Chocolate is great at Easter but it's nice to have something a bit healthier and less expensive to have over the long weekend. It's also a fun activity you can do with the kids, creating special memories.
With thanks to our friends at We Might Be Tiny, give this easy recipe a go!
Ingredients:
Method:
The silicone placemats from We Might Be Tiny are a great way to add fun to any meal.
Would you like some more Easter recipes? Download these We Might Be Tiny Easter recipe books.
Healthy Easter Recipe Book
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]]>This is an easy idea from our friends at We Might Be Tiny where the kids can get really creative. Best of all the clean up is a breeze!
The Easter Stampies are obviously perfect for this but the Aussie Animal and Original Stampies are also cute too. These are also great for play dough and making biscuits.
They come with a wooden stamper and interchangeable, food-grade silicone animal stamps.
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Another easy way to decorate eggs is to use food dye! Here's how:
It's easy to dye eggs using ingredients you probably already have around the house like onion skins, turmeric, red cabbage, beetroot and teas!
Here's how to do it:
For more detailed instructions, head to the tutorial here.
Once you have decorated your eggs, display them in an Easter basket like our silicone Easter Bunny Basket or the SunJellies retro baskets.
We hope these easy ways to dye and decorate Easter eggs has given you some inspiration to have some fun this Easter!
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Go on an Easter egg hunt with these gorgeous silicone bunny baskets and then make biscuits or have fun with play dough with our Easter stampies.
Make these super cute Easter Bunny Pancake! They are so easy to do and an inexpensive treat for the kids.
The Sun Jellies Baskets make gorgeous Easter baskets that you can reuse over and over again for all sorts of things! They come in heaps of beautiful colours so you can even colour co-ordinate.
Get Sun Jellies Baskets here
Now you know what to do with all those pairs of socks missing their other half! We love a craft that is super easy and doesn't make a mess.
This cute bunny is made from a sock and doesn't require any sewing. Such a fun activity for the Easter school holidays. Get the kids to make a whole bunny family and encourage creative play!
Find out how to make the sock bunny here
Easter baking is easy with a Poddie!! The Freeze and Bake Poddies from We Might Be Tiny come in a silicone tray of 9 or 20 with fun animal shapes including bunnies.
You can cook hot cross buns or muffins in them or use as chocolate and snack moulds.
Many kids have allergies and special dietary requirements these days so Easter goodies made at home are a great solution. The Poddies are freezer, oven, microwave and dishwasher safe.
Try this super healthy recipe from We Might Be Tiny that uses the Mini Poddies!
Date and Chocolate Bunnies
Place a pan with about 3 centimetres of water on a stove. Place cacao butter into a heatproof bowl and set bowl in the water. Bring water to a simmer, then turn off heat, and allow butter to sit until completely melted.
Stir frequently and add sweetener (honey/ maple syrup) and a scrape of a vanilla pod. Remove from heat. Using a food thermometer, stir in raw chocolate powder at approximately 55 C.
Chocolate is very delicate and can become lumpy and grainy if overheated. Avoid all contact with water as the chocolate will seize. Pour a small amount of chocolate into each Mini Poddie.
Place in a few pieces of chopped date, a dollop of almond butter, and a sprinkle of buckwheat kernels, before topping with more melted chocolate. Place in refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours.
Remove from Mini Poddies tray and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Shop Poddies here.
Just to offset some of the chocolate at Easter, how about a cute bunny made from just fruit? It's easy to do and looks impressive for entertaining too.
Find out how to make it here
There are some easy ways to dye eggs for a fun activity with the kids.
Get the tutorials here
With thanks to our friends at OB Designs, we have some FREE Easter colouring pages you can download, print out and keep the kids busy!
Download them here
These fun headbands are so easy to make from cardboard and a few crafty bits and pieces. Another great activity for the school holidays or a quick and easy option for the Easter Bonnet Parade.
Find out how to make them here
The Scrunch Kids watering cans and buckets make cute Easter baskets and gift idea all in one. They come in so many gorgeous colours too!
Shop Scrunch Kids here
This recipe could not be easier. Just melt some white chocolate, dip in some marshmallows and roll in coconut and you have bunny tails!
These can make a great gift - pop in a jar with a pretty ribbon.
Find out how to make them here
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Happy Easter everyone! Have a lovely time with your family.
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Ingredients:
120 g (1 cup) banana, chopped into chunks (overripe is best) equates to 1 large banana
240 ml (1 cup) tinned coconut milk
2 tbsp cacao powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
6 medjool dates
60 ml (1/4 cup) peanut butter
How to:
Place all ingredients into a high-speed food processor and blitz until smooth.
Pour into your Frosties ice block mould and place in freezer for at least four hours.
Enjoy!
Frosties are the super safe, non toxic silicone ice block moulds from We Might Be Tiny.
This award winning design is perfect for creating in the kitchen with your kids. Featuring three fun characters, they also come with a silicon lid and reusable ice block sticks.
Fun fact - they are also oven and microwave safe so you can use them to bake muffins and cake in too! When you are done, pop them in the top rack of the dishwasher. Too easy.
Would you like some more Easter recipes?
Download the Healthy Easter Recipe ebook here.
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This is such a fun activity for the school holidays. Here's how to do it:
This is a super simple and budget-friendly way to decorate your Easter table!
RePlay tableware is a fantastic addition to your Easter celebrations. This fun tableware adds instant pops of colour to your buffet and dining tables.
For easy clean up, it also goes in the top rack of the dishwasher! So you can reuse it over and over again, saving you money and helping the environment as well.
"We absolutely love the RePlay stuff! We bought a plate 3 years ago and it’s the only baby kitchen item that has lasted this long and doesn’t even have a scratch!
So I was so happy to buy heaps more when our second started solids a few days ago. Thank you so much!"
Want to have your own Easter fun with RePlay? Shop all RePlay here.
SHOP OUR EASTER COLLECTION HERE
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Did you know that plastic bottles can leach chemicals? Just one great reason to switch to a reusable drink bottle for everyone in the family.
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Ditch the cling wrap and zip lock bags and get some reusable snack containers. They are easy to pop into the dishwasher at the end of the day!
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Taking your own lunch to work, school or out and about saves money and saves the environment! These can also be used when you do get food to go. Take your own containers with you and avoid plastic boxes and styrofoam.
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Having a set of reusable cutlery in your bag or the kids' lunch bags is a great way to avoid single use cutlery.
It's estimated that Australians use 1 billion disposable coffee cups per year! They often cannot be recycled as they have an inner plastic lining.
It's easy to make the switch and take your own reusable coffee cup. Not only does it help keep rubbish out of landfill, they keep your coffee nice and hot and you avoid any plastic leaching into your coffee.
Single use plastic straws have been banned but their disposable replacements may not be much better! Paper straws have been found to contain harmful chemicals (and they go mushy very quickly!)
Switch to reusable stainless steel or silicone straws for safety!
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Modern cloth nappies are so easy to use these days and they come in a great range of cute designs. Reusable nappies can help us cut down the estimated 1.5 billion disposable nappies going to landfill every year in Australia.
Here are some more great reasons to switch to reusable nappies!
Breast pads are a must have when breastfeeding to catch leaks! Reusable ones are super soft on skin and can easily go in the washing machine to get used again and again.
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Disposable baby wipes are made from plastic and are a huge problem for our waterways and landfill. Reusable baby wipes are a great alternative and you also avoid any toxic chemicals!
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Reusable wet bags are a fantastic way to replace plastic bags! Use them for wet swimming gear, modern cloth nappies, toilet training accidents and so much more.
They easily go into the washing machine to keep using.
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Making the switch to reusables in all areas of our lives has so many benefits! As well as helping the planet, we can save money and avoid toxins.
Have you made the switch?
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Smoothies are great for kids who might be fussy eaters or have sensory issues with food. You can pack in lots of nutrients into a yummy smoothie and they are good options for a quick breakfasts the kids can drink in the car on the way to school.
According to naturopath, Kirily Thomas, "a nutrient dense smoothie in the morning can set up your blood sugar for the day, feed your beneficial microbes and give you a boost of protein and general nutrition when your body needs it most."
There is no limit to your own imagination when it comes to making a smoothie. You really can put anything in it that you want! But here are some basics to get you started on the right track.
To make a smoothie, you will need a good blender, bullet type blender or thermo machine.
One cup of liquid is generally a good base for one serving. You can choose from:
This is where you can get creative and make whatever combination you like. You can use frozen or fresh fruit. If you are using fresh fruit, add a few cubes of ice to your smoothie to get it nice and cold.
You might like to store little bags of frozen fruit in the freezer ready for smoothies. This is a great way to reduce food wastage too. Chop up any fruit you have that is not going to get eaten and pop into freezer bags, ready to go.
Here are some fruits that go well in smoothies:
Green smoothies are made from adding leafy greens to your smoothie for extra nutrition. Spinach is a good one, especially for kids as the taste is hidden well by the fruit.
You can also use other vegetables like carrot and beetroot in smoothies.
Supercharging your smoothie takes it from a healthy snack to a great opportunity to pack it full of nourishing ingredients and supplements. Here are some things you might add to your smoothie to boost the nutrient content.
Use familiar and popular flavour combinations for the best results! Here are some yummy combos that are always popular:
Here are some of our favourite smoothie recipes!
Bonus Tip! If you have leftover smoothie, pop it into an ice block mould!
Once you have whizzed up your smoothie, pop it in an insulated smoothie cup so it stays nice and cold and you can drink it on the go. You can also take your reusable smoothie cups to your favourite cafe and grab your smoothie to go, without using single use plastics!
Here are the ones we love:
These smoothie cups are pint-sized at 200ml, perfect for the little people in your family. They come with a silicone straw with a stopper and screw on lid, so are leak and spill proof!
The insulated tumblers from Cheeki are a 500ml and will keep your smoothie cold for up to six hours! They come with a stainless steel straw.
The Fusion Smoothie Cups are one of our favourites! Choose from three different base sizes, add a smoothie lid and your choice of silicone or stainless steel straw.
The great thing about the Fusion system is that you can buy extra lids and turn your smoothie cup base into a coffee or drink bottle making it really versatile!
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So, there are our top tips for how to make a healthy smoothie! What do you like to put in your smoothie? Let us know!
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There are so many dummies (or pacifiers or soothers!) on the market it can be a little overwhelming working out which one is best. So, here are our best tips on how to choose a dummy for your baby, what the differences are, how to best clean them, when to replace them and some safety precautions.
There is a bit of debate about whether dummies are a good thing or not! We say, you do you.
The purpose of a dummy is to help babies self soothe as it mimics the action of breastfeeding. If using a dummy helps baby (and you!) get more sleep and rest, then we think that's a good thing.
Some experts say that long term use of dummies in older toddlers can affect teeth development, so you may want to consider weaning them off the dummy when they no longer need the comfort. The Dummy Fairy might make an appearance!
Dummies are thought to be better than thumb sucking as they dummy can be taken away. You could also choose to limit their use to only when bub is unsettled and not make them available all the time. So there are a few things for you to consider.
“There are many different pacifiers on the market. However, when it comes to teeth, it does not matter which pacifier your baby uses, as the teeth normally will align no matter the misalignment when the recommendations are followed, and the child stops using the pacifier around the age of 3."
- Nina Nissen Falbert, Dentist
Dummies can be made of various materials including latex rubber, silicone and plastic. As the dummy is in your baby's mouth and will be sucked and chewed on, choosing the safest material is really important. We only stock dummies that are completely safe and non-toxic and made from natural rubber or food-grade silicone. Cheap plastic dummies should be avoided!
This depends on your baby! All babies have different anatomy and sucking techniques, so it can be trial and error to see which one they like. There are three different teat shapes: round, orthodontic and symmetrical.
The Bibs Try It dummy packs include all teats so you test which one your baby prefers.
Yes! The basic rule of thumb is the smaller the baby, the smaller the dummy. Each range will have their own sizing.
BIBS have sizes 1 (birth to 6mos), 2 (6 to18mos) and 3 (18mos +)
NATURAL RUBBER SOOTHER have small (0-3mos), medium (3-6mos) and large (6mos +)
BUMI BEBE and HEVEA have 0-3mos and 3 to 36mos
Dummy straps, clips and chains can help avoid the dummy being dropped on the floor or lost. They attach to clothing and are easy for older bubs to grab and pop in their mouth again if they fall out.
It's really important to choose a strap that has been independently tested and made in compliance with mandatory safety standards.
We have a few different dummy strap and chain styles in store for you to choose from.
Regular cleaning is recommended! Before the first use, boil the dummy for five minutes to sterilise. After that you can sterilise by soaking dummies in boiling water in a bowl for five minutes.
Don't forget to gently squeeze the teat to allow any water to be removed. Other methods of sterilising aren't recommended to avoid latex breaking down.
You can keep dummies clean by storing them in a container as well. We have two you can choose from, Bibs Paci Pod and the Zebra Babies Dummy Storage Case.
The MontiiCo pouch is also great for storing dummies and can be clipped onto bags and prams.
More often that you would think! Look to the brand you have purchased for their specific recommendations. Some say 4-6 weeks and others say 2-3 months.
Bibs dummies recommend replacing dummies if:
You can do a dummy pull test regularly to know when to replace. Simply pull on the dummy teat hard, in all directions and then pull on the handle and ring to see if there are any issues.
Well, that depends on you and what features you are looking for! Each brand and type of dummy has different features.
We stock a great range including Bibs, Hevea, Natural Rubber Soothers and Bumi Bebe.
All the dummies we stock are superior quality and totally safe, so from there you can select which brand, size and type of teat you prefer and that suits your bub.
Natural Rubber Soothers are made from all one piece and Bibs have gorgeous colours and designs.
We hope these tips help you when deciding how to choose a dummy for your baby. There is more to consider than you may have thought of!
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask our team in store or send an email.
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So easy! Just cut your strawberries into heart shapes and drop into your favourite pancake batter.
Recipe here.
So cute and so easy to make with toilet rolls! Decorate however you like.
Tutorial here.
These truffles are super cute and they are gluten, dairy and refined-sugar free.
Get the recipe here.
These cute pet rocks are easy to make with thumbprint hearts and doodles.
Tutorial here.
Use fun cutters to cut out sandwiches or fruit for the lunchbox.
Shop here.
Our heart sunglasses are always fun on Valentine's Day! In a range of colours.
Shop here.
These heart pendants are made from 100% food grade silicone and are great for sensory needs.
Shop here.
With thanks to our friends at O.B Designs, you can download some Valentine's Day colouring pages here.
]]>If you can, choose the quietest room in the house for the nursery. Make sure there is good ventilation and heating or cooling to keep baby comfortable (and sleeping soundly)!
A dark room is also good for those day time naps and sleeping in past sunrise. If the room is too light, you can get stick-on blockout blinds that make a world of difference.
Check for mould and make sure you off-gas any new carpet and furniture.
Somewhere safe to sleep is a priority. Whether you buy a cot or a bassinet or co-sleep, it's important to have a firm mattress and avoid pillows, bumpers and toys near a sleeping baby.
A simple fitted sheet and a sleeping bag are safe alternatives. You may need a baby blanket, but make sure it's tucked in well.
We like the Wilson and Frenchy Organic Sheets as they avoid any chemicals. ergoPouch has a range of safe sleeping swaddles and bags.
A good mattress protector will keep your mattress fresh and clean.
A soft, comfortable chair with armrests and a footstool for feeding baby is an absolute god-send when you will be spending hours in this position.
Invest in a good changing table or add a changing mat or basket to a dresser at the right height for you. Although you can just use the floor or the bed to change baby, it does put strain on your back.
Looking after your body is really important, especially in the postpartum period when your ligaments are still soft.
A soft, quilted playmat is a great addition for safe and clean tummy time on the floor. It will grow with your baby and be useful for years to come.
Soft lighting for night-time feeds is a must. Bright lights are not good for you or your baby's circadian rhythms. Check out our range of night lights.
Let's face it, decorating a baby nursery is totally all about us and not the baby, but that's okay! It's nice to have a beautiful space that brings us joy and comfort.
Our top tip is to keep walls, flooring and window dressings as neutral as you can, because kids do grow up so fast and they will be wanting their own choices before you know it.
Create your theme and colour in smaller, less expensive touches like nursery decor, linen, wall stickers and decals, mobiles, cushions and toys.
An open bookshelf to display books and toys can double as decoration and it can be easily changed as they grow.
Think outside the box. You may already have some pieces in your home that would look great in a baby nursery. It doesn't have to be all pink elephants!
Check out all our nursery decor.
It's easier to start off with a safe baby-proof nursery! Choose safe furniture that meets the Australian standards and check older furniture hasn't got any lead-based paint or splinters.
Cover electrical outlets, anchor heavy furniture and put medications up high. Don't put anything heavy on the wall above baby's bed and watch out for blind cords. Canopies are gorgeous, but better for over your feeding chair or a corner nook.
Also consider that kids are messy, so you want everything in the nursery to be washable!
We would love to hear your tips for setting up a nursery for your baby. Let us know in the comments. If you need some help with choosing items for your nursery, don't hesitate to ask the team in store or send us an email. We would be happy to help.
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A good lunchbox is an investment and the right one for your child can make the whole process of school lunches much easier and free from stress!
Considering that we can pack up to 200 lunches a year for just one child, it makes sense to put a little thought into what will work best for your family.
Go Green are very popular bento style lunchbox and one of our favourites. They come in snack, medium and regular sizes. You can also purchase a Go Green Lunchbox Set which includes a lunch box, water bottle and insulated bag.
Munchbox come in several different sizes and colours. You can purchase interchangeable bento tray inserts to suit whatever you are packing for lunch that day!
"Munchbox Bento Style lunchbox is tops! I purchased two of the Munchbox lunchboxes for my two little granddaughters in New Zealand. High-quality, Australian-designed lunchboxes in lots of bright and beautiful vibrant colours." Megan, LTHL customer
The BBox lunchboxes are also a bento style lunchbox with a space for a sandwich and a flexy lid to fit around whole pieces of fruit. They come in snack box, mini, regular and even a Hello Kitty one!
"I love B.Box! They are great for little hands, have an inbuilt ice-pack and a great selections of colours to choose from." Kate, LTHL Team
These lunchboxes are a favourite with our customers for their fun designs! They are bento style with two, three or five compartments and little bento cups are available too.
Here are our favourite features:
"They are on the smaller side however they still hold quite a bit!
When my youngest hit kindy age last year, we had to pack two lunchboxes, one for main lunch and one for fruit stop.
She likes a range of finger foods so we used the Bento 5 for her main lunch and the Bento 2 for fruit stop. They are super easy to unlatch and close back up and don't take up heaps of space in the kindy fridge or her bag!
Utilising this range also meant she could have cute matching prints on her lunchboxes which were appropriate for her age." Nyomi, LTHL Team
Omiebox is the big daddy of our lunchbox range!! This deluxe lunch box features an insulated section for hot or cold foods as part of its bento set up.
"Absolutely love it!! Its exceeded my expectations and I get so many comments about it. Definitely worth the price tag." Cherie, LTHL customer
Cheeki make great stainless steel lunchboxes in a few different sizes from 500ml up to 1.2 litres.
"Cheeki stainless steel lunchboxes are perfect for children who are starting high school and are 'too cool' for lunchboxes! We have used them for a couple of years and my two children love them." Kylee, LTHL team
The Kid's Stainless Steel Leak-Resistant Bento Lunch Box by Bentgo is the first stainless steel bento-style lunchbox with leak-resistant technology!! We love anything leak-proof!
The lunchbox includes 3 food compartments, with a removable silicone container for packing more food options, with technology to lock in freshness and to prevent leaks.
If you need any help at all deciding which one would suit your child, please ask us in store or send an email. We are happy to help you with recommendations and advice.
Once you have decided on a lunch box, you also might need to think about a good water bottle and an insulated bag. We also have snack bags, insulated jars, cutlery sets, ice packs, backpacks, kindy sheet sets, swimming essentials and even bag tags!
If you need some inspiration for lunchbox recipes and snack ideas:
15 Snack Ideas for Lunchboxes
Food Ideas for Insulated Jars
We hope this has helped you with choosing the right lunchbox for your child. Please let us know your thoughts.
What works for you? Do you have any awesome lunchbox hacks?
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Sometimes just changing up the presentation can make all the difference in keeping the kids interested in a healthy snack. Having smaller bite-sized snacks can be easier for kids to manage and encourage eating.
1. Mini Banana Pikelets. So fun! Just cut up bananas into circles, dip generously in your favourite pancake batter and cook in a pan!
2. Cinnamon Popcorn. Healthy and a whole food! Pop it at home yourself and add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a slightly sweet flavour.
3. Apple Donuts or Chips. Cut apple into rings with the core removed or into chips. Toss in lemon juice to stop them going brown.
4. Fruit Kebabs. Everything tastes better on a stick! Use the bento Stix by Lunch Punch to make fun mini kebabs.
5. Cheese Puffs. These savoury snacks are a great way to sneak in a few vegetables! Find the recipe at Veggie Smugglers.
6. Sushi Sandwiches. These are super cute! Cut the crusts off bread, roll gently with a rolling pin, spread with your favourite toppings, roll up tightly and cut slices like sushi!
7. 2 Ingredient Pancakes. Whisk together 3 mashed ripe bananas and 3 eggs and cook 1/3 cup at a time into pancakes. Add cinnamon for extra flavour!
8. Roasted Chickpeas. So easy to make and really healthy. Just soak dried chickpeas overnight. Rinse well, add some oil and your choice of seasoning. Roast in a moderate oven for about an hour or until really crispy.
9. Boiled Eggs. We often forget the basics but boiled eggs are such a great snack for kids - easy to eat and full of protein to keep them satisfied.
10. Vegie Fritters. Everything tastes better in a fritter! Make mini sized fritters with lots of grated vegetables for a really healthy snack idea.
11. Homemade Banana Chips. These are so yummy! Just pop a little fruit juice or coconut oil onto banana slices and bake in a low oven or dehydrator until dried out. Store in an air-tight container.
12. Dip It. There is something so fun about dipping! Use fruit, vegetables or crackers and a yummy dip or yoghurt.
13. Apricot Balls. These are the super simple, healthy version of apricot bites. Just whizz up 1.5 cups of dried apricots and 1 cup of coconut in a food processor and roll into balls or press into a tray and cut into squares.
14. 2 Ingredient Biscuits. These are so quick and easy! Mix two mashed bananas with a cup of oats and bake spoonfuls in a medium oven for fifteen minutes. You can add extra flavours and ingredients if you like too.
15. Ham Roll Ups. It can be this simple! Place your choice of fillings on a slice of ham, roll up and secure with the Stix by Lunch Punch. Try a thin slice of cheese, cucumber sticks or even some scrambled egg leftover from breakfast. Yum!
We have so many great snack boxes in the shop to choose from! Here are some of our favourites:
We hope our 15 Lunch Box Snack Ideas for Kids list has given you some new ideas to try out.
What do your kids love as a snack? Let us know in the comments below.
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But first...
A nude food lunch box is one where there is no disposable wrappers or single use packaging like plastic, foil or zip lock bags. It is also sometimes called 'litter free lunches.'
This concept has two goals. First, to encourage kids to eat more real food and less processed packet food. Second, to reduce single use packaging.
According to EnviroWeek, each packed lunch can create three pieces of litter. This equates to 30kg of waste per child, per year!
We get it... parents are busy, so this can seem like one extra thing to do! But we have some tips for you to make it easy and soon it will become habit.
These lunchboxes make it super easy for food to stay fresh and separate without the need for any wrapping. Pop your food into each compartment and close the lid!
You can also get little cups or boxes for dips, yoghurt etc.
We have a range of quality bento lunchboxes that get rave reviews!
Not sure which lunchbox to choose? Read our blog How To Choose The Right Lunchbox For Your Child for our advice. You can also ask the team in store or by email too.
Baking a few things for the lunchbox is a great way to cut down on packaging and it's much more affordable.
We know not everyone has the time so you can also keep it simple with more fruit and vegetables and easy options like popcorn, dried fruit, nuts and boiled eggs. You might like to do some prep on a Sunday night and chop up some fruit and veg ready to go for the week.
Baking in bulk is also a great idea. An afternoon in the kitchen once a month can yield loads of lunchbox snacks for stocking up the freezer. Get the kids involved as well!
Need some inspo? Check out these yummy recipes:
This is a great money saver as well as helping with nude food lunches! Individually portioned food is much more expensive and there is much more waste.
Buy large bags of dried fruit, popcorn, crackers and pretzels. Check out your bulk food store for snack options!
Grab a block of cheese and cut it up instead of buying individually wrapped sticks or slices. Make your own dips or buy bigger tubs of things like hummus to have with veggie sticks.
Buy big tubs of yoghurt or custard and use reusable food pouches. You can keep these cool with a freezable outer pouch.
This option also enables you to portion the right amount of food that your child will eat!
Reduce packaging of juice and milk boxes by taking drinks in a reusable bottle. An insulated drink bottle will keep the contents cool and safe to drink all day.
Check out our reusable drink bottles.
Avoid disposable straws and cutlery! As well as reusable straws and lunchbox cutlery, you can also get little picks, sporks and florks for using with bento boxes. Super cute and fun for the kids!
We know a big part of the appeal of processed and packaged snacks is the marketing with fun characters! Who doesn't want to eat Wiggles yoghurt?
But you can easily buy some stickers of whatever your child is into and pop them on lunchboxes, pouches, drink bottles or even on fruit!
This is one of the best lunchbox hacks, ever! It cuts down your time and avoids food waste. You can even make extra dinner in preparation for lunches.
For example, cook extra meatballs or chicken drumsticks. These are delicious cold or you can heat them and use an insulated food jar.
In fact one of our best tips is to make lunchboxes the night before while you wait for dinner to cook. It saves time on preparation and washing up!
There are load of reusable ideas for lunchboxes that can help you avoid plastic cling wrap. Try beeswax wraps, fabric food bags and wraps or even these reusable silicone Wrap Holders!
If you do have a bit extra time (or maybe a fussy eater!), then you can make bento lunchboxes a bit fun. Use cookie cutters, Stampies or sandwich cutters to make cool shapes with fruit, veggies and bread.
The kids will usually bring home some bits and bobs they haven't eaten for lunch. If possible, get them to eat it for afternoon tea to reduce food waste.
You can also freeze any fruit or vegetables to use for smoothies or iceblocks. Anything too far gone can be composted or given to the pets or chickens!
We hope these ideas for how to pack a nude food lunch box have given you some inspiration!
What other ideas have you got? Let us know!
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We have a great recipe for the festive season for you! These Healthy Christmas Gummies are delicious and they will boost the kid's gut health at the same time.
They are also full of nourishing ingredients and are dairy free and gluten free.
With thanks to our friends at We Might Be Tiny.
Makes 80 | Prep 20 minutes
Ingredients
RED
100 g (1 cup) raspberries, frozen
125 ml (1⁄2 cup) filtered water
3 tbsp gelatin
1 tbsp maple syrup
1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract
WHITE
250 ml (1 cup) coconut milk
3 tbsp gelatin
1 tbsp maple syrup
1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract
Method
To make the red gummies, add the frozen raspberries and water to a high-speed food processor and blitz until smooth.
Sieve the liquid to remove most of the seeds, leaving you with red juice.
Pour the juice into a small pan and gradually add the gelatin, allowing it to be absorbed into the juice.
Let sit for a few minutes and allow the mixture to thicken.
Over low heat gently stir for about five minutes until it is hot and has become runny.
Be careful not to boil the mixture as this will give it a very rubbery texture.
Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract and stir to combine.
Pour the mixture into moulds, filling each star halfway.
Allow the mixture five minutes of resting time before placing it in the refrigerator. This helps to improve both the shine of the gummies and their taste.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, then repeat with the coconut milk.
Once set, pop gummies out of the tray and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Our MINI PODDIES moulds would be perfect for this recipe!
Make our DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHRISTMAS CAKE! It's also dairy free and gluten free.
You might also like to try this recipe for BERRY YOGHURT FRUIT BARK
Join our newsletter and stay up to date with all of our blogs, recipes and special offers! We have a little welcome gift for you as well.
But first, download your free Santa Wish List!
Your FREE SANTA WISH LIST is here.
Just two ingredients are needed for these delicious Christmas trees- white marshmallows and white chocolate. A very cute and inexpensive gift that the kids can make themselves for loved ones.
Fancy it up with some wrapping and gift tags. You could also make mini trees using red and green Smarties!
Reindeer Leaf Craft
A super simple and inexpensive nature craft for the kids. No fancy supplies needed - just forage in your garden as part of the activity and use a craft punch to make shapes.
You could even glue these to cardboard to make your own Christmas cards. So cute!
Grinch Fruit Kebabs
So easy and healthy but still festive and fun. These would be great when you have to take a plate or just for snacks for the kids.
Get the kids cutting themselves with the Kiddies Food Cutter Knife. Our top tip is to use a little lemon juice to keep the banana nice and fresh.
Christmas Snow Globes
We have had so much fun making these snow globes over the years. Just use small jars you already have at home or source (along with the decorations) from discount and thrift stores.
They are surprisingly easy to make and look great as decorations or for gifting to special people.
We really recommend using glycerine as it gives you the slower moving effect to the glitter. You can usually find it at chemists.
This simple idea is great for class gifting or hang them on the tree!
They are very easy to make in whatever coloured cardboard you like. Use stick-on googly eyes or just draw them on! Tape to a lollipop and write a lovely message on the back.
The cutting out provides some fine motor skills practice for the kids too.
These trees are so simple but they look so festive and perfect for a hot summer day! Just cut tree shapes out of watermelon and pipe on some yoghurt for a festive look.
Great for taking a plate to a Christmas party and end of year celebrations. Leftover watermelon offcuts make a yummy slushy with ice and mint in the blender.
These are so simple, the kids will be able to make them! Just grab a pretzel, add a Rolo chocolate, melt slightly and then add a red Smartie for the nose. Cute!
So easy! Just melt two candy canes together in the oven to make Christmas hearts.
You can use them for gifts, tree decorations, bunting or for the Christmas table.
The kids might need a bit of help with this one but it is a much easier version of a gingerbread house. All you need to do is stick all the chocolate and lollies together with melted chocolate.
You can get really creative with different colours and lollies!
A super easy idea the kids can do and no need to turn on the oven! One for all the Oreo lovers, these look impressive as take a plates!
A fun project to do with the kids! You just shape a coathanger into a circle, tie on wrapped lollies and add a ribbon. You take the lolly out of the wrapper to eat. It looks great when made with Chocolate Eclairs because you get the beautiful gold and purple colours.
We hope these ideas come in handy for Christmas activities with the family this year. Do you have any other fun ideas? Let us know!
Make our DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHRISTMAS CAKE - it's so good that even people who don't like fruit cake will eat it!
You can see our CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDES here if you need some shopping inspiration.
Have a very Merry Christmas, from our families to yours.
HEY DOODLE REUSABLE COLOURING KITS
These are just some of our amazing gifts for kids in store!
Check out our GIFTS FOR KIDS category for more inspiration.
We have a huge range of KIDS' CLOTHING that also make great gifts.
Our Gift Guide for Toddlers has a few different ideas for you from toys and educational gifts to more practical things like sippy cups and hats.
Whether you are looking for birthday, Christmas or just because gifts, we have you covered!
RE-PLAY SIPPY CUP AND DIVIDED PLATE
TIGER TRIBE SILICONE BUNNY RATTLE
MINI COLETTO DOLLS (PLUS CLOTHING!)
SCRUNCH KIDS SILICONE BEACH TOYS
BALLOON PUZZLE AND COLOUR SORTER
We hope this has given you some inspiration and ideas for toddler gifts!
Also check out our huge range of TODDLER CLOTHING for some cute outfits and all our TODDLER GIFT suggestions.
Our Gift Guide for Babies has a few different ideas for you from teethers to soft toys, comforters, hats and blocks.
Whether you are after a new baby gift, a baby shower gift, a birthday gift or a Christmas gift, we have so many beautiful things for the babies in your life!
JELLYSTONES DESIGN MOON TEETHER
JELLYSTONE OCEAN STACKING CUPS
SKIP HOP DISCOVEROSITY STROLLER TOY
We hope this has given you some inspiration for shopping for baby gifts!
Also check out our BABY SHOWER GIFT IDEAS and our BABY CLOTHING for even more ideas.
The great thing about these twisties is that you can put almost anything in them, which makes it super easy to whip up a batch with whatever needs using up in the fridge. You can't put in anything too chunky though!
Keep a good supply of puff pastry in the fridge and you will always have a lunchbox snack ready to go.
Okay, so here are some ideas to put in your Twisties:
What to sprinkle on top of your Twisties:
This step is optional but for presentation's sake, you might like to top your twisties with things like grated parmesan cheese, sugar, cinnamon, dried herbs, sesame seeds, poppy seeds etc.
We hope you enjoy Nyomi's Twisties Recipe! Let us know if you make them and tag us on social media. @littletreehouselane
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Here are our Summer Essentials we recommend to get your family summer-ready this year.
It's so important to keep babies and kids sun safe with a good broad brimmed hat that covers their face and neck.
We stock Bedhead Hats because they are one of the very best in Australia. Here is what we love:
Choosing swimmers, togs or cossies (depending on where you are from) with really good coverage and sun protection is our top tip.
It saves so much time (and stress) when applying sunscreen to wriggly kids impatient to get wet. Only do the bits not covered by the swimsuits!!
Shop all SWIMWEAR here.
Reusable swim nappies are a lifesaver when you are at the beach or pool! They are lightweight, contain no absorbency pads and have an inner mesh lining, capturing any solids you don't want floating in the pool!
Whoever invented wet bags, we salute you!!
Getting wet things home without saturating everything else is the ultimate mum hack. They are perfect for swimming lessons, the pool, beach, messy play, reusable nappies and bibs - basically anything wet and icky!
A reusable wet bag is the sustainable option over single use plastic bags and they are so easy to wash and keep using. Just empty and wash as soon as you can to avoid funky odours and mould, especially if you are in a tropical climate like us here in Mackay.
Shop all WETBAGS here.
Did you know that UV rays can damage our retinas just like they can damage our skin? Babies and kids are a lot more susceptible due to their lenses being still clear and pupils wider.
If you live in a particularly sunny place, sunglasses are a must-have for outdoors.
We stock RoShamBo sunglasses and love these features:
Shop all RoShamBo Sunglasses here.
Staying well hydrated is so important for babies, toddlers and kids in summer. It's surprisingly easy to get dehydrated quickly, especially if you are out in the sun. Nobody wants cranky, headachey kids!
We recommend getting insulated water bottles to keep water icy cold. There is nothing worse than drinking luke warm water on a hot day! The insulated bottles will keep water cold all day long.
Stainless steel is also safe in the heat, unlike plastic which can leach chemicals into water in hot temperatures.
They come in all different sizes, styles and colours to suit everyone in the family!
Insulated food jars are also useful in summer to keep salads and fruit fresh and cold.
What is a day at the beach without a bucket and spade? It's such a great sensory activity for development that is fun as well.
What generation doesn't remember making sandcastles at the beach?
We love that Scrunch Kids has improved on the old-fashioned plastic beach toys that go brittle and break.
Here's why Scrunch Kids is one of our favourite products:
Naomi T
"We love our Scrunch bucket! It's such a great idea! We take it to the beach all the time!"
A good set of goggles can help prevent red itchy eyes from chlorine and help kids see under water!
Getting the kids to wear them can be a challenge though, which is why Bling2o are onto a winner with their cool styles.
Our best tip is to familiarise kids with the goggles before swimming classes. Practice in the bath and wear around the house so there is no anxiety about wearing them when it's time to jump in the water.
We have them in so many styles from sharks to Mack trucks to fancy lashes and sprinkles and butterflies. These have been very popular as gifts this year!
These are such an ingenious idea - beach towels that don't get sand stuck in them. Is there anything worse than getting sand all over the car and house after a day at the beach?!
They can be used at the beach, gym, pool or for travelling. Here is why we love them:
lightweight at just 500g
sand resistant technology
super absorbent and fast drying
durable and made to last
matching waterproof bag included
Summer means more outdoor food - picnics, barbecues and lunch down at the beach.
Our kids have a set of Re-Play plates, bowls, cups and cutlery each for summer. It's the eco-friendly option to using disposable and single-use products and each kid loves having their own colour!!
These are dishwasher safe, so easy for a quick clean up at home. We have so many colours to choose from - you can mix and match for theme parties and Christmas.
A whole set makes a really great practical gift for a family!
Shop the RePlay range here.
"The RePlay range are such great quality and at such an affordable price! We love ours!"
Don't forget the repellent!! Good Riddance make an amazing range of all natural insect repellents and candles.
Choose a sunscreen that is non toxic and safe for kids. Reapply as often as needed to prevent sunburn.
Download your Summer Bucket List here and have fun making memories with the kids!
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We are thrilled to have teamed up with two great local Mackay businesses, Harper Bee and Let The Children Play to bring you The Aussie Kids Christmas Gift Guide.
It has over 40 gift ideas for babies, toddlers, kids, tween and teens!
Plus there is a downloadable Santa Wish List for you to print out.
You can shop directly from the gift guide by clicking on the shopping trolley icons. So easy!
We hope this gives you some inspiration for all your Christmas gifting!
Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?
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Is your baby's name on the list? How did you choose your baby's name? Let us know in the comments!
We hope this big list of the most popular baby names for 2023 has inspired you when looking for baby names!
There can be many toxins found in baby products including things like PVC, BPA, BPS, phalates, polyethylene terephthalate, fire retardants and heavy metals. They can be ingested, inhaled or transferred through the skin.
These toxins are linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, endocrine disruption, developmental delays, and reproductive system damage. Scary stuff!
KOALA ECO NATURAL LAUNDRY WASH
Certified non toxic and uses GOTS certified organic cotton swaddles and sleeping bags.
Beautiful dummies made from 100% natural rubber.
Eco friendly and non toxic reusable nappies and wipes.
Premium quality, non-toxic materials are used in all Bobux shoes.
Everyone wants the absolute best for our babies and to keep them safe and happy, so take a little time to choose wisely, armed with some knowledge. We hope this has given you some useful information to help in avoiding toxins in baby products.
Would you like to win a $250 voucher to spend on anything in our store? Join our VIP community below for our regular newsletters to be in with a chance!
If you want to go door to door, remember to be safe! The Queensland Police have some good tips here.
Why not line up some neighbours or family and friends to welcome your kids for safe trick or treating before the night. You can even provide the healthier treats for them to hand out to your kids! This is particularly useful for kids that have allergies or special needs.
Eating a substantial and healthy meal before you got out trick and treating can help with the amount of lollies being consumed and dampen the sugar high!
The Sun Jellies Baskets and Scrunch Buckets are great for taking trick or treating and they can be used over and over again for all sorts of things!
You don’t have to go trick or treating to celebrate Halloween! What about these other ideas….
Fun play make up, face glitter, face paints or face gems are an easy way to add some bling to your Halloween costumes!
Check out our safe, non-toxic Oh Flossy and Glitter Girl ranges.
Download free colouring in pages for Halloween here. With thanks to our friends at O.B. Designs
Well, hopefully that gives you some fun ideas for Halloween for the kids and inspires you to create some cool things and make memories!
What are you doing for Halloween? Let us know your ideas!
Would you like to win a $250 voucher to spend on anything in our store?)
Join our VIP community below for our regular newsletters to be in with a chance!
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Sunburn can be a painful and potentially harmful experience for kids, but with the right precautions, you can ensure they have a safe and enjoyable time in the sun.
In this blog post, we'll chat about the importance of hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun-safe swimwear and soothing after-care lotion as a line of defence against sunburn.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to shield your child's delicate skin from the sun's harmful rays is by having them wear a hat.
Wide-brimmed hats, such as sun hats or legionnaire style with a front brim and neck coverage, provide excellent coverage for the face, ears, and neck. Make sure the hat fits comfortably and stays in place, so your child can enjoy outdoor activities without constantly adjusting it.
Wearing a hat from birth will ensure not only that your baby has extra sun protection over their face, but they will also be used to wearing a hat as they get older.
We highly recommend the legionnaire style for little ones who cannot independently sit up, this style allows the hat to sit down the back of their neck rather than being squashed into a funny shape from laying on the back of the brim which can also cause discomfort.
SHOP HATS
Sunscreen is a crucial part of your child's sun protection arsenal.
Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, designed for children. Apply it generously to all exposed skin areas, even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate through clouds.
Remember to reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Encourage your child to make sunscreen application a part of their daily routine, just like brushing their teeth.
Don't forget about your child's eyes when safeguarding them from the sun.
Invest in a pair of high-quality polarized sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection. Protecting your child's eyes from the sun's harmful rays not only prevents sunburn around the eyes but also reduces the risk of long-term eye damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration.
Be sure to grab a set of kids sunglasses that are designed to be practically indestructible as we all know they like to pull them off and play with them!
Despite your best efforts, sunburn can occasionally happen. In such cases, a soothing after-care lotion can be a lifesaver.
Look for lotions containing aloe vera, chamomile, or calendula, as they can provide much-needed relief from the discomfort of sunburn. Gently apply the lotion to the affected areas to moisturise and cool the skin.
Choosing swimwear with good overall coverage is a great way to prevent sunburn and can reduce the amount of sunscreen you need to use.
Look for good quality fabrics that are chlorine resistant and block UVA and UBV rays. Some swimwear is double-lined, giving you extra protection against the sun.
Use a UV-Detecting Patch on your child's skin when out in the sun. It will automatically detect when you need to reapply sunscreen to avoid getting sunburnt!
As spring brings us warmer days and outdoor fun, it's crucial to be proactive in protecting our children from sunburn.
Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun-safe swimwear and after-care lotion are invaluable tools in your sun safety toolkit. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can ensure your children enjoy the beauty of spring without the painful consequences of sunburn.
We hope these tips have give you some great advice on how to protect babies and kids from sunburn. Remember, prevention is key, so stay sun-smart, and here's to a sunburn-free season of fun and outdoor adventures!
Would you like to win a $250 voucher to spend on anything in our store?)
Join our VIP community below for our regular newsletters to be in with a chance!
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Just in time for the warm weather is this delicious and easy recipe for healthy fruit ice blocks! Peach and Strawberry Cream Ice Blocks. Yummo.
With thanks to our friends at We Might Be Tiny, you can also download a free ice block recipe book to try out some more ideas.
Prep: 10 minutes
Freeze: at least 6 hours
Ingredients
2 large peaches, cut into large chunks
5 large strawberries
200 ml (1/2 can) coconut milk
60 ml (1/4 cup) condensed coconut milk
spritz of lemon juice
Method
Place all ingredients into a high-speed food processor and blitz until smooth.
Transfer mixture into two We Might Be Tiny Sunnie Ice Block Moulds and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
These iceblocks are dairy free but you can swap out the coconut milk and coconut condensed milk for regular milk and condensed milk if you like!
Using silicone ice block moulds and making your own at home saves you so much money and you can make much healthier ones with no additives!
You could also use the FROSTIE SILICONE MOULDS for this recipe.
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One of the biggest costs that comes with babies is nappies!
A good set of quality reusables (aka modern cloth nappies) will save new parents a fortune in the long run. Plus they are gentle and safe on baby's skin and good for the environment too.
"This was a present for our daughter and her new baby boy. She loved them." Verified Customer Review
Everyone knows there is a lot of mess with babies! Waterproof mats are brilliant at protecting clothing, flooring and bedding. They can absorb up to 2 litres of liquid!
"The Spewy Bed Mat is definitely a must to have for little ones that have the occasional accident when staying over. Saves on bed linen and washing if they do have a accident." ~ Andrea, Verified Review
Babies need the very best skincare products for their delicate, sensitive skin, so a little hamper of quality organic baby products is always welcomed and will always get used. Think baby wash, lotion/moisturiser, repellent, sunscreen and nappy cream for starters.
Baby teething rings are always useful for when teething starts (and ones like these are still super cute especially when combined with a comforter).
Read more about baby teething here.
A good nasal aspirator is a lifesaver for parents, and godsend for little ones. They work quickly and quietly to relieve congested little noses in as fast as 10 seconds flat!
A baby lounge is great for keeping baby safe and comfy no matter where you are in the house or out and about. They also double as a changing mat.
A baby wrap or carrier is so handy for new mums. Keep fussy babies close by and happy while they get things done.
Read more about babywearing here.
A stylish nappy back pack that fits all the things and is comfortable is a must for new parents. It's ergonomically better for your body and it frees up your hands for baby.
"The Zebra backpack was a baby shower gift for my daughter. She was very happy with it, especially how much the bag could hold (as we had filled it with baby stuff). A few of the other Mums-to-be were very impressed with it too." Julie C, verified review
They may not be the most glamorous gift, but when mum is struggling with sore and cracked nipples, this gift is going to be loved the most! Silver nursing cups can help prevent, soothe and heal nipples.
"The Silverettes definitely helped with my breastfeeding journey. I struggled to wear bras and tops as I was very sensitive and sore after feeding, the Silverettes created the barrier I needed and helped my nipples heal." ~ Anna H, verified review
These come in handy when you are out shopping and need a safe, hygienic and comfy place for baby to sit in the trolley.
"Absolutely amazing shopping cover. The fabric is even more adorable in person. The padding is so thick and soft. Extremely happy and will definitely purchase again". Kelly J, verified review
These are one of our most popular items! Use to safely and effectively clean baby's new teeth as they come through. Genius.
A brilliant and practical idea for keeping babies warm and toasty, without blankets or doonas. A safe sleeping option so new mums have one less thing to worry about!
Super practical and useful, baby nail trimmers are one of those things you don't know you need until you need it. Trim baby's nails safely and easily (without the stress!)
A white noise machine (with a soft night light) makes a great gift to use in the baby nursery. We all know getting babies to sleep can be a challenge, so anything that makes it easier on new parents is a winner!
This is a gorgeous idea! Grab a nappy caddy and fill it with some practical baby essentials to make a multi-purpose gift that will also be useful for nursery storage. You can colour co-ordinate and have so much fun with this.
Ask us in store or by email if you need any assistance putting this together (we would be happy to help make one up for you!)
If you are really not sure what the new parents need or what they have already got, a gift voucher is always a good, safe option!
Mums-To-Be, take advantage of our gift registry service to make a list of all the things you need for your new baby. Friends and family can easily see what's on the list and purchase exactly what you want. Set one up here.
Want more ideas? Check out our Gifts for Babies section.
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Here are our favourite ideas to keep the kids entertained with our school holiday activity ideas!
The perfect activity for when you are out and about. Colour, wipe and reuse - genius! They come with nine non-toxic markers and a carry bag. Brilliant for travelling and holidays.
This Stampies set is great for making biscuits and pastry or for decorating play dough! There are 15 interchangeable animal stamps to have fun with. We now have an Aussie animals edition too!
The Magic Painting Worlds are no mess and perfect if you are out and about. They have a water paintbrush that brings the pictures to life. Wait till they dry and then reuse them!
Cooking and baking is such a fun school holiday activity. The Kiddies knives and peelers make it super safe so you don't have to worry about making an emergency dash to the hospital!
Use your Kiddies Food Kutter to make these delicious APPLE NACHOS!!
These are new in store and super fun! Just add water and watch them grow. Fully biodegradable and they last in an airtight container for reuse.
Keep the kids busy crafting and making with these ready-made craft kits from Poppy and Daisy. You can make a tiny garden, lip balm, play dough, sand dough, sand stencils, fossils and more!
We have a new range of stationery and crafty fun for kids, including this fun Scratch and Scribble!
Have heaps of fun with our non-toxic range of kid's makeup. Everything from bath bombs to lipstick and face paint and makeup sets.
We have so many beautiful quality puzzles for the kids, including this Farm Animal Puzzle with sounds!
Get out and about to the beach or the garden with these great Scrunch Kids buckets, spades, watering cans, spades, scoops and sand moulds.
They are made from silicone and will squish down to fit in your bag!
"It's such a great idea, we take it to the beach all the time!" Naomi T, verified review.
This DIY perfume making kit for kids has everything you need to make fun, customised fragrances.
We also have a great range of KID'S BOOKS to read over the holidays, including our local Mackay authors!
What activities do your kids enjoy on the holidays? Let us know!
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Kids will need breaks for the toilet and having a run around, so don't make your schedule too tight. Allow plenty of time for breaks and expect the trip to take longer than it normally would. Kids may need a break every two hours.
Leaving really early in the morning and popping the kids in the car in their pyjamas can be a great strategy as hopefully they will sleep for part of the trip.
Do a little research and find out the best places to stop for breaks. Find the best playgrounds or rest stops where you have all the amenities you will need.
If you need to stop overnight, holiday parks are great because they usually have a pool and fantastic play areas for the kids. Our tip is to search 'town + kid friendly' to find all the best spots.
No smart parent goes anywhere without snacks! Stopping to buy food at servos and cafes can work out really expensive, so pack plenty of healthy snacks and a few treats (hey, bribery might needed at some point on the trip!)
Pack everyone their own food in a lunchbox or cooler bag so there is no fighting. Choose things that don't make too much mess for your own sanity!
Put liquid food like yoghurt into the Subo Food Bottle or Squeasy Snacker for mess free eating.
"Absolutely amazing, no mess or fuss, my kids love it! Makes the morning daycare and car trips easy, kids can have their breakfast yoghurt and my car doesn’t wear it. Highly recommend." Victoria P, verified review of Subo Food Bottle.
Yes, we know that it might mean extra toilet stops but dehydration can cause crankiness and headaches! Grab everyone their own insulated, no spill water bottle that you can top up as needed during the trip.
Plan ahead for travel sickness, because surprise spewing is not fun for anyone! Bring along spare clothes, towels, baby wipes and vomit bags or the good old ice-cream container.
A couple of wet bags are also useful to store everything yucky in until you can get to a washing machine. If you have a kid that is notorious for car sickness, the Spewy Mats might also be a good idea.
To prevent sickness, you might like to try ginger lollies, motion sickness bands, homeopathy or medication.
SECRET TIP : Some people swear by unusual remedies like sitting on newspaper or putting a bandaid over belly buttons! Let us know what works for you.
Make sure you have the kids in a quality car seat that is fitted correctly. Read our blog on Car Seat Safety to find out more.
The Piddle Pad is great to catch any accidents and the Houdini Stop is a must have for kids who like to escape their car seats. If you need to keep an eye on the kids from the front seat, the InfaSecure Car Mirror is a safe and easy way to do it.
Let's face it, long car trips can be soooo boring! So, make sure you have plenty of ideas ready to go so you don't have to listen to "Are we there yet?" over and over again. Here are some of our ideas:
Get each kid to pack a bag each for their activities, hat, food, drink bottle, sunscreen and anything else they may need for the journey and breaks. A small cuddle toy or comforter and small pillow and blanket are good for napping.
It will save you having to look through all the luggage and gives them some responsibility.
We know! Travelling with kids isn't always the most fun experience in the world so be prepared for the inevitable whinging and meltdowns.
Plan in advance using our tips so you are already one step ahead. You can also prepare the kids by letting them know details of the journey, any car rules and expectations you have.
SECRET TIP: Put a Mood Calming Sticker on everyone (including mum and dad!!)
And last but not least, enjoy your road trip! With busy lives, it may not be often the whole family is in the one place at the one time, so take advantage of the time to chat, play and have fun!
So, that's our top tips for road tripping with kids, what are your tips? Let us know!
After years of research, development and testing, they've come up with a dream product system that does it all.
The FUSION Range is all about making your Montii your own with an expanded range of sizes and the ability to completely customise your Montii - from colour and size to lid and accessories.
Build your own perfect drinking vessel to suit your needs and style!
All FUSION parts are sold individually so you can purchase only what you need, when you need it. All parts come individually packaged including bases, lids, bumpers and straws and need basic assembly.
However if you just want to pick a colour and go we have set each style up for you to just pick your colour and add to the cart!
It really is an ingenious multi-purpose solution for all your hydration needs!
By simply changing the lid, your drink bottle becomes a coffee cup or a smoothie cup. It's a great way to save money and be eco-friendly.
This concept can work really well for all your family needs as well.
Grab a range of sizes and lids and everyone can mix and match, depending on what they need. The kids' drink bottles for school can be used for their smoothies or mum's coffee on the weekend.
We love that you can mix and match colours for a bit of fun or go monochrome for a sleek and stylish look.
For now the smoothie and drink bottle lids are being rolled out first, with flask and coffee lids coming soon.
The high quality vacuum-insulated, dual-wall stainless steel construction of the bases will keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. The twin wall means no condensation forms on the outside!
We love that the paint on these is dishwasher safe and they are kid-safe with a dent and scratch resistant finish.
350ml: Is an alternative to the Classic Mini Bottle or the Classic Mini Smoothie. Perfect for toddler drink bottles & for small smoothies.
475ml: Suitable for a small drink bottle that will easily fit in your handbag, or as a smoothie cup.
700ml: Replacing the Classic Original Water Bottle. This one fits in your car cup holder and slides easily into a backpack side pocket.
1L: Replaces the Classic Mega Bottle. All day hydration without the need for top-ups.
All of the lids are interchangeable on all of the bases!
The 1L base does not fit into a car cup holder but the other three bases will into (most!) car cup holders.
There is a six month warranty on the FUSION range from date of purchase.
Wash and rinse all components thoroughly before first use, and after each use.
The FUSION Universal Bases are dishwasher safe to 70°C.
The FUSION Lids, Bumpers & Straps are top-shelf dishwasher safe.
You might prefer to hand wash in warm, soapy water and completely air dry.
Always store your MontiiCo FUSION parts empty, and completely dry inside to inhibit any mould growth. We recommend storing your empty Universal Bases without a lid affixed.
We know you are going to love this new FUSION range from MontiiCo as much as we do! Stay tuned to our emails and socials for all the updates about the new accessory releases.
Would you like to win a $250 voucher to spend on anything in our store?)
Join our VIP community below for our regular newsletters to be in with a chance!
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