So I thought I’d do a round-up of a few of the must-have gifts i’ve been reviewing and buying along the way:
Wappy Dog on the DS
The Nintendo DS is one of the most-used toys in the Feeding Boys house, it’s a weekends and holidays only device so the novelty factor hasn’t worn off. This particular game, Wappy Dogs, is aimed at the younger end of the market, and so perfect for my six and three year old gaming addicts!
Wappy Dog uses an interactive dog with a Nintendo DS (it works with all models) and allows users to care and raise their dog from a little puppy through to adulthood. You can communicate with your dog through their Nintendo DS and Wappy will react depending on what mood they are in.
Sam quickly got the measure of it and got busy feeding him, talking to him and playing the accompanying games. Arlo made a real connection with the plastic pet and when he was playing games against Wappy would always let him win so he didn’t make the dog sad!
The more you play with Wappy, the more features get unlocked so it holds their interest.
Wappy Dog is widely available with a RRP of £24.99
Ribbons Watch
This gorgeous ribbon watch is speeding off to my god daughter – I love that you can change the strap to match your outfit and would have gone wild for one when I was a kid. In fact I probably still would to be honest.
It’s a very good value present at £13.95 – especially in such a beautifully presented box. You can get them in various places online but I think The Handpicked Collection is a particularly lovely website.
MyVoxSongs Nursery Rhymes DVD
My friend Emma makes these enchanting nursery rhyme videos with her husband which are MASSIVE on YouTube, and has released a special DVD collection of them in time for Christmas.
Ideal for calming raging toddlers down in the back of the car on long journeys, or simply winding them down before bed. Cheerful and bright, they instantly grab the attention of small children. I can heartily recommend!
Available for £7.99 at MyVoxSongs.com
Olive Enthusiasts Kit
The Gluttonous Gardener offer a range of brilliant gifts mixing plants with food – so fig trees and jam, red wine and a vine and olive trees and oil… such a lovely idea.
They sent me this fab crate containing a little Olive tree in a terracotta pot for the garden, along with a lovely bottle of Extra Virgin Olive oil – it’s excellent value and a wonderful treat to receive through the post.
The Olive Enthusiasts Kit costs £35 from The Gluttonous Gardener
St Kew Teacup Basket
Foodie hampers are a brilliant Christmas gift, and while you can make your own full of delicious home made goodies, you many not have the time or inclination and fancy buying one instead.
Lakeland have got a really affordable range, including this super cute teacup basket one. It’s really good value and would appeal to many a Granny or Auntie.
- Strawberries & Cream Shortbread (200g).
- Fabulous Oatie Flips (200g).
- Strawberry & Champagne Conserve (227g).
- English Breakfast Tea (10 bags).
After you’ve made your way through the tasty treats you could use the basket for holding a pot plant.
Get your hands on one at Lakeland for £16.99
Red London Map
I bought one of these fabulous London Maps from my friend Shelley who has a fab online ethical toy shop called Roobarb & Custard. I put it in the largest frame Ikea do and it looks ace on our kitchen wall. All smart and urban like. It’d make a great gift for a friend or relative with a fondness for our capital city.
She has a stunning collection of toys and pictures – including some to-die-for children’s dinosaur and pirate themed prints which are great if you’re tearing your hair out for boy ideas!
The London Map costs £34 at Roobarb & Custard
Thanks to Activision for sending us Wappy Dogs, Lakeland for the hamper, MyVoxSongs for the DVD and to The Gluttonous Gardener for the Olive kit. I hope those ideas have helped give people a bit of gift inspiration.
