I've won a competition!

www.weavinghope.co.uk

Yay, I've actually won a prize in a competition! It's a cute cooking play set from Weaving Hope, specialists in cute Fair trade toys for imaginative play. Even better, it's machine washable (phew).

The competition was on my friend Nicola's blog, (check her recent guest blog with her top 10 reads for young children).

My 3 year old daughter will be thrilled with her new play set - when she eventually gets it. I'm holding out to give it to her as a reward when she finally goes to the potty without prompting. Yes, I know that's probably blackmail or bad parenting, but I'm getting desperate to get her wearing proper knickers...Talking of which, any top tips for potty training?

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Party bags - ideas that don't cost the planet

I'm starting to get the hang of party bags. Easy, cheap and as eco as possible - that's generally the plan.

Now depending where you see yourself sitting on the green spectrum, you might consider the totally green thing would be no party bags at all. After all, they encourage kids to expect 'stuff', they use up resources and they cost money! But I think with a bit of careful planning, it's possible to minimise their environmental impact.

Here's some ideas - gifts that are easy to recycle, or designed to last.

For more inspiration, read 'Birthday Party: Games, Food, Invitations, Party Bags'

1. Bags
   Decorate plain brown sandwich bags with handles - a simple design, cut out pictures from used wrapping paper or simply each child's name. If you prefer something that is a gift in itself, how about a hand-made fabric bag? The photo shows some made by my friend Ange. Ideal for girls to keep nick-nacks, or for boys to keep small cars, marbles etc.
2. Plant a seed.
   During the party, get kids to fill pots with soil, label their pot, plant a seed or bulb, and water it. Add it to their party bag to take home.
3. Popcorn
   Cheap, fun, easy. Make a paper cone or use paper bags, and fill each with home made popcorn (organic if you prefer). Should keep fine if made the day before the party and kept in air tight container.
4. Books
   Buy 2nd hand from Amazon, charity shops etc. Small books are ideal - Mr Men, Ladybird Classics, or small board books for toddlers.
5. Biscuit
   Any type - even a plain old Rich Tea will do. Just add kids' names or simple design using icing/cake decorations. Or get kids to do their own during the party.
6. Cooking Kit
   Cookie cutter + Recipe (try CBeebies) + Cake Icing.
7. Eco bag fillers
   See The Green Familia's list of eco party bag websites. Some lovely little toys - maybe more pricey than the usual fillers, so go for quality rather than quantity - and add a big slice of cake to the bag.
8. Recycle, Reuse
   Don't waste too much time coming up with original ideas - recycle someone else's! Try forums such as The Green Parent and Money Saving Expert - Green & Ethical MoneySaving.
9. Happy Green Earth
   This company deserves a special mention - cute little gifts, biodegradable or recycleable - from 70p.
10. Good Luck Wishes
    How about a virtual gift? Nicola Baird, author of Home Made Kids, suggests giving 'Good Luck Wishes' which are activated by something the kids need to look out for on their way home, like someone on a zebra crossing.

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10 tips for (mostly) free toys

You can do toys on the cheap, and keep it green.

Here's my tips for toys that won't cost a packet, and make the most of recycling, reusing and borrowing.

1. Toy Swap. I do temporary swaps of bags of toys with friends and it works a treat. Your little one will be delighted with the 'new' toys, and will enjoy getting their 'old' toys back.
2. Car boot sales. I can't resist them. Best toy bargain? Toy pram for 25p. 
3. Freecycle. I can't help myself and check this site most days. Latest acquisition was a Playmobil castle with play figures - absolutely free! Items get snapped up quickly so keep your eyes peeled.
4. Charity shops. 'Nuff said. They're a goldmine of cheap toys just waiting to be loved all over again.
5. NCT Nearly New Sales. They're popular, and with good reason.
   
6. The great outdoors. Get your wellies on! Nothing beats fresh air, and a run around in the park, woods, or garden. Need inspiration? Check out Nature's Playground and Green Crafts for Children.
   
7. Netmums. Just discovered I can get free kids' stuff in my local area. And give away/sell my own. It's dead easy to advertise items, I put up 3 items at the weekend with my 18 month daughter messing about on my lap.  
8. Gumtree. See Gumtree Free postings
9. Libraries. When my kids are fed up of their toys, it's time for a trip to the library. My little boy loves choosing books for himself and his sister, and putting them in the machine to scan them. There's not a toy library near me, but you might be lucky. 
10. Rubbish. Think Mr Maker. Collect toilet rolls, yoghurt pots, boxes, ribbon, any bits that a child can transform into a robot/castle/rocket/etc. Pasta shapes, paint and string? You've got a princess bracelet. Keep bits in a shoebox and rainy days will never be the same again.

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