There and Back Again, A Mega Gift Guide!

I’ve been really looking forward to pulling my mega gift guide together for you lovely readers this year, it’s a jam packed mega edition this time, with something for parents and little people alike!

Reading material

First up I wanted to share some books that I’ve enjoyed this year, and you might like to gift one to a friend or fellow parent too!

H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald is a book I’ve just started reading but it’s so unputdownable I had to add a reference to it here, a memoir about dealing with grief and depression it’s so poetically written that I’ve been caught up in her words.

This NCT Edinburgh for Under 5s guide has been helping me plan a trip in the new year, it’s a fantastic book which is a lifesaver for parents and carers of under 5s and contains all the information about playgroups, nurseries, and over 80 volunteers have reviewed coffee shops, cinemas, restaurants, soft play centres, where to buy organic or eco-friendly products, to bring the best of Edinburgh together in one book, so this is a local one, but a great one and I’d love to see them for other cities too!

Looking for something for a crafter? Look no further than Dottie Angel and Agnes and Ted’s Granny Chic, part treasure trove of ideas part granny chic bible I can’t stop dipping into this for ideas for my crafty endeavors!

I’ve also been reading something that will appeal to organic/natural fans; Charlotte Vohtz, Founder of Green People has written a book entitled Naturally Gorgeous. A treasure trove of tips this book was like a warm hug when I was going through a rough patch recently, I learned to take care of myself again and I really needed some support to think about my body and the impact stress was having on me. The recipes for making your own natural beauty products are a must read!

My love of Moran has been blogged before, if you know a teen to pass this onto then please do, or buy it for a friend as I have, her writing about motherhood is particularly raw and spot on.

Which takes me to A Life’s Work which is similarly honest and appeals to the researcher in me as it’s part social history part social research and a blindingly good account of why mother’s guilt serves no purpose.

Kid’s Books

These are a selection of books we’ve reviewed on the blog over the past year, all would make brilliant gifts for little ones, but Little Robin’s Christmas from Egmont by Jan Fearnley remains a firm fave; pop back soon as Egmont have given us a surprise to give away as part of our 12 Days of Christmas bonanza with Mumsdays and You Baby Me Mummy

Toys for indoors…

We’re sticking to educational and fun this year as Joss has more than enough toys to keep her going but needs a few extras to help with creative play which is a big interest of hers at the moment! This bus is a firm favourite with Joss and I thoroughly recommend wooden toys for eco friendliness and sustainability too, you can read our review of Traidcraft‘s Christmas toys here and find out more about its eco and fair trade credentials

This year I’m keeping J’s crafty habits going with a huge bundle of materials for her craft box, great for rainy days and for when the excitement of Christmas gets a bit much and she needs some quiet time!

I’ve also opted for dressing up things to get her creative play going, I love this flamingo outfit from Wilko, thrifty and fun!

And outdoors too!

We always try to get something outdoorsy for Joss as she loves walking and we’re soon to review these great Skip Hop zoolet backpacks which would make a great gift for a toddler that likes to carry their own bits and bobs on days out! I’ve also stocked up on sidewalk chalk as she loves playing in our yard and giant bubble mix makes a great stocking filler too!

Something for Mamas

I’ve gone with a luxe theme this year, I’m in need of a treat so this little lot is my personal wishlist!

Neom Organics candles, gloves from Joules, cashmere bed socks, these are White Company but good old John Lewis do some beauts too, Orly Keily mugs to add to my collection and finally some special crafty stocking fillers from Fabric Rehab

And Papa’s too

I’m loving Green People products at the moment, so their Organic Homme range would be a great buy for Dad, also thinking organic and homegrown these Seed Pantry gift sets are great for budding growers, Howies are always great for organic clothing and you can also warm his heart with fair trade Grumpy Mule coffee which we love in this house!

Something for everyone

And finally, some extras for one and all to enjoy, Montezuma‘s Organic chocolate, Greenfibres hammam towels that are all the rage and anyone could make use of them, the same for Neal’s Yard Unwind collection and some yummy cheeses from the brilliantly named Pong Cheese!