Perth Zoo Friends

I wanted to share with you all an excellent gift idea, that little Miss EJ received for Christmas. We were lucky enough to receive a Zoo Friends annual pass from her gorgeous Auntie S. The pass gives us 12 months unlimited entry to Perth Zoo, with many other benefits as well, including free entry to Taronga Zoo, Melbourne Zoo, Adelaide Zoo and others.

We have already been more than half a dozen times this year, and it never gets boring as sometimes the animals you want to see may be shy or perhaps you will get a perfect day like the day we had today and get to see everything. We always pack a picnic so we are not having to purchase food when we are there, as they have excellent BBQ facilities and a large grassed area to relax in once you have worn your little ones out.There are always different activities and events going on through out the year, in fact we are looking forward to 'The Teddy Bears Picnic' which is on the 27th March.

Today Miss EJ and I decided to take my mum and dad with us to share this special time. It had been awhile since they had been and they were amazed at all the changes. They loved seeing Miss EJ so excited at all the animals and listening to her trying to say the names and do the animal noises, I think her Monkey impersonation would have to be the best! The African Savannah was the favourite of the day, especially the lions. I have attached a few images from today to share with you.

So if you are looking for that unique gift for a little Mr or Miss, why not think about becoming a 'Zoo Friend' just go to http://www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/Get-Involved/Home-Page---Support-Your-Zoo/Become-a-Zoo-Friend/ to find out more information.

Gift Idea - Shopping List

I recently went on the hunt for a Christmas gift for little Miss S, my friend's 3 year old daughter.  I came across the Shopping List game by Orchid Toys. This educational game helps improve memory while teaching kids to recognise different foods.  Players each have a shopping list and take turns flipping over food item cards in the hopes of revealing an item on their list.  The first to fill their trolley wins.  SOLD!

Turns out, it's addictive! After the gift was unwrapped we settled down to play a match straight away and had a great time.  Miss S's Mum tells me that it is something they play together, so it makes me happy I've found a gift that they can use again and again.

Miss S celebrated her fourth birthday last week.  As it turns out, the Shopping List game has two optional add on's you can purchase.  So I visited my local Imagine Fun & Games store and picked up the  'Clothes Booster Pack' - pictured. Miss S will now have lots of options when it comes to her shopping time fun!

Of course, I couldn't help but add a gorgeous dress from From 1 Mum 2 Another, Children's Clothing Exchange to her gift.  A pretty plum coloured winter dress from Target in like new condition - she is going to look so perfect in it! 

So if you have a special occasion coming up for a young child (recommended for ages 3-7) in your life, this is a great gift idea to keep in mind!  Have a favourite gift that you or your child has received? We’d love to hear about it!

Gift Idea - The Wooden Name Train

When my son Jordan was born we received so many beautiful gifts—everything from clothes and soft toys through to books and bedding. One of the more unique gifts we received was a personalised ‘Wooden Name Train’. The train consists of an engine, individual carriages with letters that spell ’JORDAN’ and a caboose. While the train is not suitable as a toy for him yet, it is a delightful gift that takes pride of place on a shelf decorating his room.


So if you have a special occasion coming up for a little boy in your life, this is a great gift idea to keep in mind! Our name train came from http://www.woodenanimals.com/ but I have also seen a different kind with carriages that join magnetically at http://www.babyroo.com.au/

Have a favourite gift that you or your child has received? We’d love to hear about it!