Christmas presents that worked

You may recall I wrote a post before Christmas with the things that I was getting the girls this year. Now, a few weeks after the big day, it’s been interesting to see what was a hit…and what was not. I always seem to get some things wrong…hoping one day to get it right! I thought I would show some of the stuff that the girls have loved (not just from me, but from others as well). Think of it as a go-to birthday present guide for the year for girls aged 4 and 7.

The 7 year old

1. Djeco art by numbers

These are lovely hard cards that come with a set of 5 or so textas. Each page shows the children what colours go where as well as some free hand styling that is required too – the art work is quirky and cool and interesting. The end results are gorgeous little prints that are so nice that they could be framed. Daisy was focused on this for almost an hour – and for me in school holidays? This was GENIUS. You can buy them here for $28.95 each

2. Nextime do it yourself cuckoo clock

My Mum gave the most of the older grandkids one of these – a plain white cardboard cuckoo clock that can be assembled and decorated anyway they like! The pieces all pop out, and Daisy has been very focused colouring them all in one by one. We are yet to assemble the final product but it’s been a nice process so far. Mum got these locally down here from Nest & Burrow in Bundanoon. They are one of only 7 stockists. You can find them here.

3. Our Australian Girl: The Grace Stories

Rob’s Mum gave Daisy this lovely book and she has been quite into it. While chapter books are still something Daisy is just figuring out (she finds the reading in her head bit quite hard) this is a lovely story of a young girl coming out from England to Australia with 4 books all in one volume. You can buy it for $24.99 in most good book shops or online here.

4. Maps

Rob’s Dad & Step Mum gave this great book to Daisy which she adores. Fabulous illustrations and information that kids would find interesting, this book is on the coffee table permanently as it’s constantly being picked up and referred to. I’m not sure where they got it from, but you can find out more about it here and I’m sure pick it up online or in any good book shop.

The 4 year old

1. The Gruffalo board game

Harper knows each and every word to the wonderful book The Gruffalo and so this board game was the perfect city for her. It’s half memory, half board game and a good introduction to games for little ones. The whole family have rolled it a few times and while I’m no fan, I’m not 4! I got ours from Kidstuff for $34.99 and you can get them online here.

What both girls loved

1. Glider deluxe XL scooters

Both girls got one of these from us as their main present from Rob and I. Daisy is tall and these still have lots of room for her to grow so we will get a few years out of it yet. They have been used and loved each day since Christmas and for me that means they are winners. I got ours from Kidstuff for $129, you can grab them online here.

2. Blankgoods draw your dreams pillow cases

My Mum also gave the girls these and they have a HIT. I know this looks like craft, but it’s pretty much craft I can cope with – drawing! The pack comes with fabric markers and a plain cotton white pillow case, then it’s up to the girls to top mad with their own designs. We have done them. washed them and they now sit on their pillows at night. Harper who is having trouble staying in bed particularly loved them. You can get them online for $28.95 here.

So tell me, what was a hit at your place?
And what was a miss?
The old theory of less is more is so true at Christmas don’t you think?