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IN THIS ISSUE
Everything Christmas! Win Toys for Christmas! Micro Scooter + LOTS MORE!
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November/December 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
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Familiesonline.co.uk November/ December 1
Toy Giveaway! Vroom Vroom Plate
Conversation Cards
Sword & Shield Sets
Micro Scooter
Knitted Diplodocuses
Driving Experience
Space Magnetic Pack
Mermaid Tails
Robo Wunderkind
Animal Wall Prints
Germ German Attack Games
See Gift Guide for details
2 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CONTENTS
Welcome
In This Issue 4
Local Learning
7
Education
It’s not long until Christmas, and, whilst it may feel different to usual, there will still be plenty to organise.
10 Early Years
So we’ve got every angle covered – gifts, cooking, decoration and cardmaking, ideas for a cheaper and more eco-friendly season, opportunities for giving to others – right through to the best family films and ideas for Christmas Eve traditions. So save our link and keep it handy!
12 Family Life 16 Win! 17 Christmas 21 Crafty Christmas 27 The Great Families Toy Giveaway
Get in touch Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.
Marking our 30 year anniversary, we are also delighted to bring you the Great Families® Toy Giveaway – check out the opportunity to win toys from our Gift Guide. Wishing you a Merry Christmas from everybody at Families® Magazine.
Families Magazine turns 30!
To celebrate, we have FREEBIES for YOU! -In
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IN THIS ISSUE
Easter activities & What’s Ons for * Win chocolates Mother’s Day & family day out tickets * Play café guide * School open days * Reader offers
2020 Issue 10 March/April
estkent.co.uk email: editor@familiesw
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Magazine November/ December 3
LOCAL LEARNING
SonoYoga
Online classes
Sharon is a mixed movement teacher who usually teaches at studios around Edinburgh. Her classes moved online to Zoom and Facebook earlier this year and are based around the principles of functional movement and combine various disciples to promote a healthy body and mind. Click here to get booked up you can thank us later!
Edinburgh Dance Academy
EDA, recently voted highest ranked dance school in the UK and Ireland are open and running face to face to classes! Running 6 days a week choose from RAD Ballet, Commercial, Pre School Dance, Jazz, Tap, Acro, Turns, Limbering, Progressing Ballet Technique, Contemporary, Competition and a weekly class for children with Additional Support Needs. Open to everyone. Free trial lesson To book please call 0131 3344299 or email
Hanah Mack
Hanah Mack Music Tuition After School online lessons and classes Currently enrolling new students for remote piano lessons, age 6+, and singing lessons, age 10+. Coming soon the Solfa singing groups will be back up and running online, as well as nursery singing sessions for preschool children. Go to website, or email for more information! 4 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
LOCAL LEARNING
Dynamic Earth is open from 10am on Saturdays and Sundays. Limited tickets are available each weekend allowing you to escape the house and explore Dynamic Earth in a safe and socially distanced manner. Journey through space and time as you embark on the adventure of your lifetime to discover the story of our incredible planet. Enjoy our newly upgraded digital 6K planetarium now showing a mixture of our highly acclaimed dome films. Browse the unique range of unusual products our Gift Shop has to offer before relaxing in our Food Chain CafĂŠ boasting a fresh selection of cakes and hot food to complete your adventure. Remember to book online ahead of arriving!
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 5
LOCAL LEARNING
This winter, the French Institute in Scotland will be offering, at the historic heart of Edinburgh, Youth Courses for kids between 3 and 11 y/o taking place on Saturdays and on-demand exam preparation for teens (National 5, Higher, and Adv. Highers) in private tuition or mini-groups. The language centre, that draws upon 70 years of experience in Scotland, also offers various immersive activities for the wee ones that can boost their creativity and French skills while having fun. Click here to find out more
Ateliers Noël Theatre & Craft Come join Emily from the French Institute and Marion from Theatre Sans Accents for three afternoons of theatre and crafts activities, all in French! Drop in for one or two sessions or come to all three! For 6-12 yo. Friday 27 Nov, 4 Dec, 11 Dec @2 - 4:30 pm £15 per session (£12 for the members of the Institute)
ENROL NOW!
MY FRENCH PATTER IS GREAT WINTER TERM YOUTH COURSES 11 JANUARY - 27 MARCH Institut français d’Ecosse West Parliament Square Edinburgh EH1 1RF
Contact us at 0131 285 6030 frenchclassesife@gmail.com @InstitutFrancaisEcosse
6 November/December
@ifecosse
familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
A Family Education with ESMS
ESMS are a unique family of independent schools for boys and girls, aged 3-18. At ESMS, our children are taught together from Nursery to Primary 7, then at Senior School they receive the benefits of single-sex education before joining together again for a co-educational Sixth Form. The best start in life
Happy community
We are passionate about giving our children the very best opportunities, and for us that starts on day one. From age three we welcome children into the ESMS family at our Nursery where children learn in a happy environment with experienced and highly qualified staff who take time to get to know each child.
From Nursery to Senior School we help our children to learn our Nine Values including kindness and respect, creating a happy school community where each child feels valued. Your child’s wellbeing and happiness is always at the heart of what we do.
Children who join the ESMS family of schools at Nursery level do not need to be assessed.
Entry Assessments will be held in January for entry into Primary 1 and S1. Families are invited to book a place now, ahead of our deadline for applications on 14th December.
Please check our website for more information about the format of this year’s Assessments and how to book your place.
The Mary Erskine School Stewart’s Melville College The Junior School
Upcoming
ENTRY ASSESSMENTS
Feel
OUR LOVE OF LEARNING
For Primary 1 and S1 January 2021
BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY
www.esms.org.uk Edinburgh Merchant Company Education Board Registered Charity No SC009747
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 7
EDUCATION
Choosing a Tutor for your Child
White:The Film
By Kate Hilpern
In the past, parents might employ a tutor, discreetly, to help their child keep up at school. Now tutoring is higher profile and focuses on making students more academically competitive – getting ahead, not just keeping up. So if your child needs a tutor, how do you choose one? READ MORE
This December, Catherine Wheels invite all P1 and P2 children in Scotland to attend screenings of White: The Film, from the comfort of their own classroom – whether that’s in the Shetland Isles or the Borders. During the festive month, schools will be able to watch the specially-filmed production for 4-6 year olds at a time that suits them. FIND OUT MORE
Improving your Child’s Working Memory
Why Children Should Write Creatively
Children use working memory all the time: to remember what they read in the previous paragraph of a book, when doing mental maths and to follow directions with lots of steps. The good news is that, if your child’s working memory seems poor, it can be improved with practice. READ MORE
Every day children experience events that are new to them as well as adding new words to their vocabulary. These new experiences help them to develop a curious mind and can trigger ideas which then develop into stories or creative writing. So what benefits does this have? READ MORE
8 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
Anti-Bullying Week 16-20 November
Protecting your Child from Cyberbullying
By Shelley Goffe-Caldeira
EDUCATION
HANAH MACK MUSIC TUITION Never had time to learn...until now!
It’s been reported that 82% of parents said that their children’s screen time increased during lockdown, with some having an extra four hours or more of non-school related screen time per day. Given this increase, there is no question that cases of bullying will have increased. READ MORE
Break up your days and join us online with remote music lessons from home
Now enrolling: piano and singing lessons
hanahmackmusic@gmail.com www.hanahmackmusictuition.co.uk
Recognising a Subtle Type of Bullying
By Tanith Carey Imagine this. Annabel spots classmate, Lisa, whispering to her best friend, Eve. Later, Eve informs Annabel that she only wants to play with Lisa today – and the two girls don’t save Annabel a seat at lunch. Tearful and confused, Annabel wonders what she has done wrong…. READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 9
EARLY YEARS
Best Sing-Alongs for Learning Songs can help children learn and remember. Check out these great singalongs for under 5s.
Days of the Week Song
Counting to Ten in Four Languages There’s English, German, Portuguese and Indonesian.
Great for co-ordination and includes signing.
Shapes Song
Shape up with The Hippie Hippie Shapes in the CBeebies house.
Alphabet Song
Bring the alphabet to life with this memorable song and movement routine.
Months of the Year
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
12 Days of Christmas
So Many Colours to See
Learn the days of the week with Buzz the Bandleader.
Teaches co-ordination and body parts.
10 November/December
Sing and count with this popular Christmas song.
The Wheels on the Bus
Learn the months by singing along with Marvie from Sesame Street.
Learn about colours with The Wiggles.
familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
The Importance of Toddler Play By Dr Sarah Mundy
Play is an enjoyable part of childhood, and an important one for the developing brain. Through play, children develop physically, emotionally, cognitively and creatively. It allows them to engage in the world in a way that feels safe, explore different roles, address fears, and develop confidence. Children who have parents who actively play with them, learn about sharing, problem solving and decision-making more quickly than those who don’t. Playing with your child also helps you understand their world and shows them you are interested in them, both important aspects of a secure attachment relationship, which is seen as the cornerstone of a child’s development. So playing with our children is very important, even though prioritising this can be difficult. But how do we initiate play? And what do we do? READ MORE
Unlock Your Child’s Inner Superpowers
How Many Toys Does a Child Need?
Children’s charity Barnardo’s has launched the Super Seekers activity packs for children aimed at helping to develop life skills such as kindness, creativity and resilience. The packs are designed to help children ages 3 to 5 years develop important life skills through fun and imaginative play. FIND PACKS
Toys have a way of taking over. Before you know it, you are knee-deep in discarded Lego and naked Barbie dolls. The children are bored, the house is a mess and no one is happy. Most families have too many toys and more toys actually equals less play. Why is this?
familiesonline.co.uk
READ MORE November/ December 11
FAMILY LIFE
Talking to kids about separation To say it’s been a tough year is an understatement. The stress of recent months has put many relationships under pressure and has led to couples separating. If you and your partner have decided to start new lives and you have children, you will want to make this transition as painless as possible for them, especially given all they have been through recently. But the fact is, it doesn’t have to be negative. If handled correctly, children with separated parents can still feel as though they are in a supportive and loving family, even if the future looks a little different. Read our full article for tips to help you speak to your kids about separation.
When you’re facing the unknown it’s good to keep some things the same. This year, everything is looking a little different for families. But if you and your partner are planning to separate, there are going to be even more changes to deal with. As a parent, you’ll want to keep life as ‘normal’ as possible for your kids, especially during the festive season. As a small firm of family law specialists, we have guided many families through this difficult process to help find the best outcome for all. For a no-obligation confidential conversation to understand your options, call our Family Law Partner, Fiona Rasmusen on 0131 226 9161 or email fiona.rasmusen@gibsonkerr.co.uk www.gibsonkerr.co.uk
12 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
Childminding offers a high-quality, flexible childcare solution to meet your family’s needs. Why choose childminding? Childminding is consistently rated by the Care Inspectorate as being one of the highest quality forms of childcare in Scotland and follows the same policy frameworks as nurseries (including Curriculum for Excellence).
The low adult-to-child ratio enables childminders to tailor their care to suit the needs of your child: “Anna found nursery quite overwhelming and I decided that a childminder setting with smaller numbers of children would suit her better. It’s made a fantastic difference to her.
Find out about the many benefits of childminding at
childminding.org/find-a-childminder
Have you thought about becoming a childminder? Childminding is a hugely rewarding career that provides you with the opportunity to: • contribute to children’s learning, development and health and wellbeing • be your own boss, from your own home • improve your work-life balance
“Childminding was supposed to be temporary but, 20 years later, I’m still at it! It meant I could be there for my son before and after school and during the holidays, and he had the company of other children. I had always thought I’d like to be my own boss, and childminding was the answer.”
Find out about becoming a childminder at
childminding.org/become-a-childminder familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 13
FAMILY LIFE
Storytelling Ideas for Parents By Becky Cranham www.planbee.com
Voice and Intonation Your tone of voice is crucial in engaging your children and helping them understand the story. Convey emotions by: Slowing or quickening your voice Changing the volume of your voice Making your voice higher/lower Use different voices for different characters.
Questions
Asking your child questions about what is happening and how they feel about it can help keep them engaged and following the plot.
Repeated Phrases Help Kids Join In
Think, the Three Little Pigs - “I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down!” Try books like Not Now, Bernard Green Eggs and Ham We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Use Story Tools
Tired brain? Use tools like Roll and Write Story Ideas Generator to come up with basic plots.
Build on Familiar Stories…
Use Wordless Picture Books
…and change the setting, characters or details. Turn Snow White into a cat who runs away from the evil cat queen and lives with a group of seven friendly squirrels!
Describe the setting, characters, and what they say. Encourage your children to join in. Do they agree with your version? Can they make up their own? Try: Flotsam Flora and the Flamingo The Snowman Owl Bat Bat Owl Clown Mirror Journey Once Upon a Snowstorm
Or add your child as a character in stories like The Little Mermaid or modern classics like Bob the Builder.
Draw on Life Experiences You may, of course, embellish/ leave out certain details! Tell your children funny stories about when they were younger. 14 November/December
Tell Stories Anytime, Anywhere…. …not just at bedtime!
familiesonline.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE
Is Bedtime a Battle?
How one member of a family is sleeping will almost definitely affect everyone in your home. Maybe sleep patterns have shifted? Maybe getting your child to bed was always hard, or getting them to stay in their bed once you got them there? Or is it you that has problems with sleep? The internet is full of advice on sleep problems - but it’s not just about knowing what you should be doing. Knowing how to implement changes to behaviours is the key. Michael, a sleep counsellor with over 20 years experience, can guide you through the issues and offer effective, and long lasting solutions. “Michael went above and beyond when helping me with my son, who now sleeps in his bed all night and only gets up if his nappy needs changed.” Find out more
Top Self-Care Tips for Working Parents
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a huge test of parents’ resilience and adaptability. So how can you last the distance? Mental well-being is crucial for the long haul - and because your mental health effects that of your children. Our friends at Working Mums have 8 top tips for looking after yourself if you’re a working parent. READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk
Christmas if You’re Separated
By Rebecca Giraud and Bob Greig
All separated parents have a puzzle to solve at Christmas. How are you going to create a Christmas that is affordable, achievable, pleases the kids and works for your child’s other parent? None of this is easy… READ MORE November/ December 15
FAMILY LIFE
WIN International Elf Service Elfie’s Christmas Advent Letters Story Bundle!
T&Cs apply
ENTER HERE BY 24 NOVEMBER This is your chance to win 25 Personalised Christmas Elf Letters from the North Pole, worth £38.50. Hide these hand-crafted, ecofriendly letters around your home for your children to find each day in December and discover what the Elves are up to in the North Pole! The winner will also receive a letter from Father Christmas. Runners up will receive one of 5 sets of 7 Personalised Christmas Elf Letter NEWS or ACTIVITY Bundles. 20% off when you order HERE using FAMILYMAGIC20 at checkout. A Very Personal Message From Santa - 10% discount with code EDMAG10 Surprise your friends and family with a genuine and personal video message from Santa! With so many Grottos being closed this year this is the perfect way to spread some festive joy for all ages. Find out how to get your message from Santa - and remember to use code EDMAG10 for your 10% discount. 16 November/December
Make a stir this season
With high quality organic ingredients for your home-made Christmas puddings, cakes and other baking 37 Broughton Street EH1 3JU & 8 Brougham Street EH3 9JH
plant-based
•
vegan
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familiesonline.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE
Treehouse
Over 1000 items from toys, books, accessories, clothing and footwear are available on the Treehouse website
NOW with the help of Doorhub orders can be delivered to most EH postcodes that same day, or at a time that suits you best. Happy shopping and feel so good for shopping small.
Doodles
Doodles is delighted still be open (6 days a week) and be offering customers the choice of painting in store or the option of a Paint At Home kit which you return for firing. Booking is essential due to reduced capacity to allow for social distancing. Take home options can be seen on the website or in store. Please call on 0131 229 1399
Treehouse Express S A M E DAY D E L I V E RY www.treehousechildrenswear.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 17
Conifox Adventure Park is ho-ho-hosting Santa in a magical Christmas Drive-Thru Experience - the only one of it’s kind in Scotland! Due to ‘elf’-and-safety, you can now meet Santa and his gang in an utterly enchanting drive-thru adventure, enjoyed in the safety of your own car. Feel tree-mendously festive as you drive through the park stopping to enjoy scenes and actors in the: The Toy Workshop, Reindeer Flying School, Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, The Enchanted Forest and most importantly - Santa’s Livingroom, where you will meet the big man himself. Festive food and beverages will also be available to purchase and enjoy as you drive around the park. 3rd – 23rd December, entry times from 2.00pm – 4.00pm (£20 per car) and 4.30pm – 9.00pm (£25 per car), With the drive taking around 20 minutes. Book Online
Fa m i l y F r o f un Fa m i l y R u n
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3RD-23RD DECEMBER 2020
TICKETS ON SALE
£20.00 PER CAR £25.00 PER CAR
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IF
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ADVENTUR
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By Day
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NOW!
By Night
(2.00pm - 4.00pm) (4.30pm - 9.00pm) www.ticketsource.co.uk/conifox
*T&C’S APPLY
Conifox Adventure Park
Foxhall, Kirkliston, Edinburgh EH29 9ER
W
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18 November/December
www.conifox.co.uk
CONIFOX 20
NEW ACTIV
Indoor soft
play, party
ITY CENTRE
rooms, cafe
and much
more.
To keep updated visit: @conifoxadventurepark @conifoxadvpark @conifoxadvpark familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS SHOWS
Rapunzel - A Pantomime Film
Lyceum Christmas Tales
Scottish Ballet: The Secret Theatre
National Theatre of Scotland: Rapunzel
The story of Rapunzel who was locked in a tower before being rescued by her pal Jammy has the underlying themes of isolation and the value of friendships. It is told in fun panto style. Full of songs and slapstick, local references and colourful characters. Created and filmed safely on stage at The Brunton. 14 - 18 & 31 December - 3 January Find out more
This Christmas, Scottish Ballet will bring the magic of the theatre right into your home. Premieres on Monday 21 December at 6pm and be available online until Thursday 24 December at 11.59pm. Tickets are FREE and must be booked in advance. Find out more
8 fifteen-minute, family-friendly festive tale will be available to watch free throughout December, with stories ranging from tales of Christmas elves and angels to dung beetles and Greyfriars Bobby. The final four will be shown in a 90 minute performance on The Lyceum’s newly extended stage from 16 - 20 December and streamed live online. Find out more
Rapunzel is a celebration of theatricality, music and storytelling. A chance to hear from every character in this wellknown hairy tale, untangled and re-braided for this day and age. Released in selected cinemas from 22 December or available to watch digitally from the comfort of your own home. Tickets are available on a scale of £0 - £25. Find out more
Kings Panto
No King’s Panto this year (I wish I could insert an “Oh Yes there is!” here) However, Capital Theatres have teamed up with local Edinburgh Artist Jennifer Thomson to offer her beautiful painting of the King’s Theatre during panto season as Christmas cards to help raise funds for the theatre. A £5 pack contains 10 cards. You can buy them here.
Santa’s Advent Stories
Santa Claus will keep the Edinburgh’s Christmas spirit alive and bring some magic to each day of Advent, by reading a free, festive story every evening before bedtime on Edinburgh’s Christmas website each day of Advent. 1 - 24 December Find out more familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 19
CHRISTMAS
Let There Be Christmas Lights!
Christmas DriveThru Experience at Conifox 3 - 23 December Due to ‘elf’-and-safety, visitors will now meet Santa and his gang in an utterly enchanting drive-thru experience Book Here
Paraffin Pixies Search for Santa The Pixies will be your guide on a journey along magical illuminated trails that wind among the trees and fields. 4 - 23 December Book here
Festive Forest A spectacular, atmospheric and magical family festive experience 4 - 24 December Book here
Dalkeith Country Park’s Spectacle of Light A magical after-dark adventure for all the family 5 December 3 January Book here
Edinburgh Zoo’s Christmas Nights Stunning projections, twinkling fairy lights, candy canes, nutcrackers and much more. 20 November 3 January Book here
Christmas Search Party Edinburgh Wrap up warm and head out for an extra Christmassy, snowcially-distanced treasure hunt! 20 November 8th January Book here
20 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Crafty Christmas Gifts for Teachers Make a homemade gift to say thank you to your teacher for their support this year.
Make a Pebble Teacher Paper Weight
Decorate a Plant Pot
Make a Jar of Chocolate Brownie Mix
Bake Flowerpot Bread
Knit an Apple
Make a DIY Pencil Holder
Put Together a Tea Wreath
Create a Cactus Pet Rock
Make Hot Chocolate Stirrers
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 21
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22 November/December
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CHRISTMAS
Seasonal Acts of Kindness
It’s a tough time for everybody, so here are some different ways to support those in need.
Centrepoint More Than a Christmas Dinner
NSPCC Letter from Santa
#FoodBankAdvent Reverse Calendar
RSPCA Christmas Appeal
Action for Children: Be a Secret Santa
BookTrust Give a Festive Book Parcel
Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day
Age UK Say Hello to an Older Neighbour
Wear a Christmas Hat Day Support this vital research on 18 December for Brain Tumour Research.
Donate when you order Help a homeless young a letter from Santa for your child. person this Christmas.
Help rescue an Support your local food bank. Collect a Reverse abandoned/neglected animal. Advent Calendar.
Help a vulnerable child have a happier Christmas.
Brighten a vulnerable Ideas for supporting an child’s Christmas with a Get your silliest jumper older neighbour with special gift book parcel. small acts of kindness. out on 11 December and donate £2. familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 23
CHRISTMAS
Seasonal Acts of Kindness
You may want to consider how you can be especially kind to those closer to you too.
Acts of Kindness to Family at Home
Community Acts of Kindness
Exchange hugs often. Affection makes everyone happier and healthier. Happy Hour. Spend time telling jokes, funny stories and smiling at each other! Do a chore without being asked. Help out in the kitchen even if it’s not your job/turn. Leave a loving note for another family member. Compliment each other. Say thank you – every time!
Make a Reverse Advent Calendar. Choose something to donate each day and drop all the items to a local charity in time for Christmas. Give blood. Make “thank you” window posters for key workers. Donate to an animal shelter blankets/treats/toys. Let someone go ahead of you in a queue. Pick up litter. Volunteer with a charity.
Acts of Kindness to Friends/Neighbours Sing Christmas carols outside someone’s house – remember to socially distance! Give a Christmas plant to someone who doesn’t get outside much. Call a friend you haven’t seen for a long time. Text someone and wish them well. Send an elderly neighbour a Christmas card. Give a book that has inspired you. Do some shopping for a neighbour/friend who needs help. 24 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
The Unusual Christmas Gift Guide Surprise your kids with some quirky gifts this Christmas!
Wooden Shield/ Sword Set
Perfectly designed for little hands and big adventures. Ages 4+. £15.
PomPom Climbing Triangle
Munchy Play Plate
Fun dining as little ones whizz toy cars/trains around meals. Ages 6mths+. £14.50.
Space Magnetic Pack
An affordable Christmas gift with an intergalactic theme. Ages 5+. £25.
First-of-its-kind climbing triangle which can be folded away at night. Ages 3+. £325.
Young Driver Drive-tastic
Get behind the wheel for a memorable driving experience! Ages 5+ £32.99.
Christmas Cracker Puzzles
Best Years Dino Love
Together Equal Conversation Cards
Gruffalo Micro Scooter
Bright, knitted diplodocus dinosaur – sturdy but soft too! Age 0+. £14.99. familiesonline.co.uk
Great stocking filler. Thought-provoking conversation starters. Ages 7+. £7.99.
Premium wooden puzzles in cracker packaging. Ages 3-8. £9.95.
Exclusive for 2020. Range of prints and colours. Ages 1-5. From £95.95. November/ December 25
CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS
The Unusual Christmas Gift Guide Surprise your kids with some quirky gifts this Christmas!
Horrible Science Germ Attack
Planet Mermaid Tails
Smart Counting Football
Junko Zoomer Kits
Follow Me Ball
Penguins On Ice
Robo Wunderkind
Engenius Contraptions Marble Run
Animal Wall Prints
Imagination-stimulating Beautifully designed board game with a and created mermaid topical subject! Ages tails. 100% swimmable! 8+. £19.99. Ages 3+. From £33.99.
Counts up to 100 keepy-uppies with lights and sounds. Ages 6+. £20.
Make junk into working A colour changing Unique, award-winning toys using problemmotorised ball for baby puzzle game with solving skills. Ages to follow. Ages: 6mths+ multi-level challenges. 6-10. From £9.99. £16.99. Ages 6+ £19.99.
Award-winning robotics kits that teach coding through the joy of play. Ages 4-10. From £199. 26 November/December
Wooden perpetual motion marble run. Ages 10+. £28.99.
Bespoke, personalised animal wall or shelf prints. Ages 0+. From £10. familiesonline.co.uk
The Great Families® Toy Giveaway! WIN! 1 of 3
Mermaid Tails from Planet Mermaid
WIN!
WIN! 1 of 3
Gruffalo Micro Scooter from Micro Scooter
Germ Attack Game from Horrible Science
Select 3 in 1 (12mths5yrs) or Mini (2-5 yrs).
WIN!
WIN! 1 of 2
WIN! 1 of 5
Sword & Shield Sets from Green Owl Toys
Conversation Cards from Together Equal
WIN! 1 of 2
Child’s Animal Print from Lauren May Illustrates
Knitted Diplodocus from Best Years
Vroom Vroom Plate from Munchy Play
WIN!
WIN!
WIN!
1 of 2 Young Driver Driving Experience (10-17yrs)
Space Magnetic Set from Time Flies for Kids WIN!
Explorer Lite from Robo Wunderkind
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familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 27
CHRISTMAS
Are You Dreaming of a Green Christmas? Here are some of our ideas for an eco-friendly Christmas.
Buy a Living Christmas Tree
Keep it outside and bring in every year.
Free Christmas Gift Cheques
Avoid unnecessary gift giving and waste. Pledge to do something instead.
Buy Reusable Crackers
Fill with your own special gifts and surprises. 28 November/December
Invest in a Reusable Advent Calendar Fill with your own treats each year.
Dedicate a Tree
Give a gift that keeps on growing.
Use Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper
Make sure it is recyclable and, if possible, made from recycled paper.
Introduce Some Vegan Food
Reduce your carbon footprint by trying some vegan food.
Charity Christmas E-cards
Help a charity at same time as helping the planet.
Switch to LED Christmas Lights
Use up to 80% less energy than standard lights. familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
DIY Christmas Cards Kids love to make or colour their own and they are so much more special than bought cards!
Surprise Christmas Cracker Card
Tinsel Tree Card
Sesame Street Christmas Card
Hand-Stitched Christmas Cards
Confetti Christmas Card
Layered Christmas Tree Card
Snow Surprise Christmas Card
Reindeer Christmas Card
Fingerprint Light Cards
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 29
CHRISTMAS
Christmas Decorations to Make with the Kids
Tree House Decoration
Paper Plate Christmas Tree Twirler
DIY Wrapping Paper
Snowman Lantern
Paper Angel Garlands
Pine Cone Mouse
Paper Ball Reindeer
3D Christmas Tree
Paper Plate Santa
30 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Christmas Cooking with the Kids Get the whole family busy in the kitchen with these exciting seasonal recipe ideas.
Mini Gingerbread Houses
Christmas Yoghurt Bark Slices
Rudolph Shortbread
Rudolph Pancakes
Santa Brownie Hats
Sweet Snowballs
Christmas Pudding Rice Krispie Cakes
Melted Snowmen Cookies
Kid’s Christmas Trifles
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 31
CHRISTMAS
Best Family Christmas Movies Snuggle up on the sofa with your family and some Quality Street or mince pies to watch a classic Christmas movie!
Home Alone
Elf
The Holiday
An 8 year old boy protects his house from burglars when he is left home alone.
A man-sized Elf (Will Ferrell) wreaks havoc on the elf community.
Cheesy rom-com. Kate Winslett/Cameron Diaz find romance on a home swap.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
It’s a Wonderful Life
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Love Actually
Miracle on 34th Street
Jim Carrey is the perfect Grinch in this memorable festive flick.
Great British actors, a brilliant soundtrack, a festive classic that can be watched every year! 32 November/December
Beautiful black and white classic for the whole family.
A Christmas remake that’s as charming as the 1947 original.
Loveable remake of Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, with Michael Caine.
Nativity
Fondly remember the chaotic nativity plays you’ve all endured/ enjoyed! familiesonline.co.uk