Last minute Children gift guide

Well, well, well! How fast has the time gone!? We are on the final stretch to Christmas, guys, and it feels like 2019 just came and went in a flash. This blog was so highly requested, so today I’m bringing you some more hot toys for your little ones. We have had so many private messages and emails from you all about some of your recent purchases after reading our toy blogs and it makes me super happy we have helped some of you crush that Christmas present-buying stress!

Let’s get into it!

 FOR THE TECH PRINCESS

 iFrogz Little Rockerz Wireless Headphones - $60

The iFrogz Little Rockerz Wireless On-Ear Headphones from Telstra let your child look like a princess while enjoying listening to nursery rhymes, music, or audiobooks. Suitable for ages 3 years old and up. Bluetooth connectivity for enjoying wireless audio playback from your paired compatible device  On-ear controls enable simple music management Soft, comfortable earpads provide optimum listening comfort Maximum volume output of up to 85dB, making it safe for little ones to use.

What we thought
The girls absolutely loved this one. They’re both very musical, and it’s nice to see them enjoying time away from their screens. They were dancing around creating routines like their own little silent disco – so cute! Plus, peace and quiet for this tired Mumma! Winning. Shop HERE


FOR THE SMARTPHONE USER

POPSOCKETS - Priced from $15.95

Nine out of ten Australians own a smartphone, so Australia’s newest smartphone accessory must be the perfect fail-safe Christmas stocking stuffer. Enter PopSockets - small contraptions, which “pop” onto the back of your device and leave you wondering how you ever managed life without them. These are available in patterns to suit every personality, these are sure to be Christmas 2019 favourite gift for all the family. You can easily grip your phone and take selfies effortlessly without worrying about dropping your phone; stand your device upright while playing games or watching videos, and even wrap your headphones around the PopSockets. PopSockets are loved around the world by millions of people and have been popular with celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Tyra Banks, Serena Williams, Reese Witherspoon and Victoria Beckham. PopGrips & Swappable PopGrips PopSockets now have two types of Grips – Swappable PopGrips and the original PopGrips. Swappable PopGrips allow you to swap out the tops, allow for wireless charging, and have all the same perks as their original PopGrips. PopWallet The new Pop Wallet is a phone wallet, a grip and a stand. It can hold up to three cards and can be used with a wireless charger. The wallet can hold up to 3 credit cards or 6 business cards, depending on the card thickness. Wireless charging compatible when the wallet is removed. PopMounts The PopMount allows you to go hands-free whenever you're on the road. PopMounts come in air vent attachments or adhesive attachments. Simply attach it to your air vent or stick it anywhere in your car and slide your PopSockets grip into the mount for a secure hold on your phone- google maps just got a lot simpler, and so did your morning commute.

What we thought

The Pop Socket is a parent’s life saver, because oh my goodness, the girls love playing with Mummy’s phone, and I’m surprised they haven’t smashed the screen yet! Having the little grippy part is super helpful when they’re taking their selfies and messing around with our devices! Shop HERE


FOR THE GAMERS

XBOX 1S $27 per month with Telstra

 Gaming for the whole family has never been better value, now that you can bundle an Xbox One S console plus month to month access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, with access to over 100 games and online multiplayer – with no upfront costs. Also a hot tip for parents from Telstra – if Santa’s gifted an Xbox One for the family, open it up and download the games to update console first before wrapping it up again, so when the lucky family member opens it up on Christmas day, they won’t need to wait hours to pre-install the game and can play straight away! Xbox One S All Access +$27 per month over 24 months when you maintain a mobile or internet plan. Telstra Plus members get a bonus Xbox One Chat headset. To redeem visit telstra.com/rewardsstore Xbox One Wireless Controller +$3.70 per month over 24 months when you maintain a mobile or internet plan. Shop HERE


FOR STEM EDUCATION

Merge Cube $25

Simply download the Cube app, and point your phone at the Cube to watch it transform. Use the MERGE Cube to hold virtual objects in the palm of your hand. Use your smartphone or tablet to experience handheld augmented reality. Hold a galaxy, examine fossils and ancient artefacts like an archaeologist, watch as a volcano erupts before your eyes, and explore hundreds of STEM learning experience. Available from Telstra.


FOR THE ADRENALINE JUNKIE

The Razor E-Punk electric-powered mini bike $299

The Razor E-Punk electric-powered mini bike! Super compact and totally portable, the E-Punk is perfect for rolling and ripping around the playground, or busting a ride to a buddy’s house. With a rigid steel frame, 8” (200 mm) pneumatic front tire, and speeds up to 9 mph (14 km/h), it’s an epic ride on a mini bike! Compact and portable, E-Punk is easy to transport. Toss it in the trunk, take it to the park or bike path, and bring it back home.’ You can purchase from Big W or Razor’s online store.

What we thought

The girls had so much fun with this one, but playing with them all afternoon with it was exhausting, I won’t lie haha! it’s super compact, too, so we’ll be taking them on our family road trips this summer, for sure. Shop HERE


LALABOOM

3 SENSORY BALLS  WITH  12  PCS  BEADS $ 49.95

 The  three  sensory  balls  enhance  sensory  stimulation,  gross  motor  skills  as  well as  visual  and  perceptual  skills.  Sensory  balls  are  effective  in  massage stimulation  and  heightens  little  one's  sensory  awareness.  It  also  comes  with a  12-piece  snap-together  bead  set  to  further  enhance  creativity. 

What we thought

Love that  this is inspired by renowned Montessori method of education, Lalaboom beads help children discover and develop at their own pace.  Designed for children aged 10 to 36 months, Lalaboom beads provide children with a wonderful opportunity to learn through play.

FOR THE BOOKWORM

Audible Gift membership – from $16.45

 With more than 400,000 titles to choose from, even the fussiest friends and family will find something they love. From bestsellers to celebrity memoirs to much-loved favourites, if they don’t love a book, they can simply swap it for free. Best of all, you can avoid busy shopping malls and excess packaging by purchasing completely online. With prices starting at $16.45, Audible has gift ideas for any budget. Avoid the crowds and sort Christmas early, by heading to audible.com.au/gifts 1-month Audible gift membership. Gift a 1-month Audible membership for $16.45 and give them one audiobook, plus access to Audible’s membership inclusions, for one month.

What we thought
This was a treat for Mumma! Sometimes when the girls are in bed, I want to get stuck into a great book, but I’m just too tired! Audible lets me take in a really good book – with my eyes closed! It’s so meditative, actually, and I’m loving listening to books at night instead of watching TV.


FOR THE MOVIE LOVER

Toy Story 4 Feature Talking Range

year’s biggest family movie, Toy Story 4, has won the hearts of Australians of all ages. Using the most advanced voice command technology, the new 12-inch interactive figures are voice-activated and bring the film’s storytelling from screen to real life. Interactive Woody and Buzz Lightyear not only drop down on cue but also talk to each other. Bonnie’s reluctant new toy, Forky, can walk, talk and dance on cue. Plus the new look Bo Peep interacts with you and her faithful companion Giggles McDimples. Here are the RRPs and where you can find your favourite characters:

1. TS4 BO PEEP 14” WITH MCDIMPLE FEATURE TALKING - RRP $109, Target
2. TS4 FORKY10” FEATURE TALKING - RRP $79. Target
3. TS4 BUZZ LIGHTYEAR 12” FEATURE TALKING - RRP $129. Big W; Target
4. TS4 SHERIFF WOODY 16” FEATURE TALKING - RRP $129. Big W;Target

 What we thought

The girls love Toy Story, and I remember it from my childhood too, so they’re some of my favourite characters for them to play with. It’s so nostalgic! Toys have come such a long way, and the interaction they got from these talking characters was so funny to watch.


FOR THE SMIGGLE AND FROZEN2 FANS

SMIGGLE FROZEN 2 ELSA CHARACTER WALLET $19.95

This pretty Frozen 2 velcro closure wallet is bound to make a statement! The water and ice inspired iridescent design features a stunningly subtle line-art print displaying Elsa and the Nok and is paired with an ice-like sparkly glitter panel and the most gorgeous layered applique feature of Elsa, complete with hair braid! The wallet includes two zipped pockets, a transparent ID slot and four card slots perfect for storing pocket money and travel cards in style.

SMIGGLE FROZEN 2 ELSA BACKPACK $69.95

This sparkly and tactile Smiggle Frozen 2 Elsa Backpack is bound to be the envy of your friends! The water and ice inspired iridescent backpack features a stunningly subtle line-art print featuring Elsa and the Nok. Paired with ice-like sparkly glitter panels, it has the most gorgeous layered applique and an embroidered Elsa complete with hair braid! The bag includes padded adjustable shoulder straps, padded carry handle, four zipped compartments (main with double zip), dual drink bottle sleeves, 15-inch internal laptop compartment and name label, plus a lined media device pocket with headphone access.

What we thought

 We’re big Smiggle AND Frozen fans in our household, so it’s not surprising these were popular with the girls. They’ve been using their backpacks for school, and feel like such grown ups getting their wallets out to pay for things. It’s so cute, and a fun way to get them engaging with the family finances. Shop HERE


FOR THE ADVENTURE SEEKER

 Merlin Entertainment Annual pass from $65

From a new wax addition to Madame Tussauds, Virtual Reality Gruffalo at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and Summer of Sharks at SEA LIFE Sydney and Auckland, to BRAND NEW exhibits at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast (Little Penguins) and SEA LIFE Melbourne (Ocean Invaders - Jellies) – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. PLUS, pop up to the Sydney Tower Eye to meet SUMMER SANTA and capture an Aussie Christmas family photo like no other!  The Merlin Annual Pass sale is ON NOW until December 18th. Enjoy unlimited entry to 10 attractions across Australia and New Zealand from just $65 per person. Whether for the family, or a Christmas gift that keeps on giving.

What we thought

We’ve love our Merlin Annual Pass and been to some great attractions this year – we’d highly recommend it for a family looking to get out and adventure more in 2020! Sometimes with our busy lives it’s easy to get caught up in stay-at-home days with the girls playing outside, but when we make the effort to plan out full adventure days, they get so much joy out of it, it’s lovely to watch! Get out there and make memories with your family with the Merlin pass. Shop HERE


FOR THE SUPER HEROES

PJ Masks Super Learning Phone RRP $24.95

 Catboy, Owlette and Gekko are waiting for your call with the PJ Masks Super Learning Phone by VTech. With voice-activated play, your little one can pretend to call their PJ Masks friends and develop listening and roleplay skills with the six exciting activities. Receive fun voice messages from six different PJ Masks characters and choose from five exciting ringtones to personalise your phone. There’s even a photo album where you can see pictures of the PJ Masks. The three great built-in learning games help to develop skills with numbers, counting, matching and memory skills. The PJ Masks Super Learning Phone encourages problem solving and imaginative play. Available now from Big W, good toy stores and online retailers.

PJ Masks Calling All Heroes Activity Folder RRP: $19.99

 The PJ Masks Calling All Heroes Activity Folder is a hard cased, 52pp folder filled with stickers, a press-out sheet, PJ Masks Race Up Mystery Mountain story, a full colour activity section, a colouring and activity section, PLUS a bonus board game and name plaque! Get ready to save the day with your PJ Masks heroes! Available from October 2019 exclusively at Big W.



What we thought

If you read my blog regularly, you’ll know how much we love PJ Masks. The girls loved the activity folder, which I was really glad about because colouring in is one of the things I loved to do as a child. It’s so simple and I think it’s almost meditative for kids to unwind after overstimulation.



...AND FOR STOCKING FILLERS

Baby Secrets Itzy Glitzy (series 4) It’s time to shine with the Itzy Glitzy Baby Secrets!
You favourite babies are back and glittery! Dip your cute baby in the water and reveal if it is a boy or a girl! There are 16 babies to collect, including the Limited Edition Glitter Royal Baby.

 Merbabies Treasure Keypers (series 3) A new series of Merbabies are now available hidden inside a treasure chest! Use the key to open the chest and discover you new Merbaby! Dip in the water to reveal the Merbaby’s gender and spin the tail so they can go for a swim! Each treasure chest includes a Merbaby, charm bracelet with charms, and other accessories for you and your Merbaby! There are even more secrets when you create a Merbabies Treasure Hunt! Use the clue template provided and hide the treasures for your treasure seekers! Available at: Big W and Woolworths.

 Hairdooz Minidooz Mini Hairdooz in a cute nail polish bottle capsule – twist the lid to reveal your minidoo! Minidooz double as pencil toppers. Create your own Hairdooz salon and give yourself a manicure with the cheeky mark nail stickers! Available at: Kmart, Woolworths, Big W, Myer, Toymate, Mr Toys HairdoozNeonz Find your favorite Hairdooz booz with new neon dooz! Spin the new orange bottle to reveal the bright and bold doo. There are 12 Hairdooz Neonz in the Dark doll. to collect, including the rare Glow.

 What we thought
 The girls love these little nick-nacks, and they’re a great way to fill out stockings and keep them entertained while you’re prepping the Christmas feast! Plus, I don’t know if it’s just me, but I always find myself playing around with these funny little things the girls have these days! Maybe it keeps me young, who knows haha. You know which Mumma will be doing a Merbaby treasure hunt these holidays?!


Phew! That’s a lot of choice! Hopefully some of these ideas will help tick a few things off your todo list! Don’t forget to DM me on Instagram @madeformadison and let me know if you snap up any of these toys for your little ones.