Blog : Little Lilypad Co

Tweet

We all know the story about going on a Bear Hunt but we didnt have to go through any woods, or mud or caves, we were simply invited to the Build-A-Bear Workshop in Solihull to enjoy the whole "Build-A-Bear" experience.

At Build-A-Bear Workshop^®, their mission is quite literally to bring the Teddy Bear to life and thats what we planned to do. I was originally taking my two daughters but my eldest (in her infinite wisdom) decided that the youngest was too little to enjoy it and could we take her best friend instead? How can you argue with that kind of reasoning from a 7 year old?

Both girls were beyond excited at going to the Build-A-Bear Workshop^® and even more so when they realised that we were going to have someone "helping" them to make the very best bears. We were introducted to Olga, who told us that Evie was going to be looking after us during our visit. Evie was just brilliant with the girls and they were totally captivated by her enthusiasm as she filled the bears with their stuffings ..... and with a specially selected heart too!

Once the bears were suitably cuddly enough, they had a wash in the bear wash ..... where else??

Now it appears that my daughter has inherited my desire for shopping, either that or the bear really is part of our family as it "needed" a dress, a cardigan, shoes and a bag. I actually saw that you can buy a bear wardrobe to keep all of those clothes in and I suspect that Father Christmas may need to be considering one of those!!

 So eventually the bears needed to be "officially" brought to life by creating their very own birth certificates and I therefore proudly introduce you to ......... Super Star and Twinkle Star!

The team at Build-A-Bear Workshop^® in Solihull were supportive and encouraging without being intrusive and the girls had a totally un"bear"liveable time! Its a great experience for any child and with some fantastic festive friends to be made, it would make a perfect Christmas treat for any little girl or boy!

 

Disclaimer: We were asked to attend the Build-A-Bear Workshop^® to carry out the review. All opinions and views are both honest and true and even if we hadn't been given the bears to take home, we would still have had a fabulous time!

Carrying on with our advent theme (we just can't get enough of it), we are delighted to share another Advent guest post from one of our Lilypad friends.

Advent calendars signal the beginning of Christmas festivities. It’s a sign to our children that they are merely days away from a shed load of presents. It’s difficult to pinpoint whether it’s the chocolates or the opening of the windows that triggers the most excitement.

What we do know, however, is that advent calendars are an integral part of every kid’s Christmas. Sometimes an adult’s as well *cough cough*  They’re not going anywhere anytime soon, so why not mix things up a little for the kids by creating their very own handmade advent calendars.

Below are 5 of the best handmade advent calendars that are sure to give a little inspiration to all who choose the crafty Christmas option. 

Once you’ve finished the hard work, simply sit back and enjoy watching the kids open their advents. Then demand a back massage from the husband for all your endeavours.

1. Blitzen’s Buckets

25 miniature buckets, a set of numbered stickers or stencils, 25 hooks and a large chalkboard or reinforced cardboard are all that’s needed to make advent a little unique.

 

It offers the option to fill the buckets with less than conventional goodies for the little ones.

Because chocolates are so 2011.

2. The Elf’s Envelopes

This one is simple but very different. 25 envelopes, 25 pegs and a piece of string are all that’s needed to create this.

You have the option to fill each envelope with something different. Perhaps one different figurine each day to complete a whole set by the 25^th day?

3. Merry Matchboxes

This one is pretty cool. To make it, all you’ll need is 25 matchboxes, some glue, a spare piece of wrapping paper cut to size and a pen. The rest is up to you. 

It’s definitely something different that Susan up the road wouldn’t have thought of. The matchboxes are just the right size to slip in a chocolate coin or a sweety.

4. Jingle Jars

What a neat idea this is – again using matchboxes. Each of the 25 matchboxes is decorated in wrapping paper, filled with a small gift, numbered then placed into any kind of glass jar. A big brandy glass would probably do the job as well. 

It’s almost like a lucky dip as the kids rummage around looking for the right numbered matchbox. Great fun to make and equally great fun for the kids.

5. Tiny Tim’s Tree

This is a little different. Using either a stripped back plant or one that’s already lost its leaves, simply hang decorative paper tags from the branches.

Instead of attaching chocolates or other gifts to the tags (because of the weight), write a note on the back of each one which contains a clue as to where they will find a treat in the house.

 

There are some brilliantly unique ideas there, but if you’ve got any other ideas we’d love you to share them in the comments box below.

Hopefully together we can come up with enough ideas for every advent until a time when our kids have outgrown them. If you’re anything like me though, that won’t be anytime soon!

 

Disclaimer: We received a £50 voucher in return for posting this amazingly fun guest post.