MADE (Mums and Dads Edinburgh) - January/February 2018

made

JAN/FEB 2018 FREE

mums and dads edinburgh

THE TOP 100 PARTY VENUES, ENTERTAINERS, AND ACTIVITIES

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EXCLUSIVE PARTY OFFERS

for MADE Readers see pages 64 & 65

Why NOT to do

Dry January

MOTHER PUKKA says guilt no more

PLUS

NEWS, REVIEWS AND DATES FOR YOUR NEW YEAR DIARY

made

welcome

Contributors We asked some of the MADE team about their plans for 2018…

Marie Martin To find a new home for me and my gorgeous two boys.

And dedicate the rest of my time to lunches with the ladies and enjoying life a bit more.

Caroline McClean I always break ‘normal’ New Years resolutions by mid-Jan, so in 2018 I’m setting myself career, personal, fitness and financial goals instead. Wish me luck!

Jo Jo Sutherland I plan to keep a roof over my head and food in my tummy... oh and world domination!

Genuinely just hoping for a happy and healthy 2018 for us all.

contact MADE, PO BOX 28825, Edinburgh, EH14 9BA T: 07738 068022 E: mademag@live.co.uk www.mademagazine.co.uk

Happy New Year everyone!

I hope Santa was good to you and you all had a wonderful festive period with family and friends.

Ours was a whirlwind of events and parties and food and drink and singing and games!

(Mixed with a lot of trying to stop Jack from climbing the Christmas tree.)

We’ve also been really busy compiling our list of Top 100 parties. It seems there are more ways to celebrate your little ones’ birthdays than ever before. Hopefully we’ve found something in the list that suits everybody - be sure to let us know! Make sure you hang on to this edition throughout 2018 so you have all the contacts and ideas you’ll need for when your child’s big day arrives.

Louise x

Editor & Publisher Louise Wilson Designer

MAMi Designs

Sales Executive

Caroline McClean

Columnists

Kirsty Nicholls, Edinburgh for Under Fives

Agony Aunt

Jojo Sutherland

Printer

Stephens & George

facebook.com/MADEmag twitter.com/MADE_magazine All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. While every care has been taken in compiling MADE magazine to ensure that it is correct at the time of going to press. MADE (Mums And Dads Edinburgh) assume no responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions.

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Fountainbridge is THE family hub of Edinburgh!

Dining, bonding and entertainment, all under one roof for the whole family AT THE FOUNTAIN..

Here at The Fountain Bar, we’re committed to being family friendly and all children are most He welcome. Please see our menu of activities below to see how we can help keep your little ones entertained whilst allowing you to relax, eat, drink and be merry!

Select from our’s yummy children menu and then choose their favourite entertainment…

Kids Activity Pack – drawing, puzzles, stickers and crayons in a handy themed pack!

Mini DVD Player with headphones and a selection of U DVDs Toy Chest! Duplo and mini figures to stimulate their imaginations! and easy learning Wipe Clean drawingsaur s and Animals Dino a, Pepp books – Tomy Mega Sketcher

The Fountain . 131 Dundee Street . Edinburgh 0131 229 1899 . www.thefountainbar.co.uk

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news The Lion comes to Jabberwocky

Jabberwocky Softplay in Haddington is asking its young customers to help create a unique artwork - a huge collage of a lion!

The lion is the emblem of King Robert the Bruce, who 700 years ago granted a charter to Haddington to confirm it was a Royal Burgh and market town. 2018 will see events to celebrate the anniversary taking place, with a major event in the summer. jabberwockysoftplay.co.uk

Pie Not arrives in Morningside After providing Edinburgh and the Lothians with artisan pies for over four years, Pie Not has brought their award winning pies to South Morningside, with a new 28 seater Bistro on Comiston Road. This small independent business has a strong emphasis on fresh local produce.

Whilst pies are at the core of their menu, they also pride themselves on seasonal salads, weekend specials, freshly made soups, sweet treats and puddings; all handcrafted in-house daily. www.pienot.co.uk

MADE readers receive 10% OFF

Edinburgh’s Buggy Repair Centre in Stockbridge is offering 10% off their valeting service to all MADE readers in January and February.

This leading buggy repairer professionally valets, services and repairs buggies and prams from all over central Scotland, sourcing parts from well-known manufacturers and restoring them to good-asnew condition!

To receive 10% off your valet just quote ‘MADE’.

NEW eyewear for children Family eye care specialists, Cameron Optometry, has welcomed some new brands to its children’s eyewear collection including Tomato, which are perfect for little ones, and Wolf Cubs, for the budding fashionista. Making glasses-wear much easier for those who are perhaps a little resistant or just want to look cool! They also offer contact lenses to children as young as six, so remember that is an option if your child needs vision correction. Children should have their eyes examined by an optometrist every two years from pre-school, and immediately if you notice a change in their vision.

Book a free comprehensive eye examination by calling 0131 225 2235. made JAN / FEB 2018

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news Family Forest Bags

Children in Edinburgh nurseries who have completed Forestry Commission Scotland’s Forest Kindergarten training and are actively following the Forest Kindergarten programme will benefit from 300 Forest Family Bags, which will enable families to borrow a rucksack full of advice, ideas, resources and fun activities to support and encourage safe outdoor play in the woodlands.

My Happy Journal My Happy Journal is a new daily diary and activity book for children and adults to share. Sprinkled with fun facts, inspirational quotes and wonderful illustrations, there are heaps of pages to colour and ideas for creative adventures.

Created by an Edinburgh mum with the help of her two children, the diary prompts you to write about what you enjoyed most about your day.

My Happy Journal is a delightful way to capture, share and appreciate the little things that bring joy to the small people.

Having fun every day and creating a future keepsake as you go. www.myhappyjournal.com

NEW website

for Under Fives Edinburgh for Under Fives is thrilled to launch a brand new website for 2018. The popular guidebook for parents of pre-schoolers is already available in print at www.efuf.co.uk and in book and gift shops across the city.

The publication’s website has been revamped to allow users to search for nearby activities, eateries and services on a mobile with one click of a button. Plan a day out with listings that are displayed on interactive maps and access over 1000 reviews written by local parents. Subscriptions start at just £2.95 or buy the book and get a year’s free online access. www.efuf.co.uk

Keep beautifully organised The Pretty Collection from Busy B is full of ‘Oh So Clever’ products to keep every family beautifully organised in 2018. The perfect solution for busy life on-the-go, this pretty collection is full of thoughtful products that are as delightful as they are clever - from charming calendars to lovely labels and fabulous folders. busyb.co.uk

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Dreaming of a family retreat

to South West France next summer?

Nestled in the heart of the stunning Dordogne, Le Chevrefeuille B&B and self-catering is the ideal family holiday haven.

Approved by leading UK preschool tour operators, Le Chevrefeuille is easy to reach with low-cost direct flights from Edinburgh to Bergerac and Bordeaux. This stunning accommodation has won Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence every year and is centrally located to Dordogne’s most famous tourist sites.

Onsite there’s ample kid-friendly entertainment: toy-room, pool with safety fence, animals, bikes and beautiful grassed play area. All baby equipment is provided and for kids of all ages: babysitting!

Parents will love the stunning poolside views, beautifully appointed rooms and cottages and award-winning cookery school. For a unique experience, sign up for the highly acclaimed family cookery course - it’s fun, educational and a great opportunity for some family bonding time! Visit www.dordognefamilyholiday.com for more information on this blissful family retreat!

Must be booked online

worldofbowling.com

Quote ‘Made Edinburgh’ for a 5% DISCOUNT off all bookings (outwith July and August). made JAN / FEB 2018

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news: clubs and classes news French for all

The Institut Français d’Ecosse winter term begins on January 8th. They offer weekly classes for children, teens, and adults at all levels of French mastery, in addition to after-school clubs, holiday exam preparation (National 5 / GCSE; Higher / AS level; Advanced Higher / A level), and holiday camps for children.

They also offer a large selection of children’s books and organise weekly story time sessions in their library. Learn more at www.ifecosse.org.uk or book now by calling 0131 285 6030.

Talking Tots Talking Tots Edinburgh offers a range of classes for ages 4 months - 4 years to help your child develop their communication and social skills, all through interactive play.

Their BabyTalk, Sprites, Sprinters and Sparklers classes offer developmentally staged educational, fun and exciting sessions. Join in and boost your child’s listening and attention, speech and language, confidence and group participation, imagination and storytelling and more…

Held weekly across the city, with new classes being added all the time. Contact Zoe on 07595 002278, zoe@talkingtots.info or visit www.talkingtots.info/Edinburgh

New year, new skill Dive into 2018 with a New Year’s resolution that will help burn off those mince pies, teach your baby or toddler a potentially life-saving skill and get you both out and about having fun.

Whatever the weather, swimming provides one of the best forms of exercise for both you and your baby, and is just as perfect for cold winter days as it is for hot summer ones.

Water Babies classes in Edinburgh are suitable for babies starting under 12 months old or for toddlers aged 18months to 3 years old. For more information, please phone 0131 554 6682, email woggle@waterbabies.co.uk or visit www.waterbabies.co.uk

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Montessori Mornings

NEW Monkey Music classes

is growing!

Montessori teachers Sorour and Rosita have created a warm, welcoming class where parents and children can spend quality time together at activities developed along the educational methods of Maria Montessori. There is also a group activity, art and a snack table where children can help themselves. “When children get engaged they surprise us with what they are capable of. Their confidence grows from one week to the next.” Best of all, Sorour and Rosita are excitedly planning a Montessori nursery to open in 2018.

For updates, follow the Facebook page or subscribe on their website www.montessorimornings.com

Candle Workshops

MUM

S&D

ADS

Can To Candle has been invited by the Botanic Gardens to run a candle-making workshop in the beautiful Botanic Cottage on Saturday 27th January. On the workshop you will learn how to make your own scented container candle using natural soy wax and 100% pure essential oils. At the end, you will take away your own scented candle. For more info go to www.rbge.org.uk/the-gardens/edinburgh MUM

Time to Go Get Fit! Emma at Go Get Fitness brings Insanity Live and PiYo classes to South Edinburgh. Whether it’s high intensity fat burning or core conditioning, they are suitable for every fitness level. All classes are child friendly, £5 per class or a block of 10 for £40. www.facebook.com/ gogetinsanitylive or Emma@go-get.co.uk for class times and more information.

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ADS

Monkey Music is delighted to start new classes at Polwarth Parish Church, and is holding an open morning on Friday 12th January. with age-specific taster sessions, the opportunity to meet the team and have loads of fun with Monkey. To book your free space contact Rachel at comelybank.corstorphine@ monkeymusic.co.uk Saturday Monkey Music classes are also coming to the south of Edinburgh at Marchmont St Giles’ Parish Church Centre from January, so if you would like to enjoy an award winning children’s music class with your little Monkey at the weekend, get in touch with Abbey at morningside. pentland@monkeymusic. co.uk to book your free trial.

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out & about

Photocall

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Have you got great photos from an event you’d like to share with MADE readers?

If so, email them to us at info@mademagazine.co.uk 2

out & about

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© WARREN MEDIA 2017

out & about

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1 Grace Warnock (12) from Prestonpans receives her British Citizen Youth Award from Ashley Banjo in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to society and charities.

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© ADAM TROUP

out & about

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2. Canal View Primary School was visited by a team of entertainers from Sol Katmandu Park & Resort and Jet2holidays, providing a morning of fun and learning for the P6 and 7 classes.

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4. Outdoor Nursery Edinburgh, the first independent nursery in Scotland to achieve the Soil Association’s Gold Food for Life Served Here award, for serving fresh and healthy meals in Liberton, Edinburgh. © PHIL WILKINSON

• out & about

3. Grace Warnock (12) from Prestonpans receives her British Citizen Youth Award from Ashley Banjo in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to society and charities.

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5. Parents and kids at The Centre, Livingston enjoying free yoga sessions with one of Scotland’s top yoga instructors, Keira Thorley. Pictured here is Keira, Mikie Riddel (10) and Jessica Hoggan (4).

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To win an All Sports week at Excel’s Easter camp worth £195, just answer this question: Where are the Commonwealth Games being held in 2018?

For more information and to book online go to excel-sports.co.uk

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b

To help kickstart 2018, Walk the Talk Studios in Abercromby Place, which specialises in ‘shake not sweat’ Callanetics, is giving five lucky readers the chance to win a 10-session Body Blitz over two weeks, worth £80 each.

c

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question Where is Walk the Talk Studios located?

For more information go to walkthetalkstudios.com

For every MADE magazine reader, Walk the Talk Studios, is offering 10% OFF a Body Blitz if booked before the 14th January 2018.

T&Cs. The winners will be picked at random by MADE magazine on Feb 23rd 2018. Competition entries are restricted to Edinburgh, Lothians and surrounding areas only. Editor’s decision is final. No cash alternative is available and prizes are non-transferrable. Please indicate on your entry if you would prefer not to receive information from MADE and any of its partners. Competition C must be used by 30 April, the winner must be willing to take part in any publicity/marketing, made JAN / FEBincluding 2018 social media.

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competition

Body Blitz is packed with creative and impactful choreography, where body sculpting results are both fast and dramatic, by one of the hugely talented co-founders - former gymnast and yoga teacher, Keira Thorley. The small precise movements not only tone every part of the body but also improve overall strength, flexibility, posture, digestion and sleeping patterns, and reduce stress levels.

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To be in with a chance of winning a year’s family membership, just answer this question: How many sites does Jump In have in Scotland?

For more information go to gojumpin.com

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To celebrate the launch of Jump In Trampoline Park in Musselburgh, one lucky family of four can win action-packed jumping-fun for one year, worth £500.

The newly opened state-of-the-art arena, the second in Scotland after Aberdeen opened in the summer, is located in Newhailes Industrial Park and boasts a whole host of fun activities; over 100 interconnected trampolines, battle beam, tumble track, dodgeball court, giant air bag, foam pit, drop slides and an interactive wall game. It also features a dedicated area for under 5s, toddler sessions, fitness classes, disco nights and a café stocked with tasty homemade dishes and drinks.

competition

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Now in its 22nd year, Excel Sports Academy runs popular holiday camps at Easter, the summer and in October. The camps are held at St Georges School campus in Murrayfield for children aged 5 -15 years, with experienced staff and sports coaches running a structured timetable. The All Sports week covers a range of sports with a themed day, and on the Friday parents are welcome to watch the end of week show. In summer Excel offers its specialised Excel+ camps, which include art, tennis, ComputerXplorers, canoeing, horse riding, swimming/diving and Sports Leaders level 5.

competition

WIN

To win competitions A, B or C simply email your name, contact details and answer to competitions@mademagazine.co.uk or enter via www.mademagazine.co.uk before Feb 23rd

e or m o n t l ui

G

B

logging-sensation, Anna Whitehouse is a journalist, editor and super-mum in search of pukka things for parents. She previously worked as the Vice Editor at Time Out Amsterdam before writing about shoes and handbags for fashion labels SuperTrash and Tommy Hilfiger. She founded Mother Pukka, a portal for news, events, reviews and honest comment for people who happen to be parents; bridging the gap between parenting and reality.

Mother Pukka is also working with The Food Doctor . Their latest campaign is all about encouraging women (in particular mums) to abolish the guilt, not just when it comes to healthy eating, but in life in general. As part of

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this, they’ve conducted a nationwide survey to look into the issue of women and mums and guilt.

The survey revealed some really interesting stats such as: l

Only 1 in 5 (21%) working mums agree that they feel worthy of their career success and feel comfortable asking for a pay rise

l 54%

of UK mums believe they need to put less pressure on themselves

l

3 in 10 (30%) of mums across the UK suffer from guilty thoughts at least once a day

www.mademagazine.co.uk

ANNA WHITEHOUSE

l 50%

identify diet as the most common guilt trigger, closely followed by fitness (46%)

With over half of mums (54%) agreeing they’d like to put less pressure on themselves, Mother Pukka, offers us helpful hacks to help relieve just a little bit of that pressure and guilt:

Look up at the sky and take a deep breath

It’s a simple one, but it works. I am often glued to my phone for work and when the pressure comes from all angles –my daughter, Mae insisting she must have the blue spoon, NOT the red spoon and, of course, the dreaded inbox of doom – taking a second to look up simply clears the guilt and reminds me I’m doing okay. We should all allow ourselves to take the time to relax without feeling guilty about it. Even just removing yourself from a situation and putting things into perspective for just a few minutes can really help.

Call one person you love, every day

It’s easy to feel disconnected in this digital world and simply making time, even if it’s just 3 minutes, to speak to someone you love can make a real difference. It could be your mum and dad, one of your mates, or Aunty Janet - not only will you drop the guilt about not being in touch as often as you’d like, but there’s nothing like a quick chat / rant / gossip with someone close to put a smile on your face.

“

Removing yourself from a situation and putting things into perspective for just a few minutes can really help

”

Listen to your body and be good to yourself

While I struggle to fit in the elusive ‘me time’, I try to reclaim small moments in my day that are just for me, and I always end up feeling all the better for it. No matter how busy life gets, I try to take time to prepare wholesome foods and snacks like chopped up fruit pimped with cinnamon and peanut butter but, obviously, also enjoy the odd naughty sweet treat. If it ends up that my ‘me time’ is just me, a tub of peanut butter and a spoon… you can bet I will not feel guilty about it! made JAN / FEB 2018

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ANNA WHITEHOUSE

Here’s a guilt-free lazy Sunday brunch recipe from The Food Doctor for when you might have extra time to treat yourself with something super delicious. The fritters are crunchy on the outside but soft in the middle. They are perfect served with sliced avocado, coconut yogurt and some toasted pitta bread…

Ingredients: l l l l l l l l l l l

200g of sweetcorn 85g of chopped basil 85g of cup finely chopped red onion 1 tsp lime juice ½ tsp of sea salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper 170g cup of gluten free flour or regular flour 3 tbs of cornmeal ½ tsp baking powder 120ml or more of water A flaxseed ‘egg’ - 1 tbsp of milled flaxseeds + 3 tbsp of water

1. In a small bowl mix the flaxseeds with the water and leave to set onto one side for 10 minutes. It should become quite thick and gloopy

2. In a large bowl, add all the ingredients for the fritters apart from the water. Stir everything together.

3. Add in the flaxseed “egg” and gradually add the water Add enough water until the mixture

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is like a paste but not a super runny batter.

There will be more corn than batter.

4. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat.

Add about 1 teaspoon of coconut oil on the pan.

5. Drop large spoonfuls of the mixture on the hot pan and try to spread the mixture into a round shape. Cook until golden brown on both sides. About 4 to 5 minutes per each side.

6. Repeat the process until you have cooked all the fritters.

7. Serve with the toasted pitta bread, some sliced avocado, a dollop of coconut yogurt and a sprinkle of seeds.

Find out more...

For more no-guilt healthy recipes and products visit thefooddoctor.com and to read more pukka blogs from Anna Whitehouse go to motherpukka.co.uk

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KIDS & TEENS CLASSES 2018/2019 FRENCH CLASSES AFTER SCHOOL CLUB HOLIDAY EXAM PREPARATION Contact us for more information www.ifecosse.org.uk 0131 285 6030

Whizzkids

Computer Learning Centre Holiday computer courses for children from 12th to 16th February

Touch-typing Computer Art Educational Games PowerPoint Desktop Publishing Scratch Raspberry Pi Project Creation ITQ (OCR Qualification)

Term-time classes and adult lessons are also available 19 Morningside Drive Edinburgh 0131 447 5893 www.whizzkids.uk.com gillian@whizzkids.uk.com

King’s Tots Wednesdays, 10am – 11.30am (term time) Arts & crafts Story telling Singing Playing

Ages 0-4

£1

For you and your toddler

104 Gilmore Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9PL www.kingschurchedinburgh.org

Zumba® and Zumba® Gold Classes in Edinburgh with r ® Jamme

Zumba

oc

Nadia Alk

Classe s £5 p ay-asClasse you-go s in M orning s id Murra e, Polw yfield arth, and M ORE!

Check out the webpage

www.zumbaedinburgh.net

HEALTH

WHY NOT TO DO

Dry January BY

Brigitte Cummings,

ACHIEVEMENT COACHING

© FREEPIK.COM

W

hen I ask my clients if they would like to do dry January, the suggestion is not greeted with too much enthusiasm – much to my utmost relief. That’s not because of my love for a glass of good bubbly. The relief is based on a psychological ‘law’ that draws attention to what is forbidden, effectively making you want the forbidden fruit even more.

So, when I am told that I am not allowed to drink a glass of Prosecco for the whole of January, I really (I mean really, really) want that glass of Prosecco. So much so that it makes me feel frustrated, depressed and unhappy – and that is the last thing you want in the dark month of January!

A much better way to be more healthy is to focus on what you DO want: fit into those skinny jeans, be able to run 10k, tone up. And then, you break your goal down into hands-on action points – one off them might be to cut down on that fizz.

This approach is different in that you don’t forbid

“

yourself to do anything, you simply eat and live according to your goals. Now, doesn’t that feel much better? So, if you are after a short term challenge – by all means go for dry January. If you are in for the long-term and looking for a maintainable new way of living more healthily or losing that weight for good, then think about your goals instead, and pick the actions to get you there. And yes, you can still have that glass of Prosecco with friends, and feel fit and fab! n

Focus on what you DO want

made JAN / FEB 2018

”

Find out more...

Brigitte Cummings is your local Personal Trainer in South Edinburgh. She also offers Outdoor Group Training (aka boot camp) and Home Training Programmes. You can find out more under www.achievementcoaching.co.uk To help make 2018 your year, get 25% off your first month of bootcamp when you sign up before January 31st.

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BABY MASSAGE

healing the

TOUCH

Lesley Gould

© FREEPIK.COM

WRITTEN BY

W

hen I tell people I teach baby massage, I am asked a lot of questions; “Do you massage the babies yourself?” No. ‘Is baby massage just another fad?” No. “Can you give me a massage?” Again, no!

I trained to become a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) with the world renowned International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) so I could learn how to massage my own beautiful baby. My daughter was born with a very rare genetic condition and I was advised to gently massage her to help her relax.

The way she and I both relaxed and felt more bonded during massage was a complete revelation to me. After spending hours massaging her little limbs I decided to go on a course to learn the proper techniques. With my IAIM training I am now qualified to teach infant massage to parents with babies aged between 0-1 years old, and also to parents with children under 7 with additional needs.

Increased bonding and attachment is a scientifically proven benefit of infant massage.

Higher levels of anti-stress hormones are produced, such as oxytocin and serotonin. These are not only produced by the baby (or child) but by the caregiver who gives the massage. During classes, this amazing and loving feeling is actually tangible in the room!

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Benefits of infant massage Interaction: spending one-to-one quality time with your baby, giving them your undivided attention, lots of eye-contact, smiles, singing to them and giving them lots of praise.

Stimulation: of your baby’s circulatory system, digestive system, hormonal system, immune system, lymphatic system, nervous system, respiratory system, vestibular system, muscular development and tone, growth, sensory integration; massage can also improve connections between neurons and mind/body awareness.

Relief: can help with many aches and pains including gas and colic, constipation, digestive cramps, excess mucus, growing pains, muscular tension, teething pains and physical and psychological tension.

Relaxation: can be demonstrated by improved sleep patterns, increased flexibility, regulation of behavioural states and an improved ability of baby to calm themselves down, less hyperactivity, less hypersensitivity, decreased levels of stress hormones and of course increased levels of those lovely relaxing hormones oxytocin and serotonin.

It’s all pretty impressive stuff!

IAIM classes are specifically designed to support new parents through the first few weeks and months of having a new baby. Through supportive discussions every parent is encouraged to share their thoughts about sleeping, crying, feeding and any topic that includes surviving life as a new parent, the ups as well as the down.

Find out more...

For further information about the IAIM and where to find your nearest CIMI, please visit www.iaim.org.uk. For more information about ‘From Acorn to Oak Infant Massage’ classes in Edinburgh please visit our facebook page @fromacorntooakwithlove or contact Lesley Gould on lesley@fromacorntooak.uk or 07931 309866.

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JUMP IN TO NEW TRAMPOLINE PARK IN MUSSELBURGH

FOR SOME BOUNCING FUN Great for kids of all ages – and grown-ups – the new air conditioned hi-spec arena with cool lighting and pumping music features trampolines with a dodgeball court, a giant air bag and foam pit and is guaranteed to get your family fit in 2018!

With dedicated sessions for parents and toddlers, fitness classes, ‘open bounce’ sessions and disco nights there really is something for the whole family from tiny tots to grandparents.

With research proving that jumping can improve not only core strength and cardiovascular fitness but also cognitive development in children, the After-School Club has been a big hit, especially

with families taking advantage of the Bounce & Dine deal on weekdays from 3.30pm for £8.95.

Students can also enjoy a piece of the action with various discounts and regular special events – ideal for study breaks and to help de-stress.

Families with ASN children can also join in the fun at sensory sessions on dedicated evenings, which can help them to acquire new motor skills, improve coordination and increase stamina.

The café – selling great tasting food and coffee – is the perfect pit stop to get your energy back up, stocking everything from healthy snacks to family favourites including pizza and chips.

For more information on activities, events, corporate and private hire and prices, which start from £10 per one-hour sessions, check out gojumpin.com/ locations/ east-edinburgh

Mum’s New World

WRITTEN BY Kirsty

Nicholls

EDITOR OF EDINBURGH FOR UNDER FIVES - WWW.EFUF.CO.UK

L

“

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really difficult to stay calm and reasonable when your toddler has a tantrum if you use the wrong colour cup/give him something he’s asked for/serve up his favourite meal. Some of the time of course, it isn’t those things that are really bothering him at all. It’s the telling off he had at nursery, the argument he had at sports club, the scraped knee he so bravely shrugged off earlier in the day. That ill-judged meal choice is just the trigger to express those challenging, pent-up emotions.

I (sometimes) admire the boys when they throw a complete wobbly with absolute abandon.

The second that little Tom has had enough dinner he sweeps everything off his highchair table, and screams for pudding. Haven’t we all felt like doing that at one point or another? Of course, when I cut my finger there was no holding back.

I screamed it out and felt so much better for it (albeit lying on the sofa, arm raised, sick bowl to hand). I hope that this unrestrained show of emotion benefited the boys rather than harmed them. That it showed them that expressing your feelings is actually okay. n

He then kindly (but firmly) suggested that I “Stop crying like a baby”

”

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© MUSEYUSHAYA - FOTOLIA.COM

ast week I cut my finger while slicing bread rolls. I’m not good with blood. I’d say I’m about a 45 on the 1-10 scale of squeamishness.

Luckily my husband was there to scrape me off the floor, deal with the tears, hysterics and inexplicable gagging. The boys were completely unfazed, thank goodness. In fact, as I sat wailing on the kitchen floor, Jack threw his arms around me and told me “Everything will be okay”. He then kindly (but firmly) suggested that I “Stop crying like a baby”.

Fast forward a couple of days. Jack wakes up in the car disoriented. He doesn’t want to come into the house and I have to carry him kicking and screaming through the front door. I wonder if perhaps he’s had a bad dream, or is feeling unwell. But then he sobs, “Mummy, I don’t like the plaster on your finger.

Will you take it off please?”.

I hope it wasn’t my over dramatics that caused this phobia. Maybe he simply doesn’t like plasters. Either way, I never would have guessed that his refusal to leave the car and come into the house was because he didn’t like the plaster on my finger. Ho Hum. So much of parenting is about interpretation, isn’t it? I’ve been doing a bit of research into this, and came across the “Hand in Hand” parenting technique. It promotes “stay listening”, whereby parents accept the things that affect our children are not things that would upset us. Rather than give our own take on a problem, it’s suggested that we should offer our children space to offload their emotions. So instead of saying, “There’s no need to worry about that,” we might say, “It must be hard to feel that way, tell me more about it”.

I really advocate this approach, although it’s

Edinburgh for Under Fives has a brand new website ...and we can’t wait for you to see it.

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Fully mobile & tablet-friendly

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Find what’s on near you with one click

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Interactive maps

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Over 1,000 reviews written by parents

www.efuf.co.uk

At Cameron Optometry we have the expertise and technology to ensure your child has the most comprehensive eye examination available, giving you complete peace of mind.

Visit cameronoptom.com/children for further information.

Specialist eye care for children

Award-winning eye care 5 St Vincent Street Edinburgh EH3 6SW 0131 225 2235 vision@cameronoptom.com

WILLOW BOUTIQUE The place for beautiful new baby gifts, pocket money toys and treats for mums

5 Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, EH4 1HU 0131 478 0470 • hellowillowboutique@gmail.com

Dates for your diary Monday Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

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2 Diana Baker Photography New Year Sale! 50% off on Jan 1, 2 and 3 only! www. dianabakerphotography.com

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4 4.30pm - 6.30pm Stagecoach Edinburgh FREE Discovery Day @ Edinburgh Academy. For ages 6 - 15. Book your place via edinburgh @stagecaoch.co.uk

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Teeny Tiny Toddler Fest ‘18 starts @ Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. Five floors of exhibits for under 5s to explore.

Runs until Jan 12th

11 The Attic @ The Studio, Festival Theatre. Set to a live, original piano score, two characters discover a magical place filled with hidden treasures. For ages 2-5.

Runs Jan 9 -13, 20 & 21.

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10am & 11.30am (40mins) Tiny Tales: Magical Tales from Scotland @ Scottish Storytelling Centre. For ages 2 - 5 yrs. £5 per child.

Miss Saigon starts @ Festival Theatre.

The legendary musical embarks on a major UK tour.

Runs until Feb 17.

Burns Night

29 30 31

For more information about what’s on log onto 22

www.mademagazine mademagazine.co.uk .co.uk www.

www.mademagazine.co.uk

January 2018

Spotlight on...

Friday Saturday Sunday 5 6 5.30pm - 8pm Family Feast Night: Indian @ Turtle Dove Play Café. A laid-back dining experience, a great way to introduce the kids to new foods.

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1pm & 3.30pm FUNBOX: The Fantastic Factory @ Howden Park Centre, Livingston. Packed with singalong favourites, this is family fun not to be missed. Also on Sun 7th at 12noon and 3pm.

Honey Pot Creative Cafe Launch Event Saturday Jan 27th, 11am - 1pm

P LAY CAFE

12 13 Monkey Music open morning @ Polwarth Parish Church. To book your free space please contact comelybank. corstorphine@ monkeymusic.co.uk

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Simplyhealth Junior Great Edinburgh Winter Run (for ages 7 - 13) @ Holyrood Park.

Part of the Edinburgh Winter Run.

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Monkey Music classes have started on Saturdays @ Marchmont St Giles Parish Church. Contact Abbey to book your trial morningside. pentland@monkeymusic. co.uk

2.30pm (1hr 30) Family Ceilidh @ Scottish Storytelling Centre.

A fun introduction to sociable dancing with live music and stories too. Tickets £5

Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival @ Assembly Rooms, George St. A packed programme of talks, workshops, yoga classes and meditation sessions.

Runs Jan 27th and 28th.

www.honeypotcreative cafe.co.uk

After almost eight years based in Edinburgh International Climbing Arena in Ratho, Honey Pot Arts & Crafts Studio has opened an impressive new venue under the Forth Bridge in South Queensferry. The studio, which overlooks the Firth of Forth, boasts a gift shop, themed nights for children, adult evening classes where budding artists can BYOB, and a wee cafe serving homemade scones and cakes. With a new brand and a name change to Honey Pot Creative Cafe, they now take online bookings for all classes.

Lady Roseberry of Dalmeny Estate will officially open the studio with a range of craft activities available to try throughout the day. An events programme for 2018 will also be announced along with a fundraising event celebrating Honey Pot’s charity partner, Autism Initiatives.

Kids Kalendar at www.kidskalendar.co.uk made JAN / FEB 2018 2017

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Dates for your diary Monday Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

THE GIANT LANTERNS OF CHINA @ EDINBURGH ZOO - 1-25 FEB

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4.30pm-7.30pm The Giant Lanterns of China @ Edinburgh Zoo runs until Feb 25th. A magical trail of beautifully crafted lanterns, rich with colour and character.

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For lots of ideas of things to do with kids visit Kids Kalendar kidskalendar.co.uk

Enter MADE’s competitions before Feb 23rd.

See page 11 for details

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8.30am - 3.30/4.30pm Scottish Seabird Centre’s holiday club runs Mon - Thurs for P1s - P7s, featuring loads of indoor and outdoor activities. www.seabird.org

Pancake Tuesday

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DAY 20 Cirque Berserk starts @ Festival Theatre. Back by popular demand – Britain’s biggest theatre-circus spectacular! Runs until Feb 24

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE HOLIDAY CLUB - 12-15 FEB

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CIRQUE BERSERK @ FESTIVAL THEATRE - 20-24 FEB

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15 12pm - 3pm Hands on History @ Palace of Holyroodhouse. Enjoy half term learning about some of the stranger objects that decorate the Queen’s homes. Runs Feb 12th - 16th.

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HANDS ON HISTORY @ THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE - 15 FEB

25 26 27 28 Allan Stewart’s Big Big Variety Show. A fabulous night of comedy and music, featuring superstar seventies soul singers The Three Degrees! Runs Feb 27th - March 3rd.

For more information about what’s on log onto 24

www.mademagazine.co.uk

www.mademagazine.co.uk

Spotlight on...

Friday Saturday Sunday 2 3

4

Capital Sci Fi Con @ Edinburgh Corn Exchange.

Edinburgh’s pop culture, comic and movie convention.

On Feb 3rd and 4th. www.capitalscificon.co.uk

9 10 11 DYNAMOS - PUFFIN DETECTIVES @ OUR DYNAMIC EARTH - 10 FEB

10am, 10m & 3pm Dino’s Dynamos - Puffin Detectives @ Our Dynamic Earth. Weekly workshops for ages 6 - 14.

16 17 11am - 1pm Animal Magic Show with Alexander the Great @ Party Planet.

Enjoy animal themed fun, arts & crafts and party food! www.planetcafe edin.co.uk

10am - 4pm Sunday Sunday @ The Yard Edinburgh. All families are welcome to play with the bikes and trikes, play in the stream, sandpit and soft-play or play at dress-up. £6 per child for two hours of play.

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12pm & 2.30pm Scottish Chamber Orchestra: The Chimpanzees of Happytown @ Assembly Rooms.

Tremendous fun for little ones. See spotlight for more information...

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The Sound of Music @ Edinburgh Playhouse.

Runs from Feb 20th - 24th

The Chimpanzees of Happytown Assembly Rooms Feb 17th 12pm & 2.30pm Based on the book

by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees.

The delightful story of Chutney the Chimp is brought to life through Paul Rissmann’s brilliant live music, captivatingly presented by narrator Chris Jarvis. It’s tremendous fun for little ones and the perfect opportunity to learn new songs.

The Chimpanzees of Happytown follows in the immensely popular footsteps of SCO’s previous family concerts including Stan and Mabel and Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants.

Kids Kalendar at www.kidskalendar.co.uk made JAN / FEB 2018

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© STUART MCCLAY PHOTOGRAPHY

February 2018

A Reader’s Review…

Edinburgh mum of two, Sarah Johnston, tells us about her journey with baby swimm ing experts, Water Babies, and how they cop ed with a little one with additional needs.

OLIVER AND DAD ENJOYING THEIR SPLASHING SESSIONS

I HAVE two beautiful little boys, Dan iel (4) and Oliver (2). Cuddly and kind, Daniel is also boisterous and energetic - always on the go. Oliver is friendly and socia ble, smiling and dancing from morning to night. One thing I normally omit is the inescapable fact that Oliver also has additional needs.

Additional needs. Even writing thos e words brings a lump to my throa t and an overwhelming sadness that makes me want to scream with rage, sob with grief or just get back into bed and wallow. Life wasn’t supposed to be like this.

After the long grieving process mourning the loss of ‘normal’ life you thought your child would lead, the relationship your siblings would have with one anot her and the devastating impact it has on everyone - came acceptance. There’s still tears and heartache, but you learn to adapt - and to fight for the best for your child.

However, what I’ve struggled with is the social isolation - his and mine .

You want them to have the same experiences, be invited to the sam e play dates and parties, and attend the same classes but feel an outsider almost.

Especially when it comes to thos e classes. Then I discovered Wate r Babies.

I was initially petrified of letting my low-toned, gastrostomy-fed, vom it prone tot into the water but the team instantly put us at ease selecting a swim programme that would allow us to use building blocks to build the simple skills.

Set within a warm hydrotherapy pool at Braidburn School, Oliver was insta ntly in his element; he loved the sensation of the wate r, the sounds his splashing created.

Being in the pool stimulated all his senses and was almost therapeutic for him. The incre ased resistance in the water meant he wasn’t low toned anymore and the lessons helped build his muscle tone - along with his physical fitness and moto r skills. Importantly, it allowed Olive r an enhanced sense of freedom and independence. He even happily went under water - somethin g we thought he would hate and would result in one of his many vomits.

And then there was the instructo r - wow. Whilst simultaneously takin g the class within the water, he managed to keep a close eye on Oliver and discreetly offer us advice, allowing us to feel included and working at a pace that worked best for us. He boos ted my and my husband’s confidence to handle Oliver in the water and was hands on, demonst ratin g how to do everything.

Amazingly, he managed to grasp everything quickly - no mean feat for a child that had a global developmental delay. Fina lly we felt included in a class and that is priceless. We’ve already booked our next term and can’t wait to see how Oliver deve lops.

Find out more...

For more information, please phone 0131 554 6682, email woggle@wate rbabies.co.uk or visit www.waterbabies.co.uk.

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A watery world of confidence, skill and fun!

The highest trained baby swimming instructors An award-winning programme for babies from birth Saving lives through water confidence and safety skills Classes 7 days-a-week

classes held...

Corstorphine, Newington, Oxgangs, Crewe Toll, Dalmahoy & Dalkeith.

Private warm-water pools Have fun and bond with your baby To give your baby a splashing start call

0131 554 6682

woggle@waterbabies.co.uk Let’s teach your baby to swim! www.waterbabies.co.uk

1849_WB-Scotland East Advert 69mm101mm.indd 1

27/09/2016 11:20

BY GILES ANDREAE & GUY PARKER-REEVES SET TO LIVE MUSIC

BY PAUL RISSMANN

17 & 18 February 2018 Edinburgh | Glasgow

Narrated by TV presenter CHRIS SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA BOOK NOW – WWW.SCO.ORG.UK

JARVIS

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family TIPS FOR GETTING LOVELY, NATURAL

Photos of your kids

By Andrea Thomson

EDINBURGH FAMILY/CHILDREN/ BABY PHOTOGRAPHER

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our children are super cute. So why’s it so difficult to get a few decent photos of them? I don’t do a lot of formal posing when I’m photographing families but I have my own little bag of tricks I draw from to get some beautiful, fun photos. Here are a few:

1. Timing is everything

Have your children been fed and watered, napped and changed?

When I’m photographing families, I always ask what the ideal time of day is for them. It can make all the difference – in photos and in life!

2. Don’t say cheese. Ever

Kids have some sort of inner programming to make the worst gurning face when prompted to ‘say cheese’. So don’t. If you’re aiming to get a good posed shot, do what you can to put your child at ease and get a giggle out of them (and see #6).

3. Get down, mama

And dada, too. To get the best photos, ideally you want to be eye level with your children – it’s easier to engage with them and it’s arguably the best angle for a portrait. If they’re still pretty little, that means squatting down even if they’re on the move. You’ll get photos and a full-body workout – win/win!

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4. Let them do their thing And the thing children do best is playing! Hide & seek or tig both work well outside, or sometimes I get children to show me how fast they can run and end up with some super sweet photos as they’re headed towards me, rosy-cheeked and laughing.

5. Tap into your everyday life Eating breakfast, building dens, even playing on iPads – to me, capturing this stuff is just as important as getting a posed portrait. Your life is gorgeous, even the mundane bits, and someday you’ll want to remember all of it. Try sneaking around ninja-style and taking some photos when your kids are unaware – often these are the best ones!

6. Bonus tip Don’t be afraid of a bribe I try to steer clear of bribery when photographing other people’s children for obvious reasons, but sometimes a small bribe goes a long way with my own if I need a quick snap for grandma’s birthday card. It might go a long way with your kids, too! n

Find out more...

My top tip would be to get in touch and let me take all the photos of your family for you! www.andreathomsonphotography.com @andreathomsonphotography www.facebook.com/andreathomsonphotography made JAN / FEB 2018

Family, children and newborn photographer + Natural, fun photos of your family taken in your home or around town. + All the hand-edited jpegs are yours to keep. + Get £50 OFF Jan and Feb 2018 sessions – book now. www.andreathomson photography.com andrea@ andreathomson photography.com

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LA EGGS!

By Chris Thompson, The Pantry

W

e poach on average 1000 eggs a weekend at The Pantry Stockbridge… and Colinton isn’t far behind! It is safe to say that the mums and dads of Edinburgh LOVE a poached egg. We like to think we were one of the first cafés in Edinburgh to bring you smashed avo, a trend that is not going away!

LA Eggs is loved by brunchers all over Edinburgh and I’m going to let you into (almost) all the secrets of how to make it.

First: Make your Pico de Gallo. Finely chop fresh tomato, red and yellow peppers and onion.

Season and add some herbs if you want. (Pantry Pico de Gallo is our own special recipe, so we will keep that to ourselves so you still come eat LA eggs at our gaff!)

Second: Find some totally delicious, locally made sourdough. We use Company Bakery at The Biscuit Factory but there are lots of delicious sourdoughs (Bostock bakery in North Berwick is also brilliant). Toast your sourdough.

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Third: Smash your avocado. Get some lovely fresh ripe avocado and crunch the flesh with a fork in a bowl with lemon juice, salt and pepper and olive oil Fourth: Spread your avo on the toast (be generous!) and add your salsa.

Now, the egg…! Don’t be scared, there are so many myths of egg poaching being difficult and gadgets to help you sold but trust me, all you need are my five steps (I’ve poached a few now so I think I’ve nailed it) How to poach the perfect egg in five easy steps.

1. Using fresh free range eggs is the key! The better the quality, the better the poached egg.

2. Boil your water in a big pot with lots of space for your eggs.

Reduce your heat, you don’t want a a rolling boil, more simmering with little bubbles.

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We keep things simple and use the best ingredients we can, creating seasonal menus and ensuring that the very best quality food is on your plate.

And our poached eggs?

They’re the best in town, trust us.

LOOK OUT FOR

THE PANTRY BRUNCH COOK BOOK

COMING SOON!

3. Add a good splash of white wine vinegar 4. Get the water moving, not a whirlpool just a gentle roll 5. Break your egg in, set a timer for 2.5 minutes Get your egg out with a slotted spoon and place on your toast.

Season with salt and pepper and you are good to go. n

Find us...

For perfect LA Eggs every time, and lots of other delicious dishes, just pop into The Pantry in Stockbridge or Colinton www.thepantryedinburgh.co.uk

made JAN / FEB 2018

FIND US AT

1 North West Circus Place, Edinburgh EH3 6ST AND 2-4 Bridge Road, Colinton, Edinburgh EH13 0LF

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A

s busy parents we are all familiar with house-tasks not being done, and with small children taking priority, they are likely to stay un-done. Whether it is a cupboard that needs tidying, a pile of paperwork that needs to be filed or a toy sort-out before a child’s birthday; these things tend to make us feel stressed and guilty for not getting round to them.

That’s where Zoë Berry comes in.

Friendly mum of three boys, Zoë has always loved creating calm from chaos and helping people make the most from their home. She does not try to achieve minimalism, it’s about listening to her clients and assisting them to get where they want to be; whether it’s preparing a nursery for a new baby, changing the function of a room, sorting out a wardrobe or tackling that dreaded cupboard under the stairs.

How does it work?

Zoë meets you for a free consultation to chat about the area to be dealt with, and learn about you and what you want to achieve. Then, on an agreed start date, she brings everything needed for you to sort the area together. If it’s a wardrobe, you’ll both decide if clothes are to be kept, given to charity or recycled. Zoë takes anything you

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aren’t keeping away, so you are left free to enjoy your decluttered space.

People are often a bit nervous about Zoë coming into their home, but as soon as they have their first chat, they relax and realise Zoë is just a normal working mum who happens to love creating organised spaces, as her testimonials show.

Zoë also helps with home staging when people are selling their house; she understands the way we live in a house is very different to how it needs to look to stand the best chance on the property market. Zoë’s eye for design and ability to make the most of a space really helps people make their house look the best it possibly can.

Zoë loves seeing how happy people are when the projects have been completed. Your home should be a sanctuary, somewhere where you can feel relaxed and comfortable. And Zoë can help you achieve that.

Find out more...

To chat to Zoë about the projects needing tackled in your life phone 07989 985429, email zoe@life-edit.me or go to www.life-edit.me

www.mademagazine.co.uk

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Testimonials I absolutely loved working with Zoë. She helped me to organise my kitchen, playroom and children’s bedrooms. I hated the mess of kids’ toys and endless clutter, and she was able to help me find a better way to organise everything, and also help me to see what I could finally let go of. There was never any judgement or pressure, just support and objective suggestions. We had a real laugh during the process, but she kept me focussed and took away the daunting feeling out of what had seemed insurmountable for so long. I would wholeheartedly recommend her services; she is incredibly professional, yet still so friendly, funny and easy to work with.

With such an incredible eye for detail and design, the end results are amazing.

Kate, Joppa

I was in the midst of an emotional house move when a friend recommended Zoë. I didn’t feel I needed help decluttering but faced with the mountain of moving from a large house to a much smaller house I soon realised friends weren’t to do this with me.

Zoë is like a fairy godmother, through what was an incredibly sensitive process. She helps with energy and kindness and then takes away all of your crap! The practical help was amazing but the emotional help when coming across sentimental and sometimes painful items in the packing was worth every penny for the help received.

Zoë is kind, non judgemental and is just a great person to have around if you are transitioning to a new part of your life.

Leanne, Portobello

Zoë helped me at quite a difficult time - my girls had started to outgrow their bedrooms and the ‘stuff’ was all getting too much. I felt overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do with all their nursery art, school photos, and childhood mementoes. It felt that everything was on top of me and I didn’t know where to begin. Zoë came along and helped me to sort through it all with a kind, friendly, fun and empathetic manner. It definitely helps that she is a mum, too - she understands how difficult it is to let go of things, whilst working out the best way to keep the special items.

Sophie, Morningside

made JAN / FEB 2018

Zoë Berry

15 Marlborough Street Edinburgh EH15 2BD zoe@life-edit.me www.life-edit.me

07989 985429

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AGONY AUNT

Jojo!

Trust

You can always trust comedian JoJo Sutherland for her interesting childcare advice. She recently started a new monthly show at The Stand comedy club with Susan Morrison (last Sunday of every month) called Fanny’s Ahoy! They chat and podcast the trials and tribulations of motherhood and many other irksome topics that wind them up. Go along, share and air your views and have a laugh.

That can’t be right, it cannot be 2018 already? It seems like only yesterday since it was 2017 – Happy New Year to you!

Once again I am full of good intentions to “tidy up” my life – massive fail. We moved house back in September and I’m still surrounded by unpacked boxes, some of which we brought from the shed of our old house that hadn’t ever managed to be unpacked for 8 years. I can only assume that whatever is in them is vital to our lives! It’s

hard though, isn’t it? Maybe one day that unidentified cable will be useful for something; and I’m pretty sure every household needs a plastic lid with flowers on it that has long since lost its bottom.

I am such a hoarder but I worry that if I throw things out then I will immediately regret it because you never know when a jigsaw puzzle with half the pieces missing might come in handy.

Dear Jojo My 6 year old is very naughty but I find it hard to tell him off because he makes me laugh when I’m trying to give him a row – how can I be more serious with him?

Petra, Silverknowes.

Dear Petra Text him your fury, that’s how all the communication is done now apparently or before reprimanding him take a quick suck on a lemon to make your face contorted into a grimace, it might terrify the life out of him and give him nightmares but at least you won’t be laughing!

Jojo x © DESIGNED BY FREEPIK

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Birthday Cards and Presents 2

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5

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1. POKÉMON PIKACHU PLUSH BACKPACK £14.99, GettingPersonal.co.uk 2. PERSONALISED BEANO PENCIL CASES £9.99, GettingPersonal.co.uk 3. PERSONALISED COMIC EXPLOSION PRINT £29.99, GettingPersonal.co.uk 4. MOLLY MAE BIRTHDAY CARDS £2.99, treehousechildrenswear.co.uk 5. HAPPY JACKSON CARDS £2.75, cloudberrygifts.co.uk 6. MONSTER VOICE CHANGER £8.95, cloudberrygifts.co.uk 7. LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG DREAMS BOOKS £9.99, treehousechildrenswear.co.uk 8. SECRET DIARIES £8.95, cloudberrygifts.co.uk 9. SCENTED PENS £5.95, cloudberrygifts.co.uk 10. RACHEL ELLEN CARDS £2.75, cloudberrygifts.co.uk made JAN / FEB 2018

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• index • index • index index • • index • index • index •

1.

A Wonderful World

of Make Believe .......................... 43

24. Cool Creatures ............................ 42 25. Crafty Cooks................................ 50

2.

Acting Out .................................. 38

26. Cramond Kirk Hall........................ 60

3.

Activity Delivered.......................... 54

27. Cuckoo’s Bakery.......................... 52

4.

Alexander the

28. Damo & Marvo ............................. 42

5.

Allan Telfer Sports Parties ........... 54

6.

Almond Valley .............................. 58

7.

Bambino Beats ............................ 38

8.

Be Experimental .......................... 43

9.

Bennett’s Bouncy Castles............ 62

Great Entertainments................... 42

10. Blessings & Blossoms ................. 63 11. Bon Tot......................................... 63 12. Boogie Beat ................................. 38

29. Dance Base.................................. 38 30. Deep Sea World ........................... 58 31. DJ Pete......................................... 42 32. Doodles Ceramic Workshop......... 50 33. Dune Hairdressing........................ 44 34. Dynam-nic Dance......................... 39 35. Edinburgh Combat Challenge ..... 54 36. Edinburgh Dungeons.................... 58 37. Enjoy Leisure ............................... 54

13. Bumblebee Sports........................ 54

38. Eric Liddell Centre........................ 60

14. Butterfly World ............................. 58

39. Fairmilehead Church Halls........... 60

15. Cakes by Hellylou......................... 52

40. Fantoosh Face Art ....................... 62

16. Caterpillar Music ......................... 42

41. Fisherrow Community Centre....... 60

17. Ceilidh Kids.................................. 38

42. Five Sisters .................................. 58

18. Clambers...................................... 47

43. Foxlake Adventures ..................... 54

19. Clip n Climb.................................. 54

44. Georgie City Farm ....................... 58

20. Cloudberry.................................... 63

45. Gooey Events Ltd......................... 50

21. Colourful Candy ........................... 52

46. Gymboree Play & Music .............. 56

22. Computer Xplorers....................... 44

47. Honey Pot Creative Cafe.............. 50

23. Cookie Pop Shop......................... 52

48. Huggy Bears ................................ 51

•

index

The Top 100

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• index •

Parish Church Halls...................... 60

50. It’s in the bag Parties.................... 42

52. Jabberwocky ............................... 47 53. Jojo’s Little Party People.............. 62 54. Joy Tots ....................................... 56

78. Sparkle Arts.................................. 40 79. Stagecoach.................................. 40 80. Stella Pumpkin Cake Design........ 51 81. Step it Up Dance ......................... 40 82. Stina Sparkles Entertainment ...... 43 84. Swanston Farm............................ 60

58. Kiss the Fish ................................ 51

85. Talking Tots .................................. 56

59. Leaf & Bean and The Stable......... 60

86. Tam’s Tasty Treats ....................... 52

60. LifeCare Centre............................ 60

87. The Bouncy Castle Man .............. 62

61. Lilla............................................... 63

88. The Drama Studio........................ 40

62. Monkey Drama ............................ 39 63. Monkey Music ............................. 39 65. North Merchiston Club................. 60 66. Ocean Play .................................. 47

69. Out of the Blue Drill Hall .............. 60 70. Party Planet.................................. 47

73. Rock Tots...................................... 56 74. Royal Recording Recording

Experiences ................................. 39

92. Tower Farm Riding Stables.......... 55 93. Trailblazers GO!............................ 55 94. Treehouse Childrenswear............. 63 95. Tricky Ricky ................................. 43 96. Tumbles ....................................... 48 97. Turtle Dove Play Café................... 48

index

72. Pure Brilliant Events .................... 62

91. Toots............................................. 48

•

71. Potter Around .............................. 51

90. Time Twisters ............................... 47

index

68. Our Dynamic Earth ...................... 59

Parties.......................................... 51

•

67. Orcadia......................................... 55

89. The Rock Lobster Chocolate

index

64. Museum of Flight ......................... 59

index •

57. Kidnetic ....................................... 43

•

83. Studio Life Photography............... 56

index

56. Jupiter Artland ............................. 58

•

55. Jump In......................................... 55

77. Simon Says Dance....................... 40

index

Learning........................................ 44

76. Scrambles.................................... 47

•

51. Izzie’s Creative Outdoor

75. Scottish Seabird Centre .............. 59

index

49. Inverleith St Serf’s

98. Willow Boutique............................ 63 99. Wishing Tree Play Café................. 48 100. Yoo Star ....................................... 40

• 37

Music, Dance & Drama EXTRA INFO: Check out the many lovely 5* reviews on the Boogie Beat Facebook page! Also, you can combine a Boogie Beat party with a Turtle Dove Play Café, Joy Tots Café or Leaf & Bean Café party package and let your little ones enjoy a snack, play and 45mins of Boogie Beat!

CONTACT: Zoe Young 07841109730 zoe@boogiebeat.co.uk www.boogiebeat.co.uk FB: Boogie Beat music & movement Edinburgh and Stirling © ANNA MOFFAT PHOTOGRAPHY

CeilidhKids Dance Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 4+

CeilidhKids

Acting Out UK Drama Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 3+ Acting Out UK organise themed kids’ parties which include a fully qualified, highly experienced PVG approved Drama Teacher, a special lesson plan designed around your chosen theme, materials, costumes and props and equipment.

CONTACT: 07704 714 607 hello@actingoutuk.com www.actingoutuk.com

Bambino Beats Music & Sensory Parties

Bambino Beats love a party! Their parties are tailor-made just for you. Fancy a dive under the sea?

Or perhaps a trek into the jungle?

Bambino Beats will take you and your friends on an adventure. They will come to a venue of your choice on your special day and bring all their favourite props and songs...

CONTACT: parties@bambinobeats.com www.bambinobeats.com

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Boogie Beat Music & Movement (Edinburgh and Stirling) Music & Dance Parties

A ceilidh is a great way to celebrate if all the guests like to dance!

CeilidhKids provides Scottish dancing for all the family and works best as a family party, with adults joining in too. Children not yet at school will definitely need an adult partner. CeilidhKids will run an hour of family dancing, then leave you to eat, drink and be merry. You book the hall and provide refreshments, they bring the music and the fun.

EXTRA INFO: Prices start at £50 for an hour.

CONTACT: Caroline Brockbank 0131 667 8898 ceilidhkids@ceilidhkids.com www.ceilidhkids.com

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 1-6 years Let your child’s imagination come alive with a Boogie Beat party!

Want an all singing, all dancing party for your little one? Look no further than Boogie Beat. The parties are fun, structured and include favourite songs, stories, fairy tales, puppets, instruments and parachute games. Themes include Pirates & Princesses, Superheroes and Dragons & Fairies to name a few. Come along and meet Giggles the Boogie Beat Monkey - it will leave you smiling!

Dance Base Dance Studio

Dance Base has four studios, which can be used for children’s birthday parties. Has your little one always wanted to dance to One Direction?

Learn a Taylor Swift routine? Well, Dance Base’s experienced teachers will make the session fun and get the kids dancing to their favourite tune in no time.

CONTACT: 14-16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2JU www.dancebase.co.uk

Music, Dance & Drama Dynam-nic Dance Dance Studio

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 5+ Let Dynam-nic Dance create a bespoke dance party for your budding star! Using your chosen music tracks we create a mash-up dance routine which is presented at the end in a mini show. From Little Mix to Calvin Harris, from Pirates to Cheerleaders, we can guarantee a party full of smiles!

Take advantage of our full party package and use our dance studio, a readily available party venue.

The package includes a separate food room and DNDance party invitations.

party room. You will receive invites, a couple of theme related party games included in the session, as well as some prizes, a certificate and sticker for all children and a special Monkey Drama gift bag filled with goodies for the birthday child.

If you would like us to come to you, we can come to a venue of your choice and provide you with an hour long Monkey Drama adventure. Packages for up to 20 or 25 kids. Prices from £135.

Party themes include A Day at the Zoo, Superhero’s, Pirates, Off to the Fairground and The Hidden Rainbow.

CONTACT: Alana 07736298013 alana@monkeydrama.co.uk www.monkeydrama.co.uk

CONTACT: DNStudio’s, The Basement, 4 Hutchison Terrace, Edinburgh, EH14 1QB 07545551271 / 0131 4430753 nicky@dndance.co.uk www.dndance.co.uk

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 3-6 years

Monkey Drama’s very own venue, The Monkey Hoose offers an amazing party package for £160 for 15 children. You have full use of the venue for 1 hour 45 minutes.

Monkey Drama will take the children on an hour-long themed drama session, which will be filled with drama, imagination, energy and fun from beginning to end; including lots of props, music and role play! You will then go upstairs to enjoy your food and cake in the

Royal Mile Recording Experiences Recording Studio Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 7 - 15 years

EXTRA INFO: Prices from £145. Min 10, max 28 children.

Monkey Drama Drama Parties

CONTACT: Abbey Smith – Edinburgh South Monkey Music Morningside and Pentland morningside.pentland@ monkeymusic.co.uk 0131 229 4480 www.monkeymusic.co.uk Rachel Huggins – Edinburgh North Monkey Music Comely Bank Murrayfield Corstorphine Comelybank.corstorphine@ monkeymusic.co.uk 0131 260 9667 www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Monkey Music Music Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 1 – 4 years Monkey Music love doing parties and every event is tailored to suit each occasion. Their parties last for up to an hour and include the same award winning ingredients: musical games, playing instruments and much more.

They can provide birthday party invitations and a special birthday gift for your child to help remember their special day with Monkey and your party will be a very special occasion for all your guests!

As well as being a fantastic way to celebrate a party, this is also a valuable recording studio learning experience which encourages creativity and cooperation within the group.

Royal Mile Recording specialise in working with groups and have devised a successful formula for this special singing experience.

They make the whole occasion easy for the performers and work hard to produce a recording with the best possible end result.

Everyone leaves with a CD and digital copies of the recording.

They also photograph the event on a high quality camera and supply a disc at the end of the event with all the pics on CONTACT: Kirsty McKinna 1/8 Bailie Fyfes Close, 107 High St, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1SW 0131 556 4882 info@rmre.co.uk www.royalmilerecording experiences.com

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Music, Dance & Drama Simon Says Dance Dance Activity Provider

Yoo-Star

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES:5-9 years Simon Says Dance provides dance parties jam-packed full of fun! As hosts, they take care of the entertainment ensuring the smiles and good times are flowing - allowing parents to sit back and enjoy a well-earned breather.

Their parties consist of learning a street/commercial dance routine to the party child’s favourite pop song and playing traditional party games - an engaging and exciting combo which is a consistent winner.

CONTACT: info@simonsaysdance.com www.simonsaysdance.com

Sparkle Arts Drama & Dance Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 1-10 years Choose from an extensive list of party theme ideas, and Sparkle Arts will create a magical makebelieve world where kids let their imaginations run free. Themes include Frozen, Princess and Pirates, Popstars, Superheroes, LEGO Ninjago, Dinosaurs, Harry Potter, Fairies & Elves.

CONTACT: 07717706778 info@sparklearts.co.uk www.sparklearts.co.uk

Stagecoach Drama & Dance Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES:4-16 years Stagecoach Parties are packed full of fun, lively party entertainment including dramatic games, fabulous songs and funky dance routines. Each party is specifically tailor-made for each age group.

Stagecoach also offers specially constructed Murder Mystery Parties for 11-16 year olds.

Whether they want to be fairies, princesses, pirates or detectives, there’s a Stagecoach Party for everyone.

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CONTACT: 0131 610 0636 www.Stagecoach.co.uk/ Edinburgh www.facebook.com/ stagecoachedinburgh

Step It Up Dance Dance Parties SPECIAL OFFER ON PAGES 64 - 65

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 2 - 12 years You and your child will both love Step It Up Dance’s exciting range of award-winning, unique party packages, jam-packed with dancing, games, routines, encouragement, praise and a whole lot of fun. Even the invitations are included in the price and sent straight to your door.

To help your planning go without a hitch SIUD can also include optional party themes as well as provide you with a full VIP planning service including booking your venue, food, party bags, cake and even an exclusive funky t-shirt to help your child feel amazing on their special day!

Every aspect of your party is organised and hosted by energetic, qualified dance teachers, ensuring you can relax and watch as the kids enjoy a wonderfully memorable day.

CONTACT: Niki Hutchison 07428110135 hello@stepitupdance.co.uk www.stepitupdance.co.uk

The Drama Studio Interactive Drama Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 4-14 years Based on a theme of your choice The Drama Studio will organise an in-role, interactive party. Everyone will become characters in the story

as the tutors lead the children through a fantastic, imaginative adventure which will be completely captivating.

CONTACT: Louise Arbuckle 0131 444 1084 info@thedramastudio.com www.thedramastudio.com

Yoo-Star Music Recording Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: for 5+

Be the star you know you are! With 13 years’ experience in musical parties, Yoo-Star guarantee a day to remember. Dress up in their glamorous dressing room for your photo-shoot. Experience the thrill of being on stage in a funky rehearsal room. See yourself live on TV. Record alongside chart topping Scottish acts in their professional studio. Leave with your own complimentary CD with a professionally designed cover featuring you or your band and loads of photos of the experience.

COSTS: Prices from £60 for hour long recording sessions to full party package for £140 (up to 16 guests, includes one complimentary CD and all the photos taken on the day). Domino’s Pizza or buffet available separately at £4 per person or bring your own snacks.

Extra CDs can be bought on the day.

CONTACT: Eldin Cottage, Eldin Industrial Estate, Edgefield Road, Loanhead, EH20 9QX 0131 448 2170 info@yoo-star.co.uk www.facebook.com/yoo.star.party www.yoo-star.co.uk

drama for the early years drama for the early years Choose any backing track of your choice One and a half FUN FILLED hours in the studio - we ALSO photograph the whole event

Kids Recording Studio Parties

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AWARD-WINNING URBAN DANCE CLASSES & PARTIES FOR TOTS TO TEENS Quote ‘MADE’ for a free gift when you sign up! stepitupdance.co.uk /StepItUpDance

07428 110 135  @stepitupdanceuk

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Be a star for the day at Yoo-Star, the professional, fun recording studio. Experience the thrill of being a real popstar, enjoy a fun recording session and photoshoot and leave with your own music CD. Perfect for kids parties, or an unforgettable day out for your little star to record their favourite tunes.

Yoo-Star @ Groove Tunnel, Eldin Cottage, Eldin Industrial Estate, Edgefield Rd, Loanhead EH20 9QX. t: 0131 448 2170 www.yoo-star.co.uk www.facebook.com/yoo.star.party

entertainers Alexander the Great Entertainments Magic, Balloon Modelling, Disco, Circus Skills & Face Painting

It’s In The Bag Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 3+ Alexander the Great Entertainments provides tailored entertainment to meet the needs of each individual party. They provide a colourful fun-filled show that involves all the children, especially the birthday child and encourage full audience participation. Whether it’s magic, juggling, balloon modelling or providing a disco with bubble and smoke machines, they have everything needed to ensure lots of interactive fun.

CONTACT: 07881 780793 Alexanderthegreat76@yahoo.co.uk www.alexanderthegreatest.com

Caterpillar Music Lothians Music, Puppets and Party Games PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 0-6 Caterpillar Music offers a combination of simple party games, action songs, fantastic puppets and exciting instruments, parachute games and bubbles.

Parties can be themed for example Jungle, Superhero’s, Creepy Crawlies, Pirates, Princess, Farm, Under the sea and many more.

CONTACT: Alison 07450 226991 Alison.sneddon@caterpillarmusic. com

Cool Creatures Animal Handling

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 3+ Cool Creatures bring a children’s party to life with their animal handling sessions. The birthday child gets to choose from a number of animals to have at their party: meerkat, lizards, 9ft pythons, hedgehog, scorpions, skunk and tortoise are just a few to choose from.

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CONTACT: 07827 765 353 calum@coolcreatures.co.uk www.coolcreatures.co.uk

Damo & Marvo Family Entertainers

Damo & Marvo The Family Entertainers are a fun filled whirlwind of excitement and entertainment. They are accomplished children’s entertainers covering all areas of Edinburgh, The Lothians, Fife, The Scottish Borders and beyond.

With over a decades experience in delivering fun, professional entertainment Damo & Marvo are everything you want for your child’s party and more! They have a unique talent to hold the attention of an audience of children and have the natural ability to create that must have “buzz” at any birthday party or event. As big kids themselves, they are experts at capturing the children’s attention and guarantee to keep everyone fully entertained for the entire time!

CONTACT: hello@damoandmarvo.com www.damoandmarvo.com

DJ Pete DJ & Children’s Entertainer

Now into his 24th year as a professional DJ, Pete has a huge amount of experience playing for weddings, parties and as a children’s entertainer. He also works regularly with a number of different ceilidh bands, and can confidently call the dances for your party. So whether it’s DJ Pedro for the kids, or Pete for the bigger kids, your party will be in safe hands!

CONTACT: Pete: 07584 67 19 12 pete@balerno.net

It’s In The Bag Parties Storytellers & Entertainers SPECIAL OFFER ON PAGES 64 - 65

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 0-6 It’s In The Bag are an awardwinning company who delight in taking children’s imaginations on a magical journey. The children go on a storytelling adventure; with rhymes, songs, creative games, drama and puppets to bring the story to life.

entertainers There are many birthday party themes from ‘Nursery Rhyme Favourites’ to ‘Superheroes & Princesses’. The theme can be linked to learning topics in schools and nurseries and the team can be booked for a special event or end of term party.

EXTRA INFO: It’s In The Bag are regulars at the Storytelling Centre too so keep an eye on their Facebook page for details.

CONTACT: Lorna 07967 348661 itsinthebagparties@hotmail.co.uk www.itsinthebagparties.co.uk

Kidnetick Children’s Entertainment

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 5-8

Kidnetic’s award nominated 2 hour party is a combination of comedy, cardio, drama, team challenges and, of course, party games with music and disco lights. Their party package can fit in with your party plans - whatever the venue.

CONTACT: Joshua Joseph 07719 236 321 www.kidnetick.co.uk

Stina Sparkles Entertainments Facepainting, Magic & Disco Stina Sparkles provide everything your party needs; DJ, disco, facepainting, balloon modelling, magic, soft play, pamper and singing princess parties! As well as kids’ parties they are also available for adult functions - birthdays, weddings, christenings, corporate events and much more....

CONTACT: Stina 07724 814117 www.facebook.com/stinasparkles www.stinasparkles.net

Tricky Ricky Magic & Entertainment

Tricky Ricky offers a spellbinding show, adding a touch of magic to

A Wonderful World of Make Believe Parties

any children’s and family event.

He has various party packages available for different groups and ages, but he can change things around to suit you so give him a call to discuss your event.

CONTACT: Ricky 07976 815703 ricky@trickyricky.com www.trickyricky.com

SPECIALLY THEMED PARTIES A Wonderful World of Make Believe Parties Fairy Training Parties The Fairy Godmother needs some help to encourage Fairies to visit your area. She will train your child and their friends in Fairy Magic, so they can help with this magical task. Fairy Training starts in a willow fairy den the Fairy Godmother brings to your garden, hall or local park area.

Once spells, potions, wishmaking and wand enchantments have been learnt, you will go for a short wander looking for the places fairies love, and casting enchantment spells.

The party finishes with decorating fairy cakes to have with your birthday tea or to take home.

EXTRA INFO: Each trained Fairy will receive a special certificate for their hard work and everyone takes home their wand, wish potion and happy memories. The Fairy Godmother also leaves a Fairy house for your garden for the birthday child to find. Fairy Training Party costs £250. Maximum of 12 children.

CONTACT: Kirsty 07590 429530 awonderfulworldofparties@gmail. com Facebook - A Wonderful World of Make-Believe Parties

Be Experimental Science Themed Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 4+

Are you looking for a party with the wow factor? Be Experimental science parties are exciting, unique and unforgettable! Party options include a messy slime lab, interactive science show or yummy sweetie making lab. Fun add-ons

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entertainers Be Experimental

like dry ice drinks, bath bomb making and lab coat hire can be added to make your child’s party truly special.

Party prices include at least 1 hour of entertainment, party bag favours made by the kids during the party, printable invites, a certificate for the birthday boy/girl and a sticker for every child.

CONTACT: 07516 701 989 enquiries@beexperimental.co.uk www.beexperimental.co.uk

ComputerXplorers Stemtastic Birthday Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 6+ CSI for Kid Detectives: From fingerprinting to forensics, your children will have all the necessary skills to don their investigator suits and solve the crime!

Stop Motion Animation: Become a magical movie producer and create your very own animation.

Watch out Wallace and Gromit here comes ComputerXplorers!

Minecraft Quests: Explore Minecraft! Players must “mine” and “craft” their way from castaway to king.

Wacky Rockets: Three...two... one…BLAST OFF. Design and build your own rocket as you prepare for launch then head outside and watch it soar.

Lego Robotics: Using the latest Lego robotics technology to build and program amazing creatures which can move!

CONTACT: lynnek@computerxplorers.co.uk 0131 6530580 www.sescotland. computerxplorers.co.uk

Dune Hairdressing Hairdressing Parties

Kelly at Dune Hairdressing offers kids’ hair parties in the salon. She offers girls the choice of French pleats, curls, or straightened hair with the choice

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of coloured and glitter hair sprays.

Kelly supplies drinks but gives the parents the option of bringing food with them, or can provide a large table for a buffet. Parents can bring a play-list of music to set the scene!

CONTACT: Kelly Beattie 01316616238 Dune Hairdressing, 15-16 London Rd, Edinburgh, EH7 6PN

Izzie’s Creative Outdoor Learning Magical Woodland Adventures PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 3 - 7 years Izzie’s parties are a magical woodland adventure. They involve outdoor creative activities with magic pots, making potions, glitter, clay creatures, painting, decorating sticks and of course the fairy door, culminating in a treasure hunt. She can host the party in your garden, public woods or parks. The aim is to make it magical, fun and creative - the children can take home everything they make.

CONTACT: Izzie izziechaps@icloud.com www.facebook.com/izziesoutdoor www.izziescreativeoutdoor learning.co.uk

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CSI Parties

for Kid Detectives!

From fingerprinting to facial photo fits using the latest software. Your children will have all the necessary skills to don their crime scene suits and solve the crime. A crime scene within their very own home or party venue!

CSI parties are suitable for children aged 6+ and include a CSI party bag.

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BIRTHDAY PARTIES WE OFFER DIFFERENT BIRTHDAY PACKAGES* AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES

For Further information call: 0131 653 0580 or email: lynnek@computerxplorers.co.uk www.sescotland.computerxplorers.co.uk

BRIAN HOS TED A FANTASTIC 4th BIRTHDAY PART Y FOR MY SON AND 27 FRIENDS, EVERYONE HAD A GREA T TIME. WE'L L DEFINITELY USE YOU AGAIN VICKI, EDIN BURGH

THE PARTY EXPERTS OVER 300 PARTIES LAST YEAR DELIVERED TO YOU QUALIFIED, PROFESSIONAL TEAM

QUEEN BEE PACKAGE £150 2 HOUR FUN FILLED PARTY BUMBLEBEE PACKAGE £120 1.5 HOUR ACTION PACKED PARTY DALE WAS AMAZING AND THE 19 P1s HAD A ABSOLUTE BLAST AT MY SONS 6th BIRTHDAY. LESLEY, EDINBURGH

BABY BEE PACKAGE £100 1 HOUR ADVENTURE PARTY

INDOOR MINI TIPI

ZORB FOOTBALL

ARCHERY TAG

WHY NOT ADD OUR DELUXE PACK WHICH INCLUDES T-SHIRT, WATER BOTTLE & TROPHY (Must be booked at least 4weeks prior to party) * ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE PARTY INVITES

For more information on classes, parties and holiday clubs visit Www.bumblebeesports.co.uk www.facebook.com/bumblebeesports www.twitter.com/@bumblebeesports Or Contact Brian Droudge on T: 07876021023 or E: brian.droudge@bumblebeesports.co.uk

GAMING & CINEMA TIPI

NERF WARS www.A ctivityd elivered.com INFO@A ctivityd elivered.com 0131 510 7165

Activity Classes for Children and their families

Secret Garden

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Event Hire

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For more info or to book a party please contact Bev Anderson www.wishingtreeplaycafe.com or email us info@wishingtreeplaycafe.com 85 High Street, Musselburgh, EH21 7DA. T: 0131 665 1588

wishingtreeplaycafe

soft play & play cafes Clambers at Royal Commonwealth Pool Soft Play Venue PARTIES BEST FOR AGES:1-10 years In the heart of the city, in one of Edinburgh’s most iconic venues there’s a big, bright, brilliant soft play which hosts some of the best parties in town. Children can have a blast burning off their energy in an exciting soft play followed by games and tasty (healthy!) food in the lovely, light party room. You can choose from Clambers Soft Play Parties and Toddler Clambers Soft Play Parties.

CONTACT: 0131 667 7211 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5BB info.rpc@edinburghleisure.co.uk edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/ birthday-parties

Jabberwocky Soft Play & Café SPECIAL OFFER ON PAGES 64 - 65

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 0-12 years Jabberwocky is a unique dragonthemed soft-play and café offering the perfect party with exciting play frame and stimulating baby/toddler area, plus a generous birthday tea. All their cakes and soups are made on the premises; and adults will enjoy comfortable sofas, wifi, excellent tea, wonderful Glen Lyon coffee (the ‘single malt’ of coffees!), or organic chocolate made locally.

Choose the 2 hour soft play/party room package, or tailor a party just for your child. For little ones they can arrange picnic parties or

messy play parties. Older children can enjoy a magician, balloon modelling, arts & crafts or a minidisco with fully insured colleagues who specialise in parties, with or without soft play.

COSTS: Just £10.95 per child for 2hr party of soft play time, room hire and party tea, party invites and thankyou cards. Party bags at small extra cost. Jabberwocky can cater for 10-25 children, and they don’t charge for under-ones, or for ‘noshows’ over minimum.

Free parking weekends, free 90 min parking weekdays.

bespoke parties. They take care of entertainment, games, disco, karaoke, make-overs and catering while you relax in a separate seating area. They can even help with party bags too. They cater for all ages - from tots to teens - as well as family gatherings, naming ceremonies, baby showers and much more.

Party Planet can also provide a private-hire venue-only option, where you provide food and entertainment. Perfect for P1 parties! Call the team for more info.

CONTACT: 01620 248070 6 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX www.jabberwockysoftplay.co.uk

Ocean Play Softplay

Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 3+ Ocean Play offers everything you need for a happy birthday! With party themes such as Simply Softplay, Pirates & Mermaids, Frozen, Superhero, Fairies & Knights, Wild West, Princess and Dinosaurs there is something for everyone.

All parties include 1 hour play and 30minutes for food in the party area with delicious food, unlimited juice and an empty party bag with a balloon and tattoo to help with the distribution of the cake.

EXTRA INFO: Ocean Play can also cater for adults with sandwich platters and scones & jam.

CONTACT: 0131 555 1900 oceanplaycentre@gmail.com www.oceanplaycentre.co.uk

Party Planet Play Café Play Café SPECIAL OFFER ON PAGES 64 - 65

Party Planet provide themed and

CONTACT: 0131 669 1231 39 Baileyfield Road EH15 1NA planetcafeedin.co.uk

Scrambles @ EICA: Ratho Soft Play

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 1-10 years At a Scrambles party, kids can enjoy one hour soft play fun followed by 30/45 mins in the party room. With your very own party host to look after you and your guests, organise games and activities and serve food, you can be sure everyone will have the best time!

CONTACT: 0131 333 6333 Newbridge, Edinburgh, EH28 8AA info.eica@edinburghleisure.co.uk

TimeTwisters Play & Party Centre Softplay & Party Centre

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 1-11 Your child’s birthday party is one of the most important days of their year. TimeTwisters specialise in making sure it is an exciting, fun and memorable experience. As

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soft play & play cafes You can book character visits from their mascots, face painters or why not make it a themed party?

TurtleDove cater for food allergies, and they also offer an exclusive hire option from 3pm on Saturday or Sunday. Accompanying adults are welcome too (at no extra charge).

TurtleDove Play Cafe

COSTS: From just £90 for parties up to 12 children. Exclusive hire for 2 hours just £200.

Edinburgh’s award winning kids birthday party specialist, they offer the widest choice of parties and options to ensure all guests have “The Greatest Fun in History”.

From Soft-Play Parties to Make-ABear and Laser-Tag Parties, their party team know what it takes to make your child’s special day extra special.

With a TimeTwisters Birthday Party, you know you’re in safe hands and can relax and enjoy the day as much as the children.

CONTACT: 0131 639 0186 Bankhead Dr, Edinburgh EH11 4EJ www.ttsoftplay.co.uk/parties

bags, adult sandwich platters and lots more.

CONTACT: Amanda 07798 901 416 227 Gilmerton Road, EH16 5UD info@tootsplay.com www.tootsplay.com

Tumbles at Portobello Gymnastics and Soft Play Centre

Tumbles soft play has distinct zones for babies under 12 months, toddlers under 4, and juniors (4 to 10 years), spread across three levels with 24 metres of wavy slides. With packages available for every age group (catering included) your child’s special day will be perfect. You can even exclusively hire Tumbles from 5.30pm 7.30pm. Just call the Tumbles Team for more info.

CONTACT: 0131 669 0878 20 Westbank Street, Edinburgh, EH15 1DR

info.tumbles@edinburghleisure.co.uk

Toots Play Café Under 5s Play Café

Edinburgh’s first play café for the under 5s, Toots is designed to offer a stimulating environment for babies and younger children as well as a relaxing and cosy one for adults. Toot’s parties offer exclusive use of the venue, with added extras like a disco, party

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TurtleDove Play Cafe Play Café SPECIAL OFFER ON PAGES 64 - 65

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 1-5 years Host a birthday party at TurtleDove and let them do all the hard work.

They offer one - two hours of play time, a tasty buffet for the kids and lots of extra options to make your child’s party unique to them.

CONTACT: Debbie 0131 312 7077 31 Corbiehill Road, Edinburgh EH4 5BQ www.turtledoveplaycafe.co.uk

Wishing Tree Play Café Themed Soft Play Parties SPECIAL OFFER ON PAGES 64 - 65

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 0-7 years.

The Wishing Tree Play Cafe can provide everything you need for a party to remember in their woodland themed play café. Their parties last two hours; one hour in the play area, followed by one hour in the party room, with themed table, wall decorations, delicious healthy food, balloons, music and disco ball. Themes include mermaids and Pirates, Peppa-Pig, Gruffalo, Turtles, Super-Heroes, Paw Patrol Mini Mouse with loads more possible.

COSTS: Prices start from just £8.95 per child. And extras such as face painter and glitter tattoos, party games, cupcake decorating, Arts and Crafts, character visit, children’s entertainers, DJ and disco can be arranged.

EXTRA INFO: You can exclusively hire Wishing Tree Play Cafe with a minimum booking of 20 children on Saturdays at 3pm or 11am or 3pm on Sundays.

CONTACT: Bev Anderson 0131 665 1588 85 High St, Musselburgh

PL AY CAF E Fun. Food. Family. Friends.

exclusive use availa ble

It’s Party Time!

wi th us Bo ok a bir th day pa rty it an d we ’ll ma ke

R! A PA RT Y TO RE M EM BE

31 Corbiehill Rd, Edinburgh EH4 5BQ Tel: 0131 312 7077 www.turtledoveplaycafe.co.uk

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Their Birthday is the most important day in your child’s year, so celebrate in style at TimeTwisters.

Toddler Party Soft-Play Party Make-a-Bear Party Laser-Tag Party

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timetwisters.co.uk/party

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MAKE & CREATE Crafty Cooks Edinburgh Cooking parties PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 2 - 11 Crafty Cooks is a lovely option for a kid’s birthday party. They come to your home or a hall that you’ve hired. They bring all of the ingredients and equipment for the kids to make cupcakes or pizzas or anything else you want, and they take it all away again so no washing up! Kids take home their baking as an alternative to a party bag.

CONTACT: 0131 229 1399 27-29 Marchmont Cres, Edinburgh EH9 1HQ painting@doodlesscotland.co.uk www.doodlesscotland.co.uk

Gooey Events Limited Chocolate and chocolate pampering events

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 1 - 12 years

Doodles Ceramics Workshop Arts & Crafts Venue PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 4+ (including adults for hen and ladies nights)

Doodles pottery painting parties are £12 per head, this includes party shelf items such as figurines, plaques etc, as well as a standard mug, bowl or plates. Normally allow 2 hours for children’s parties but for young children it is recommend a slightly shorter time of 1.5hrs. The time is divided between painting followed by a birthday tea. Doodles don’t supply food but they have (complimentary) teas or coffees for adults and juice or water for children most people bring along a selection of finger foods, treats and a cake.

COSTS: For bookings of 6 kids or more, Doodles requires a £25 deposit to secure the booking, this is then refunded on the day.

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CONTACT: Alison Smith, Manager 01506411978 Kirkton Campus, Livingston, EH54 7FA www.gettinggooey.com

Honey Pot Creative Café Creative and Science Parties

CONTACT: Fiona 07900 093946 email fiona@craftycooks.co.uk FB: Crafty Cooks Edinburgh

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 5+

perhaps even a tasty afternoon tea with scrumptious sandwiches and cakes.

Getting Gooey firmly believe that chocolate making isn’t just for kids! Their chocolate making events are packed with fun and they ensure everyone makes plenty of chocolate treats to either take home or devour on the day.

From truffles to chocolate bark, their ladies’ afternoons, corporate events, hen events and family gettogethers are always great tasty fun.

Each person gets to use their own creativity in their Livingston workshop and they can even tie this in with a nice chilled glass of fizz or cocktails for the group or Honey Pot Creative Cafe

Celebrate your child’s birthday under the Forth bridge with a Honey Pot Creative Café party.

They have a huge variety of themes including creative play for under 5s, bath bombs, soap making, treasure chest, ceramic painting and their very popular science party. If your child has an interest or hobby that you’d like to theme the party around, they can do that too! Birthday packages include a personalised ceramic plate (decorated by the party guests) as a memento of the big day. A wide variety of party food options can be arranged upon request.

COSTS: Packages start at just £12 per child and Honey Pot ask for a nonrefundable deposit of 50% of your total booking to secure the party.

CONTACT: Juliet or Nicola 0131 319 2323 Port Neuk, South Queensferry, EH30 9TD www.honeypotcreativecafe.com

MAKE & CREATE Huggy Bears Mobile Bear Making Parties SPECIAL OFFER ON PAGES 64 - 65

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 3+ Have a bear making party with Huggy Bears no-sew bear and animal kits. The easy-to-use kits include a bear or animal plush, stuffing, wishing heart, birth certificate, take home bag and instructions. No sewing required just stuff, pull closed and cuddle.

Extras include bear t-shirts for decorating, scent and smell chips and clothing.

Huggy Bears can provide a party hosting service, or they can simply mail the kits out to you. Perfect for all sizes of party.

CONTACT: 0333 335 0120 paws@huggybears.co.uk www.huggybears.co.uk www.facebook.com/ makeahuggybear

Kiss The Fish Mobile Arts & Crafts Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 5 - 15 years Kiss the Fish will come to your home, favourite café, local community centre, office or any other venue that you’d like to use - they bring along all the protective tablecloths, aprons, equipment and materials as well as an instructor to make sure everybody goes away from your party with a fabulous creation.

Whether you’d like to do some jewellery-making, mosaics, decopatching, fabric painting or even collage - they are sure to have an activity that everybody will enjoy!

COSTS: Prices from £10 per guest, £85 minimum charge per even. Travel around Edinburgh and beyond with extra mileage payable.

Stella Pumpkin Cake Design Cupcake Decorating Parties and Cake Design

CONTACT: Rhona 0771 826 7728 info@kissthefishstudios.com

Potter Around Craft, Painting & Warhammer Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 5+

AFTERNOON TEA PARTY Girls of any age like a tea party so why not book a crafternoon tea party and bring your daughter’s friends along for tea and cakes and paint a cup cake trinket box. Great fun. £18 a head and no minimum numbers required.

FROZEN PARTY Potter Around has gorgeous princesses to paint up like Anna or Elsa. They will help with adding snowflakes and will paint something pertaining to the film on a birthday plate for your child to keep. £13 a head.

WARHAMMER PARTY One for the boys - come and make and paint a Warhammer model (a bit like airfix but more fun) and learn the basics of a how to play the game. Lots of action. £15 a head.

Potter Around provide juice and crisps at all parties (and the afternoon tea at the afternoon tea party).

CONTACT: 01506 238961 Overton Farm, Kirknewton EH27 8DD www.potteraround.co.uk

Based in Livingston, Stella Pumpkin’s cupcake decorating parties have become a massive hit over the last year! Popular with both boys and girls, they offer various party packages to suit your child’s interests and hobbies - for example, Harry Potter, Unicorns etc. Children can decorate 4 or 6 cupcakes each to take home, which makes it the perfect party bag - plus you don’t have to clean up afterwards!

CONTACT: Jennifer, 07789794022 jennifer@stellapumpkin.com Unit 8, St Andrew’s Way, Livingston, EH54 9GZ

The Rock Lobster Chocolate Parties Chocolate Making Parties PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 5-12 years Children make a variety of delicious chocolate goodies to take home in party bags, and learn where chocolate comes from.

Personalised chocolate lollipops also provided for each child.

CONTACT: 07932 023373 www.therocklobster.co.uk FB: Rock Lobster Edinburgh

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CAKES & CATERERS Cakes by Hellylou Celebration Cakes & Baked Goods

Colourful Candy Candy Buffet Supplier Colourful Candy provide a wide range of sweet bags and pods suitable for parties and events for all ages. Candy Buffets are a great addition to any party and allow guest to pick their favourites. They also offer a wide range of party sweets, which can be personalised too.

bespoke cupcakes and celebration cakes.

CONTACT: Lucy Goddard 07727272109 cookiepopshop@mail.com www.facebook.com/ cookiepopshop www.instagram.co.uk/ cookiepopshop

CONTACT: Sharon Brown 07969 970258 info@colourfulcandy.co.uk www.colourfulcandy.co.uk

Cookie Pop Shop Decorated Biscuit Supplier Hellylou creates amazing bespoke wedding cakes, celebration cakes, cupcakes and treats. These are available in fun, fancy or formal styles.

CONTACT: Helen Hand 07952 166517 cakesbyhellylou@gmail.com facebook.com/cakesbyhellylou Tam’s Tasty Treats

Cookie Pop Shop provides delicious, handmade, hand-iced biscuits for every occasion! Any theme can be accommodated for birthday parties and party bags, wedding favours and personalised gifts. Biscuits can be supplied individually for party and wedding favours or you can order a selection in a box for other special occasions – new baby, Christmas, Easter, Valentines etc.

Cookie Pop Shop can also supply

Cuckoo’s Bakery Cakes and Cupcakes Whether you’re looking to indulge an appetite for the finest handmade cupcakes, hungry for a delicious light lunch or simply hoping to pick up a tasty treat for a friend or loved one, now’s the time to set your compass for Cuckoo’s.

CONTACT: 0131 556 6224 - 150 Dundas Street, Edinburgh EH3 5DQ 0131 228 6100 - 116 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4ES www.cuckoosbakery.co.uk

Tam’s Tasty Treats Celebration Cakes and Cupcakes Tam’s Tasty Treats specialise in making cakes and cupcakes for any and all occasions. Tamarin loves a challenge, so contact her with your cake ideas and she will create something amazing! She can accommodate different dietary requirements.

CONTACT: Tamarin tamstastytreats7@gmail.com

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Have a bear making

party!

MOBIL E PARTIE S AVAILA BLE O N REQU EST

Huggy Bears NO SEW cuddly bear and animal kits.

Find out more at:

www.huggybears.co.uk Tel: 0333 335 0120

Huggy Bears Made Magazine Approved 101.5 x 69mm Artwork Nov 2015.indd 10/11/2015 1 13:06

Let us take care of the mess!

Tel: 07789 794022 Email: jennifer @stellapumpkin.com Address: Unit 8, St Andrews Way, Livingston, EH54 9GZ

FOR PACKAGES & BOOKINGS VISIT WWW.STELLAPUMPKIN.COM

Sports & Active Parties Activity Delivered Activity Parties and Tipi Parties SPECIAL OFFER ON PAGES 64 - 65

For 3 years Activity Delivered has been delivering the newest and best birthday parties to the kids of Scotland. With a wide range of activities such as Nerf Wars, Tipi Cinemas, Indoor Mini Tipis, Zorb Football, Combat Archery and much more, they have something for everyone!

Their friendly team have years of experience working with young people, and are sure to make your child’s birthday the very best.

Parties start from just £150.

CONTACT: 0131 510 7165 0141 280 8498 info@ActivityDelivered.com

Allan Telfer Sports Parties Multi Sports Parties SPECIAL OFFER ON PAGES 64 - 65

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 4-10 Allan Telfer Sports Parties provide children with an opportunity to participate in fun, competitive games and activities that incorporate both individual and focused group work. From Octonauts - Star Wars, you can choose a theme based on your child’s likes. The birthday child will receive a trophy with his/her name on it.

Bumblebee Sports Sports Parties Bumblebee Sports offer fun-filled and inclusive games parties. For children 3+ years, their parties focus on fast paced, fun games that keep children engaged from start to finish. For children 7+ years, they offer sports-based and/ or themed parties for an actionpacked multi-sports adventure, and families can choose to have activities from their range of 8 core sports. They take up to 30 children.

COSTS: Choose from their Baby Bee Package (1hr), Bumblebee Package (1.5hrs) or Queen Bee package (2hrs); and add in their special deluxe pack which includes t-shirt, water bottle and trophy.

CONTACT: Brian 07598 569325 info@bumblebeesports.co.uk

Clip ’n Climb Climbing Parties Clip ’n Climb is thrilling fun for everyone aged 4+ with cleverly designed climbing challenges.

Children don’t need to have had any climbing experience to take part and enjoy the 15 climbing elements - there are levels suitable for all.

CONTACT: 0131 333 6333 EICA: Ratho, Newbridge, EH28 8AA info.eica@edinburghleisure.co.uk www.clipnclimbscotland.com

Edinburgh Combat Challenge Outdoor Laser Combat

EXTRA INFO: Parties vary in terms of length to suit different ages, and Allan will always advise on venues.

60 minutes - £60 (4-5yrs) 90 minutes - £75 (6-10yrs)

This exciting outdoor laser combat game for ages 8+ uses long range authentic infra-red weapons. Experience being part of a real life computer game set in the woodland with authentic live sounds and game plays.

CONTACT 07572875789 AllanTelfer1983@gmail.com www.allantelfer.co.uk/parties

CONTACT: 07732 231220 Lugton Bogs, Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh, EH18 1AR (opposite

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Dobbies Garden Centre) edinburghcombatchallenge@gmail. com www.edinburghcombatchallenge. com

enjoyleisure Sport & Active Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 1 – 12 years

For a birthday party packed full of active fun, you’re sure to have a blast with enjoyleisure. Across East Lothian there are options galore: Bouncy Castles, Aqua-Runs, Soft Play, Multi-Sport, Swimming, Climbing and Trampolining Parties.

Plus they can do all the catering for you too.

EXTRA INFO: Some party options have age restrictions, please ask for more information.

CONTACT: www.enjoyleisure.com

Foxlake Adventures C.I.C Outdoor Adventure & Water Sports Venue

Foxlake offers adventure birthday parties for ages 6+ on FoxFall ropes course followed by Ringo Rides! Foxfall sessions involve the children tackling elements suspended over the lake; while Ringo Rides give participants the chance to tear up and down the lake on big inflatables, feeling every bump and splash along the way!

CONTACT: 01620 860657 Foxlake Adventures CIC, Foxlake, Dunbar, EH42 1XF info@foxlake.co.uk www.foxlake.co.uk

Sports & Active Parties T&CS Parties are for a minimum of 6 children.

CONTACT: Caroline Buckle 0131 664 3375 85 Liberton Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 6NS www.towerfarm.org

Trailblazers Go! Woodland Adventure Parties

Jump In Trampoline and Party Centre

in the café. Please note this is selfcatering only.

If you’re looking for a jumpin’ pumpin’ unique birthday party, bring the kids to a place where they can bounce, skyrocket, roll and slam dunk at the new super cool Jump In trampoline park in Musselburgh.

Parties to suit kids of all ages, start from £150, for 10 people, including a one hour jumping session, your own personal host food and drink and everything you need for a party. Plus you don’t have to clear up!

The new park can accommodate up to 100 jumpers at any one time boasts over 100 interconnected trampolines, battle beam, tumble track, dodgeball court, giant air bag, foam pit, drop slides and an interactive wall game.

CONTACT: 0131 669 1075 3 Windsor Place, Portobello, EH15 2AJ info@orcadiacentre.org.uk www.orcadiacentre.org.uk

CONTACT: 01926 356290 11 Newhailes Industrial Estate, East Lothian, EH21 6SY www.gojumpin.com

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 5+

Orcadia Trampoline Centre Have a trampoline party in a room with 6 floor-level trampolines, a bouncy castle and juke box.

COSTS: Parties can be booked for Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays for £110. This is for 1.5 hours private use; 1 hour in trampoline room and half an hour

Tower Farm Riding Stables Horse Riding Parties

Established in 1972 Tower Farm is a fairly large establishment with a wide choice of equestrian activities. Their pony parties can either be one-hour riding, or 30 mins riding and 30 mins grooming, and can be held indoors if weather is poor. Parties are best for children over the age of 5 and they don’t need to have had any horse-riding experience before.

Picnic benches or portacabins are available for cake and party food.

Tower Farm is fully licensed, insured and is approved by ABRS and TRSS.

Trailblazers Go offer exciting Woodland Adventure Parties tailored to your own child’s interests and age range. The Trailblazer teams wants this experience to be unique and special to the child,so get in touch for full information. The party format includes Firelighting, Tool Use, Carving, Den and each party ends with toasting marshmallows over an open fire. Party formats include Firelighting, Tool Use, Carving, Den Building, exciting Woodland Challenges.

COST: Parties cost £12 per head.

Minimum booking is 12 children and maximum is 25. This includes a drink of juice, a packet of crisps and TrailblazersGo Traybake.

Trailblazer themed birthday cake and goody bags are also available on request.

CONTACT: Colin 07484 297 842 www.trailblazersgo.co.uk

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under 5S party started in our Corstorphine based studio. There is added fun after the Cake Smash with splash time in our mini roll top bath with lots of bubbles! We document this extra special milestone while you soak up the experience.

COSTS: Session Fee: £75 (includes giant cupcake) Prints, digital images, frames and photo album options available from £25 Free 5x7 print with this ad

CONTACT: Zsofi 0131 603 7777 hello@studiolifephotography.co.uk

Gymboree Play and Music Edinburgh Structured Music & Softplay Venue

COSTS: Prices from £100 for two hours.

PARTIES BEST FOR: 1 – 4 years Gymboree Play and Music Edinburgh offer unique, custom designed, themed birthday parties for children aged 1-5 years old.

You can WOW your little one with anything from a Pirate to a Princess party! Parties include venue hire, two members of staff to help with your day, party food and a structured play and music session.

EXTRA INFO: Party packages vary and can be altered to completely suit your needs and wishes. Max party size is 15 children. Gymboree Play and Music can provide everything other than your birthday cake so you can enjoy a stress free day! They also have a private car park accessible from Slateford Road.

CONTACT: 07910 188713 edinburgh@gymboreeclasses.co.uk gynboreeclasses.co.uk/edinburgh

Joy Tots Exclusive Venue and Bespoke Parties

Looking for somewhere intimate and stylish for your party? Joy Tots offers exclusive venue hire for celebrations over the weekend.

From simple venue hire to bespoke parties tailored to you - they have something for everyone. Party additions include catering, crafts, activities, cake and party bags.

This venue is ideal for birthdays, baby showers and group gettogethers.

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CONTACT: 0131 5548943 hello@joytots.com www.joytots.com

Rock Tots @ EICA: Ratho Play Room

PARTIES BEST FOR: 1 - 4 years

www.studiolifephotography.co.uk

@studiolifepictures Studio Life 4a Kirk Loan, Edinburgh, EH12 7HD

In Rock Tots kids have 1 hour use of the huge play room with bouncy castle, trikes, toys, dressing up and books; followed by 45 mins in the party room. With your very own party host to look after you and your guests, organise games and activities and serve food, you can be sure everyone will have the best time!

CONTACT: 0131 333 6333 Newbridge, Edinburgh, EH28 8AA info.eica@edinburghleisure.co.uk

Studio Life Photography First Birthday Cakes Smashes SPECIAL OFFER ON PAGES 64 - 65

What better way to celebrate baby’s 1st Birthday than with a Cake Smash? Cake Smash sessions are so much fun for the whole family, with photographs of your little one to be treasured for years to come.

Each Cake Smash session is personalised as we create an exciting, unique look and fun atmosphere for your baby. With bunting, balloons, baby in their cake smash outfit and a Bibi’s Bakery specially designed giant cupcake we are ready to get the

Talking Tots Interactive Games & Activities

PARTIES BEST FOR: 1-4 years

From bubbles to balloons, puppets to parachutes, a Talking Tots birthday party offers an exciting mix of exclusive games and play with their colourful props, traditional party games, music, songs and interactive storytelling, all tailored to your specific requirements. Suitable for ages 1 to 4 years, and for up to 18 children, in your own home or a local venue of your choice, prices start from just £50.

CONTACT: Zoë Hayes 07595 002278 zoe@talkingtots.info www.talkingtots.info/Edinburgh

Fun filled Music & Sensory classes

Make your little one’s birthday an unforgettable one.

for babies and children from birth-preschool throughout Edinburgh & the Lothians ...with a retro twist!

Let’s Party

Gymboree Play & Music Edinburgh hosts award winning parties for 1-5 yrs olds Our birthday parties are energetic, Fun, creative and full of engaging baby/child led activities.

Are you having a birthday?

Celebrate your little ones Birthday in style with a retro Birthday Party sure to get everybody grooving!

Book your Gymboree Play & Music party today!

Gymboree Play & Music Edinburgh 07910 188 713 edinburgh@gymboreeclasses.co.uk

gymboreeclasses.co.uk

Clare: 07811 352 950 / Amy: 07580 106 745 clare@bambinobeats.com / amy@bambinobeats.com www.bambinobeats.com / fb:bambinobeatsmusic

visitor attractions Deep Sea World

CONTACT: 0871 423 2250 31 Market Street, EH1 1DF www.thedungeons.com/ edinburgh

Five Sisters Zoo Animal Visitor Attraction

Almond Valley Heritage Centre Visitor Attraction & Softplay Parties PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 0 – 8 years Almond Valley parties uniquely include an attractive decorated room that serves as your base for the two hour duration of the party, a choice of delicious party food, party badges and tooters, your own exclusive tractor and trailer ride and a play session in the Morag’s Meadow soft play.

CONTACT: 01506 414957 Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR info@almondvalley.co.uk www.almondvalley.co.uk

Deep Sea World Sea-Life Visitor Attraction PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 3 – 11 years.

Deep Sea World is the perfect birthday party venue to guarantee oceans of fishy fun and aquatic adventures. Themed Pirates and Princesses Parties feature guided tours of the aquarium, dedicated party host, themed lunch boxes, games and party bags for the whole party PLUS a free year’s membership for the party boy or girl.

Special Creature Encounter and Underwater Birthday Greeting also available – please enquire for details.

COSTS: £13.75 per child, located just 20

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minutes from Edinburgh with free car parking. Min party size 10, and max 20.

CONTACT: 01383 411880 North Queensferry, KY11 1JR www.deepseaworld.com

Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World Visitor Attraction & Mini Zoo PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 3-15yrs

Butterfly World can hold children’s parties on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10.30am and 1pm (or any time midweek depending on availability). Parties last a maximum of 2hrs, include use of the party room and a private talk, tour of the visitor attraction and animal handling session for up to 20 children.

CONTACT: 0131 663 4932 Dobbies Garden World, Melville Nursery, Lasswade, Edinburgh, EH18 1AZ info@edinburgh-butterfly-world. co.uk www.edinburgh-butterfly-world. co.uk

Edinburgh Dungeons A Horrible Visitor Attraction The Dungeon team will make sure you and your party have the most horrible day! With fantastic packages to choose from you can combine the Edinburgh Dungeon experience with a goody bag, photo discounts and even lunch.

Parties include 30 mins guided tour of either the castle zoo, monkeys, lemurs & friends, search for the wolves & bears, farmyard friends or a bird aviary walk; 30 mins handling session, with a selection of the friendlier animals and 60 mins sole use of a room to party in.

The party and any adults that have paid admission into the zoo can re-enter the zoo for another explore before leaving CONTACT: West Calder, EH55 8PT enquiries@fivesisterszoo.co.uk www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk

Gorgie City Farm Animal Visitor Attraction Give any animal mad youngster a memorable day out! Gorgie City Farm’s unique party experience includes pet handling and animal feeding alongside a traditional birthday tea and party bags. Their party team will lead your party activities, serve food and do the clearing up. You just bring the cake and your camera! You can also hire their party room for your own thing, potentially booking private handling or feeding as a feature.

CONTACT: 0131 337 4202 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2LA parties@gorgiecityfarm.org.uk www.gorgiecityfarm.org.uk

Jupiter Artland Art & SculptureVisitor Attraction PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 5-12 years Jupiter Artland’s parties are 2 hours 15 minutes full of exploring, crafting and having fun, all set within a magical landscape of outdoor sculpture. All parties are based in a woodland classroom

visitor attractions but set mostly in the outdoors and themes include Build a Bothy, Outdoor Adventure, Enchanted Forest and Artsparks. All parties include exploring the Artland, an exciting art and outdoor activity and invitations. A BBQ or Picnic party/lunch tea can also be included, as can extras such as party bags, birthday cake and adult refreshments.

Scottish Seabird Centre

CONTACT: 01506 889900 Bonnington House Steadings, near Wilkieston, Edinburgh, EH27 8BB educationfoundation@ jupiterartland.org www.jupiterartland.org

National Museum of Flight Visitor Attraction Celebrate a supersonic birthday with a special party at the National Museum of Flight. Choose from a Jet Powered or Supersonic package and enjoy a range of activities including boarding Scotland’s iconic Concorde, the hands-on interactive gallery, Fantastic Flight, and creative make and take sessions. Plus dress up in uniform, complete the assault course and get up close to military and passenger aircraft. Birthday parties are tailored according to the age of the party and include all activities and party food.

CONTACT: 0131 247 4238 East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF www.nms.ac.uk/flight

Our Dynamic Earth Visitor Attraction PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 4 - 12 years Fancy traveling back in time 15,000 million years to the beginning of our universe and taking an action packed adventure through the life of our planet Earth.

Dynamic Earth birthday party packages contain something for kids of all ages. For younger children (aged 4 - 5) there’s a Storytelling Birthday Party; for children aged 4 - 10 there’s The Adventurer Birthday Party, and for

older children (aged 8-10) there’s the Craft Activity Party.

CONTACT: 0131 550 7800 Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AS www.dynamicearth.co.uk

Scottish Seabird Centre Visitor Attraction SPECIAL OFFER ON PAGES 64 & 65

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 3+ Take your child’s party to the seaside with the 5-star Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, only 30 minutes from Edinburgh.

The Seabird team offer a whole host of party themes to ensure

your child’s birthday will stand out from the crowd, from £15 per child.

Choose from: Pirates, Mermaids, Professor Egghead’s Science Show, Puffin Circus and Under the Sea. Select activity sessions, food, games and face painting – you can even have your child’s name displayed on a board in one of the fish tanks!

They offer online printable invites, thank-you cards and a gift for the birthday child. Plus, that all important supply of tea and coffee for the adults!

CONTACT: 01620 890202 The Harbour, North Berwick, East Lothian EH39 4SS www.seabird.org

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VENUES Cramond Kirk Hall 1 Kirk Cramond, Edinburgh, EH4 6HZ Cramond Kirk Hall is an excellent venue for children’s parties, with loads of space to burn off energy or put up a bouncy castle. A commercial kitchen is available for use, there are loads of tables and chairs and the halls are in safe open parkland with plenty of parking.

CONTACT: David Haggarty 0131 312 6911 hallenquiries@cramondkirk.org.uk www.cramondkirk.org.uk

Eric Liddell Centre 15 Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4DP 0131 447 4520 www.ericliddell.org

Fairmilehead Church Halls 1a Frogston Road West, Edinburgh, EH10 7AA Different sized halls are available for birthday parties. You can bring your own entertainer or bouncy castle (height restrictions apply in some halls) and have access to the kitchen, tables and chairs. Car park and free on-street parking nearby is available.

CONTACT: Carole Park 0131 445 2374 office@fhpc.org.uk www.fhpc.org.uk

Fisherrow Community Centre South Street, Fisherrow, Musselburgh, EH21 6AT 0131 665 7590 www.fisherrowcentre.org.uk

Inverleith St Serf’s Parish Church Halls 1a Clark Road, Edinburgh, EH5 3BD 0131 478 0642 halls@inverleithsaintserfs.org.uk www.inverleithsaintserfs.org.uk

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The Stable @ Leaf & Bean Café

Out Of The Blue Drill Hall

Leaf & Bean and The Stable 12-14 Comiston Road, Edinburgh EH10 6AU 07887 910900 www.leafandbean.co.uk

36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, EH6 8RG 0131 555 7100

www.outoftheblue.org.uk

LifeCare Centre 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB 0131 343 0940 www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk

North Merchiston Club 48 Watson Crescent, Edinburgh, EH11 1EP The club is conveniently situated on the edge of the city centre, close to Fountainpark and adjoining Harrison Park East.

Birthday parties can be held in the club most weekends.

CONTACT: 0131 622 1757 info@northmerchiston.co.uk www.northmerchiston.co.uk

Swanston Farm 111 Swanston Road, Edinburgh, EH10 7DS You can now hire Swanston’s downstairs function room for a private party, finger food and bring your own entertainment. Or you can incorporate your party with Swanston’s on-site disc golf, foot golf or golf.

CONTACT Wylie Morrison, Brasserie Manager 0131 445 2239

www.swanston.co.uk

in East Lothian

Party time!

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Face-Painters and Equipment Hire

Pure Brilliant Events

Bennetts Bouncy Castle Hire Equipment Hire

Bennetts Bouncy Castle Hire is a family-run business and supplies homes, nurseries and school fairs with a wide range of indoor and outdoor inflatables to suit toddlers to adults. All their castles are tested annually to the highest standards.

CONTACT: 0131 3344545 bennettshire@blueyonder.co.uk www.bennettshire.co.uk

Fantoosh Face Art Facepainting

With her rainbow of colours, sparkle and a giddy sense of fun to match, ‘Fantoosh’ brings the wow factor to all parties. Being an artist to trade, any theme and requests are catered for exquisitely and watching her work, is as much fun as being painted! Fully insured and disclosed and ultimate hygiene practice.

CONTACT: Lynn ‘Fantoosh’ Fraser 07775 861075 lynn@fantooshart.co.uk www.fantooshart.co.uk

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JoJo’s Little Party People Music, Softplay & Mascots

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 0-6

JoJo’s Little Party People offer a range of party packages with their most popular being the Giant Bouncy Castle Package.

This is designed for a 2 hour party and includes a 16x14ft bouncy castle, plus ball pool with plastic balls, soft play blocks, animal hopperz, party music, and a personalised ‘JoJo the Lion’ teddy for the lucky birthday child! JoJo’s specialise in hosting the party to ensure everything runs smoothly and every child has as much fun as possible.

CONTACT: Lynsey McMullen 07963 780697 lynsey@jojoslittlepartypeople.com www.jojoslittlepartypeople.com

Pure Brilliant Events Facepainting, Popcorn & Candy Floss Machines

Pure Brilliant Events specialises in face painting, balloon modelling, glitter tattoos, popcorn and candy floss machines and balloon

decoration. Whether you are having a small home party or a large venue party, they have a party package for you.

COSTS: Standard prices start from £35/ hour but there are a number of party packages on the website which offer great savings.

CONTACT: Bex 07593332744 info@purebrilliantevents.co.uk www.purebrilliantevents.co.uk

The Bouncy Castle Man Bouncy Castle & Mascot Hire

The Bouncy Castle Man can supply fantastic bouncy castles and a wide range of character mascots.

Working all over Edinburgh, Lothians, Fife and the Borders, he is well known for giving 5 star service.

CONTACT: Mark 07513 593 073 bouncycastleman@gmail.com www.thebcm.co.uk

Presents, Cards & Party Clothes Blessings and Blossoms Children’s Clothing 132 St John’s Rd, Edinburgh EH12 8AX For party dresses and clothing for special occasions, Blessings and Blossoms in Corstorphine has it all. You can also pick up great accessories and baby gifts.

CONTACT: 0131 334 8322 www.blessingsandblossoms. co.uk

makers and Scottish designers, you’ll pick up something new and exciting which the kids will love.

While you’re there, why not grab a treat for once the kids have gone to bed? With candles, skincare and homeware products to suit all budgets, you’ll feel like it’s your birthday too!

CONTACT: 0131 538 0168 0131 467 2878 info@cloudberrygifts.co.uk www.cloudberrygifts.co.uk @cloudberrygifts

Treehouse

Bon Tot Children’s Clothing & Gifts 46 St Stephen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5AL Bon Tot is the perfect place for stylish, modern and unique birthday gifts for little ones. A Fable Heart handmade crown with matching wand is a must for the occasion, while their curated collection of the coolest sweatshop-free kid’s clothing will keep everyone looking stylish on the big day. Bon Tot’s collection of washable, toxic free nail polish by Nailmatic is a super sweet idea and their collection of washable pens, crayons and Giant Colouring Rolls

by OMY make for tons of party fun as well.

CONTACT: hello@bon-tot.com www.bon-tot.com @bon_tot

Cloudberry Gifts Gift Shop & Café SPECIAL OFFER ON PAGES 64 - 65

193 Whitehouse Road, Barnton, Edinburgh, EH4 6BU 5 Seaforth Terrace, Edinburgh, EH4 2BS Cloudberry is the perfect place to shop for a child’s birthday gift as you are guaranteed to pick up something unusual, quirky and stylishly designed. With a wide range of toys, books, cards and wrap from the UK’s leading gift-

arts & crafts plus pocket money ideas for party bags.

Lilla Children’s Gifts & Cards 15 Colinton Rd, Edinburgh EH10 5DP Lilla, at Holy Corner, brings a distinct style and individuality for children’s presents. Stockists of Ferm Living, Tulipop and OMM Design, and with funky gift ideas, creative toys, fun lighting, cutlery and stationery you will be amazed at what you will find. Lilla is the only Edinburgh stockist of popular Danish toy, Plus-Plus!

CONTACT: 0131 447 2396 lilla@spektakular.co.uk

Treehouse Children’s Gifts, Clothing, Shoes and Hairdressing 10-12 Hamilton Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AU Head to Stockbridge where Treehouse has the most amazing room packed full of delights from classic story books, wooden toys,

CONTACT: 01312251242 info@treehousechildrenswear.co.uk www.treehousechildrenswear. co.uk

Willow Boutique Gift Boutique and Babywear 5 Raeburn Place, Stockbridge, EH4 1HU Willow Boutique, in Stockbridge, is a haven for babywear, children’s toys, books, beautiful gifts and jewellery. Their brands range from customer favourites Jellycat, Sadie:Baby, Blade and Rose, Pilgrim, Run and Fly and Bathhouse and are proud to be stockists of Dragon’s Den award winning Num Num Teething Jewellery. Every purchase is beautifully wrapped for you in tissue paper and ribbon.

CONTACT: 0131 478 0470 hellowillowboutique@gmail.com

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The Joys of Children’s Parties

WRITTEN BY Michael

Atkinson

T

“

”

© TOPVECTORS – FOTOLIA.COM

here are many things in life that child entered until there was a make me want to stick pins in my frenzy of balloon activity. Children eyes. Listening to certain politicians crashing into each other, screams of speak (I’ll leave them nameless so joy, screams of injury. Then they burst. as not to court controversy); standing One by one the balloons burst. One at airport security behind someone by one, the children cry. There are no asking if they need to remove their more balloons. laptop (yes) and can they keep The second mistake we made was their water (no, it’s a 5 litre bottle); attempting to run the entertainment having to watch my son’s favourite Paw ourselves. It took us all of about five Patrol episode for the 457th time. Then, minutes to realise that we are not amongst the long (and ever expanding) children’s entertainers. Those people list, is children’s parties. have a skill that should be rewarded ‘What plans have we got for the with medals. The games we had prepared, weekend’ I sometimes casually ask my each meant to last fifteen minutes or so, wife as we approach the end of the week. were over in about a minute. We did them Every increasingly, the answer is often all again. And again. The hour and a half ‘well, we’ve got two parties’. But these felt like an eternity. The best part? Sending aren’t parties in the true sense of the word. everyone home.

These aren’t the parties of our After that experience, we’ve carefree childless existence. employed others to be the These aren’t parties that end entertainment. It costs more, but [children’s the next morning with Google it’s worth every penny. entertainers] searches for ‘best hangover And all parties, the ones cures’. These are children’s attended by your child, or the ones have a skill that parties. The stuff of nightmares. you host for your child, end the should be rewarded In the words of Lady Bracknell same way. They end, back home, with medals ‘To attend one children’s party negotiating getting a child to bed at a weekend may be regarded whilst high on sugar (the child as a misfortune. To attend two that is). The trauma inevitably looks like carelessness.’ continues, when, in the middle of the night, said For the first ‘major’ birthday party that we held child is sick from over-consumption of cake and for my eldest son, we decided to hire a church other such treats. hall and take care of the entertainment ourselves.

It’s not all bad I suppose. The pure joy on the I mean, how hard can it be? It can’t be that faces of my children when they enter a party difficult to entertain twenty 3 year-olds for an hour or when they receive their party bag can be and a half. We planned the games in advance, heart-warming. The sheer delight when it’s their we set out a timetable for how the party would own party and the cake appears. I love those run. Preparation complete. This would be easy. moments. But only fleetingly. n The first mistake we made was filling the hall with balloons before everyone arrived. Big mistake. Balloons send children crazy. Every Michael Atkinson is a dad to two young child that entered the room lit up with balloon sons, but occasionally finds the time to write excitement. They chased the balloons, punched on golf, whisky, fatherhood and politics. the balloons, fell over the balloons. Child after

Find out more...

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made

to

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Doodles Advert:Layout 1

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made JAN MAY // FEB JUNE 2018 2015

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