I have been working on Isabelle's Christmas list for months, adding things as I thought of them and then taking things off as we got closer and I thought they wouldn't meet her needs, or interests, by the time we reached Christmas. The list started small, grew to quite epic proportions, and then settled down at a happy medium.
As we progressed through our 50 active days, I began to realize that Isabelle is less interested in lots of actual toys, and mostly interested in imaginary play and little 'bits' which she can use in various ways. Learning that, I ditched a whole load of items from her list to be replaced with little stocking fillers of more buttons, pom poms, homemade play dough and moon sand.
However, she is still getting quite a few big and small 'normal' gifts from us, and from family. So here is a run down of what Miss Isabelle can expect to receive over the next month.
BIG gifts:
1// Ikea play kitchen - this is Isabelle's big gift from Simon and me. I searched high and low for a kitchen I loved and couldn't find one. In the end, we settled on the simple Ikea kitchen. Of course, I didn't want her to have the plain kitchen (as I actually think it's a little ugly!) so instead we have customised it to make it more lovely and fit in with what I wanted. She also has a load of Ikea play food, pots, pans and utensils to go with this, along with some wooden play food from ELC.
2// Radio Flyer trike - this is Isabelle's gift from Simon's parents. She loves bikes and so it is definitely time she had her own. I am a real snob about kids' trikes and absolutely hate most of the ones that are sold. When I saw this gorgeous Radio Flyer trike online I knew she had to have it. It's such a classic looking trike, and it comes with the handle so we can push her ladyship around until she is ready to peddle herself. It's so beautiful, I can't wait for her to get it!
3// Wooden dolls' pram - this is from my parents. Isabelle adores her babies, and she loves having the chance to push them in a pram. She has one at my parents house, so this beautiful wooden pram is for our house. I know she is going to love pushing Baby, Katie, Gee and Goo around in it, and tucking them in there for a nap.
4// Teepee - This is her present from her aunts and uncles. Isabelle loves hiding, and loves when we build her a tent. After spending ages looking for a teepee I came across this print and loved it. I plan on filling her teepee with cushions, a blanket and some books to make a reading area for her. The only issue is I think it's 6ft by 6ft....so I'm not 100% sure exactly where we are going to put it yet!
"Stocking fillers"
1// Happyland bakery - this is something which I took a long time to decide on. I hate plastic toys like this, however Isabelle seems to really enjoy playing with her cousin's Happyland, and she loves little people figures, so I decided to get her a set of her own. I'm yet to be convinced, but if she loves it, I'm sure more will join it in the future!
2// Happy Hopperz Cow - this was a total spur of the moment Zulily purchase, after I was swayed by a group of friends who were all buying them! I think this will live at my parents for all three kids to enjoy up there...
3// Wooden threading beads - Isabelle loves intricate tasks, and her fine motor skills are excellent, so I am hoping she enjoys the challenge of these little beads.
4// Bath crayons - after the success of our shaving foam bath paint these were a must!
5// Wooden camera - this absolutely gorgeous camera is from Etsy, and FawnOverBaby. Isabelle is always having her photo taken (by me!) and she is desperate to play with my DSLR camera. Soon, she will have her very own! It has a little spring loaded button and the dials turn, so she can snap away just like mommy.
6// Wooden farm animals - as I mentioned, Isabelle loves little figures and she adores animals. I added these wooden farm animals to her list at the last minute as I thought she would enjoy them.
Along with the books I posted about last month, Isabelle will have a lovely influx of brand new toys and games to keep her busy over the coming months. She won't actually be receiving most of this stuff on Christmas Day as we will be in Norfolk, so she will be getting things in dribs and drabs throughout December, as well as a few smaller gifts (and her trike) on Christmas Day - which is actually a good thing so she doesn't get too overwhelmed with receiving too much at once.
The countdown is well and truly on now...