MADE (Mums and Dads Edinburgh) Jan/Feb 2019

made mums and dads edinburgh

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JAN/FEB 2019

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BY A G UA R A N T E E D S O LUT I ON

The Macrae Showhome at Castle Bay – upgrades shown at an additional cost

You’ve found your dream CALA home, but if you’re worried about whether your existing home will sell in time, that’s where our Guaranteed Buyer service* comes in.

Guaranteed Buyer* gives you a chance to market your current property yourself on the open market, with the extra reassurance that CALA will act as a cash buyer if you need it.

More information can be found at CALA.CO.UK/EASTGUARANTEEDBUYER.

A V A I L A B L E AT D E V E LO P M E N T S A C R O S S E D I N B U R G H A N D T H E LOT H I A N S MM JAN19 *The Guaranteed Buyer service will be considered subject to CALA’s purchasing criteria, terms and conditions. We have the right to refuse your application for the Guaranteed Buyer service. To determine a fair price to offer for your existing home, CALA will obtain two independent valuations based on achieving a sale in a four to eight week period and our offer will be based on those valuations. If the valuations are very different, we will consult with a surveyor or other expert in property valuations. If your home has not had a recent home report on it, we will carry out a survey on your existing home after you accept an offer. The Guaranteed Buyer sale depends on the results of that survey. In the event that the survey reveals problems with your existing home we will talk to you to find a solution, however if we fail to agree terms, we will deduct any cost incurred by CALA for the survey and specialists reports when we return your reservation fee. While your new home is being built you will need to keep us updated as to how your sale is progressing. You cannot use the service with any other incentives or purchase services unless we specifically agree you can at the time you reserve your home. OUR PURCHASING CRITERIA, CALA will only accept a Guaranteed Buyer reservation in the absence of a cash purchaser. There must be sufficient difference between the value of your existing home and the CALA home. Geographically, CALA will only consider Guaranteed Buyer on a property that can be easily managed from a CALA regional office location. 5 stars awarded for customers’ willingness to ‘Recommend to a Friend’ in findings of the survey undertaken by the Home Builders Federation 2017/18

WELCOME Contributors

Happy New Year everyone!!

I hope you all had a wonderful festive period with family and friends, and are ready to get 2019 off to a brilliant start!

Have you set any goals this year?

There’s some great advice on pages 30-31 if you want to make this year, the year of you! And you should! My mission is to take things slower and have more fun times with my boys.

Last year went too fast for my liking!

But first up, I need to organise a 9th birthday party for son no.1. What will it be this year….karting, climbing, slime, bowling? Thankfully we’ve got the 2019 list of Top 100 Parties printed right here full of amazing ideas! Make sure you keep this edition all year, so you have the contacts for when your kids’ big day arrives.

We asked our contributors about their goals for 2019…

Vanessa Kanbi To inspire other mums to achieve their dreams through my podcast and youtube channel. To spend as much quality time as possible with my friends, kids, husband and family. And to be more sustainable.

Marie Martin To learn how to salsa dance and play the guitar - but not at the same time. My neighbours are going to love me!

Caroline McClean To finally get into a size 10. After nearly 25 years of dieting, 2019 is the year it’s going to happen.

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

Louise x

Editor & Publisher Louise Wilson Designer

MAMi Designs

Sales Executive

Caroline McClean

Feature Writer

Vanessa Kanbi

Columnists

Michael Atkinson

Front Cover

Diana Baker Photography

Printer

Ivanhoe Caledonia

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.

made JAN / FEB 2019

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CONTENTS JAN / FEB 2019

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26

38

6 News 12 The rise of the podcast

By Vanessa Kanbi

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17 Shopping: Fantastic, no plastic!

34 MADE’S TOP 100 PARTIES

19 Interview with…

36 Face-painters & Bouncy Castles

Author, Amanda Berriman

38 Soft-Play & Play Cafés

20 Fake Rollercoasters

40 Special Themed Parties

By Michael Atkinson

42 Dance, Drama & Music Parties

22 What’s on guide January and February

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26 Start-up Business Advice Sponsored by Ergo Solicitors

28 Edinburgh’s Mary Poppins Helen Cook

30 Hello You!

By Jane MacDowell

32 Happy Birthday to you!

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Animal Parties

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Active and Adventure Parties

52 Entertainers 54

Parties for Under Fives

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Cards and Presents

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Make & Create Parties

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Parties at Visitor Attraction

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Party Venues to hire

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Cakes & Sweet Treats

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NEWS SCOTTISH MUM MAKES PARENTS’ LIVES EASIER WITH NEW DRIBBLE APP Parents across central Scotland now have access to Dribble, a new app that makes their lives easier, by helping them find child-friendly places to take their kids – thanks to Edinburgh mum of two, Gill Mudie.

Dribble is a child-friendliness review app, making outings with kids less daunting by providing parents, carers and grandparents with everything they need to know about the childfriendliness of a venue. www.dribbleit.co.uk

NEW FROM CHILD’S FARM

JOIN THE ADVENTURE WHEN SCRAMBLES REOPENS Climbing the walls now that Christmas is over? Let the kids burn off excess energy and climb the walls at Scrambles soft play at EICA: Ratho, which reopens to the public on Thursday, 3 January 2019, after a major refurbishment.

With brand new frames for babies, toddlers and juniors, suitable for 0-10 years old, join in the adventure with Scrambles’ new hero character, Skye and her mountain friends, owl and stag. Scrambles’ fresh, new look and layout with extended seating has a new café downstairs with a capacity of 130 persons. www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

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Child’s Farm new 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner cleans and detangles hair in no time, fragranced with delicious vanilla custard and organic rhubarb extract. Suitable for newborns and upwards with sensitive and also eczema-prone skin, it’s designed for all hair types.

Available from Childsfarm.com and Tesco

www.mademagazine.co.uk

NEWS PREGNANCY & FAMILY FAIR COMING TO EDINBURGH THIS SPRING!

Bonnie Bairn brings together the best local experts, service providers and independent retailers who can support you from pregnancy, to birth and parenthood; ensuring you and your baby get off to the best possible start.

Their Fair at Edinburgh Corn Exchange on 10 March will be a day packed with informative talks and workshops for the grown-ups, as well as taster sessions and entertainment for your babies and young children. There is something for the whole family to enjoy, plus premium goody bags for the first 25 families, a free Epic Prize Draw and exclusive promotions and offers.

Get your tickets in advance & save! To fine out more visit www.bonnie-bairn.co.uk USE CODE MADE FOR 35% DISCOUNT

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NEWS LITTLE LUNCHES A new service has launched in Edinburgh and the Lothians to help nurseries to provide delicious, healthy children’s meals. Little Lunches delivers freshly prepared hot lunches and cold afternoon teas each day, making it easy for nursery staff to provide yummy, healthy and fun meals for the children to enjoy with their friends. Meals are nutritionally balanced, full of family favourites and carefully designed to be really engaging. @LittleLunchesLtd

DREAMING OF A FAMILY RETREAT TO SOUTH WEST FRANCE NEXT SUMMER?

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

Approved by leading UK preschool tour operators, Le Chevrefeuille is easy to reach with low-cost direct flights

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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 kidfriendly 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 awardwinning 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!

Quote ‘MADE Edinburgh’ for a 5% discount off all bookings (outwith July and August).

www.mademagazine.co.uk

NEWS CASA The team behind Montessori Mornings are turning a beautiful townhouse into a nursery for children from 6 months to 5 years old! Montessori is a method that meets individual children’s needs emotionally, academically and socially.

Children thrive in mixed groups that allow them to learn from older role models and develop empathy for slightly younger friends. Casa will have its own library room, afternoon activities such as yoga, music and languages, and the benefit of a learning-rich local scene. Best of all, the large enclosed garden set up with logs for climbing, mature trees, lawn and a covered pavilion will keep nature deficit safely at bay! Parents will be able to sign up early with pre-enrolment opening soon. www.montessorimornings.com

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Imaginative and creative play cafe for all the family to enjoy Perfect place for little ones to engage in some independent play and for grown ups to enjoy our comfy, cosy seats with a delicious coffee.

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NEWS STELLAR

THE REFILLERY

THE LATEST BUSINESS TO JOIN EDINBURGH’S PLASTIC FREE GROCERY REVOLUTION Dedicated to helping people ‘stop disposing and start reusing’, the founder Kelly Wright’s vision is to offer an alternative to plastic riddled supermarkets.

Opening in January on 39 Newington Road, The Refillery will stock a wide range of grocery essentials that can be refilled and ethical gifts and accessories to help customers reduce their impact on the environment. Keep up-to-date with their news and opening date via Facebook. www.therefillery.co.uk

Your home is more than just somewhere to live; it should also be your retreat, your haven. It should be comfortable, relaxing and reflect your personality. Perhaps you want a new look for a bedroom, a living room colour refresh or you’re looking for that key accessory. Stellar Interior Design can help by offering a personal and friendly service. They will work with you to discover your individual style and create bespoke interiors that you’ll love for years to come. Let them show you why they’re Stellar. stellarinteriordesign.co.uk

WIN WITH MERBABIES Edinburgh-based, independent baby-topreschool swim school Merbabies is continuing to grow its loyal customer base, with January seeing 65 of their gentle, play-based classes running seven days a week in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife. To celebrate, they are running their biggest ever giveaway – a chance for existing customers to win free swim classes for the rest of the year! All swimmers booked into Merbabies classes by 13 January will be entered into the prize draw to win the rest of the year free of charge. The winner will be drawn live online on 14 January. Find out more at www.merbabies.online

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NO PLASTIC IS FANTASTIC BAMBOO TOOTHBRUSH, £3.90 www.2moreheads.co.uk

METAL STRAWS £6, River Island

BAMBOO DINING S ET, £17 www.myn ordiclivin g.co.uk Shop in B runtsfield

COCONUT OIL TOOTHPASTE £6.90, www.2moreheads.co.uk

EAU GOOD GLASS (600 mls), £25.95, www.2moreheads.co.uk VEGAN WRAPS, £20 for pack of 3 www.therefillery.co.uk The Refillery, Newington

FIT PIT NATURAL DEODORANT (male and female), £10 for 100ml www.therefillery.co.uk The Refillery, Newington

HAND BLOWN GLASS REUSABLE COFFEE CUP, £20 www.therefillery.co.uk The Refillery, Newington

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ARE WE GOING

PODCAST

CRAZY?

Written by Vanessa Kanbi MAGNIFICENT MOTHERS

If you haven’t heard of a podcast before - where have you been?

I feel like everyone I have spoken to in the last few months is either starting a podcast or talking about one. Popularity among podcasts has skyrocketed within the last few years - and I think it’s incredible for several reasons.

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the laundry or at the gym. The ability to download podcasts also allows people on planes to tune in! The number of people listening to podcasts in the UK has almost doubled in two years, with an estimated 6 million people (11%) listening to podcasts weekly. Podcasts, however, are not a new thing and were introduced around fifteen years ago although they have only really moved in to pop culture in the last five years. According to a survey by Rajar, two-thirds of those people are 18-35 year old’s and twenty percent of people started listening within the previous six months.

In spite of this growth in popularity, the UK is lagging behind the US, where 44% of Americans

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www.mademagazine.co.uk

f you don’t know what a podcast is, let me explain it to you. Ben Hammersley first mentioned the word podcast in a 2004 Guardian newspaper article. It came from ‘iPod’ and ‘broadcast’. This doesn’t limit listening to an iPod. It is possible to listen through a smart device your phone, tablet, iPad or your desktop computer. A podcast is a digital audio file which is created by anyone and uploaded to the internet. Today podcasts are available through smartphone apps like Spotify, Google podcasts or Apple podcasts.

The cherry on the cake is that ALL podcasts are free!

Podcasts are so easily accessible and are listened to on commutes, in the car, while doing

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MORE PEOPLE IN AMERICA KNOW WHAT A PODCAST IS THAN WHO THE VICE PRESIDENT IS! have listened to a podcast in their lifetime, and Edison’s research found that more people in America know what a podcast is than who the vice president is!

The big question is why has there been such an increase in people listening to podcasts?

There are several reasons, one of which is that people are spending increasingly more time on their mobile phones - personally, It is starting to feel like my whole life revolves around my mobile.

Apple podcasts are conveniently pre-installed on iPhones, and the connect-ability of newer cars means that you no longer have to listen to the radio and this opens up a wealth of opportunities for listening to what you want. The biggest reason, however, is that the Millennials/ younger generations are no longer looking to mainstream media outlets or TV for entertainment, they are and more likely to search out media by going on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook or tuning in to a podcast.

It is an exciting time for large broadcasters and made JAN / FEB 2019

media houses as the way we consume media is shifting. Physical newspapers, radio stations, and tv stations are having to innovate in an attempt to keep their audience. Collectively we are spending less time together, but more time ‘connected’. The reduction in physical contact, one could argue is being compensated by media such as podcasts, where listeners can feel as though they are part of something and in some instances in the same room.

I do however believe the growth in popularity of podcasts is a positive move. The beauty is that starting a podcast is (relatively) easy. This allows people to share ideas with others as there is low barriers to entry (there are no high startup costs for example), making it easier for people all over the world to share their voices. Almost every niche is covered, giving a voice to many who may have been otherwise overlooked. I love the fact that you get opinions and conversations straight from the horse’s mouth with no filter. It is freedom of expression at

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LISTENERS CAN FEEL AS THOUGH THEY ARE PART OF SOMETHING

it’s finest, and there is something for everyone.

My husband, for example, loves listening to ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’ and I love listening to ‘Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations’. Not only are individuals making podcasts but the mainstream media companies like BBC, The Guardian etc have jumped onto the bandwagon hoping not to miss out on all the action.

‘Celebrities’ have also recently been getting into podcasting with my favourite two ‘Celeb Mum’ podcast’s being ‘Happy Mum Happy Baby’

by Giovanna Fletcher and ‘Happy Place’ by Ferne Cotton. They remind me that in spite of our very different lives, celebrities are normal people who go through the same highs and lows!

Excitingly Edinburgh has its very own podcast scene! I have just launched my own podcast called ‘Magnificent Mothers’. As an Edinburgh born and bred mother of two, I was inclined to

start a podcast alongside my YouTube channel ‘Vanessa Kanbi’. I felt that mothers could often feel isolated. I wanted to create a podcast to inspire mums using other mums stories! In my podcast, I interview mothers from Edinburgh and beyond who have done extraordinary things.

Along with myself, other mothers in Edinburgh are doing big things in the podcast world. JoJo Fraser has a podcast called ‘Mummy JoJo’ Uncut Mojo Injection which discusses all things mental health. Kylie Reid who owns the well-known EGG - Edinburgh Gossip Girls has also started her own podcast called “EGG Talks To Podcast”.

Along with mothers, Edinburgh produces a variety of genres during the festival there is a boom in podcasts surrounding the festivities.

There are churches, students, tech and gaming podcasts all coming out of Scotland and this is just the beginning! n

FIND OUT MORE

Search ‘Magnificent Mothers’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher to listen to Vanessa’s podcast.

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BOOK

N OW 5★

RATED

TEACH WITH LOVE, L E A R N T H R O U G H P L AY EDINBURGH, LOTHIAN & FIFE

Gentle, progressive, learn to swim classes for children from birth to age 4 Also offering underwater photography and Birthlight Aquanatal Yoga sessions

anna@merbabies.online www.merbabies.online

5 signs your child is Happy

By Pam Rowe

How do we know when children feel happy and content? What are the ingredients to end up with these results? How do you create an environment where you can see the signs of a child’s happiness? Here are five signs of happy children…

1. LAUGHTER

It seems too obvious, but children who laugh a lot are likely to be happy. When we laugh, we relax physically and our mood improves. According to research, laughter has some significant benefits to our physical health. It causes natural white blood cells that boost our immunity and can attack diseases. Give children lots of opportunity for laughter and do fun things as often as possible.

2. SLEEPING AND EATING WELL

A child that sleeps and eats well has the foundations for happiness. It may seem that these things have nothing to do with happiness, but as adults, we know that sleep deprivation and hunger affect our mood and how well we function. It’s the same for children.

3. MAKING CHOICES

A happy child is one who is encouraged to understand that they have choices. They get to practice this with their parents giving them lots of opportunities to choose and change something.

It doesn’t have to be a big issue; it could just be about ice cream. When your child knows that they can change things, they learn that they can make things better or different. An unhappy child wonders ‘why does this happen to me?’ A happy child tries to do something about the situation.

4. TALKATIVE, INQUISITIVE

A child who wants to tell you everything, and is very talkative, is likely to be happy particularly when they have someone who can listen.

Children need adults to be excited when they are, and to pay attention and respond to their emotions, whatever they may be.

5. GIVES THEMSELVES PRAISE

A child who praises himself is learning to accept

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CHILDREN NEED ADULTS TO BE EXCITED WHEN THEY ARE, AND TO PAY ATTENTION himself. They are also helping their future happiness because they are learning to give recognition to others. It helps them deal with anger and sadness better, and helps to develop resilience, which is about being able to get a balance with negative and positive emotions and being able to hold on to positives. n

FIND OUT MORE Clear Water, a memoir by Pam Rowe is out now, priced £16.99. To find out more go to www.pamrowe.com

www.mademagazine.co.uk

Weekly Local Classes

A watery world of confidence, skill and fun!

It’s safe to say you’ll burst with pride as you watch your baby journey from the early days of gentle floating, kicking and splashing to wriggling, giggling and jumping in!

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

You can trust us to take the very best care of you and your little one.

Our world-class teachers could have trained as private pilots – five times over – in the time it takes to fully qualify with us. We won’t entrust your child (or our reputation) to anyone less than the best!

To give your baby a splashing start call

Get in touch to find out more and to arrange your free trial class!

0131 554 6682

Let’s teach your baby to swim!

Dance, acro & musical theatre classes for pre-school children from 18 months to 5 years old

www.waterbabies.co.uk

dndance.co.uk 07545 551271

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EVENTS & OFFER

ADVENTURE PARK

Half-price entry to the Adventure Park in January and February (Mon - Thurs) STABLES BISTRO 14th Feb Valentineʻs Evening at the Bistro, 3 course dinner £24.95 Special set lunch menu in January and February 2 courses £8.95 • 3 Courses £11.95 Scotland 6 Nations Games & Burgers (February & March)

For latest updates visit @conifoxadventurepark @conifoxadvpark

Bistro Restaurant | BBQ and Outdoor Bar | Garden Centre Crazy Foot Golf | Pedal Go Karts | Off Road Pedal Go Karts Pedal Tractor Farm | Giant Jump Pillow | Trampolines Swings | Balance Beams | Rope Bridge

Adventure Park 07968 746355 adventurepark @conifox.co.uk

Stables Bistro 0131 333 1444 restaurant@ conifox.co.uk

Garden Centre Foxhall, Kirkliston, 0131 333 3334 Edinburgh EH29 9ER sales@ www.conifox.co.uk conifox.co.uk

Home

Author, Amanda Berriman, grew up and was schooled in Edinburgh. Mum of two, she has written short stories, flash fiction and a children’s novel. Home is her first published novel.

It is narrated by four and a half year old Jesika and explores what ‘home’ means to different people and looks at issues of control: who has it and who doesn’t and how that affects the choices available to you. Louise Wilson talks to Amanda to find out more…

WHEN DID YOU REALISE YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER?

I always loved writing from an early age but it was something I enjoyed, not something I saw as a career option. I trained as a primary teacher, and my interest in writing was reignited when I was teaching a class about story openings and I wrote a short opening for them to work from. It sparked an idea that I found impossible to resist.

Within a couple of years, I had completed my first novel and I realised that writing was something I couldn’t walk away from.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD?

Philippa Pearce’s ‘The Way to Sattin Shore’ was the first book I remember strongly connecting to the main character and feeling like the author was writing about me and my feelings.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK TO READ TO YOUR CHILDREN?

HOME TACKLES SOME TOUGH ISSUES - HOW DID YOU RESEARCH THOSE?

I grew up in a single-parent family and, although we had a safe roof over our heads, there were financial worries and I remember what it felt like to be the child who was aware that things were stressful but had no power to change anything. I also drew on my years of teaching experience, and Shelter, Mind, the NSPCC and Foster Care UK helped me out a great deal with other areas of research. There were aspects that were hard to write about – it’s not easy looking closely at situations in which children are not safe, especially when I write without planning very far ahead so I didn’t really know how it would all end. But I have had so many comments from parents about the NSPCC ‘pants’ rule and how they have talked to their own children about it since reading Home that however hard I found it to write those parts of the book, it was worth it.

IT’S NOT EASY LOOKING CLOSELY AT SITUATIONS IN WHICH CHILDREN ARE NOT SAFE

Currently I’m reading them one of my favourite books, The Wind Singers by William Nicholson and really enjoying reading it out loud. My all-time favourite picture book has to be Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Snail and the Whale, which I love so much I gave it a sneaky mention in Home.

THE MADE TEAM ARE BIG FANS OF YOUR MAIN CHARACTER, JESIKA. WHAT HAS THE PUBLIC’S REACTION BEEN TO HER?

Everyone loves Jesika! It’s been something truly special reading reviews and comments from readers saying how protective they feel about her and talking about her as if she’s a real person – and in a way she is because there are many reallife Jesikas living in poor housing whose parents

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are struggling to hold everything together. If my Jesika has helped to bring that to life and highlight those issues, I can’t ask for more.

WILL WE MEET JESIKA AGAIN IN THE FUTURE?

I think Jesika’s story is finished for now, but she does have a small but significant part to play in the book I’m currently writing, so you may get another glimpse of her if it all works out. n

FIND OUT MORE Home will be published in paperback in February 2019

www.mademagazine.co.uk

Bring on

the smiles

Swim with the most highly qualified, enthusiastic and passionate teachers. Our progressive and baby-led programme, will give your little one the best start to their swimming journey. contact 07964 840 049

edinburgh@turtletots.com

www.turtletots.com/edinburghandeastlothian

Fake Rollercoasters D

id you know that the Grand Canyon was created after a Scotsman lost a penny . . . ?

It’s not a good joke. Never was and never will be. I was told it by a work colleague (a non Scot) as we were passing through security at London’s Heathrow on a return trip to Edinburgh after they noticed that my clear see-through ‘cosmetics’ bag was bursting at the seams with small hotel shampoo bottles from the room where I had been staying the previous evening.

Now, don’t judge, they were Penhaligons bottles.

Expensive stuff you know.

Especially given it’s just shower gel and shampoo. Not only that, I’d been away for a fair few days so needed a present for my wife. (Joke, total joke, but about as funny as the one about the Grand Canyon).

My colleague was clearly applying the mildly derogatory assumption that all Scots are tight. Whilst I object to the implementation of such sweeping generalisations and consider myself to be a generous Scot, I’m happy to admit that there is one area where I point blank refuse to reach for my wallet on any occasion. I absolutely resolutely refuse to spend pound coins on those ridiculous

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traps set to capture children on the exits of supermarkets, zoos, garden centres and the like. You know the traps I mean.

They sometimes masquerade as a train, a Peppa Pig car, a motorbike, a Paw Patrol quad bike, a boat . . . some form of child enticing machine that your

THERE IS ONE AREA WHERE I POINT BLANK REFUSE TO REACH FOR MY WALLET ON ANY OCCASION beloveds will be desperate to hop onto and refuse to get off.

All require a pound coin (at least) to start the ride.

You know the set up you’ve just about managed to successfully extricate your children from the garden centre experience without them stabbing each other with a set of shears, driving a lawnmower over their feet or knocking down ceramic pots from shelves, when there it is – a fake rollercoaster ride at the exit gates. All you are wanting to do is get back to your car, but this dreaded

© FREEPIK.COM

By Michael Atkinson

distraction arrives and not only is it an unwelcome distraction, it demands money. Well, not from me. So if you’re ever leaving a certain garden centre in and around Edinburgh, I can occasionally be found with my children aboard the rollercoaster ride at the exit (I’m still working on getting them past it without seeing it) – they cheer, they fling their arms in the air, they shout for joy, they enjoy the ride. It’s almost as if I’ve put money in the machine.

But instead, I’ve managed to persuade them that the short demo film of the ride that has ‘DEMO’ emblazoned in bold and in red across the screen is actually the ride itself. They buy it, even though the machine doesn’t move. They’re young.

It may have captured my children, but it will never capture my money. n

Michael Atkinson is a dad to two young sons, but occasionally finds the time to write on golf, whisky, fatherhood and politics.

www.mademagazine.co.uk

FIND CALM IN 2019 Our beautiful Yoga and Wellbeing sanctuary, Calm on Canning Street in the West End offers a varied timetable of yoga and meditation classes and a full schedule of events as well as Massage, Life, Health and Nutrition Coaching.

Singing with Babies and Toddlers in Skylark Cafe Booking Essential text or email for info 07973 493 933 songcircle.gill@gmail.com

Spend a trial month with us for only £30 for 4 Yoga classes and see how we can help nourish you from top to toe.

Skylark Cafe, 40 Hamilton Place EdinburghSkylark

Visit our website www.calmoncanningstreet.com Follow our journey on Insta @calmoncanningstreet

Scotland’s Premier Pregnancy & Family Fair

Sunday 10th March 2019, 10am-3pm

Edinburgh Corn Exchange

Come and Meet The Best Local Experts and Service Providers in the Pregnancy, Baby and Family Industry

Sponsored By

Informative Talks, Workshops and Taster Sessions Premium Goody Bags for our first 250 Families Free Epic Prize Draw Tickets available via our website Use code SM35 for 35% off ticket price

www.bonnie-bairn.co.uk

Dates for your diary Monday

Tuesday

1

7 Teeny Tiny Toddler Fest starts @ Camera Obscura.

Five days of space-related activities will run for under fives.

Morning and afternoon slots available.

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Happy New r Yea

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2

3

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

NEW YEAR SALE @DIANA BAKER 1-3 JAN

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10

Use the Dribble app when you’re out and about for easy info on child-friendly venues nearby

TEENY TINY TODDLER @CAMERA OBSCURA 7-12 JAN

15 10am & 11.30am (40mins) Tiny Tales: Buccaneers Ahoy! @ Scottish Storytelling Centre.

A multi-sensory and interactive storytelling session, with songs and props. £5 per child.

For ages 1-3yrs

21

Wednesday Thursday

22 New YogaBellies for Mums & Babies starts in Marchmont (St Caths Argyle Church). Gentle yoga for both mum and baby. jennifers@yogabellies.co.uk

16

BUCCANEERS AHOY! @SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE

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17

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Burns & Beyond Festival celebrates the life and legacy of Robert Burns with free and tickets events running 22-27 Jan in various venues. www.burnsandbeyond.com

BURNS & BEYOND FESTIVAL 22-27 JAN

28 29 30 31 The Giant Lanterns of China are at Edinburgh Zoo until 17 Feb. Visit unicorns, giants, kelpies and even the Loch Ness Monster.

THE GIANT LANTERNS OF CHINA @ EDINBURGH ZOO UNTIL 17 FEB

22

www.mademagazine.co.uk

january 2019 Spotlight on...

Friday Saturday Sunday 4 5 1.30pm Cinderella @ Purves Puppets, Biggar.

Lots of surprises in this magical version of everyone’s favourite story.

CINDERELLA @PURVES PUPPETS 5 JAN

11 12

6 FUNBOX: Once Upon a Time @ Howden Park Centre, Livingston. Singalong storybook silliness with Anya, Kevin, Gary and Bonzo the Dog. Also on 5 Jan. 13 10am - 4pm Sunday Funday @ The Yard, Canonmills. Open to the public on Sundays so everyone can get messy and have fun! £6 per child for two hours. theyardscotland.org.uk

18 19

CHARITY CLOTHES SWAP @JOY TOTS 19 JAN

10am - 12pm Charity Clothes Swap @ Joy Tots, Ferry Road.

Drop off your unwanted 0-5 years clothing the week before and receive tokens to ‘buy’ garments on the day.

25 26

Burns Night

20

2.30pm – 4pm Family Ceilidh @ Scottish Storytelling Centre.

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

For all ages.

27 Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival @ Assembly Rooms.

A festival to help us lead healthier and happier lives.

Runs 26 & 27 Jan. See Spotlight for more info….

Assembly Rooms 26 & 27 January

The festival will feature some of the biggest names in the wellness industry and cover everything from healthy eating, vegan and plant-based diets, to mindfulness, mental health, stress and sleep. There will also be yoga, fitness and meditation classes and a marketplace for wellness products, health MOT’s, treatments and delicious food.

Speakers include rapper, singer, songwriter, actor and television personality Professor Green, award-winning cookery writer and antipoverty campaigner Jack Monroe and loads more.

For more details and tickets go to www.edinburgh wellbeingfestival.com

FAMILY CEILIDH @SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE 26 JAN

made JAN / FEB 2019

SUNDAY FUNDAY @THE YARD EVERY SUNDAY

Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival

SEE JACK MONROE @ EDINBURGH WELLBEING FESTIVAL

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Dates for your diary Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

The Giant Lanterns of China are at Edinburgh Zoo until 17 Feb. Visit unicorns, giants, kelpies and even the Loch Ness Monster.

THE GIANT LANTERNS OF CHINA @ EDINBURGH ZOO UNTIL 17 FEB

4

TURTLE TOTS NEW TERM

5

THE CAT IN THE HAT @ KING’S THEATRE 6-9 FEB

11

TINY TALE: BEAR BLETHERS 12 FEB

18

12

6 The Cat in the Hat @ King’s Theatre.

Based on the much-loved book

by Dr Seuss, The Cat in the Hat features feline frivolity aplenty.

For ages 4+. Runs 6-9 Feb. 13

10am & 11.30am (40mins) Tiny Tales: Bear Blethers @ Scottish Storytelling Centre.

Look out! There are bears about.

Join Julie Bannatyne for action songs and stories. £5 per child, for ages 1-3yrs.

19

7 The Singing Mermaid @ The Studio, Potterrow.

Beautiful puppetry, performance and music brings Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks’ popular story to life.

For ages 3-8. Runs 6-10 Feb. 14

’s e n i t n e l Va y Da 20

Enjoy half-price entry to Conifox in February (Mon -Thurs only)

21 Use the Dribble app when you’re out and about for easy info on child-friendly venues nearby

CONIFOX HALF PRICE ENTRY FEB

25 26 27 28 Allan Stewart’s Big Big Variety Show. A fabulous night of comedy and music, featuring magician, Mandy Muden (Britain’s Got Talent), hilarious musician, Kev Orkian and lots more. Runs 26 Feb - 2 March.

24

ALLAN STEWART’S BIG BAG VARIETY SHOW

www.mademagazine.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2019 Spotlight on...

Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2

3

Turtle Tot’s new term starts early Feb. Their progressive, baby-led programme, will give your little one the best start to swimming turtletots.com/ edinburghandeastlothian

10am - 4pm Sunday Funday @ The Yard, Canonmills.

Open to the public on Sundays so everyone can get messy and have fun! £6 per child for two hours. theyardscotland.org.uk

SIR SCALLYWAG @ ASSEMBLY ROOMS 9 FEB

8 9

THE SINGING MERMAID @ THE STUDIO 6-10 FEB

THE STOLEN DRAGON ADVENTURE 16 FEB

11am – 11.50am The Stolen Dragon Adventure @ Scottish Storytelling Centre.

A story-quest to save the golden dragon and her newly laid eggs from a lonely wizard. £5 per child, for ages 4+.

22 23

Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants Assembly Rooms, George Street

10

Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants @ Assembly Rooms, George St. Scottish Chamber Orchestra deliver this laugh-out-loud musical for ages 3+.

15 16

Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s

12pm & 2.30pm

17 Capital Sci Fi Con @ Edinburgh Corn Exchange.

Edinburgh’s pop culture, comic and movie convention.

Runs 15, 16, 17 Feb. All profits donated to CHAS. 24

CAPITAL SCI FI CON @ EDINBURGH CORN EXCHANGE 17 FEB

When King Colin’s golden underpants go missing and the royal bottom is bared, it’s Sir Scallywag to the rescue! Brave and bold, courageous and true, he’s the perfect knight for the job… and what does it matter that he’s only six?!

This laugh-out-loud musical adventure features lots of audience participation and illustrated projections (including a brief appearance of the King’s bare bottom!).

Sir Scallywag-inspired foyer activities starting 90 minutes prior to each concert and include childfriendly instruments to try, illustration workshops with Korky Paul, dressing-up and crafts.

Recommended for children aged 3+

made JAN / FEB 2019

25

Want to start

a business this year?

by Michelle Brown PR

Nobody sets out to just survive the first three months in business; or to lose money every year for the first five years. Most of us, with fire in our belly, try the best we can as novices to the business world. Michelle Brown gives budding entrepreneurs a few top tips to get off to a great start…

1. RESEARCH – ensure you’ve done enough

research to prove there’s a market for your idea, product, or service. Speak to as many people as you can; friends, family, industry bodies and organisations like Business Gateway Edinburgh who offer a wealth of free resources for startups.

2. PLANNING – make sure you have factored in

everything from laying the foundations to going live online. You never want to be in a position where you’ve launched too early and can’t meet demand.

3. THE BUSINESS PLAN – love it or loathe it, it works! It helps keep you focussed and

26

forces you to think through every aspect of the business, including your SWOT analysis, competitor audit and the all-important finances.

4. FINANCES – plan well! Ensure you have a detailed spreadsheet which accounts for everything you need, from a personal perspective and the exact costs you need to set up the business and sustain it.

5. REGISTER WITH HMRC - not only should

HMRC be high up your priority list at the start but throughout your entire self-employed journey – make sure you keep a timesheet of exactly when payments need to be made and if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask.

www.mademagazine.co.uk

6. INSURANCES – protect yourself at all costs. Determine what

you need and ensure you’ve got it all in hand. Public Liability and Professional Indemnity often comes as a package. Shop around and get advice. If you do need PLI, be clear about the limit and always keep a note of renewal dates.

8. BRANDING AND MARKETING - devise a strategy outlining

where your audience is and the best way to target them. Make sure your brand is exactly where you need it to be in terms of the identity, vision, personality and promise, and make sure you can measure the results. It’s important to be seen and heard in all the right places, even when business is going well.

9. TAKING ON STAFF – taking on your first employee can be

daunting but it will pay off to get it right first time. Emma Reid, employment law solicitor and joint founder of Ergo Law, www. ergolaw.co.uk: “Growing your business and going from 1 to 2 can be a minefield which is why we are have created an easyto-understand, basic package for small businesses to be well equipped from a legal perspective when taking on an employee.

This includes a contract of employment and essential policies for your staff handbook together with our top tips for new employers.”

10. FOLLOW YOUR DREAM – be clear about what success looks and feels like for you. It could be the car or house you always wanted, but it could also be a good work life/balance.

Keep focussed, resilient, confident and strong, and remember you always get out what you put in. n

FIND OUT MORE Michelle runs a fun and quirky networking club, Love Your Business at Black Ivy, Bruntsfield every month; and she has just launched a new Love Your Business Skills Lab where she runs workshops every two months. Find details of both on Eventbrite. www.michellebrownpr.com @howtolyb @michellebrownpr

made JAN / FEB 2019

Safe hands and specialist employment advice supporting your business

EMILY CATHERINE ILLUSTRATION WWW.EMILYCATHERINEILLUSTRATION.COM

7. WORK SPACE AND THE WORKING WEEK – working from home will keep costs down but if you want to be around other people check out some of the great co-working spaces, such as Tribe Porty and Black Ivy, which has quirky work stations providing great opportunities to meet people.

Available now Ergo’s Essentials: employment contract staff handbook employment law checklist and other support for small employers

Secure our employer’s toolkit for

£500

+VAT

0131 618 6189

info@ergolaw.co.uk 27

OUR LOCAL

© ONLYYOUQJ - FREEPIK.COM

E

Mary Poppins

dinburgh’s answer to Mary Poppins, mum-of-four Helen Cook, is very well known across the city for her extremely professional and loving work with families, babies and toddlers. Professionally qualified and highly experienced, Helen is a trained, maternity nurse who offers numerous services which help family life in a gentle, nurturing way - never with controlled crying.

Whether it’s your first child or your fifth; whether you have a single newborn or multiples; whether you are open about having additional support or prefer complete discretion, Helen is there to support and empower you.

She prepares expectant parents for that special moment when they first hold their newborn through to feeding, changing, sleeping, setting routines, night times, post-natal depression, weaning, dummy detox, and much, much more.

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One of Helen’s main passions is working with mums with post-natal depression, either in their home, or through her wonderful consultancy, with practical advice and support and the added benefit of working with Jill Simpson from Walk-aBye Baby, where baby can go for a walk with Jill, whilst Helen can spend time with the new mum.

Helen also offers grandparent refresher workshops, which you can’t find anywhere else in Edinburgh! As new parents, you will find that the new grandparents will want to help, guide and offer lots of advice. Some things never change when it comes to caring for a baby, but plenty of things do change. A practical baby-care grandparent refresher workshop is a great way for new grandparents to refresh their knowledge, learn the latest techniques and philosophies in a fun and informative way. Helen is a grandparent herself so knows exactly what is needed!

www.mademagazine.co.uk

Discreet, supportive and with a wealth of knowledge and practical tips, Helen is highly professional and I would not hesitate to recommend her to any family looking for additional support when a new baby arrives.

Edinburgh mum Helen Cook was my twins’ maternity nurse from their birth. On one occasion, Helen noticed one twin had a high temperature and was developing a rash, and told me to take him to hospital. It was found he had a potentially dangerous virus, and he and his sister had to be hospitalised.

Thank goodness Helen was there that night and treatment was quick due to her knowledge and ability to detect problems.

Edinburgh mum of twins Everything went a million times better last night!

Triplets only woke up twice for feeds - you are a total saviour!

Edinburgh mum of triplets

No matter what reason you ask Helen into your home, no scenario is beyond her, however big or small they seem to you.

She is there to support you, and will leave you equipped with skills to deal with different situations. She treats every baby, every child and every family individually - no two are alike; so she carefully tailors her support to ensure she delivers bespoke plans and solutions for each and every problem. Just like Mary Poppins. n

FIND OUT MORE Helen did her maternity nurse training with world acclaimed MNT, and is also a qualified nursery nurse (SVQ level 3) She has a diploma level 4 in postnatal depression and many other baby and child qualifications. PVG disclosed and first aid trained.

made JAN / FEB 2019

Helen Cook PREMATURE, NEWBORN & TODDLER CONSULTANT

Discreet, supportive and highly professional maternity consultant with over 35 years experience.

Specialising in babies, multiple and toddler consultancy.

• post-natal depression support • grandparent refresher workshop • bespoke consultation • maternity night-nurse • parents-to-be workshops

07855 396005 helen.cook.babies @gmail.com @supportingyou fromthestart

29

Hello You

By Jane MacDowall

H

aving turned 50 last year, and with two young adults now out the door, I often reminisce the various stages of parenthood as I pass mums wrestling with children in shops and dads balancing paintings, bags and lunch boxes at the school gates.

From nappies to crèche, preschool to primary, to knocks and bumps and toilet roll monsters, to forgotten play dates and dress down days, the ‘to-dos’ of parenting is endless both in the physical and the mental.

But, when I look back at it all, the question forever in my mind is one I never took time to ask myself.

‘What about ‘you’ in all this?’

As our ever-evolving micro worlds demand more and more of our time, we find ourselves not just juggling parenthood, relationships and careers but also juggling the feeling of never doing enough compared to the Super-Parents. (You know who you are….)

The truth is we are not human doings, we

are human beings. The word ‘being’ means simply, ‘nature and essence’. Have you lost the very nature and essence of you amidst all the chaos?

One of my beliefs is that your future begins inside of you and so knowing who you truly are is fundamentally important, as it forms the foundations you build that future on. Understanding what you need, and value, helps gain an inner knowledge of self, but having a good understanding of the beliefs you hold about ‘you’, is even more important. What you believe, determines how you behave which determines what you have. Simple right?!

Don’t judge me, but I have a Gremlin living inside me who I know pretty well. Thankfully I am not the only one. These little fluffy Gremlins whisper negativity into our mind. Words like ‘you aren’t good enough’, ‘you don’t deserve that’ or ‘you’re not clever enough to take that on’,

WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT OUT OF THIS, YOUR ONE AND ONLY LIFE

30

www.mademagazine.co.uk

are words that are so familiar we’ve almost made friends with them.

But they are lies. Lies that stop us being all we can be.

The positive news is, when you know who you are, there is another voice, a strong and more powerful one. A voice that says you are more than enough, buried deep down in your soul. It’s the voice of truth. The simple act is in finding it, recognising it and giving it more power than the Gremlins!

MAKE 2019 THE YEAR OF YOU! You see, we are all born unique and wonderful individuals, full of potential to create a huge impact not just within our families, but in the wider world.

Finding the voice that empowers you to be all you can be is where the magic is found and I’d encourage you in 2019 to take time out to awaken it!

So, let me ask you the question I never had a chance to ask myself when my children were smaller: “Who are you, and what do you really want out of this, your one and only life”?

It’s time to make 2019 the year of you…. n

THE SIMPLE ART OF BEING YOU WORKSHOPS 2019 Discover who you truly are and what you really want out of life at our workshops created to help you understand more about you.

FIND OUT MORE

Jane is a mentor and coach based in Edinburgh, running workshops, retreats and one-to-one coaching.

Her workshop series entitled ‘The Simple Art of Being You’, has been created to answer that fundamental question in life and enable all she works with to live a life of passion and purpose. They run throughout 2019 in Edinburgh’s city centre and around the UK. You will find more information at janemacdowall.com/workshops Tickets are available on Eventbrite.co.uk Also, follow her on Instagram for daily updates on life @janemacdowall

made JAN / FEB 2019

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

JANEMACDOWALL.COM/WORKSHOPS FOR TICKETS:

EVENTBRITE.CO.UK

31

Happy Birthday to you

If your little one will be celebrating their birthday in March or April, and they would like to see themselves on these pages then please email louisewilson@live.com with a clear photo, their name, age, DOB and address.

BENJAMIN age 9 on 28 Jan ANGUS age 4 on 16 Feb

CLANCY age 5 on 11 Jan

SAM age 9 on 15 Feb LUKE age 9 on 3 Feb

FLORA age 6 on 14 Jan

CECILIA age 1 on 9 Jan BERTIE age 7 on 6 Jan COOPERage 3 on 23 Jan 32

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MIA age 5 on 10 Feb

FREYA age 4 on 18 Feb

OLIVIA age 6 on 13 Jan

ELLA age 6 on 24 Jan MAEVE age 4 on 19 Feb

LORIA age 4 on 2 Feb

POPPY age 1 on 8 Feb

JUDE age 4 on 21 Feb

OLIVIA age 6 on 5 Jan made JAN / FEB 2019

© IMAGES BY FREEPIK.COM

RACHEL age 1 on 30 Jan

THEA age 4 on 3 Feb 33

• index • index 1.

A Wonderful World

of Make Believe Parties ............... 40

3.

Alexander the Great

26. Diana Baker Photography ........... 54 27. Digital Ninjas ................................ 40

Entertainments ............................ 52 4.

Allan Telfer Sports Parties ........... 46

5.

Almond Valley Heritage Centre .... 60

6.

Animal Man .................................. 44

7.

Bambino Beats ............................ 42

8.

Bennetts Bouncy Castle Hire ...... 36

9.

Boogie Beat Music & Movement .42

33. Edinburgh Combat Challenge...... 47

10. Bumblebee Sports ....................... 46

34. Edinburgh Zoo ............................. 60

11. Caterpillar Music ......................... 52

35. enjoyleisure .................................. 47

12. Ceilidh Kids ................................. 42

36. Eric Liddell Centre ....................... 62

13. Clambers ..................................... 38

37. Fairmilehead Church Halls .......... 62

14. Clip n Climb ................................. 46

38. Fisherrow Community Centre ...... 62

15. Cloudberry Gifts .......................... 56

39. Five Sisters Zoo ........................... 60

16. Clownaround Club ....................... 38

40. Glencourse Centre ...................... 62

17. Colourful Candy ........................... 64

41. Gooey Events - Chocolate .......... 58

18. Conifox ........................................ 46

42. Gooey Events - Slime .................. 40

19. Cookie Pop Shop ........................ 64

43. Gorgie City Farm ......................... 61

20. Cool Creatures ............................ 44

44. Gravity ......................................... 47

21. Cramond Kirk Halls...................... 62

45. Gullivers Toys & Gifts ................... 56

22. Cuckoo’s Bakery ......................... 64

46. Gymboree .................................... 54

23. Dalkeith Country Park ................. 60

47. Happy Days Pony Riding School .44

•

index

•

index

•

index

•

index •

Activity Delivered ......................... 46

25. Deep Sea World ........................... 60

•

2.

24. Damo & Marvo ............................. 52

index

index

•

The Top 100

34

28. Doodles Ceramic Workshop ........ 58 29. Dune Hairdressing ....................... 40 30. Dynam-nic Dance ........................ 42 31. Eden Rock ................................... 46 32. Edinburgh Butterfly

& Insect World ............................. 60

• index •

Church Halls ................................ 62

49. ‘It’s in the bag’ ............................. 52

52. Jojo’s Little Party People ............. 36 53. Joy Tots ....................................... 54

56. Jupiter Artland ............................. 61

79. Step it Up Dance ......................... 43 80. Stina Sparkles Entertainments .... 53 81. The Boardwalk ............................. 47 82. The Bouncy Castle Man .............. 36 83. The Rock Lobster Chocolate

index

55. Juniper Green Village Hall ........... 62

78. Stagecoach Performing Arts ....... 43

•

54. Juniper Bakes .............................. 64

77. Sparkle Arts ................................. 43

index

51. Jango Starr .................................. 52

76. Scrambles ................................... 38

•

50. Jabberwocky ............................... 38

75. Rosa Loves Rainbow ................... 56

index

48. Inverleith St Serf’s Parish

Parties ......................................... 58 84. The Wee Cake Lady .................... 64

58. Kidnetic ....................................... 52

85. TimeTwisters Play

59. Kiss the Fish ................................ 58

60. La Torta Events ............................ 58

86. TopCatz Inflatables ...................... 36

61. LifeCare Centre ........................... 62

87. Tot’s Spot ..................................... 39

62. Make Mess Matter ....................... 54

88. Tower Farm Riding Stables ......... 44

63. Monkey Drama ............................ 42

89. Trailblazers Go! ............................ 47

64. Monkey Music ............................. 43

90. Tricky Ricky ................................. 53

65. National Museum of Flight .......... 61

91. Tumbles ....................................... 39

66. North Merchiston Club ................ 62

92. Turtle Dove Play Café .................. 39

67. Ocean Play .................................. 38

93. Urban Nature Retreat .................. 44

68. Orcadia ........................................ 47

94. Wigwams and Wishes ................. 40

69. Our Dynamic Earth ...................... 61

95. Willow Boutique ........................... 56

70. Out of the Blue Drill Hall .............. 62

96. Wishing Tree Play Café ................ 39

71. Paramount Kids ........................... 53

97. World of Bowling & Football ........ 48

72. Peter Pepper & Dusty Bin ............ 53

98. Xtreme Combat ........................... 48

73. Pure Brilliant Events .................... 36

99. Xtreme Karting ............................. 48

74. Rock Tots ..................................... 54

100. Yoo Star ....................................... 43

•

57. Katy Lou Designs ........................ 56

index •

& Party Centre ............................. 38

index • index • index • 35

FACE-PAINTERS & EQUIPMENT HIRE events, 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 07593 332 744 info@purebrilliantevents.co.uk

www.purebrilliantevents.co.uk

➤ The Bouncy Castle Man

JoJo’s Little Party People

➤ 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

Bouncy Castle & Mascot Hire 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

➤ JoJo’s Little Party People

➤ Pure Brilliant Events

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 0-6

Pure Brilliant Events is a specialist face painting and balloon modelling company who also offer bouncy castles, popcorn and candy floss, mascots, glitter tattoos and balloon decor. From small parties to large

Music, Softplay & Mascots

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

Pure Brilliant Events

36

Facepainting, Popcorn & Candy Floss Machines

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 info@thebcm.co.uk www.thebcm.co.uk

➤ Topcatz Inflatables Inflatables & Mascot Hire

Topcatz is an entertainment company covering Edinburgh, Lothians and surrounding areas, providing mascot hires and special appearances and bouncy castles.

CONTACT: 07450 065 079 tomcatzinflatables@gmail.com www.tcinflatables.co.uk

...the ultimate pop party experience...

for pure brilliant fun!

Face g Paintin Balloon Modelling & Decor

Bouncy Castles

Popcorn & Candy Floss

Glitt Tatto er os s

Mascot

Whether your event is large or small we aim to put the same amount of enthusiasm into every booking.

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

07593 332 744 info@purebrilliantevents.co.uk

www.purebrilliantevents.co.uk

Call Lynse

www.facebook.com/yoo.star.party

y on

07583 326

844

ttle our li y g n maki ould be. se in i l it c a i c ories pe best e h mem l t We s e y t a a d e cr wil ones is to dren is l i n h o i c s is our ent Our m ou and y quipm nders e y r t u tha et. O nd u e r forg by the 6 a mmodat neve o d c c e a y enjo ry to best will t e ds. w ugh r nee o u h o t l y a

10% DISCOUNT quote MADE when booking

JoJo’s Little Party people are in the mood to

party

jojoslittlepartypeople.com

e Lynsey@jojoslittlepartypeople.com

f JojosLittlePartyPeople

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

➤ Clownaround Club

Soft Play & Trampoline Centre

Clownaround has soft-play, trampolines and a large ballpool with slide, as well as a large dedicated party room with seating for up to 40 children. The friendly team can sort out the food, party bags, hats and balloons; as well as sandwich platters for your adult guests if required.

➤ Jabberwocky Soft Play & Café

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 0-12 years Jabberwocky is a unique dragonthemed soft-play and café offering the perfect party for kids with exciting play frame and stimulating baby/toddler area, plus a generous birthday tea. All cakes and scones are made on the premises. Adults can relax and enjoy comfortable

38

CONTACT: 0131 555 1900 Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ oceanplaycentre@gmail.com www.oceanplaycentre.co.uk

➤ Scrambles @ EICA: Ratho 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

Jabberwocky

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

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. Please ask for prices for options.

Free parking close by at weekends, free 90 min parking weekdays.

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 1-8 years

CONTACT: 0131 5537676 109 Restalrig Road, Edinburgh, EH6 7NY iinfo@clownaroundclub.co.uk www.clownaroundclub.co.uk

adults with sandwich platters and scones & jam.

sofas, wifi, an excellent range of teas and wonderful Glen Lyon coffee.

Choose the 2 hour soft play/party room package, or tailor a party just for your child - more details on the Jabberwocky website. For little ones, how about softplay plus a picnic party or messy play? Older children can enjoy a magician, balloon modelling, arts & crafts, bead parties, or a mini-disco. Little techies would love a Digital Ninja party without soft play.

➤ Ocean Play

➤ TimeTwisters Play & Party Centre Softplay & Party Centre

Soft Play

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 3+ Ocean Play offers everything you need for a happy birthday. All parties include 1 hour play and 30minutes 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.

Ocean Play can also cater for

TimeTwisters PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 1-12 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 Edinburgh’s award winning kids

SOFT PLAY & PLAY CAFES CONTACT: 01506 207770 200 Main Street, East Calder, Livingston, EH53 0EJ hello@totsspot.co.uk www.totsspot.co.uk

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 0187 Bankhead Dr, Edinburgh EH11 4EJ www.timetwisters.co.uk/parties

➤ Tot’s Spot Play Café

➤ 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

➤ TurtleDove Play Cafe Play Café

Tot’s Spot Tot’s Spot parties include two hours of play time for children, a tasty buffet for party guests, balloon decorations for children’s tables, cut and wrap the cake ready for guests to take home, café open for all adult guests to purchase food and drinks. A table and 8 seat will be reserved for accompanying adults. You can also add character visits, face painting, glitter tattoos ,party games, party bags and wrap or sandwich platters for your adult guests.

Parties for 12 children start from £90.

Hire Tot’s Spot for your child’s party with full exclusive use for 2 hours. Prices (from £200) include full use of the play facilities, a tasty buffet for kids and lots of optional extras to make your little ones day special, from a character visit to face-painting.

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).

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

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

➤ Wishing Tree Play Café

Themed Soft Play Parties

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.

TurtleDove Play Cafe 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. You can book character visits from their mascots, face painters or why not

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 EH21 7DA info@wishingtreeplaycafe.com www.wishingtreeplaycafe.com

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SPECIAL THEMES PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 6+

➤ A Wonderful World of Make Believe 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.

CONTACT: info@digitalninjasscotland.co.uk www.digitalninjasscotland.co.uk @digitalninjassco

➤ Dune Hairdressing Hairdressing Parties

Tailor-made tech parties

Slime workshops and parties are a fantastically sticky journey to fun.

At Gooey Event’s slime events, people will not only make their own slime, but stretch it, swirl it and even make bubbles from it!

Their workshop is based in Livingston, and they can cater for team building, hen party, birthday parties and school visits

➤ Wigwams and Wishes Sleepover Party Specialists

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 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 kellydoc1@msn.com 0131 661 6238 Dune Hairdressing, 15-16 London Rd, Edinburgh, EH7 6PN

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PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 5+

Livingston Business Centre, Kirkton South Road, Livingston, EH54 7FA 07576964099 hello@gooeyevents.com www.gooeyevents.com

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.

➤ Digital Ninjas

Slime Parties

Digital Ninjas offers a fantastic range of birthday party packages from Crime Scene Investigation for budding detectives, Minecraft Quests and Wacky Rockets parties to Tipi Sleepovers and Lego Robotics. All from the comfort of your own home or at the party venue of your choice.

Their aim is to take all the hassle out of organising your child’s birthday party. They bring all the equipment and materials, supply specially themed party bags and birthday party invites as standard.

Fairy Training Parties

CONTACT: Kirsty 07590 429 530 awonderfulworldofparties @gmail.com FB: A Wonderful World of MakeBelieve Parties

➤ Gooey Events

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: tots to teens Wigwams and Wishes specialise in creating premium quality, magical sleepovers, which are extra-special for children, and practical for parents. Prices from £36pp.

CONTACT: 07940 466936 wigwamsandwishes@outlook.com www.wigwamsandwishes.co.uk @wigwamsandwishes

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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

So what are you waiting for?

Let’s party!

alana@monkeydrama.co.uk

Don’t forget to bring your mummy!

timetwisters.co.uk/party

PLUS...

Give the gift of Fun and Adventure Membership package UNLIMITED FUN... only £9.95 ...ONLY AT

(by monthly Direct Debit)

timetwisters.co.uk/membership UNIT 5, 2B BANKHEAD DRIVE EDINBURGH, EH11 4EJ 0131 639 0187

MUSIC, DANCE & DRAMA PARTIES ➤ 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: Zoe Young 07841109730 zoe@boogiebeat.co.uk www.boogiebeat.co.uk @BoogieBeatEdin

➤ CeilidhKids Dance Parties

CONTACT: clare@bambinobeats.com amy@bambinobeats.com www.bambinobeats.com

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

budding star! Using your chosen music tracks they plan a mash-up dance routine to present at the end in a mini show. Love Little Mix? A superfan of The Greatest Showman? Into pirates, disco, football or cheerleaders? Whatever your favourite tunes or theme, they’ve got it covered.

Take advantage of their full party package and use their dance studio. The package includes a separate food room and DNDance party invitations.

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

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 4+ 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.

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

➤ Monkey Drama Drama Parties

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

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: babies to 6 Want an all singing, all dancing party for your little one? Boogie Beat parties are fun, structured and include favourite songs, stories, fairy tales, puppets, instruments and parachute games. Themes include Pirates & Princesses, Superheroes, Dinosaurs & Dragons to name a few. Come along and meet Giggles the Boogie Beat Monkey - it will leave you smiling!

EXTRA INFO: You can combine a Boogie Beat party with a Turtle Dove Play Café or a Joy Tots Café party package and let your little ones enjoy a snack, play and 45mins of Boogie Beat. Check out the lovely 5* reviews on the Boogie Beat Facebook page.

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

➤ Dynam-nic Dance Dance Studio

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 5+ Let Dynam-nic Dance create a bespoke dance party for your

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 3-6 years Monkey Drama’s very own venue, The Monkey Hoose offers amazing party packages from £160 for 15 children. You have can have full use of the venue for 1 hour 45 minutes. Monkey Drama will take the children on an hour-long themed drama session, filled with imagination, energy and fun, including lots of props, music and role play.

You will then go upstairs to enjoy food and cake in the party room.

Monkey Drama can provide the party snacks or you can bring your own food. You will receive invites and party games included in the session, as well as prizes, a certificate and sticker for all children and a special Monkey

MUSIC, DANCE & DRAMA PARTIES Drama gift bag for the birthday child.

Or, they 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 £150. Party themes include A Day at the Zoo, Superhero’s, Pirates, Space and The Hidden Rainbow.

imaginations run free. Themes include Frozen, Princess and Pirates, Popstars, Superheroes, LEGO Ninjago, Dinosaurs, Harry Potter, Fairies & Elves.

CONTACT: 07717 706 778 info@sparklearts.co.uk www.sparklearts.co.uk

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

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

➤ Stagecoach

➤ Yoo-Star

➤ 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!

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 556 3070 www.monkeymusic.co.uk

➤ 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

Drama & Dance Parties

qualified dance teachers, ensuring you can relax and watch as the kids enjoy a wonderfully memorable day.

Music Recording 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 tailormade 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.

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

➤ Step It Up Dance Dance Parties

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,

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

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ANIMAL PARTIES

Tower Farm Riding Stables

➤ Animal Man Mobile Mini Zoo

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 2 - 12 years If you want to get up close and personal with animals from all over the world, then this is the show for you. With between 10-11 animals, including rabbit, guinea pig, mice, rat, snake, lizards, chicken, duck, tarantula and insects, it’s always a huge hit.

CONTACT: animalman@minizoo.org.uk www.minizoo.org.uk

➤ 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.

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

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➤ Happy Days Pony Riding School Pony Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 2.5 - 8 Happy Days party sessions include a pony pamper session (grooming and pony care), pony rides, party food, party bags and rosettes for all children.There’s also an on-site playground and woodland tree house to host the party food session. All protective gear including body protectors and helmets are provided.

CONTACT: 0131 660 0168 happydaysponyriding@yahoo.com www.happydaysnursery.org Hardengreen House, Eskbank, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 3LF

➤ Tower Farm Riding Stables Horse Riding Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 5+ 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. T&CS Parties are for a minimum of 6 children.

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

➤ Urban Nature Retreat Party Animal Encounters

Urban Nature Retreat offer kids’ parties, workshops and animal assisted therapy. They are an award-winning company that bring a unique animal experience for all children and adults, with a wide range of animals to interact and learn about.

CONTACT: partyanimals48@gmail.com www.facebook.com/pg/ urbannatureuk/

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For Further information call: 0131 285 6443 or email: info@digitalninjasscotland.co.uk www.digitalninjasscotland.co.uk

SPORT & ACTIVE PARTIES ➤ Activity Delivered

Activity Parties and Tipi Parties Activity Delivered always deliver 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!

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

➤ Allan Telfer Sports Parties Multi-Sport Parties

BEST FOR AGES: 4 -12 years Allan Telfer Sports Parties provide children with an opportunity to participate in fun, engaging, competitive games and activities that incorporate both individual and group work.

Just choose your theme and Allan will arrange games to suit.

60 minutes - £55 (4-5yrs) 90 minutes - £75 (6-12yrs) CONTACT: 07572 875 789 AllanTelfer1983@gmail.com www.allantelfer.co.uk/parties

➤ 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: Prices range from their Baby Bee Package(1hr) at £100 to their Queen Bee package(2hrs) at £150.

And they offer a special deluxe pack which includes T-shirt, Water Bottle and Trophy.

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Conifox CONTACT: Brian 07598 569 325 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

➤ Conifox

Birthday Adventure Parties Adventure Park Party Come along and enjoy full use of the fantastic adventure park facilities. You are more than welcome to bring your own picnic and make use of the picnic benches throughout the grounds.

Prices vary depending on numbers.

Adventure Park & Bistro Party After enjoying full use of the fantastic adventure park facilities, you will move over to the Bistro,

where Conifox’s chef will prepare lunch in your own private birthday room. Choose from freshly baked margherita pizza, grilled Angus beef burger or a Conifox hotdog, all served with fries, fruit cordial and something nice and sweet. £14.95 per child CONTACT: 0131 333 3334 Kirkliston, EH29 9ER www.conifox.co.uk

➤ Eden Rock Climbing Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 3+ Climbing is for any age or ability, and Eden Rock can structure your party to any level. With the sole use of their kids’ climbing area, your little rock stars of tomorrow will have loads of fun playing climbing games and doing challenges, guaranteed to leave them ready for a little siesta! After climbing, make yourselves comfy in the private function room and bring your party food to refuel.

CONTACT: 0131 285 6044 edinburgh@edenrockclimbing.com www.edenrockclimbing.com/ edinburgh/ Edgefield Road Industrial Estate, Loanhead, EH20 9TB

SPORT & ACTIVE PARTIES ➤ Gravity

Trampolining Parties Gravity offers parties for all ages, organised by specially trained party teams who look after every aspect of your party before and during your special event.

Packages include dedicated party host and food package, online e-invitations, safety socks and use of the lockers, unlimited soft drinks for kids and 2 free non-alcoholic drinks for the parents.

Eden Rock

➤ Edinburgh Combat Challenge Outdoor Laser Combat

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: 07732 231 220 Lugton Bogs, Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh, EH18 1AR (opposite Dobbies Garden Centre) edinburghcombatchallenge @gmail.com www.edinburghcombatchallenge. com

CONTACT: www.gravity-uk.com

➤ 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 in the café. Please note this is selfcatering only.

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

➤ The Boardwalk Roller Skating Parties

Skating birthday parties are available from just £8.50 per head – all inclusive of equipment, supervision and the party room for food and cake afterwards.

CONTACT: 0131 629 4988 info@boardwalkleith.com Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, EH6 6JJ www.boardwalkleith.com

➤ Trailblazers Go!

Woodland Adventure Parties 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.

➤ enjoyleisure

Active Fun for Everyone 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

enjoyleisure

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SPORT & ACTIVE PARTIES

Xtreme Karting CONTACT: Colin and Sarah 07484 297 842 www.trailblazersgo.co.uk

➤ World of Bowling and Football

Tenpin Bowling & Football Parties

Birthday parties at the World of Bowling and Football are very special occasions as children are left with big smiles and happy memories.

Ten Pin Bowling from £11.00 per child Football from £13.00 per child Bubble football from £20.00 per child

CONTACT: 0131 443 0404 www.worldofbowling.com

printed for all drivers, and medals are presented to the fastest three drivers - pictures can be taken on the podium. A pizza and juice package is perfect as a post-race snack.

CONTACT: 2 Huly Hill Road, Newbridge, Edinburgh EH 28 8PH 0131 333 0195 info@xtremekarting.co.uk www.xtremekarting.co.uk

➤ Xtreme Combat

Fortnite Themed Laser Tag Combat Parties PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 6+ These “Special Forces” laser tag events at are fantastic fun and

➤ Xtreme Karting

Junior Karting Party Events PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 8-16 Xtreme Karting offers the ultimate treat for any budding racing driver.

A highly competitive fun event, specially designed for younger drivers to experience an exclusive karting event in race karts.

Junior party format entails race suits being issued, souvenir balaclavas for all participants and then exclusive sessions on the track (2 x 7 min sessions per driver). Printouts of lap times are

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Xtreme Combat

perfect for birthday parties, youth groups, celebrations and team days out. Playing in six specially designed missions (incorporating Fortnite themed missions) using state-of-the-art weapons that fire infra red beams - it doesn’t hurt and you don’t need to worry about paying for ammo - players wear sensors that detect hits, and the hi-tech electronics and props allow a range of missions to be played.

Options include 50 vs 50, rescue the flag, domination, zombie and a Battle Royale finale!

CONTACT: 2 Huly Hill Road, Newbridge, Edinburgh EH 28 8PH 0131 333 0195 info@xtremecombat.co.uk www.xtremecombat.co.uk

CELEBRATE YOUR BABY’S FIRST BIRTHDAY WITH DIANA BAKER PHOTOGRAHY

NO TIME, NO SLEEP, NO BIRTHDAY PLANS?

no worries!

By Diana Baker

W

hen my wonderful daughter reached her first birthday, I cried.

Tears of exhaustion because sleep deprivation is real. Tears of pride because we’d made it this far. And tears of wonder at how fast my baby was turning into a cheeky toddler!

While my daughter wouldn’t detach from my hip and I could barely find a clean t-shirt for myself, I struggled with what was I going to do for her first birthday?!

Do I do something big with entertainment and catering, or just something small with just the family?

After all, I don’t want her to think when she is older that I didn’t care! I really struggled with it all, working myself into a right tizzy. MUMMY GUILT! So when I opened my photography studio here in Edinburgh, I knew that I had to help mums just like me make it through totally guilt free.

When I created my Cake Smash sessions I really thought about what I went through.

Grandma didn’t “get” the whole cake smash idea. “I just want a just want a nice photo of her” she’d say. All I wanted was for my daughter to made JAN / FEB 2019

have a blast, and to know that I loved her!

Meanwhile all my husband wanted to know was did he get to eat cake too?

With everyone’s opinions in mind, I designed my cake smash photography session to be a real ‘three-in-one’: First, I create a simple, cake-free portrait that’s perfect for Grandma Second, I organise the cake so all Mum has to do is get a happy baby to me. Then, it’s playtime!

I’ve had children bounce on their cake, dive in, or just stare in amazement. Whatever happens, we’ll make magical memories.

And not forgetting about Daddy, while I am photographing bubba with bubbles for a pretend clean up and real giggles, Dad can munch down a cupcake or two.

Finally, after the shoot, I’m there to guide you through how to display your portraits.

Lots of parents love my framed collages. Or, our bespoke album with space for handwritten notes. I’m here to make sure you get to enjoy these moments forever—especially at their 21st when you bring them out to show everyone.

So, baby napping right now? Yaaaassss! Give us a call and let us take the worry away and organise everything for you. n

FIND OUT MORE Contact us at dianabakerphotography.com www.facebook.com/ dianabakerphotograpahy or telephone 07546 987 017.

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ENTERTAINERS ➤ Alexander the Great Entertainments

Magic, Balloon modelling, Disco, Circus Skills & Face Painting 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 780 793 alexanderthegreatentertainments@ yahoo.co.uk www.alexanderthegreat entertainments.co.uk

➤ Caterpillar Music

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. Complete party packages, additional extras and characters visits are also available.

CONTACT: Alison 07450226991 01506-411762 Alison.sneddon@ caterpillarmusic.com

‘It’s in the bag’ 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

➤ ’It’s in the bag’

Storytellers & Entertainers PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 0-7

Family Entertainers

‘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.

Damo & Marvo The Family Entertainers are a fun filled whirlwind of excitement and entertainment. They are accomplished children’s entertainers covering all areas of

The children are given little riddles and have to guess what’s ‘in the bag’? Each game, activity and song is tied into the theme and builds into one big story. A wonderful story unfolds and the

➤ Damo & Marvo

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children come on the magical adventure with us.

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 348 661 itsinthebagparties@hotmail.co.uk www.itsinthebagparties.co.uk

➤ Jango Starr

Entertainer & Magician Jango’s magic show includes silly slapstick, fun, comedy magic, tip top juggling, competitions, games, balloons and prizes with a special balloon model for the birthday child.

CONTACT: 07932 087 445 www.jangostarr.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.

ENTERTAINERS

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

➤ Paramount Kids Action Packed Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 4-16 Paramount’s lively professional children’s entertainers and DJ’s are experts in providing you with a fantastic fun filled kids birthday party that the children will be totally engrossed in. Which is great news for mums and dads, as you can sit back relax or you can join in and enjoy the fun too!

➤ Peter Pepper & Dusty Bin

Magician & Balloon Modeller PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 3+ Peter Pepper has over ten different magic shows, so there is always something new to see. He can also supply balloon animals or swords for all the children - poodles, giraffes, sausage dogs, parrots on perches, cats, elephants, tigers, horses, and many more.

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 814 117 www.facebook.com/stinasparkles www.stinasparkles.net

➤ Tricky Ricky

Magic & Entertainment

With options such as Magical Wizard Parties, Foam Parties and Glow Parties, your party is going to be the talk of the class!

➤ Stina Sparkles Entertainments

Tricky Ricky offers a spellbinding show, adding a touch of magic to 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: 07960 944 298 partymagic@paramountkids.co.uk www.paramountkids.co.uk

Stina Sparkles provide everything your party needs; DJ, disco, facepainting, balloon modelling, magic, soft play, pamper and singing

CONTACT: Ricky 07976 815 703 ricky@trickyricky.com www.trickyricky.com

CONTACT: 01750 21227 www.peterpepperchildrens entertainer.co.uk

Facepainting, Magic & Disco

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PARTIES FOR UNDER 5s ➤ Diana Baker Photography

First Birthday Cakes Smashes

A cake-smash is a wonderful way to celebrate a baby’s first birthday, with photos to keep and treasure for ever. Diana Baker can also create a personalised baby book with handwritten notes from family members woven in amongst beautiful portraits. Whether you would like to do a cake smash or a simple classic balloon party session, give Diana a call to see how she can help make it a day to remember.

CONTACT: Diana Castlebrae Business Center, 40 Peffer Place, Edinburgh, EH16 4BB 07546 987 017 diana@dianabakerphotography.com www.dianabakerphotography. com

➤ Gymboree Play and Music Edinburgh

CONTACT: 07910 188 713 edinburgh@gymboreeclasses.co.uk gymboreeclasses.co.uk/ edinburgh

➤ Make Mess Matter

CONTACT: 0131 554 8943 hello@joytots.com www.joytots.com

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: Under 5s

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 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.

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COSTS: Prices from £100 for two hours.

Mobile Messy Play

Structured Music & Softplay Venue

EXTRA INFO: Party packages vary and can be altered to completely suit your

something for everyone. Party additions include catering, crafts, activities, cake and party bags.

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

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.

Messy play parties are tailor-made to your child’s individuality and are suitable for all ages and abilities.

Make Mess Matter will come to your party, event, group etc; set up their fun stations of messy and sensory play, and the best part is that they tidy up afterwards! Matter can include sand, water, dough, foam, bubbles, chalk, paint, slime and edible items - all designed to enhance your child’s creative learning experience.

CONTACT: 07921 367 986 info@makemessmatter.co.uk www.facebook.com/ makemessmatter

➤ 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

➤ Rock Tots @ EICA: Ratho Play Room

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 1 - 4 years

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

HS NT MO RDS 8 1 WA UP

Fun filled Music & Sensory classes

®

FOR HEALTHY, HAPPY KID

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

DANC

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stick-

Are you having a birthday?

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

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

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

- Handball ckey - Rugby Football - Ho

stepitupdance.co.uk /StepItUpDance

07428 110 135  @stepitupdanceuk

Aug 2017 Made Ad 66mm x 90mm - landscape.indd 1

04/08/2017 11:10

in East Lothian

ball Cricket - Base Basketball Dodgeball -

Multi-Sports Coaching Programme teaching children aged walking-10.

Children will learn 8 different sports over the school year whilst learning great social skills and having fun!

Our highly trained enthusiastic coaches ensure your child’s first sporting experience is the best start possible.

Classes in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian

07598 569 325 info@bumblebeesports.co.uk www.bumblebeesports.co.uk

• Pool Parties

•

Aqua Run Parties Soft Play Parties Bouncy Castle Parties Trampolining Parties Pitch Parties Climbing Wall Parties Multi-Sport Parties

•

•

• • www.enjoyleisure.com

•

Delivering services for East Lothian Council. Enjoy East Lothian Ltd, Scottish Registered Charity SC040527.

CARDS & GIFTS ➤ Cloudberry Gifts

Gift Shop & Café

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 giftmakers 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: 193 Whitehouse Road, Barnton, Edinburgh, EH4 6BU 5 Seaforth Terrace, Edinburgh, EH4 2BS 0131 538 0168 0131 467 2878 info@cloudberrygifts.co.uk www.cloudberrygifts.co.uk @cloudberrygifts

➤ Gullivers Toys & Gifts

Children’s Toys and Gifts 165b Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4DG Gulliver’s Toy and Gifts stock a fantastic array of toys for boys and

girls of all ages but with a more traditional feel; soft toys, dolls and accessories, games and puzzles, science and educational toys, they have the lot! And with brands such as Micro Scooters, Pintoy, Melissa & Doug, as well as classics like Brio, Bristle Blocks, Usborne books and many, many more you will be spoilt for choice. Gulliver’s also has a great selection of small party bag items which start at just 50p so you can get everything you need in one place.

CONTACT: 0131 629 9424 www.GulliversToys.co.uk

➤ Katy Lou Designs

➤ Rosa Loves Rainbows

Birthday Cards and Personalised Prints

Made to Order Personalised Gifts

Local to Edinburgh, Fi can offer beautiful hand-made, unique items and arrange delivery or collection, often within just a few days. Check out her photos section for past commissions to get some ideas of what she can offer, or contact her if you have a new idea.

CONTACT: Fi 07966 515406 fi@katyloudesigns.co.uk

www.katyloudesigns.co.uk

Rosa Loves Rainbows is a wonderful local business who create made-to-order personalised prints and beautiful cards for all occasions. Choose from the prints in the shop or contact Jenni to have something made especially for you.

CONTACT: Jenni photojen@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/pg/ rosalovesrainbows/

➤ Willow Boutique

Gift Boutique and Babywear Willow Boutique is a haven for babywear, children’s toys, books, beautiful gifts and jewellery. Their brands range from customer favourites Jellycat, Powell Craft, Sass and Belle, Pilgrim Jewellery, Meri Meri 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.

Katy Lou Designs

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CONTACT: 5 Raeburn Place, Stockbridge, EH4 1HU 0131 478 0470 hellowillowboutique@gmail.com

y a d h Birt y t r a P s l a i t Essen MINI GLITTERED CROWN HAIR SLIDE, £6 www.bobbyrabbit.co.uk

MINI ANIMAL PRINTED BALLOONS, £3.95 (for 5) www.candleandcake.co.uk

LOCAL BUSINESS!

BIRTHDAY BUNTING from £25 (made to order) www.katyloudesigns.co.uk

S!

LOCAL BUSINES

TUTU OUTFIT (0-3m to 5-6yrs) £25, loads of colours & styles available www.katyloudesigns.co.uk

LOCAL BUSINESS!

SUPER COOL KID CARD www.facebook.com/rosalovesrainbows/

LOCAL B

PARTY BAG PENCIL CASES £5 each, 4 colours to choose from www.katyloudesigns.co.uk USINESS

!

COLOUR-IN ROBOT CARD www.facebook.com/ rosalovesrainbows/

SPACE CUPCAKE KIT, £9.99 (pack of 24 silver cases & 24 themed toppers) www.candleandcake.co.uk

made JAN / FEB 2019

S!

LOCAL BUSINES

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MAKE & CREATE PARTIES ➤ Doodles Ceramics Workshop

➤ La Torta Events

have a fabulous time making treats and then of course taking them home to devour later!

Their workshop is based in Livingston, and they cater for team building, hen party, birthday and school events.

Arts & Crafts Venue

Cupcake Decorating Classes and Birthday Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 4+ Children spend 2.5 hours decorating four yummy, freshly baked cupcakes featuring different characters. The class includes lots of fondant modelling and buttercream piping and most of all it’s a fun learning experience in a happy, relaxing atmosphere . Each child goes home with four yummy cupcakes in their own box (party bag sorted!).

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 5+ 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.

CONTACT: Alison Smith Kirkton Campus, Livingston, EH54 7FA hello@gooeyevents.com www.gooeyevents.com

➤ Kiss The Fish

Mobile Arts & Crafts Parties

➤ Gooey Events Limited Chocolate Making and Chocolate Pampering Events

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 4+ (including adults for hen and ladies nights) Gooey Events firmly believe that chocolate making is for both the young and old, whether it’s making some delectable truffles or creating a lolly-pop or their very own chocolate ‘pizza’, everyone will

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COSTS: £20 for 2.5 hours, per child. All materials included, complimentary soft drink CONTACT: 07515 558 747 7 Deanpark Avenue EH14 7EB Balerno latortaedinburgh@gmail.com www.la-torta.co.uk

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

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

➤ The Rock Lobster Chocolate Parties

Chocolate Making Parties

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 5 - 15 years

Kiss the Fish is celebrating 10 years of organising crafty parties, workshops and events around Edinburgh. They will come to your home, school or workplace with materials and expert instructors to ensure everyone has a great time and takes home a fabulous work of art. Activities are suitable for all age groups, including decoupage, mosaics, jewellery making and lots more.

CONTACT: 07718 267 728 info@kissthefishstudios.com

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 023 373 www.therocklobster.co.uk @Rocklobsteredinburgh

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS ➤ 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

➤ Dalkeith Country Park Magical Fort Parties

Parties best for ages: 5-12 Perfect for little adventurers, Dalkeith Country Park’s magical Party Bell Tent is located near the Zip Slides in Fort Douglas. Unzip it to reveal a gorgeous, fun space to refuel. And have cake of course!

The package is designed to have everything you need, including the hire of the Bell tent, entry into Fort Douglas and children’s party food boxes. The price is £15 per child up to a max of 20 and 10 adults.

There’s a minimum charge of £200.

games and party bags for the whole party PLUS a free year’s membership for the party boy or girl.

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

A chance to spend the afternoon exploring the park with prearranged panda viewing (subject to availability). Enjoy a birthday buffet lunch with party bags delivered by animal mascot!

CONTACT: 0131 314 0336 134 Corstorphine Road, EH12 6TS www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

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

➤ Five Sisters Zoo

Visitor Attraction & Mini Zoo

CONTACT: 0131 654 1666 info@dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk

➤ Deep Sea World

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

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Animal Visitor Attraction

➤ Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World

Parties are only available between the April school holidays and the October school holidays.

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,

➤ Edinburgh Zoo

Dalkeith Country Park

Animal Visitor Attraction 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

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS

Jupiter Artland

➤ 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 & Sculpture Visitor Attraction

PARTIES BEST FOR AGES: 5+ Parties run from March to October (weekends only)

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

but set mostly in the outdoors and themes include Build a Bothy, Outdoor Adventure and Fairy Kingdom, all of which are tailored to the group’s specific ages and requirements. Parents can pick and choose additional extras, including marshmallow toasting, birthday cakes and adult refreshments.

Parties are led by Jupiter Artland’s learning team, who specialise in outdoor learning, inspired by Forest School.

CONTACT: 01506 889900 Bonnington House Steadings, near Wilkieston, Edinburgh, EH27 8BY learning@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

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PARTY VENUES FOR HIRE

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

➤ Cramond Kirk Hall 1 Kirk Cramond, Edinburgh, EH4 6HZ

Cramond Kirk Hall has loads of space for parties and room to burn off energy or put up a bouncy castle. A commercial kitchen is available for use, with lots of tables and chairs. The halls are in safe open parkland with plenty of parking.

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

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

➤ Glencourse Centre 4 Firth Road, Auchendinny, EH26 0QZ

➤ 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.

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The Glencorse Centre is located just a mile from Penicuik and has plenty of on-site free parking. They hire out their main hall and kitchen facilities for birthday parties for just £60 for a 3-hour slot.

CONTACT: 01968 670264 www.glencorsecentre.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

➤ Juniper Green Village Hall

1A Juniper Park Rd, Juniper Green EH14 5DX 0131 458 3751 www.junipergreenvillagehall. co.uk

➤ LifeCare Centre

2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB CONTACT: 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

➤ Out Of The Blue Drill Hall

36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, EH6 8RG 0131 555 7100 www.outoftheblue.org.uk

Activity Classes for Children and their families

Secret Garden

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Children ’ Themed s Parties

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

CAKES & SWEET TREATS Cuckoo’s Bakery

➤ Colourful Candy

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.

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.

CONTACT: Sharon Brown 07969 970 258 info@colourfulcandy.co.uk www.colourfulcandy.co.uk

➤ Cookie Pop Shop

Decorated Biscuit Supplier Cookie Pop Shop provides delicious, handmade, hand-iced biscuits for every occasion! Any theme can be accommodated for

CONTACT: Lucy Goddard 07727 272 109 cookiepopshop@mail.com @cookiepopshop

➤ 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. They

also provide gluten-free and vegan cakes and free delivery within the bypass on online orders over £35.

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

➤ Juniper Bakes

Bespoke Celebration Cakes Juniper Bakes specialises in bespoke celebration cakes, for all ages and occasions, that taste as good as they look. Let them bring your own ideas to life or they can create a design especially for you.

Price variable on design.

CONTACT: Lee Picken lee@juniperbakes.co.uk www.juniperbakes.co.uk @juniperbakesedinburgh

➤ The Wee Cake Lady Bespoke Celebration Cakes

Based in Roslin, The Wee Cake Lady, Louisa, makes custom-made celebration cakes for any occasion; as well as macarons, biscuits, scones, traybakes and other sweet treats. She loves a challenge so contact her with your ideas!

Juniper Bakes

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CONTACT: Louisa @theweecakelady

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Just quote ‘MADE Magazine’

Dear Lorna I had heard glowing reports about your party business, ‘It’s in the bag’, but I’d never actually seen you in action, so when my son, Jack, was approaching his 4th birthday, I was eager to see what all the fuss was about.

I phoned you and sorted the date and venue and you explained all I would have to do is bring the food. Easy.

Sure enough, from the moment you walked in through the door, you had the entire group of kids in the palm of your hand. Blowing little bubbles and asking them each their name, you were soon like the Pied Piper with them all following around after you!

You gave them each a name tag and settled them all on the floor, and then you and Fiona began to tell a story with the help of puppets, Sam and Rosie, and various objects from inside the bags. It was amazing to watch the puppets come to life in front of us, and witness how simple objects could spark such imaginative thoughts from the children.

The story developed through songs and games and lots of funny interactions which kept the kids enthralled, and kept the adults entertained too!

It was lovely to watch the children having such a fun time, shouting out hilarious answers to your questions and giggling with their friends.

I would highly recommend you and ‘It’s in the bag’ to anyone with kids under seven. You are experts at what you do and Jack still talks about Sam and Rosie and his special day.

Thank-you so much,

© IMAGES BY FREEPIK.COM

xx Louise and Jack

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www.mademagazine.co.uk

Fairy Training Parties MAKING BIRTHDAYS MAGICAL Parties includes a willow fairy den, wish potions, wand enchantments and fairy cakes.

For more information contact: The Fairy Godmother (Kirsty) 07590 429530 awonderfulworldofparties @gmail.com

Life admin, event planning, interior design and more.

Let us show you why we’re Stellar!

07732 322703 info@stellarpa.co.uk mad e for you www.stellarpa.co.uk

Bespoke celebration cakes for all ages and occasions

A Wonderful World of Make-Believe Parties

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Lee Picken lee@juniperbakes.co.uk www.juniperbakes.co.uk m ade for you @juniperbakesedinburgh

Beautiful baking mixes in glass jars. Treat yourself or buy for the perfect gift.

Great fun Cupcake classes!

Party Bags BespokeChildren’s cakes and cupcakes - cupcake decorating parties/classes for both adults also available. and children - edible party bags.

Bliss Delicious, handmade, hand-iced biscuits for every occasion Any theme can be accommodated!

● Scottish Fine Soaps ● Ness ● Swarovski Crystal ● Jelly Cat Toys

Lucy Goddard 5 Raeburn Place,272 Stockbridge, Tel: 07727 109 cookiepopshop@mail.com Edinburgh, EH4 1HU • 0131 332 4605

www.facebook.com/cookiepopshop www.bliss-stockbridge.co.uk

a and Edinburgh Fitness Zumb

Call: 07713 918799 www.la-torta.co.uk www.tip-and-mix.co.uk

Zumba with Nadia & Mark is no ordinary exercise class,

it’s a PARTY! Classes in Morningside, Greenbank and Craiglockhart

www.zumbaedinburgh.net nadiaalkoch@hotmail.com Facebook: Edinburgh Zumba

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made JAN / FEB 2019

Take time out and create

Soft Play

S���M���S ��C�:R���O New Scrambles soft play open in January!

• Brand new frames for babies, toddlers, juniors • Exciting new state-of-the-art equipment • New adjoining Café Refresh Find your wild side at Scrambles!

edinburghleisure.co.uk Registered Scottish Charity No: SC027450