Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Great Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids and Babies

If you are stuck for ideas about what to buy babies and children for Christmas here are some suggestions. 


Santa Clause is coming to town and it’s time to take those first tentative steps toward completing your Christmas shopping. You may find yourself venturing into the chaos of the local shopping center or taking the easy road and typing things like children’s clothing and baby gifts into your search engine. Never mind who has been naughty and nice because when it comes to babies and young children we all know they can be one or the other at any given moment. If you are stuck for ideas about what to buy babies and children for Christmas here are some suggestions. 


Best Baby Clothes


If you are shopping for baby clothes you can’t go past great brands like Marquise, Bonds and Seafolly. Searching for Bonds online will provide you with an array of stylish and comfortable outfits for newborns up to twelve months. Seafolly, the Australian Swimwear Company, offer safe and comfortable swimwear options for baby girls and Tiger Joe makes the Seafolly boy’s range. Marquise, like bonds specialise in soft, comfortable cotton singlets, T-shirts and pants. When buying clothes for babies, comfort and safety win over style, so avoid heavily embroidered designs that can scratch baby’s skin and look for natural breathable fabrics with sun protection.  


Blue is for Boys and Pink is for Girls


Kids over three years begin noticing gender differences and little boys and girls can feel uncomfortable wearing things they believe are for the opposite sex. When shopping for boys clothes go for traditional boy’s colours like blues and greens and choose images of cars, trucks or popular cartoons. Little girls usually favour pink and adore layered, frilly skirts. It may sound old-fashioned however if you choose gifts following this rule you may help avoid last minute wardrobe tantrums when mum and dad are running late for that Christmas party.


Girl’s clothes are fun to shop for and are also available in abundance in most children’s clothing stores.  The home-made look is definitely in right now and brands like Elodie & Elvis, Sophie Catalou and Cupcakes and Pastries will steer you in the right direction. For girls there are also many accessories available that make great gift ideas. Headbands, hair clips, hair elastics, jewellery, coloured belts are all fantastic presents for little girls.


Of course there is no telling what a child would choose if they were shopping with you and they may indeed surprise you with a selection you would never have guessed. Since Christmas presents are best when kept hidden until Christmas morning it is safer to pick clothes using safe gender stereotypes. 


Dress Ups


Children love to dress up and fancy dress costumes are another great gift idea. If you know exactly what the recipient of your gift is into then go for it, otherwise stick to fairy costumes for girls and superhero outfits for boys. A great costume will entertain children and you can be sure they will get lots of wear out of it, especially if it is comfortable and well made.


Toys


Baby Toys


There are lots of great baby toys that can be educational as well as fun. Educational DVD’s are a great idea and are designed for babies and toddlers. They introduce your baby to the world around them from a baby’s perspective.  If this isn't what you had in mind then a musical mobile or soft rattle or squeaky toy will always be a welcome addition to any nursery.


Kid’s Toys


As children grow they enjoy greater challenges and educational toys are always interesting and fun. Wooden jigsaw puzzles with different animals, letters and numbers make excellent presents. Lego is a great idea for young boys and encourages planning and building skills. Sticker books are another great learning tool and are available for girls and boys. Blocks, craft sets and paint sets make excellent gifts. This type of toy helps develop young children’s fine motor skills and encourages individuality and creativity. 


Other educational ideas are toys that introduce young children to technology. Toy laptops, mobile phones and electronic language/spelling toys will keep young children entertained while they familiarise themselves with modern technology. It may even temporarily distract them from your expensive mobile phone and laptop. 


If none of these fabulous gift ideas take your fancy then remember you can always fall back on the old Christmas gift tradition of socks and undies. With the amazingly huge selection available these days it is actually not a bad choice.

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