Getting Ready for Christmas with Baker Ross

20th November 2018 Christmas

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Christmas is coming!! We have only 5 weeks to go which means that you’re either refusing to acknowledge it until it’s at least December, or – like me – you’re using it as a great reason to start getting prepared. Darcie has been asking about Christmas ever since the summer, which ramped up a gear after her birthday in September. So, now it’s only next month she’s really starting to look forward to it.

A few weeks ago, Baker Ross sent us an amazing box of goodies to help get us in the festive mood. As soon as Darcie saw it, she was desperate to get stuck in. So, over the past few weeks we’ve been getting all merry and bright!

Before I go on though……Grandparents: click away now!! There is a little homemade gift lurking in this post so unless you want to spoil the surprise, you need to give this one a miss.

Table of Contents

SANTA’S EXPRESS TRAIN KIT

As soon as I saw these Santa train kits, I knew that both Henry and Darcie would love them.

First off, this is definitely one that needs parental support. With a lot of pieces that can be fiddly to put together, we found it best that mummy build the trains first. Although there were a lot of pieces, I found the instructions very simple and easy to follow. Before we knew it, we had two fabulous trains ready to decorate.

Something that both children had the best time doing. Even Henry who often gets bored after around 15 or 20 minutes. In this instance though he was captivated. Really thinking about where to place each sticker, concentrating to make sure it was right and then having great fun playing with the trains.

In fact, they’re still on the window in our living room and both Bears absolutely refuse to put them away ready to get out with the rest of the decorations in early December.

CHRISTMAS CERAMIC TEA LIGHT HOLDERS

Next, we have the Grandparent gift……I hope you’re no longer here *gives a stern look through the internet*.

We always try to give something handmade from the children at Christmas not only because they love creating it, but also because that handmade touch seems to really be appreciated. The Bears are still quite young though so there is a limit as to what a 4-year-old and 2-year-old can do with minimal involvement from me. Afterall I want the gift to come from the children, not me. That’s where the Baker Ross sets are a fantastic idea, as everything you need is already there and they have the freedom to simply get creative. This year we’ve gone with some ceramic tea light holders.

For this all we needed were the tea light holders along with some paints and paintbrushes from our stash. And that it literally it. All I do is place paints and brushes in reach and sit back while they get creative. I do of course stay close on standby out of love for my carpets, both apart from that there is not much for me to get involved with.

I can’t show the final finish of our tea lights yet though, as I have a feeling that there may be some grandparent eyes still lurking. We hope they enjoy them as much as the Bears enjoyed creating them though.

3D WOODEN STARS

Our final festive craft is another gift for the grandparents, but one that doesn’t have to be as close a guarded secret. Each year we create 4 handmade decorations. The first we keep for our own tree, and the other three we gift to their grandparents. Last year we made salt dough trees, but this year we went with these fabulous 3D wooden stars.

I asked the Bears what we should use to decorate them, and the resounding answer was glitter. So, out came the PVA and glitter and away we went!! I wanted to ensure each star had both children involved so I gave Darcie all the top halves, and Henry the bottom. So, when put together they are a mix of both their work.

Seeing them work side by side was fascinating. Darcie was meticulous, ensuring her halves were a rainbow mix of colours. Whereas Henry went all in and created an explosion of blue or green.

Both had a great time though, even me. Although I did then spend the afternoon cleaning up glitter! What we are left with is a beautiful set of stars made by them both and ready to gift to their grandparents this week. Ours is already safely stored away to add to the tree next month.

YOUR BAKER ROSS DISCOUNT CODE

If you’re looking to get crafty this Christmas, then Baker Ross have kindly provided Tippytupps readers with 20% off. Just use TIPPY20 at check out and enjoy!! There is a great mix of kits and supplies on the website that are suitable for anyone. Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned crafter or like the minimum of fuss.