The Little Lilypad is a lifestyle blog mostly written by a mum to two beautiful, cheeky and entertaining daughters. It is sometimes written by the Man on the Pad or by one of our baby bloggers. Occasionally we accept guest posts too. There is frequently talk of sustainable living, saving money, lifestyle and travel. It is hopefully helpful, sometimes funny and always honest.
What would you give up in exchange for a little luxury? Most of us aspire to the finer things in life (I am always coveting some designer shoes or bag) but on a day to day basis they are generally out of reach.
My eldest daughter is hurtling towards her teenage years and her friends are already planning an "trip of a lifetime" for their 18th birthdays. Looking at the holidays they are suggesting, I think we may need to start saving now but maybe it doesn't need to be a massive undertaking, maybe I just need to give up my hot chocolate in Costa or make my own lunches on a daily basis rather than "picking one up" from the local shop.
We have been reading this ‘How to get more luxury for your money’ infographic, created by villa holiday specialist, Oliver’s Travels this week and it is amazing to see how giving up a few small things can make a big difference.
I don't know about my daughters 18th but I have a big birthday before then ....... anyone for Afternoon Tea at the Ritz??
It is less than 2 weeks till Christmas folks and if you are in search of small Christmas presents or Christmas stocking fillers for relatives and friends, it's not always easy-going to get a moderately priced present that they will enjoy as well. When doing a physical stocking for the children, its good to get them loads of small gifts to open. In fact, a better part of the excitement is to get a pile of packets to unwrap on Christmas Day.
You can have a collection of classic budget presents that are either beneficial or those that will make them smile or tickle their interest as well. You can include some or all of the following: small teddies, pyjamas, stationery, chocolates, books, socks, underwear and hair accessories.
Solely because stock fillers should be low priced presents, it doesn't imply they shouldn't be lovely, all you need is to get creative. The following are several stock fillers plans for kids as well as adults of all ages. It is possible to please the beneficiary while you remain liberal to your bank balance as well.
Heatable Cuddly Playthings
These soft toys and clever teddies can get heated in the microwave for a few minutes. Their warmth makes them perfect to cuddle up while relaxing during chilly nights or in bed. Adults can also use these items to ease pains and aches. The prices of these toys are reasonable.
Small Toys
With Me to You you will get a wide range of collectable fuzzy playthings that will make fun little presents for children. The toys are also perfect if you intend to purchase low priced handouts for an enormous group of kids. You can likewise buy Ty Beanie Boos, an array of key-rings, colourful plush animals, and plush toys. Or Keel Toys Pippins' super pretty realistic plush animals.
Gruesome Chocolates
Ignore the conventional Christmas chocolates and give your loved ones a scare with some chocolate worms or chocolate spiders. They will help them overcome any phobias fast and eat happily.
Chocolate board sports
While panel games are definitive Christmas stocking fillers, chocolate board games offer a fascinating twist to conventional plays. They incorporate Chocolate Battleships, Chocolate Stacks, Chocolate Draughts and Chocolate Chess Set. All
these games are delivered alongside re-usable mouldings to enable you to create more chunks and play again. Mugs You can make your loved one’s favourite drinks more gratifying using a fun message mug. The cups highlight a variety of messages ranging from funny to affectionate.
A personal diary
Stationery items always make great stocking fillers, especially if they have started school, getting them geared up for the next term of the year. If they are creative, then a paint set will always go down well and help encourage creativity. A really good low cost present are memo pads which can be used as a small drawing pad, a diary or a note taking book at school.
Lego
There is a huge array of small Lego sets perfect for stocking fillers. This is a great way to keep the children entertained throughout the day. If you feel your child is too small for Lego, then Duplo, the alternative for younger children is also a great option. There are many places online you can buy Lego such as Amazon and eBay in the attempt at finding a bargain.
We know that there are a million blogger gift guides online right now but sometimes the most traditional gifts are the best.
From swimming to bathtime, we have always been a fan of the water and so were excited to be recently introduced to the Good Bubble range. Good Bubble make natural and fun bath stuff to get you squeaky clean and we especially love that it is all put together at a family business in the heart of England.
So is your little rascal a big fan of messy play and mud pies but not so enamored with the tub time that follows? For fun-filled, tear-free cleansing to gently keep their hair and skin squeaky clean, you should take a little look at the Good Bubble Range which includes :
Super Bubbly Bubble Bath with Dragon Fruit Extract 400ml
Super Bubbly Bubble Bath with Cloudberry Extract 400ml
Clean as a Bean Shampoo with Cloudberry Extract 250ml
Smoothy Softy Conditioner with Cloudberry Extract 250ml
Bish Bash Bosh! Hair & Body Wash with Dragon Fruit Extract 250ml
Gift Sets complete with Super Bubbly Bubble Bath and Bath Mitt, £8.00
The colourful collection of natural toiletries for babies and children is packed with nurturing superfruit extracts. Featuring loveable characters from far away lands, Dexter Dragon Fruit and Clara Cloudberry are sure to put the fun back into bath time. Excellent bubble beard making skills aside, their fruity allergen-free fragrances smell scrummy. You can buy them direct from the Good Bubble online shop or in Sainsburys.
Made with only the good stuff - from bubbles to intentions - each product contains at least 98 per cent naturally derived ingredients to clean skin and hair without stripping natural moisture from young and sensitive skin. Products are also free-from artificial colours, sulfates, parabens, phthalates or PEG. All products proudly feature the Leaping Bunny logo, celebrating Good Bubble’s recent certification by Cruelty Free International.
So does this sound like the perfect stocking filler for your little ones this Christmas? Well we are delighted to be able to give you the chance to win one of the Good Bubble Gift sets and all you need to do is enter below:
The Prize: Good Bubble Gift Set The winners will be chosen at random by the random winner generator on Rafflecopter and notified within 7 working days by email By entering this competition, you understand that your details may be retained for future mailings. You can unsubscribe from this mailing list at any time. There is no monetary equivalent. Little Lilypad Co take no /responsibility for loss or damage in the despatch of prizes If the prize is unclaimed within 7 days we reserve the right to redraw the winner. End Date 18/12/2017 at 12am
The super lovely Becky from Baby Budgeting posted a Christmas Tag, sharing her most favourite things about the Christmas season and she has tagged me in. We put our Christmas tree up at the end of November this year, so we are in full Christmas spirit and I was delighted to be included.
Here are my favourite things about the festive season
What’s Your Favourite Christmas Movie?
We have been watching Christmas movies since the 1st December and there are so many that we love watching as a family and whilst my daughter and husband love Home Alone, I think that my favourite has to be ELF.
Have You Ever Had A White Christmas?
I honestly don't remember ever having a white Christmas. It is snowing this weekend but I can't imagine it will still be here on the 25th December ..... we can always hope though.
Where Do You Usually Spend Your Holiday?
Before I had my children, I was happy to go out visiting all day but since having my girls, we have always been at home for dinner. We see friends and family on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day but Christmas Day is reserved for opening presents, eating food and just being together as a family.
What Is Your Favourite Christmas Song?
There are so many Christmas songs that spark memories or excitement but I think my favourite is actually Leona Lewis, One More Sleep.
Can You Name All Of Santa’s Reindeer?
Rudolph (of course), Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Comet, Blitzen, Cupid and I couldn't forget Donner!!
What Holiday Traditions Are You Looking Forward To This Year?
Christmas Eve is possibly more exciting in our house than the day itself. The build up, the magic and the anticipation, we do everything from baking, final wrapping, to putting the treats out for Santa. It is like a ritual that we go through and it has become part of our family traditions.
What Is The Best Christmas Present You Ever Received?
Gifts are a funny thing, I love giving them probably more than actually receiving them and it feels a little ungrateful to say that I can't remember one specific thing. My husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas this year and I can honestly say that there is nothing I want. As you get older (eek), I think you place less importance on material things and want to enjoy experiences rather than "things".
Most Memorable Christmas Memory?
One of my favourite memories is when I still lived at home with my parents and a friend of mine had no where to go for Christmas dinner. My mom thought nothing of inviting her to our house and including her in all our festivities. I remember us all cramped round the dining table with mismatched chairs but no one cared, it was just about making sure that no one was on their own at Christmas. And that is what it is all about isn't it? (Still think mom was a legend for doing this)
What Made You Realise The Truth About Santa?
The truth? You mean that he is magical don't you? There is nothing else to know!!
What Makes The Holidays Special For You?
Having time to spend with friends and family. I feel really lucky that we are surrounded by a fantastic circle of friends and family and the holidays give us a chance to spend time with them and I love it.
Like Becky, I’m going to ask some of my favourite bloggers to share their answers too, so if you want to catch up with their Christmas tag posts click on the links below.
