So, here we are – just a few more sleeps to the big day. Presents all bought, wrapped and stashed away? No? *gasp*

Nightmare. If you haven’t finished (started) yet…. well, quite frankly we’re shocked and disappointed in you. But fear not – here’s a quick round up of our top tips, things we’ve spotted, and also things we’ve loved enough to buy ourselves.

Firstly, our Top 25 Christmas Gift ideas can be seen in one place right here, if you haven’t been following avidly our daily post (tsk). Make sure you click for older entries at the top – you can even browse last years if you go far enough back in search of inspiration.

As for what we’ve splashed upon our own small people: well – here’s what I’m personally really pleased with this year:

The My Pal Violet from LeapFrog – I do so love Leapfrog toys. Mostly because they have thought for more than one second, and created a British voice for those sold this side of the pond. Violet is lushly soft and snuggable, has a sweetly non-irritating voice, and best of all actually knows Ella’s name! I can’t WAIT to see her face on Christmas Day when she presses Violets paw and is greeted with “Hi Ella!”. The songs are fully customisable through connecting to the LeapFrog website, and you can tell Violet about your child’s  likes and dislikes as well as keeping an eye on how your child is learning with the toy.

Playmobil Police Station + 6 year old boy = Many hours of Absorbed Happiness. That is all.

Mr Men Mugs – at last, Gifted Penguin have them back in stock! Hurrah! (Also rather taken with the Gruffalo milk and biscuits set on that page…).

Nerf-n-strike Maverick – How much bedlam can we create with 3 boys and these in the grandparents house on Christmas day? *beam*

Books… we’ve discovered Hiccup the Viking for Joe (8), Mr Gum for Toby (7), and Cam (10) will be delirious at not only getting the last in the Power of Five series, Necropolis, but also at the fact that there is a new Alex Rider out this year. Woohoo! And for Ella there’s the oh-so-brilliant Fairy Princess palace pop-up, the latest edition from Louise Comfort.

I would say more… but certain not-so-small-boys-with-their-own-computers may be reading… *sssshhhhh*…

So? What are your can’t-wait-till-they-open-THIS picks this year?

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Posted by Laura on 17 December 2009