Merry Moments Christmas
2024
DEAR FAMILIES, ....
I’m thrilled to share our very first Christmas magazine with you! This season is all about connection, joy, and finding the perfect gifts for those we love
This holiday season, I wanted to create something special – a magazine that not only showcases our favourite products but also makes your holiday shopping easier, more fun, and full of inspiration
We’ve collaborated with some amazing mums from our Animo Kids community to bring you inspirational stories, useful tips, and unique perspectives that celebrate the magic of the season. From festive family traditions to holiday wish lists, their insights remind us of the joy that comes from sharing this special time with those we hold dear.
This magazine is a celebration of everything we love about the holiday season creativity, connection, and the joy of family. It reflects our passion for bringing magic into everyday moments, and we hope it inspires you to do the same.
Wishing you a joyful and magical season.
CHRISTMAS MORNING
Start Christmas morning with snug PJ sets. Soft pajamas keep them cozy while they unwrap presents, making the morning even more magical. Christmas pajamas add a sense of tradition and warmth, perfect for family photos and creating lasting holiday memories. A little festive touch to the holiday!
LIEWOOD - BIRK CHRISTMAS JUMPSUIT
LIEWOOD - WILHELM CHRISTMAS PYJAMAS
ELSIE DOLL STROLLER:
A Christmas Gift for Playful Adventures
Make your little one ' s holiday magical with the Liewood Elsie Doll Stroller This charming, Scandinavian-inspired mini stroller is perfect for imaginative play, letting kids take their favourite dolls on stylish strolls With its highquality fabric and timeless design, it's not just a toy it's a beautiful addition to any playroom, making it the perfect Christmas present for hours of fun and creativity
LIEWOOD - ELSIE STROLLER
A WORLD OF PRETEND PLAY
Delight your little ones with pretend play toys this Christmas
LIEWOOD - WHITNEY HAIRDRESSING SET
LIEWOOD - MICHAEL WOODEN CAMERA
MUSHIE - PHONE PRESS TOY
LIEWOOD - ELISABETH PLAY MAKE-UP SET
LIEWOOD - KOURTNEY TEA SET
ANNIE AND FAMILY
Meet Annie and her three boys, Teddy, Banjo and little Rupert. Read the interview and get inspired by their family’s wish list
WHAT DOES THE HOLIDAY SEASON MEAN TO YOU?
Many people in my family are teachers, so for our family the holiday season is the end of the school year and six weeks of time together Christmas was often the start of many weeks of spending time with grandparents, seeing cousins and hours at the beach It’s always been a time to slow down, unwind and enjoy each others company.
WHICH TRADITIONS ARE YOU PASSING ON TO YOUR CHILD?
We are continuing the idea of Christmas being a time for family and spending time with the people we love The boys love gifts, but more than anything they love the lead up to the big day and getting to see all of our family
HAVE YOU ADDED ANY NEW TRADITIONS TO YOUR OWN FAMILY?
For my boys, we decided to have an advent calendar with a little surprise in it each day. Each pocket has something different - it might be an invitation to bake gingerbread, bubbles, crayons or a story. We also have a kids Christmas tree that the boys set up and decorate themselves. Each year they add to their collection of decorations.
HOW DO YOU INVOLVE THE KIDS IN THE CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS?
The boys all choose a gift for each other We do a special shopping trip with each of them to go and choose something for each other in the days leading up to Christmas It’s always lovely to see how in the they are with what each other might like.
Annie @raisingthemwild Mama of 3 boys, teacher and lover of all things learn and play
WHAT ACTIVITIES DO THE KIDS LOVE?
The boys love Christmas themed play We decorate our playroom, and fill our bookshelf with Christmas books They also enjoy baking and decorating gingerbread
WITH ALL THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE, HOW DO YOU FIND TIME TO RELAX AND ENJOY THE SEASON TOGETHER?
We try to focus on connection and spending time together It might be going to the beach or out for a hike, or spending time doing Christmas activities There is always lots of time outside enjoying each others company!
ANNIE’S WISHLIST
NEW BABY
5 YEAR OLD
3 YEAR OLD
Makenna Music Mobile (Liewood) 2 Waylon Magic Bath Book (Liewood) 3 Skwish (Manhattan Toys) 1
4 Superhero Mouse iin Box (Maileg) 5 Kit Beach Set (Liewood) 6 Dinosaur Tattoos (Nuukk)
7 Nael Walkie Talkie Set (Liewood) 8 Zora Magic Drawing Board (Liewood) 9 Sebastian Fishing Game (Liewood)
GIFTS FOR LITTLE ADVENTURERS
LIEWOOD - NAEL WALKIE TALKIE
MIMI& LULA - DRAGON MASK AND WINGS
FABELAB - SWORD AND SHIELD
LONDJI - PIRATE MEMO GAME
FABELABCROWN AND WAND SET
MIMI&LULA - DAISY WINGS
GIFTS FOR PRINCESSES AND FARIES
MAILEG - PRINCESS MOUSE
OYOY MINIUMMI HOBBY UNICORN HORSE
MIMI&LULA - DAISY SKIRT
MIMI&LULA - BALLERINA HAIR CLIP
STOCKING FILLERS
MIMI&LULA - DINO HAIR TIES
GOBABYGO - NON-SLIP SOCKS
OYOY MINI - APPLE CUP
FABELAB - SKIPPING ELASTIC
MIMI&LULA - BALLERINA HAIR CLIP
RATATAM - GLITTER BOUNCY BALL
MUSHIE - PRESS TOY
NUUKK - TATTOOS
JO AND FAMILY
Read the interview and get inspired by the Jo’s wish list
HOW DO YOU APPROACH PLANNING FOR CHRISTMAS WITH FOUR KIDS?
So I hate feeling rushed around Christmas or that the I'm not in control of the pace of our lives It might sounds simple but over the years I have found that physically writing lists really helps me feel more measured and planned in my approach to the Christmas season (as opposed to lists in my notes app on my phone) There's something cathartic about physically crossing items off the list as they are completed If I have lists started by the end of September I can then focus my energies on making the Christmas season magical for the kids I'm obsessed with creating traditions and being intentional about focusing on the reason for the season in the weeks leading up to Christmas
HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT CHOOSING PRESENTS FOR YOUR KIDS?
I start writing out who we need to buy for, plan imaginative and thoughtful ways to celebrate them I'm thinking: "what things can I buy that will contribute to their overall life" instead of "what will they play with" Another value we have is buying classic toys that can be used from say 2-4 years old right through to 10 or 12 and beyond Things like Lego, magnatiles, beautiful heirloom doll house accessories by Maileg are up there on my list Who makes the item is also important to me I love to support small businesses and avoid organizations that are unethical
WITH SO MUCH TO JUGGLE DURING THE HOLIDAYS GIFTS, MEALS, AND FAMILY EVENTS HOW DO YOU STAY ORGANISED AND KEEP THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT ALIVE?
Every year I pick up new creative ideas for gifts, celebrations, and activities I can use for the following year. Again -lists help ��
Jo @ourgoldenhourdays Mama of 4, home stylist, DIY enthusiast
It's good to start early so you have the time for creativity I love to get the kids baking, I love making our own wreath, and making ginger bread houses with the kids I won't lie- I 100% buy a premade ginger bread house that you just decorate to save on the stress For us it's just about the enjoyment of family time around a fun activity we can then eat!
”[we] prioritize doing life a bit slower rather than ramping up during the Christmas period. “
WITH ALL THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE, HOW DO YOU FIND TIME TO RELAX AND ENJOY THE SEASON TOGETHER?
I think the season of life shutting down during the pandemic helped me realise that it's much more wholesome to live life slower We use a bit of a triage system, we work out what's non negotiable and the rest we give ourselves permission to say no I usually start in late September by noting down on our family calendar all the non negotiable events coming up over the next 4 months. Then as more invitations come, I can add them or decline the offer til after the new year. January is a great time to catch up as it seems to be much slower these daysit's almost like Feb is when the mew year really starts to ramp up As for for relaxing and enjoying, we love the tradition we started during lock downs in 2020 of putting together a cheese platter dinner and a nice beverages on the deck every Friday afternoon Kids play, we sip and reconnect It's bliss! With these little moments already carved into our weekly routine it helps us feel more flexible with the rest of our time knowing we will always come together for that special time at the end of a busy week��
JO’S WISHLIST
1. Zora Magic Board (Liewood) 2. Dragon Mask and Wings (Mimi&Lula) 3. Sword and Shield (Fabelab) 4. Mouse in Box (Maileg)
TRADITIONS: ADVENT CALENDAR
An Advent calendar is a wonderful way for kids to enjoy the countdown to Christmas, adding excitement to each day It doesn’t always have to include a gift filling it with fun activities, family traditions, or simple surprises can make the holiday season more meaningful as you celebrate together. It’s a special way to create lasting memories and build anticipation for Christmas
OUR TOP 10 NON-GIFT IDEAS TO ADD TO YOUR ADVENT CALENDAR
Baking Holiday Cookies
Making Christmas Ornaments
Advent Storytime
Decorating the Tree
Crafting Handmade Cards
Watching Christmas Movies
Attending a Local Holiday Event
Make Christmas-Themed Playdough
Decorate a Gingerbread House
Volunteering Together or Donating to a Local Charity
You don't have to leave the pocket empty on non-gift days simply include fun items like cookie cutters, a Christmas ornament, or craft supplies for making Christmas cards! Get creative and make the countdown special!
GIFT IDEAS: FIRST CHRISTMAS
When choosing a gift for a little one ' s first Christmas, think about a keepsake or elevated essentials Consider options like beautifully crafted bath toys, quality wooden toys and cuddly soft toys that create lasting memories and bring joy for years to come!
LIEWOOD - WAYLON BATH BOOK
MANHATTAN TOYS - SKWISH
MUSHIE - STACKING CUPS
LIEWOOD - MANNIE UNICORN MOBILE
LIEWOOD - HATTIE HUMMING TEDDY
LIEWOOD - BIRK CHRISTMAS JUMPSUIT
LIEWOOD
GIFT TRENDS: TODDLER 1-3Y
- ZORA MAGIC DRAWING BOARD
OYOY MINI - PEAR CUP
LIEWOOD - BARTY TEDDY BEAR
LIEWOODSEBASTIAN FISHING GAME
LIEWOOD - KIT BEACH TOYS
NUUKK - TATTOOS
GIFT TRENDS: PRESCHOOLER
3-6 Y
RATATAM - HAND BALL
LIEWOOD - BIRDIE SKIPPING ROPE
LIEWOOD - ANNELIESE STEM BOARD
MINI KYOMO - WRIST WATCH
LIEWOOD - BIKE BASKET
LIEWOOD - BIKE HELMET
WORLD OF MAILEG
MAILEG - VINTAGE BED
MAILEG - BROTHER MOUSE
The Maileg Mouse World features an enchanting collection of beautifully crafted mice, with plenty of characters to choose from To expand your little one ’ s Maileg collection, add furniture from Maileg or Liewood that perfectly fits into their magical play world!
- MUM MOUSE
LIEWOOD - AMANDA PLAYHOUSE FURNITURE
LIEWOOD - GILLIAN PLAYHOUSE FURNITURE
MAILEG
