Brenda

Brenda writes…

Getting budget gifts for kids doesn’t mean that they can’t be stylish or funky. Here are a few of my suggestions which start from as little as a cool £6.99.

Frank & Fischer Rattles

These luxury hand made crochet rattles are made from cotton yarn with a plastic bell inside. A gorgeous newborn gift. £10.99 at Fabulous Kids

Babylegs

The Babylegs range are great value as you can mix and match them with all your bambino’s outfits and one size fits for years to come. £7.99 at Fill Your Pants or get 2 for £12

Manhattan Toy Rumblies Adam Ambulance

This durable soft sided toy features lights that blink and plastic wheels that click when moved. Suitable from 12 months. £10 at Babyworks. Was £13.99. You can also get a garbage truck version.

Heimess Mobiles

This German company make good quality wooden toys for babies. My favourite of the four mobiles on offer is the Mini Trapeze Cat pictured, which is the most compact. There is also butterfly, duck, and bear moon and stars. The Mini Trapeze Cat is £10 from Heathlands Day Nursery and the others are £15.

Woof the Dog by Frank & Fischer

This adorable doggie has a lovely retro feel to him. Made from a range of gorgeous fabric and felt. £14.95 at Morello Living.

Developmental Butterfly

This colourful toy has an array of features including: teethers, tags, a mirror, textures and a hook for attaching it to a cot or pram. Suitable from birth. £14.99 at Strawberry Fool.

Baking Kit

Another great find from the Dumpling Dynasty (the pigtail kit was featured on our sister site Bambino Goodies) and this is great for encouraging a cooking fest. The set includes: rolling pin, wooden spoon, 3 metal star cookie cutters, cupcake cases and a couple of recipes to get you started. All this in its sweet tin. Suitable from 3 years. £14.99 from Strawberry Fool.

Mr Bump First Aid Kit

This kit will ensure that your kiddie has a smile on their face quickly after a tumble. Includes re-usuable gel bruise soother(keep in the fridge ready for action), antiseptic wipes with an aroma of lavender and Mr Bump plasters. £7.99 from Strawberry Fool.

Kidsonroof Mobilehome

Coloured in blue outside and red inside, it’s waiting for you to personalise however you wish. Easy to install, easy to carry (has its own carry handle!), has 8 rooms, stair openings and spyholes, and an attic for storage. Available from Bohemia Design for a cool £18.95 and probably one of the cheapest dolls houses on the market and eco friendly too.

Brenda writes…

My Cooker by Djeco

This is one of the most reasonable pretend cookers on the market. This wooden cooker is pink, comes with a frying pan, saucepan, salt & pepper pots, utensils and a tea towel. All in funky green and pink colours. Available from Leigh Toy Fair for £39.99.

Little Tikes Basketball

This fab beginners basketball set is brilliant. I had a similar one for my boys when they were younger and they had loads of fun with their friends. The height is adjustable so it can grow with your bambino. It comes with a base that you can fill with either sand of water to make it more stable (I found sand worked the best), a clear backboard, net, and basketball. Suitable from age 3 years+. The packaging is damaged thus it has a reduced price, but we are assured that the goods are in perfect condition. Available from Adventure Toys. Was £79.99 now £39.99. 50% discount.

Brenda Writes…

Created by Lactivist (a company started up by a mummy who was criticised for feeding her 4 months son in public!!) comes this trendy reusable shopping bag. Whether you want to fill it with your bambinos bits and bobs or use it at the shops instead of the plastic carriers, the choice is yours.

It is generously sized and features the pro-breastfeeding logo on both sides. It is made from unbleached fairly traded organic cotton.

Available from Natural Nursery for £4.

Brenda Writes…

We have featured a few of these gorgeous products on our sister site Bambino Goodies, but I could not resist this for £10 Tuesday…

This gorgeous Anne Claire Petit Flower rattle is handknitted in gorgeous colours and perfect as a little gift for a newborn.

Available from Windmill Direct for £9.99.

Brenda Writes…

Going on a journey or want to keep some colours in your bag for your artistic toddler then you need to invest in this crayon set in a felt bag.

I have ruined numerous fab bags with my kids crayons but fear no more.

Coming in a brightly coloured soft felt roll up is these 12 different coloured crayons and has a ribbon tie.

Available from Cox & Cox for £5.10. Was £6.

Brenda Writes…

This is a cute little gift which would fit in an overnight toilet bag.

The set includes: 3 pots of Sleep Balm, Baby Balm an Evolving Body Balm. All balms are rich in anti-oxidents and contain no chemicals, preservatives, or synthetics.

Available from The Little Natural Company for £9.95. Was £10.99.

Brenda writes…

We have featured this site on our sister site Bambino Goodies for their soft toys, but check out their groovy bandanas.

They are made from fair trade, certified organic cotton, with the appliqué made from either recyled fabric or off cuts.

One size fits all including adults.

You have a choice of five styles.

Available from Pogglers for £5.00.

Brenda writes…

This beautifully made tactile and brightly coloured wooden hand rattle has been designed to stimulate and delight your bambino as they grow.

Suitable from birth.

Available from Clementine Toys for £6.50.

Brenda writes…

Below is our favourite selection of toys under £10 from Tickety Boo.

I Spy - One for car journeys. This magnetic version of the traditional game brings it to life. Includes a magnetic board and 24 colourful magnetic pieces. Age from 3 years. Price is £8.99.

Grrowl - clutching toy by Haba - Made from Beech wood, this little bear will stimulate your bambino’s senses. Age from 6 months. Price is £9.45.

Traffic stickers for the bath - Let your toddler build his very own roadway while having fun in the bath. It comes in bag, with 6 sections of interconnecting roadway and 27 pieces which include cars, trucks etc. Age from 3 years. Price is £9.99.

Mini bingo by Haba - A toddler friendly version of this classic game. Contents include: 4 play cards with 6 pictures, 24 cards and instructions in a cute tin. Age from 3 years. Price is £8.55.

For these and more check out Tickety-Boo.

Brenda writes…

This sweet cardigan would look good on your princess.

It has a very pretty scalloped edge all around and is in a gorgeous violet colour.

Available from Squibbly Biskit for £9.45. Was £15.75.