News
Why it pays to order early for Christmas
Oct 16, 2020Have you thought about ordering your Christmas presents yet? I know, it does seem a little early to be talking about it before Halloween is even over, but needs must. Because when it comes to Christmas shopping for your family, it really does pay to order early!
Avoid any last minute panicking
One of the biggest reasons to shop early for Christmas this year, is to avoid last minute panicking. In any normal year this would mean avoiding the last minute rush in that week before Christmas, but this year especially…
Yes, lockdown fears and COVID 19 are having an impact on our Christmas plans. With a second lockdown seeming ever closer, we honestly don’t know how long things are going to be open for. And many places are struggling to either get deliveries or send deliveries. So ease the strain on the postal service and your stress levels - by shopping early!
Have time to make a list and a budget
And then there’s the practical side of ordering early for Christmas. If Santa can make a list, so can you! When you plan early, you have time to create a list of the people you need to buy for and the budget you have available to spend. You can cross off items once you’ve ordered them and not run the risk of forgetting anyone important either.
Save some money
Order early and you won’t have to fork out for express delivery. Gifts will arrive in plenty of time for you to wrap and, if needed, forward on. (Big hint, we offer free delivery on UK orders and can deliver direct to your recipient!).
When you order early for Christmas, you also have the chance to spread the cost a little. It’s been a tough time financially, for many, so ease the pressure where you can.
Can find the perfect present
And another big bonus - when you order your Christmas gifts early, you won’t end up ordering another boring soap set! Take a little time to find the perfect present for your friends and family. Because Christmas is better when it’s personal.
You want to gift something that means something and can be treasured. We can help you collect memories and celebrate landmark moments, as your family grows.
Looking for a perfect present that captures a precious moment in a Christmasy way? Check out our Hanging star handprint Christmas tree decoration or a hanging star tree decoration. They’re perfect for grandparents and parents alike. You could turn your children’s first artwork into a beautiful treasured keepsake, or select a personalised piece that speaks from the heart.
Because when you order early for Christmas you are giving yourself less stress and the opportunity to save a little money. But you’re also giving yourself plenty of time to order the perfect present. And I may be a little biased, but you can order something unique and precious from us; something personal that can capture and share a perfect moment in your family’s life - and that will arrive in plenty of time for Christmas!
Parenting hacks to make your life a little easier
Sep 28, 2020Parenting isn’t always easy, is it! There may not be a manual to help make it easy for us, but thankfully there are websites full of parenting hacks that can help.
So I took a look around and compiled a list of some great hacks to help make your life easier, cleaner and a lot less stressful.
Parenting hacks to make your life easier
I love this list of parenting hacks from Bored Panda. Parenting small kids can be tiring, especially when you’re tired yourself. Who hasn’t had a needy toddler who wants to feel loved and needs a little human touch - but you’re just too dog tired to stay with them? Check out #8 as its total genius! It recommends putting a bean-filled glove on your little one’s back as they drop off to sleep, so they feel loved and supported. As one commenter stated, fill it with barley and microwave it for 30-40 seconds to heat it slightly. However, it’s also wise to remove the glove before they wake up!
And if you’re planning a baby photoshoot for your little one, you’ll love tip #20!
Parenting hacks for fun time
Meanwhile, over on Lifehack, they have 50 top parenting tips that will make life easier and more fun. I love the idea of keeping a lint roller in your crafting space (#1) to help you pick up glitter.
If you want to get your kids outside to play with paint, give them a giant canvas - in the form of an old white sheet. Want to provide them with a bit of shelter from the sun? Opt for a hula hoop and a bedsheet. Wrap one end of the sheet around the hoop and let the long side of it drape down to form the sides. You can then tie the hoop with string to suspend it from a tree branch.
Has your little Picasso drawn their latest creation on your living room wall? Grab a can of WD40. It’s great for removing crayon.
Parenting hacks for around the home
Over on the kidsactivties.com website, they have 20 hacks for the house. I particularly love the idea of using an elastic band to help prevent kids from getting locked in the bathroom. You wrap the band over one door handle, before stretching it around the edge of the door, before wrapping over the other handle. When you pull it around the edge of the door, you twist it to cross over the door latch, so it prevents the door from shutting correctly. When your child is at the age of knowing how to lock a door, but not unlocking it, this will prevent the door from being locked in the first place.
Another one for the kidsactivties.com site: if you’ve got a child who just loves pumping out the liquid soap, limit how much comes out, by twisting a rubber band around the pump nozzle. The perfect amount for small hands!
Permanent marker on your wooden cabinet? Use toothpaste to clean if off your wooden furniture!
There are so many great parenting hacks out there to help make your life easier. I couldn’t list them all here, but if you’re looking for more genius hacks, check out 100 genius hacks on the BuzzFeed site, and 27 amazing parenting hacks over on twentytwowords.com.
And finally, as a parent myself, I know how easy it can be to shoot yourself down when you get something wrong. But be kinder to yourself! You won’t always get things right, you won’t have all the answers and sometimes (most times!)your children will make a mess when you turn your back for a second.
But with the tips above it’ll be easier to clean up and stay calmer when they do!
Have an excellent parenting hack that isn’t listed above? Why hot help a parent out by sharing it in the comments box!