SUBSCRIPTIONS AS GIFTS {FOR THE KIDS}

When you live in Vancouver (the world's most expensive city real estate wise), parents are living in smaller and smaller spaces with their kids. You'll see many of my room designs are small spaces, given I have clients that live in condos or parts of houses with their kids. We are fortunate to live in a house right in the city, but it is still small so we have had to work at helping steer grandparents and friends to keep gifts for the kids small...or better yet, a subscription!

Subscription based gifts are one of my favourite because the gift continues long past the holidays and it makes you think of the person who gave it to you each month it arrives. Kaia and Noelle were given a magazine subscription for their last year and it has been so much fun thinking of our friends when the magazine comes through the door each month.

So...if you are looking for a gift that is a little different or something for kids who live in a small space OR you just want to make sure you are remembered each month (ha!), here are some fun subscription based gifts for the kids.

1. Little Passports: Little Passports is a service that sends a monthly box to your kids filled with items to explore the world. I wrote an entire post on this subscription service earlier in the year and to this day, I still recommend it to friends. It is the subscription that got our kids the most excited each time it arrived and they just loved learning about different parts of the world and I loved sharing stories about where we've traveled. We chose the Early Explorers box and it was perfect for our kids aged between 3-5 years. Right now they have a sale for 15% off with code JOLLY15.

2. Green Kid Crafts: A subscription of 'discovery boxes', Green Kid Crafts is designed by teachers and Moms to provide fun and learning into convenient packages. There is a big selection of boxes to choose from covering animals, crafts and science. This one is sure to be a hit and give you some time on Christmas Day to actually relax. Order by December 7th to ensure your box will arrive by Christmas!

3. The Story Box: Anyone who knows me as a Mom knows how passionate I am about reading to kids. We have more books than I should probably disclose and our kids all LOVE reading them. The Story Box subscription is another one that we've tried (and loved!) and I give it two thumbs up for a gift idea. Still only shipping to US, this one delivers monthly books to kids in a wonderful way. The books are carefully selected by a speech pathologist, who is also a Mom. It comes with a parent guide to give parents ideas while reading the books with their kids as well as a little activity to try that again ties back to the book. Use code READ for $5 off your first order. 

4. Pipsticks: What could be more fun than a delivery of stickers every month!? Starting at $9.95 a month, Pipsticks is a monthly subscription of stickers that you can have delivered anywhere in the United States (free shipping) or nearly anywhere in the world (shipping charges apply)! Super cute concept started by a sticker-obsessed Mom. Use code OMG10 for 10% off first month of any subscription.

5. Bramble Box: Bramble Boxes are themed kits that encourage kids to investigate, create, discover and imagine through science, math, art and more! Declared to provide hours of fun, the boxes provide hands-on, open-ended materials to provoke thought, discussion and inspire imagination and role play. Shipping in US is free and to Canada only $8.95!

I'd love to know what you think. Have you tried any of these? Any other key subscriptions for kids that I've missed? 

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HOLIDAY FUN WITH KIDS: A GINGERBREAD HOUSE PARTY!

Chocolate, fondue and gingerbread houses? Yes please! Kind of screams a childhood holiday tradition to remember, doesn't it? When Chocolats Favoris reached out and asked if I would be interested in working with them to create a special and memorable experience for our kids using their chocolate, I couldn't resist dreaming up this super sweet (literally!) gingerbread house decorating party.

We invited a little friend over to join in the fun and I told the kids we would be doing this the night before the party and they were so excited they could hardly sleep. Between the Maple White Chocolate hazelnuts (Kaia's favourite) and the Milk Chocolate fondue (Noelle's favourite), you can see that they not only enjoyed the process, but devoured all of the goodies too!

I used a little paint palette to separate the candy into separate colours and this gave the kids easy access to the goodies without sticky fingers going into bigger bowls. I also made a few mini gingerbread men and trees so that the kids could dip the cookie into the fondue and try it while saving the actual houses for eating later. It worked out really well to have separate gingerbread houses for each kid and also icing bags and candy. The fondue was perfect to use as glue for the decorations although not a lot of the fondue ended up on the houses as the kids kept using the wooden sticks as spoons and devoured it! 

We played Christmas music, the kids iced the houses, added candy, licked fondue, nibbled on chocolate and generally had the best time. They are already asking if we can do it all again next year. For a huge selection of holiday goodies, head to Chocolats Favoris' newest location in Victoria, BC or shop online. With a range of delicious chocolates from covered nuts and chocolate bars, to fondues and the cutest advent calendar, they have you covered for those chocolaty gifts. 

*This post was created with Chocolats Favoris. All words, photos and ideas are my own.

SHOPS WE LOVE: SIMPLY MERINO KIDS PAJAMAS

My love of merino wool started years ago, when I had my first top for winter that was not only cozy, but also so very warm. I could run in it, snowboard in it, sleep in it, you name it. Cozy and warm is literally winter perfection!

Simply Merino is that exact combination in kid's pajamas! Cozy, warm, breathable, adorable and they come in the sweetest colours that will keep any mama happy. These children's clothes are not only designed right here in Vancouver, but are manufactured locally too. 

Don't know anything about merino? Well, it is literally a sort of miracle material that keeps you warm when you're cold and cool when you're warm. Amazing, right? Let me explain how this will help you mamas out there. When wearing merino wool, babies and children's body temperatures are more regulated, which in turn keeps kids happier, settles babies more quickly and can even enhance sleep. Did you hear that??!! Anything to get us a little more sleep I say! It is especially important to dress babies appropriately as they can not regulate their own body temperatures.

It is also naturally fire resistant (therefore avoiding the chemical fire retardant sprays that are used on traditional wool), hypoallergenic and sustainable, healthier for our little ones all around. 

If the overwhelming advantages of merino wool don't sway you, have a look at the lovely fit on my children. They rave about how cozy the pajamas are and I love that the cuffs on both the arms and legs are a good fit so that they will stay tucked in on the ski hill. I can't wait to use these as a base layer for the kids this winter. I also love that they have sizes all the way up to 12! Overall, these merino wool outfits from Simply Merino are a huge hit with our family and I can't recommend them enough. 

Simply Merino is offering readers 10% off their shop with promo code winterdaisy10.

*This post was created in collaboration with Simply Merino. All words, photos and opinions are my own.

25 GARLANDS FOR KIDS' ROOMS

In the same way as a necklace adds that final touch to an outfit, a garland adds that final touch to a children's room. They come in so many different styles and literally the entire spectrum of colours; there really is one for everyone. Since garlands can dress up everything from a picture on a wall to a book shelf or even a set of hooks, I thought it would be fun to share how different garlands can change the vibe of a room and 25 of my favourites from Etsy!

This simple cloud garland by The Full Nest is perfect for a neutral nursery or for a playroom where you are looking for a little pretty that could literally be used anywhere. This would be ideal for a nursery where the gender of baby isn't known and would also make the perfect gift for a mama-to-be!

Look how much impact this tissue garland by Gen Woo has!!! It is just so pretty!!! This garland not only adds a little fun in this room, it is versatile enough to use for party decor and a nice safe option for above a crib.

This Jae to the Wall yarn garland is so sweet and subtle that it could literally work anywhere! I love how the texture adds a little oomph to the wall and ties in nicely with the rug and blanket. 

In case you were wondering, Etsy literally has thousands of garlands on offer and SO many are just darling. I've rounded up my top 25 below...which is your favourite?

1./ Bead garland; 2./ Heart garland; 3./ Tassel garland; 4./ Animal garland; 5./ Sheep garland; 6./ Mountain garland; 7./ Leaf garland; 8./ Flag garland; 9./ Felt garland; 10./ Star garland; 11./ Yarn garland; 12./ Feather garland; 13./ Cloud garland; 14./ Wool heart garland; 15./ Pom pom garland; 16./ Glitter garland; 17./ Rain garland; 18./ Neutral garland; 19./ Beige star garland; 20./ Drop garland; 21./ Boxwood garland; 22./ Snow tassel garland; 23./ Flower garland; 24./ Scallop garland; 25./ Pink grey garland.

* Thank you to our friends at Jae to the Wall, Full Nest Design and Gen Woo for making this post possible.

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4 WINNING READING CORNER COMBOS

It can be daunting to pull together a whole room for your sweet babe all in one shot. Sometimes it's easier to start with just a corner...and what better than a reading corner?! Today I'm sharing 4 winning combos to create a little reading area in your own home. All you need is six key items; a lamp, a chair, a pouf, a softie, a rug and a pillow! Having a space that feels pulled together and cohesive is a sure way to feel great in your space whatever your style. Just add some books and a little one to read with and let the memory making begin! 

1. GORGEOUS GLAM - A bold colour and some gold metallic is a sure way to make a big impact in a small space. I love how this would easily work in a grown up living area too. 

Lamp // chair // pouf // softie // rug // pillow

2. MODERN WHIMSICAL - Soft and sweet and perfect for that little girl nursery or toddler room. I love how just a few soft accessories can create a whimsical feel without having to invest in serious furniture pieces.

Lamp // chair // pouf // softie // rug // pillow

3. COZY COUNTRY - This is really modern country at best. I love how the texture of the lamp and the cushion give a more rustic feel. This is another one that would blend perfectly on a stair landing or in the corner of the living room.

Lamp // chair // pouf // softie // rug // pillow

4. SIMPLE MODERN - Always a winner and perfectly gender neutral, this combo is bold and fun with a little play with pattern and sleek lines. I still haven't tried this chair though and wonder how practical it is for a baby.

Lamp // chair // pouf // softie // rug // pillow

So, what do you think? Are you a lover of modern or do you favour the warmth and cozy factor of the country look? What is your favourite? Happy Friday friends!

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