PARENTHOOD.IE

We have chosen our favourite items to include in your child’s Christmas wish list for Santa this year. Be savvy with this year’s Christmas presents, make sure to buy gifts with a long shelf life and not pure fads.

The first wheels

The fun and charming Scuttlebug Bumblebee is a foldable and compact tricycle, which folds down for easy storage. Ideal toy to bring along to the park or holidays and with quiet wheels made of gel. Suitable for ages 1-3, costs €32.99 at Halfords.

Truly Irish

Brush up on your Irish and learn together with your children, encouraging their language skills. Futa Fata, a publishing house based in Spiddal, has a large selection of children’s books in Irish, and you will find books suitable for all ages and levels of Irish. Books range on average from €10 for paperback books to €20 for books with CD.
http://www.futafata.com/

Handy building

The Trio construction is designed for younger children as the blocks click in easily and the sets come in a range of play packs. The packs include 100 pieces including bricks, sticks, figures and vehicles, which your child can use to create and build his own world. The packs come in a practical storage unit and can be built on with the Trio City collection that includes more parts and sets. Suitable from age 3+ and costs €44, at major toy retailers.

Musical talent

The ideal first acoustic guitar, to encourage your child’s love for music and budding talent. Small enough to make it comfortable and easy for a young child to hold. Made from durable wood and with nylon strings, comes in both pink and blue. Suitable for children aged 3+ and costs €21.95.
http://www.littleones.ie

Reading encouragement

For children that have started reading to older children that enjoy it, a helpful and fun pack from Leapfrog. A touch reading system that bring stories to life as you move the pen over the text, by telling you the story in audio. The specially printed storybooks sing and tell the stories out loud. The tag pen holds up to ten books and new audio stories can be downloaded online. Suitable for children aged between 4-8 years and costs €30, at major toy retailers.

The first bike

The Strider Prebike is an ideal first bike for a child, it teaches balance and coordination, but also builds confidence and provides exercise. The bike has puncture free polymer tires and weighs just 6.9lbs. Suitable for children aged between 18 months to 5 years old. The low saddle lets your child easily reach the ground to push himself or stop easily. Costs €99.99.
http://www.striderbikes.ie

Gaming for the family

With a PS3, Xbox or Wii, you’ve probably played the Hasbro Family Game Night. Now they have released their third edition, with multiplayer capability for up to four players and you will be able to play online with opponents across the globe. The Party mode of the game is especially design for getting families playing together. Available from Gamestop, Xtravision and Smyth’s stores nationwide. Suitable for children aged 3+, costs around €35.