got me with this light and delightful scented body butter for the holidays. Its fresh and feminine, fruity and fun. And BONUS they have an amazing sale going on now and apparently this amazing scent now comes in just about everything from bath fizzies to room spray... dance on sugar plums, dance on!!!! 

Purdy's Himalayan Pink Sea Salt Caramels

These inch by inch salted sweeties are divine! I recently shared them with a friend and immediately had to take her to buy some ;) good thing they come in boxes of 20- or i could really over indulge- lol.

These come in milk and dark chocolate not to discriminate and choosing between the two is really like having to choose between the Hemsworth brothers... also great gift idea for just about anyone on your list! 

Lush's 'Ultrabland' facial cleanser

Next product for momma is this luxurious and creamy facial cleanser from Lush. Of course almost everything this place pumps out is amaze balls- but this face wash really is that good. 

It comes in a bucket and is like a modern day cold cream- it removes makeup, cleanses, moisturizes and soothes the skin.. just apply as much as you like- rub it in, leave to sit (like a sweet cocoon for your face) and wipe off with a hot towel.. mini facial! a little pricey for the bucket but i don't use it as an everyday cleanser just a treat once a week. 

Its great for any skin type - so another great pampering gift, give it with some super soft face towels for a quick and simple gift! 

'A Very Marley Christmas' by Josh Grogan

My little guy has really been loving this book as we are getting into the Christmas spirit! 

Its funny and light and it helps that we have our own real life Marley in the house! 

I change the word Marley to 'Wheelie' our dogs name and my little guy laughs at all the mischief that silly pup gets into. Yup its the same Marley from the tear jerking 'Marley & Me' Movie.. no tears here- just great illustrations and fun storyline! 

  

Adventure Play sets

If you have a little girl or boy around 2-3 years of age- this toy is a hit and i love that they make a girl version too! Im going to do a separate post on gift giving for kids but this has been a favourite. 

These ones are from Cabela's but my little guy is blessed to have one from Bass Pro too. They have so many fun pieces and they can use their imagination to play for hours!! If your family is the outdoorsy type- your little will extra enjoy this! 

Gingerbread Bear Paws

I don't think i know a kid that doesn't like these soft cookie treats- this gingerbread seasonal flavour is a nice change. Don't you get sick of having the same goodies for your kids all year!?! 

This is just like the usual with a mild gingerbread flavour. These of course aren't as good as homemade- but sometimes a mommas gotta have a packaged snack at the ready! These are going in our holiday arsenal and maybe the stocking too! 

Thats it for now- a few quick items topping our everyday list, its the little things.. stay tuned for a gift list for toddlers and under. Have a safe and blessed December! 

Mommy & Toddler Monthly Fav's!

I love hearing what peoples favourite products are, its like finding gold without all the mining.. I thought  i would start a new series for monthly product empties, what i loved so much i have used up! 
this is a mishmash of mommy products, toddler products and household loves. I'm sure there are a few things you haven't heard of but also some old fashioned goodies too! 

Lets get started..

Presidents choice PURE strawberry Jam 
-I know, I know..who cares about a Jam- But I do! i love toast and therefore Jam is like the cherry on top! This fresh and PURE Jam from PC brand is delicious- its globby and full of real strawberries, its not farmers market fresh but it tastes more 'real' than others I have had... great price point and amazing with brie! 

Melissa & Doug Stamp markers 
-I purchased these babies from a recent well.ca order and I'm really happy with them, my toddler enjoys the variety of shapes and although he isn't awesome at following the coordinating pages, he likes to stamp stamp away and i enjoy they wash off easily :) win win 

Scentsy Bar- Clementine & Clove 
-No secret, fall is here and its bliss- This smell i had purchased last Christmas and not being the typical scentsy buyer- this scent has lasted me quite awhile and i enjoy that its versatile for the Christmas and fall seasons. Its orange-y & spicy from the clove but not like cinnamon punching you in the nose. Its noticeable yet subtle and adds to the festive feeling... 

Clear Shampoo 
OK OK I know this one has been around awhile but i recently was fully out of shampoo and purchased this at the supermarket cause it was on sale. I'm delightfully surprised by its light texture and cleaning. It really makes my hair feel clean without 'gunk' and its scent is light - so husband appreciated it too! All the hype is true- great buy! 

YES to cucumber - soothing night cream 
This night cream is soon good. Who doesn't like the freshness of anything cucumber- its like a mini trip to the spa! i enjoy its rich texture and upon waking my skin feels nourished and healthy. Ill definitely re-buying this one :) 

Aromachology scent - sophisticated & sensual 
I received this in an IPSY bag  few months ago and I'm so sad to see my trial size empty. This scent is not what i would call 'sophisticated and sensual' but rather feminine with citrusy/floral touch. I feel so pretty when i wear it. The sample was a roller and i intend to buy the full size for a birthday present to myself online. Its slightly annoying when you can't buy a product anywhere..but its worth every 'scent' for shipping!!! 

Eddie Bauer - toddler down puffer jacket 
I was searching for an in-between jacket for my little when i cam across this lightweight puffer jacket from Eddie Bauer at Winners! (don't you love that) This is such a great jacket for a toddler. Its bright so you can spot them easily, squishy for throwing in your bag or wrestling into the car seat and light enough they can move and not complain about being too hot. Puffers are always cute, but in this mini me size- I'm in LOVE!!! 

Seventh generation dishwasher liquid 
This was a purchase to start making smarter chemically free purchases and I'm surprised how well this dish washing detergent cleans and actually doesn't leave a 'funk' in the dishwasher. Sadly with most 'enviromentally friendly' products- they just don't clean as good as those harsh and scary chemicals..but this one from seven generation is almost as good. Its a compromise I'm happy i made :) 

Mini Dino Toys 
This one is simple and oh so awesome! we recently took a trip to a dinosaur museum so as to be expected- our little is in dino-mite mode. We picked up these little guys at the gift shop and they have been so fun to play with out in the dirt and sand and anywhere- its nice break from cars too for momma! I'm sure you can grab them at the dollar store too- but the fun is endless... we even made our own little 'dig' expedition... 

happy (little) campers

Tis' the season, Happy Camping!!!!! 
we are in full swing with camping in our family and its such a blessing to be in the great wide wilderness with the family enjoying old fashioned time together, we have gotten pretty good at it - gadget free... well except for the iPad, we do need our daily dose of 'Paw Patrol'.. thats ok in these parts. 

Recently my hubby and I had a toddler-free camping weekend (thank you Oma & Grandpa) and as wonderful as it was to sleep in and get day drunk- most of the time i had to relax was spent reminiscing about what we would be doing if our little was with us and planning the next outdoor getaway with our little. Ain't that the parent life. 

Camping is like crack for my little, hello sweet snacks, staying up late, getting dirty, limited baths and dirt bikes, quads, etc... little boys dream! 
Although its not quite the same as the carefree camping we once experienced- its pretty awesome spending the weekend with friends together with our children and there is usually lots of hands to help, stories to tell and enough activities to keep them busy! 

I got to thinking about a few things that make our camping trips successful-we had a learning curve the first few times we decided to hit the sticks but we have gained confidence and a few less bug bites along the way..

Here are just a few suggestions for camping with littles and camping approved items from Toys to Sleeping suggestions.. 
(these are our personal favs)

Keep Toys under control- remember the house parties you used to wake up at and things WTF happened here- well a weekend camping with your toddler and your campsite will resemble something quite like that. 
We like to limit them and keep them organized in a rubbermaid (appropriate size for your trailer/tent)  
Rubber maid are great for outside in any weather then just bring in the truck or camper for transport.*BONUS-they can be used as a bathtub or cool pool* 
Think toys for all sorts of weather, bubble guns are great but if its all you got and its a rainy weekend..well.. - unless your cool mom, then go ahead. crazy.
We like simple things like colouring books, glow sticks, Tonka trucks, balls of various sizes, jars to catch bugs and of couple favourites from home. The best toys are the ones found in the wilderness!

Snacking toddlers are happy toddlers and with the excitement from being camping coupled with the fresh air and busyness- toddlers tend to eat less at mealtimes out camping, all my mommy friends say the same- think nutritious snacks and don't force too much at supper time. As long as they are staying hydrated- thats most important. They will find you and the meltdowns will tell you its time for some snacks so be prepared. 
Remember that these snacks will often be left out and revisited time and time again so be cautious of dairy products. 
We love these baby squeeze pouches - they usually have a balance of some veggies so i can rest assured its not just a sugar weekend. They are easy and on hot days, its a nice cool treat. 
Something else that always seems to be a hit for my little is a homemade trail mix. Mixing fav's like teddy grahams, almonds, cheerios... well maybe ill leave that for another post. Whatever you child likes, there are no rules, just make ahead and be prepared. 
Don't forget a reusable and durable water bottle and chair in their size. They will need a place to eat at if they are done with the highchair.. 

Plan ahead with at camp activities, We can't always be going on hikes, throwing rocks in the river, going on quad rides and watching daddy chop wood.. so in the meantimes make sure you have things to keep your little one busy while hanging out at camp. Nap times count :) 
We make sure we always bring the 'strider' bike for our little man, he enjoys hopping logs and we enjoy making little obstacle courses for him. Looking for bugs and catching them is a great past time and I'm sure you don't have to go far. If I'm really prepared i take a few things along to craft with like painting rocks, making pet sticks or bird feeders...Pinterest is at your becon call (before you leave of course) 
Im never without stickers and temporary tattoos.. those are favs and if you have access to enough water, water fights are always fun! 

S.L.E.E.P ???? Yes, They are going to sleep different, maybe better, maybe worse, just like any vacay. 
Be prepared... we are lucky enough to have a travel trailer so our little is now framiliar with his bed there, but it took awhile and no 2 nights are ever the same.. just be patient and bring a few comforts from home. We try to keep bedtime routine as much the same as possible from bed time to blankies... 

Don't forget essentials like medicines and things for emergency. We often camp in the forest so there isn't much around in the event of an emergency. Get yourself a REAL first aid kit, allergy meds and be prepared for things for tummy aches, fever, bug bites, diaper rash and teething. 
Seriously- Just take it momma.

On the Road- you gotta get there right?! Thats the beginning and the end- if your lucky they will be happy and excited on the way out and sleep the whole way home, but think ahead and plan for this stage too. Whether its books, iPad or games.. make sure you have something to keep them entertained oh and snacks... 

Happy Camping, be safe & have fun! 

My item favourites: 
1. CIAO Baby - Portable highchair
Not just for a weekend in the sticks, grandmas house, Mexico, your own germs at a restaurant, its a must!
2. Rubbermaid bins for storage
3. Attitude brand eco friendly wipes
Cause its nicer to the environment.... 
4. Squeeze pouches (I prefer organic brings like Ellas kitchen & Plum) but whatever is on sale and has veggies in it works for me 
5. Fleece lined jeans (these can be found anywhere) but so great for cool mornings and evenings 
6. Kleen Kanteen
Durable, safe & easy to clean are what your looking for here 
7. Strider, pedal free bike
This is a blast for any littles in that 2 year old + window! we take ours everywhere