As a first time mum myself, planning and prepping for my daughter’s first Christmas, I am shocked at how difficult I am finding it. I suppose I am finding it particularly hard because Allegra is still a baby, she has everything she needs. Babies just have to have everything they need because it’s a matter of survival, right? On the other hand, a baby’s needs change so frequently. At the end of November Allegra needed pram shoes to keep her feet warm at nursery because she was starting to grow out of her current pair. Now she needs to get her feet measured and proper shoes because she’s just started walking! That need changed literally within the space of two weeks.
Let’s be honest, because it is your baby’s first Christmas and because you are a first time mum, naturally you will want to make this very magical Christmas as Christmassy and as picture perfect as possible. From personalised Christmas baubles to hang on the Christmas tree, to matching family pyjamas to wear on the big day, there’s lots to consider. And then just when you think you’ve got it all covered and ticked all boxes, you exchange Christmas gift ideas with another mummy friend, only to come away thinking, why didn’t I think of that? And then of course, you’ll have to consider age range, safety, space and practicality for any of the toys you might buy. When buying toys for Allegra, I have found myself considering how educational the toy is, how much it will stimulate her and most importantly, will she even enjoy playing with it? At the moment, Allegra’s favourite toys are whatever it is she is able to pull out of my handbag!
My husband would have it that we only buy her what she needs. He’s concerned about how much she will get for Christmas and where we are going to put it all! However, my approach to buying Allegra’s presents is simply to buy her items that she can really enjoy playing with herself. No clothes, no jewellery and nothing for her nursery. However, personalised items, like bathrobes, baby grows and Christmas novelty wear can be nice as gifts to other mummy friends.
And finally there is the prep which goes slightly beyond the presents that will be opened on Christmas day. The outfit you plan for your baby to wear on the day. The pyjamas to be worn on Christmas eve and the night of Christmas. If you’re planning to wear matching family pyjamas, then this will all need to be sorted ahead of time too. And the list continues still, finding a suitable advent calendar for your baby, having your personalised bauble made in time to can hang it on the tree, choosing the perfect Christmas stocking and so on and so forth.
This Christmas guide is for babies six to twelve months with enough Christmas craziness for first time mums like me! All toys are suitable for the age range. Happy first time mummy xmas shopping!
