Christmas shopping for little ones should be joyful, not stressful. Yet every year, many parents, grandparents and godparents find themselves rushing in the last week of December. A little planning in November makes all the difference, especially if you want personalised gifts or need to send presents to family abroad.
[Amalie's note – replace before publishing]: Add a personal line, for example a lesson you learned from a last-minute Christmas rush.
1. Start with a list
Write down everyone you are buying for: your own children, nieces and nephews, friends' babies, teachers and nannies. Next to each name, note their age, clothing size and one or two things they love. It sounds simple, but it saves hours of wandering and impulse buying.
2. Set a budget per person
Decide on a rough amount for each person before you start. Little ones often get more gifts than they can play with, so one thoughtful, good-quality present is usually better than several small ones.
3. Order personalised gifts early
A gift embroidered with a child's name becomes a keepsake that is kept for years. But personalisation takes time, and December is the busiest month of the year. Order personalised pieces in November or early December, and check our delivery times before you order. Learn more about how personalisation works.
4. Plan ahead for family abroad
If you are sending gifts to grandparents or cousins overseas, or taking them home in your suitcase, plan even earlier. International shipping takes longer in December, and soft, light gifts like clothing, blankets and muslins are much easier to pack than bulky toys.
5. Gift ideas by age
Newborns and babies (0 to 12 months)
- A personalised blanket or muslin swaddle
- A festive romper or onesie for their first Christmas photos
- Soft socks, a hat or a comforter
Toddlers (1 to 3 years)
- A soft toy with their name
- A cosy terry or cotton outfit for the cooler winter evenings
- A little bag for their treasures
Older children
- A personalised bag for school or weekend trips
- A matching festive outfit for family photos
- A gift card, so they can choose for themselves
6. Don't forget stocking fillers
Small extras like Santa socks, hair bands, bag charms or a wooden teether make perfect stocking fillers and are lovely add-ons for teachers' children or friends' babies.
7. Make wrapping easy
Choose gifts that arrive ready to give. Our personalised Christmas gift box (available within the GCC) and gift packaging save you an evening with the sticky tape.
[Amalie's note – replace before publishing]: Add your own top gift pick for this Christmas and why you love it.
Your Christmas shopping checklist
November: write your list, set budgets, order personalised gifts and anything going abroad.
Early December: buy outfits for Christmas photos and stocking fillers.
Mid-December: wrap, write cards and relax.
