Families Hampshire West Nov-Dec DIGITAL issue

the best

offer, gifts for teachers for under £10,

to make everything go smoothly, green ideas and a green gift guide, DIY

for the kids to make and lots more. Plus, fancy a festive UK family city break? Take a look at our guide for the best cities to visit.

If your child starts school

September 2023, it’s time to choose schools to put on your application and we have tips and advice for you.

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BE AN ENERGY VAMPIRE!

ENERGY SAVING

By Ilhan Rayen Awed

By Gabrielle Nash

Best board games for learning

It’s a great time to snuggle up inside with a board game. If you’re thinking of adding to your collection, here are some options that particularly enhance children’s learning.

Feed the Woozle

Fosters self-regulation in a fun & silly way. Ages 3-6. £19.99

Life on Earth memory and matching game Great for encouraging focussed attention. Ages 3+. £17.99

Spot it Junior!

Children learn to suppress their first impulse. Ages 4. £14.39

Zingo Bingo Develops language skills & self-regulation. Ages 4+. £17

Melissa and Doug

Suspend Junior Encourages planning, decision making & fine motor skills. Ages 4+. £21.99

Sequence for Kids

Involves taking turns, planning & prioritising. Enhances short term memory. Ages 4-7. £30.25

Carcassone

Develops planning, working memory, taking turns & prioritising. Ages 7+. £36.99.

Kingdomino

Develops spatial awareness, decision making, executive functioning & gameplay. Ages 8+. £22.35

Rat-a-tat Cat

Practises maths, memory skills, risk-taking, taking turns, counting & critical thinking. Age 6+. £12.49

A warm winter welcome awaits you at Hampshire libraries

This winter, Hampshire Libraries are sending out a clear message that everyone who visits will receive a warm welcome.

As household budgets come under increased pressure from rising costs your local library can offer:

free library membership for anyone who lives, works or studies in Hampshire; free after school and weekend clubs for all ages; a warm, calm place to do homework, with lots of fact books that could be helpful;

stories to share and comfy places to share them;

free activities for children, including Christmas crafts; free public computers and WiFi and low-cost printing, plus board games and jigsaws and not forgetting;

free Rhymetime and story time sessions for younger children.

Library visitors can bring snacks

or use the onsite cafe at The Arc in Winchester.

Many libraries have a public toilet

Saturday

can make a trip to the library your family’s weekend this winter.

Climbing parties at Golden Gecko!

Golden Gecko is an exciting indoor climbing centre in Romsey and the ideal place to host your child’s birthday party.

With 190m2 of climbing available on the Climbing Tower and Challenge Wall, children will never be bored at Golden Gecko. What’s more, any child age 5 and above can join in, with or without climbing experience. For those that do have experience, bouldering is also available.

With more than seventy routes and easy access to roped climbing, safety is taken care of with seventeen easy auto belay devices which lower the climber to the ground at a controlled rate and act as a safety check if they fall.

Gecko also offers a range of instructed sessions for both kids and adults. More info and book online HERE.

Party time with BellaCrafts

Running a party at BellaCrafts is what they were set up to do! They offer super soft play parties for little ones including craft station, yummy party buffet and plenty of space for parents to relax.

They also run their popular Creative Craft parties with your chosen crafty theme and projects, a tea party, party bags and party passport to make it the perfect fun!

And, BellaCrafts also offer a bespoke girly bash for older children which includes jewellery making, button project, beautiful decorations and a mini afternoon tea. More info and book online HERE.

Gifts for teachers for under a tenner

Realised the kids break up soon and you haven’t chosen something for them to give as a gift? Here are some ideas that won’t break the budget.

The Body Shop

‘Create

Fill the pouch with a selection of Body Shop goodies. £3

‘Epic things to teach’

Add photos and teacher’s name for personalisation. £4.99

Personalised

Apple-shaped bracelet with personalised message. £1.99

Terrific Teacher glasses case

Stylish gift for a teacher who wears glasses. £2.99

Jamie Oliver’s

Christmas pudding gift jar

Just buy the ingredients and the kids can make this themselves.

Milk chocolate trophy

Award your teacher with a chocolate trophy. £10.

One4all gift card

Can be used with 130+ brands in store and online. £10

Personalised resin coaster

Handmade resin teacher coaster with a name of your choice. £8.99

Personalised mug

Remind them they’re the best teacher on the planet! £9.99

Enjoy Christmas sparkle with the National Trust

There is spectacle and sparkle galore at National Trust places in Hampshire this Christmas, bringing sprinkles of

to family days out.

Step into a Narnia-inspired world at Mottisfont, with scenes from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Follow wartime evacuees Edmund, Lucy, Susan and Peter into the kingdom of the White Witch – a landscape of snow and Turkish Delight. There is a family activity trail, plus loads of ‘wow’ moments –walk through the magic wardrobe, visit the Beavers’ cottage, and sit in the throne room at Cair Paravel.

At Hinton Ampner you can follow The Wind in the Willows’ Mole, Rat and Badger as they leave their sheltered lives in the woods and along the riverbank to rescue friend Toad from his wild adventures.

Beautifully decorated rooms tell the story, and outside, you can visit the characters’ homes, from Mole’s sweet little burrow to the grandeur of Toad Hall. There’s storytelling in Hinton’s cosy second-hand bookshop.

Kipper’s Snowy Day

Enjoy The Vyne decked out in festive finery, with twinkling lights and glittering Christmas trees. Inspired by the mansion’s 18th century ‘Grand Tour’ collection, you’ll also find decorations that celebrate Christmas in Europe - look out for Venetian masks and mini ‘Colosseums’.

A special ‘Passport’ takes families on their own ‘Grand Tour’ adventure in the gardens, with activities exploring festive traditions in other countries. Find out more HERE.

Theatre

The countdown to Christmas in Southampton is on!

From late night-shopping and delicious dinners to stopping over for a show and sipping on mulled wine, there is a joyous festive feeling in Southampton this holiday season.

On 17 November, the Countdown to Christmas event kicks off the season with roaming street characters and entertainment as well as live music in the city centre from 5–7pm before the lights are officially switched on for Christmas.

© Nick Upton

Glide your way into the festive spirit with family and friends as Westquay on Ice returns to the Esplanade from 11 November until 2 January accompanied by Après Bar serving mulled wine, hot chocolates, and other winter delights.

Plus, there is The Big Christmas Giveaway, a free family walking trail and plenty of offers to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Click HERE to start planning your Christmas in Southampton.

Great Elf Investigation

25 NOV 2022 – 3 JAN 2023

Go on a FREE family festive adventure around Southampton to find the elves who have escaped and taken the toys with them! Follow the trail, find the clues and receive your prize at the end for all your hard work.

Cosmic Christmas launches at Winchester Science Centre

This festive season families are invited to step inside an intergalactic wonderland at Winchester Science Centre.

On weekends and during the Christmas school holiday between Sat 3 Dec and Sat 24 Dec visitors can join Santa in Cosmic Christmas, a brand-new 45-minute immersive family adventure in the iconic and totally unique Planetarium.

Listen as Santa and Aster, the intergalactic planetary elf, recreate the epic tale of their first mission to

science and an out-of-this-world journey through space.

Families will be encouraged to become part of the story through cheering, moving in their seats and making noise.

The performance will come alive even further with the use of aweinspiring immersive elements, explosive live science and an awesome journey through the stars on the 360 degrees Planetarium screen.

Santa will narrate the experience but, due to his busy Christmas schedule, there will not be an opportunity for a meet and greet. He will however be leaving Christmas gifts for all children who purchase a ticket.

Tickets to Cosmic Christmas also include entry to the Science Centre’s two floors of interactive exhibits and festive Space Station Science activities. More info HERE.

action immersive adventure with Santa

Festive family city breaks

Our friends at Tested by Tots have identified some of the best family friendly cities to explore with your little ones this Christmas.

Durham

A beautiful, picturesque city & a great Christmas Festival from 2-4 December.

Winchester Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is inspired by German Christmas markets further afield.

Norwich

Home to the most anticipated Christmas attraction in the UK - The Tunnel of Light!

Nottingham Festive markets from retro style to a sparkling Winter Wonderland!

Exeter Ice rink, Winter Wonderland, carol concerts, pantomimes. Exeter truly embraces Christmas!

Kidderminster Santa Trains to Arley take families to see their favourite characters in pantomime.

Glasgow

Festivals, pantos and children’s classic concerts such as The Night Before Christmas.

Cardiff

Fantastic Christmas festival with incredible shows at Cardiff Castle.

Belfast

Light shows, displays, markets and a Georgian experience. This city goes big!

Eco Christmas gift guide

Spread a bit of festive joy by being good to your family and the planet. These gifts for kids and

make everyone’s day without costing the earth.

Nature

Explore British wildlife with eco-packaged worksheets & nature prints. £20 per month.

Barekind

Bright and colourful

filler helps save the endangered animal on them! £7.50

Kabode Alphabet children’s bedding

Fun collection of 100% certified organic cotton bedding makes learning fun. £44.95

Play Kits

Sustainable &

Bake at Home

Home-delivered.

ready-made dough, cutter & recipe.

DIY lip tint or

balm

Design all-natural lip tints or cheek balms with gorgeous ingredients. Plastic-free. £19.99

Tartan

Made from at least 70% recycled wool plus preloved, recycled fibres.

Halo water bottle

Insulated, compact, lightweight, handbag & pocket-friendly. Hydration on the move.

£22

Cashmere fingerless gloves

Super-cosy, one-size, made from discarded

Get greener this Christmas

Christmas trees

Don’t use artificial trees – they aren’t recyclable and will end up in landfill.

Hire a Christmas tree from a garden centre or plant nursery.

Buy a pot grown tree and plant it in the garden in January. Use it next year!

Recycle real trees. Check arrangements with your council.

Eco alternatives

Use reusable, fabric crackers.

Wrap gifts with recycled paper or fabric.

Go for a real, fresh wreath made with seasonal, natural foliage.

Buy a reusable Advent Calendar. Fill with your own gifts.

Make your own decorations.

Pot grown tree care

Christmas dinner

Plan meals in advance, taking account of visitors, so you don’t buy more food than you need.

Seal and freeze all the leftovers that you can.

Give unused food away to friends, family or neighbours. Eat less meat and try vegan versions of Christmas classics.

Christmas gifts

Consider second hand or refurbished items eg bikes, tech. Try giving experiences such as theatre tickets or days out instead of gifts.

Buy reusable items like refillable water bottles and beeswax wraps.

Buy consumables like food and toiletries as gifts.

Learn the difference between potted trees and container grown trees, which ones have the best chance of survival and how to care for them.

Christmas treats to make with the kids

Christmas gingerbread people

Christmas pudding Malteser cake

Have some fun in the kitchen with a classic gingerbread recipe your kids will love to make. Decorate your people using dried fruits, nuts and coconut for a healthier treat that tastes fantastic. The kids will particularly enjoy making their little people truly personal.

This sneaky cake is a bit of a trickster! It looks like a Christmas pudding but is, in fact, a delicious chocolate cake covered in Maltesers. Kids will love tricking others with this cake and, of course, they will also love the taste of this chocolate extravaganza!

Christmas cookie houses

Gingerbread houses are a Christmas tradition but these little cookie houses are so much easier to assemble and just as fun.

Use different biscuits and decorative items to give each cookie house a unique, fun look. The kids can even make a small Christmas town of their own.

Christmas hacks for parents

Keeping presents hidden

In the loft – assuming your child can’t access it or wouldn’t think to look there!

In the car boot – this is a winner if you can’t access it from the back seats.

Inside luggage – zip presents into a suitcase.

Another house – leaving with friends or family will thwart the most ardent snooper!

Laundry basket – kids are unlikely to go digging through dirty laundry so stash some wrapped presents at the bottom.

In the run up

Ignore the hype – don’t compare your family to every trend on social media.

Love your lists – getting things down on paper definitely helps you stay sane.

Delegate – don’t do everything. Ask for help and get everyone involved.

Drop high stress rituals –families thrive on traditions but choose the ones most important to you.

Stick to routines - your child will find it reassuring. Avoid back to back socialising and travel – try to arrange some visits after Christmas.

Choosing and caring for your Christmas tree

Measure the height of your room before you choose a tree.

Nordmann Fir is a great choice as it does not drop its glossy dark needles and has a good shape.

Place in a stand with a well of water in the base.

Check daily and top up the water when the level drops.

Choose a cool place, away from radiators and fires.

Don’t let your tree dry out.

On the day

Not all at once - spread out gift-opening to keep Christmas morning manageable. Turn present-giving into a game – everyone takes turns and must try to guess what it is before opening.

Avoid present chaos - wrap everyone’s Christmas gifts in different paper so you can recognise them.

Prioritise presence over presents – remember Christmas is really about time with your family.

Avoid overload – kids can get over stimulated so give them time to play quietly or rest.

Top Advent Calendar Picks

More Christmas gift ideas

Hot Wheels Car Plate by Munchy Play

My Self-Esteem Journal & My Worry Journal

Rev-up mealtimes with the official Hot Wheels™ Car Plate. Race cars around the Hot Wheels™ track, pull stunts and dodge obstacles past the finish line. Designed by a mum, the colourful blue and orange plate makes a fun gift for kids (ages 3+), fussy eaters, and car fans. £16.50.

Girls Support Girls

Girls Support Girls is a small but mighty book bursting with kick-ass quotes, uplifting statements and awesome affirmations – a celebration of female strength and solidarity. There’s nothing more powerful than a strong woman –except for two strong women supporting each other! £6.99.

Two new activity journals inspired by the numberone best-selling children’s mental health title You’re a Star by Poppy O’Neill. Books contain cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to help children aged 7+ grow in confidence. £7.99 each.

The Book for Badass Women

The Book for Badass Women is a sassy little book filled with empowering tips and quotes. What is a badass woman? Whatever the heck she wants to be!

Dive head first into advice on strengthening your selfconfidence, going after your goals and empowering other women. £9.99