This day I love.......: gift ideas

Last week I attended one of my favourite events of the year, Dream Toys. Dream toys is one of the biggest to events of the year, it features leading toy industry experts, manufacturers, press, major toy brands and of course Father Christmas. On display are over 70 toys and of course the predicted top 12 toys for Christmas.

The event is held in central London and whilst it meant an early start for me and a 2 hour train journey it was more than worth it to see familiar faces and meet many new ones. I always know when I am getting close to the venue as I start seeing people walking the streets of London carrying Christmas gift bags.

The top 12 toys this year are along with RRP:

Barbie Dreamplane Playset Mattel £79.99

Blume Dolls Skyrocket £9.99

Frozen 2 ‘Into the Unknown’ Elsa Doll Jakks Pacific £39.99

Harry Potter Knight Bus LEGO £34.99

L.O.L. Surprise! 2-in-1 Glamper MGA Entertainment £99.99

Nerf Elite Fortnite SP-L Hasbro £19.99

Owleez Spin Master Toys £49.99

PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Super PAWs Mighty Jet Command Centre Spin Master Toys £59.99

Peppa Pig Peppa’s Stage Playset Character Options £39.99

Rizmo Tomy £59.99

Ryan’s World Super Surprise Safe Flair Leisure Products £44.99

Toy Story 4 True Talkers Mattel £17.99

As perhaps to be expected there are toys from the biggest kids films of this year Toy Story 4 and Frozen 2. Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol also always feature each year as they are perhaps the biggest pre school characters with all of my kids loving them as they have grown up. Many of the toys on the list I had heard of prior to the event, with either my kids talking about them or having seen an advert for them. One however I had not heard of and was interested to find out a little more, Rizmo.

I headed to the Rizmo stand to talk and see what the toy was all about. I mean it made the top 12 list so it has to be good right? Rizmo is an interactive pet which starts off in baby form and grows into an adult. As you care and play for it you accumulate points which allow you to unlock further games giving a total of 7. As you acquire more points and care for Rizmo he then starts to grow and there are three stages before he is fully grown. I was kindly given a demo of what happens as he grows up

As well as the top 12 toys there are also ideas for the top toys within certain categories. Movie magic featured many Harry Potter related toys, which I am pleased to see having a Harry Potter mad daughter. As expected Frozen 2, Toy story 4 and Avengers also seem to make up the rest of the selection.

What I found really interesting is the similarities between this and a document I was recently sent from Warner Bros on their predicted top wizarding related wish list. I haven't been asked or paid to include this but wanted to as it may help if you are looking for some ideas.

The Back to Pre School section was perhaps one of the most colourful. The toys here would all appeal to my three year old son. In fact I don't think there is anything here that would not. He loves his Toot Toot train set and is absolutely Paw Patrol and Peppa Pig obsessed. Thomas is another of his favourites.

Curious Creatures has something for all age groups. The Baby shark toys are something my three year old would love. The girls aged 9 and 7 both love twisty pets having already spent a lot of their pocket money on them. Owleez is already on my youngest daughters wish list as in anything unicorn related. Last year she received a Little Live Pets Scruff a luvs and she absolutely loved it. It was one of her most played with toys. The new one for this year is electronic and vibrates when brushed, I know it is something she would adore. The twerking Llama had me in stitches. It was one of those toys that just makes you laugh.

My must have from Dream Toy is to make sure I get a selfie with Father Christmas, mission accomplished!

I didn't spend much time in the Let's get busy section as in total honesty there was nothing that stood out and whilst they looked great toys I don't think they would have the same appeal with my children as some of the other sections.

Big reveal toys are always a hit with my three. My son loves Ryan, well what 3 year old boy doesn't and Ryan seemingly features quite heavy with his reveal safe and his mystery egg. My youngest daughter loves all these reveal toys and in particular has asked for a Rainbocorns, we shall see what Father Christmas brings.

What's not to love in the trains, planes and automobiles section. I think all three of mine would love everything featured here, especially Lego as we love building with Lego.

I can honestly say my kids would be incredibly happy with the top 12 toys this year and certainly many from the other sections too.

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This is the time of year where you’ll find yourself being invited to 8 weddings and 6 christenings. It always seems to be summer, when all the big social events happen. It certainly gives us lots of things to do. It also means buying lots of presents, too. Wedding gifts are quite easy, as most people tend to ask for what they want. Christening gifts, on the other hand, are much more difficult. How do you buy a baby something both relevant and useful? I thought I’d put my thinking cap on and come up with some christening gift ideas.

Toys

This seems like the ultimate fail safe, although it’s best to check with the parents first. For all you know, they’re trying to limit the number of plastic things all over the floor. Every parent knows that feeling. If they’re happy for you to buy their child a toy then have a good look around all of the shops. Find something that’s both interesting and is going to last. Something personalised would be even better. Unfortunately, most toys don’t tend to last too long as children tend to outgrow them, so this isn’t going to be a long standing gift. This is fine if you’re going to a christening of a distant friend, but not so great for family members.

Photo Frame or Album

If you want to get a little more sentimental, go for a photo gift. This is something that can be kept for a long time to come. Not only that, but they’re not overly expensive either. If the little one is a bit older than newborn, then they should have a fair few photos of them by now. Ask the parents if they have any you can make copies of. You can then start the child’s very first photo album. If you don’t want to go that far, try and get a photo of you and the baby together. You can then put that in a photo frame.

Picture credit

Silver Gifts

It’s traditional to buy a child something silver for their christening. Although perhaps only do this if they’re a member of your family or your Godchild. If you start forking out for silver gifts every time, you’ll end up having to remortgage the house. Antique silver spoons or bracelets are a traditional christening gift that will become an heirloom to that child. They’ll pass them down to their children and so on. If your budget is a bit smaller, then go for something silver plated. A little tooth box is a cute idea, for when they lose their first milk teeth.

Something Unique

You can get all sorts of weird and wonderful christening gifts on the internet. How about naming a star after the little one? This is surprisingly cheap and is quite a cute idea. If not, you could adopt them an endangered animal or plant some trees in their name. There are plenty of unique ideas out there, so have a think!

Whichever gift idea you come up with, it may be worth asking the parents first. Maybe they don’t want anything traditional like a silver bracelet. Perhaps they’ve already got enough toys. Make sure you know exactly what they’re not after, before heading out and buying something that you can’t take back.

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Are you a little stuck for gift inspiration? Some people are brilliant at buying gifts, but other people can be at a loss. I suppose it depends who you’re buying for, what the occasion is, and other factors. You need to choose a suitable gift that you think the receiver will love, so I have put together a post. With these gift ideas, you’re bound to find something that will do the trick!

1: An Experience Day

An experience day can suit anybody and any occasion. There’s no end to the amount of experience days available, so it’s just a case of deciding what kind of day the receiver would prefer. You could buy them a hot air balloon experience, or a more adrenaline fuelled bungee jump.

2: Luxury Food

There’s nothing quite like eating luxury food on a special occasion. If you fancy yourself a good cook, you could always whip something up yourself. However, if you’re not too confident in the kitchen, you can always give restaurant vouchers or pay for a meal. There are lots of review sites online that will help you to find the perfect place to eat.

3: A Hamper

Hampers are brilliant because you can buy them ready made or put them together yourself. Simply fill them with anything and everything you think the receiver would like. They can contain a real mix, like food, vouchers, books, and more. A gift like this would even be perfect for kids!

4: Jewellery

Jewellery is a great gift if you’re confident in your abilities to pick something the receiver will like. Gold watches by Shinola can make luxurious gifts, or you can go for something smaller. It all depends on your budget and the receiver’s style.

5: A Magazine Subscription

There’s a magazine on just about every subject and genre, so you’re bound to find one the receiver will like. There are magazines on health, home decor, gardening, and more. They are not very expensive either, but it’s a really thoughtful gift.

6. Home Decor

If you have an idea of the receiver’s tastes, then buying them home decor could be a great idea. You could buy them a piece of art, a figurine, or something else you find suitable.

7. A Gadget

Gadget is a bit of a broad term, but you should be able to pick your brain and think of something that the receiver will like. You could get bluetooth speakers, headphones, an iPod, and iPad...it all depends on your budget and what you know they need.

8. A Weekend Away

Why not treat the receiver to a weekend away? This is probably the gift that will cost the most, but it does one of the best things you can do for a person; makes memories!

Hopefully, you can pick something out of these 8 gift ideas and think of the perfect thing to buy for the receiver. If you have any ideas of your own, let me know in the comments!

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