The other day, Millie wrote her name. Not scribble that kind of looked like a word, but M-I-L-L-I-E. She has been doing Ms for a little while but surprised me when she wrote her entire name on a Christmas card.
I sincerely think its because she sees her name often written on things and can recognise the individual letters and recreate what she sees. Clever clogs. When a package of Hippo Blue goodies was delivered, I’m not sure if it was Millie or I who was happier to see her name as the lead character in a storybook, on the top of a beautiful Christmas jigsaw puzzle and gift stickers and on the cover of her very own ‘Millie’ activity book.
Hippo Blue makes personalised products such as books, card games, name labels, backpacks and lunch boxes, which make beautiful gifts for kids. And if you haven’t done all your Chrissy shopping yet, the great news is if you’re quick there’s still time to get your orders in time for Christmas!
Millie’s own Hippo Blue Christmas puzzle is beautifully illustrated
The Wonderful Christmas in Oz wooden puzzle has thick, digitally-printed, shiny pieces that are easy to grasp for little hands but the puzzle is tricky enough for older kids, too. Illustrated by Caitlin Murray, there’s backyard cricket, prawns on the barbie, a cocky in the Christmas tree, Millie opening a present and Santa with his emu-pulled sleigh. It’s so very cute and I love Millie will be able to play with this year after year.
Ready to colour: Hippo Blue’s Christmas activity book has pages of fun
We’ve stuck ‘With love from Millie’ gift labels on all the pressies under the tree and Millie’s huge, personalised activity book is chock-a-block with fun things to do that will keep her entertained and in a festive mood in the lead up to Christmas Day. Millie made ornaments for our tree, is filling out an advent calendar, made gifts for loved ones, and is trying to master all the new games on its pages.
A removable door sticker pack was promptly unpeeled and stuck on the wall beside our Christmas tree. Made from a fine weave fabric, the decals have a quality finish and are easy to stick, easy to remove.
Decorating the tree and the wall
The ABC Jungle Adventure book – illustrated by award-winning author and illustrator Brett Curzon – has a beautiful message. The story tells kids that while life may have ups and downs, you can meet any challenge with a spring in your step and with the help of your family and friends. Personalise the book by selecting the main character and name, then rename the animals to mum, dad, siblings, friends or grandparents. It’s Millie’s new favourite pre-bedtime book – all the while teaching her the ABC as we read.
Activity books and story books, just for Millie
Hippo Blue is a an Australian-owned online retailer and it will become my go-to destination for finding presents for kids that are colourful, functional and educational.
*MillieMummyMelbourne was sent a Hippo Blue gift pack for the purposes of a review