A cute site where you can decorate a Christmas tree in cyberspace. Cute for the kids or even thinking about what may work on your own tree! Easy to use, just drag and drop…
Category: Holidays with Kids
Some great holiday ideas; Christmas, Easter and Staycation.
What’s in your basket this Christmas?
Yesterday we spoke with the lovely Gail from NSW. She has used Little Gulliver to sort out some of her Christmas shopping and grabbed some other gifts along the way. Recently her family has been suffering from the flu and she admitted she “couldn’t be bothered to think about getting out to the shops”.
Gail was looking for some practical and good quality gifts and was also happy to take advantage of our *flat rate shipping (*except on some bulky items). For Gails total basket she has paid only $6.95 shipping! (Our low shipping rates are our way of passing on a little discount – to thank you for shopping with us).
Here’s Gails basket (with her kind permission) and who she bought it for. (For more information about any of the items simply click on the picture to be taken to its location in Little Gulliver);
Thank you Gail, your order has been posted out today. It was lovely talking with you!
Just a reminder…orders received before 4pm are posted the same business day. Orders received after 4pm are posted the following business day.
For these and all of our other fabulous travel gear for kids please visit www.LittleGulliver.com.au today. Phone us on 03 98246770 or email us donna@littlegulliver.com.au with any questions or comments. At Little Gulliver personal service is guaranteed – we’d love to hear from you.
Chewbacca sings silent night
Who knew?
Taxi regulations for kids in Australia
Peter said: August 31 2011 5:18 PMIt seems that Australia has the toughest car seat law and requires car seats to be used even in taxis. We are planning to travel in Australia with our 4 years old during Xmas. We won’t be renting a car when we are in Sydney and Melbourne. After checking around, it seems that it was rather difficult to find a taxi with car seats and even if they provided car seats, they would start charging from their car seat depot until getting to the destination. As carrying a car seat would be quite a nuisance, I am wondering if the “RideSafer Travel Vest” (http://www.safetrafficsystem.com/newsite/find.php) can be used in Australia in lieu of a car seat or booster. Thanks.
Donna @ Litttle Gulliver said: September 7 2011 5:29 PM
Hi Peter,
yes, there are tough laws here and your query is one which many parents wonder about (even those that live here)! However, there are exemptions for children riding in taxi’s if a carseat is not available (therefore, legally your child would not have to ride in a car seat if you did not have one available). The exemptions include;
* a child under one is travelling in a taxi and a suitable restraint is not available, however the child must not travel in the front seat
* a child over one is travelling in a taxi, and there is no suitable restraint available and the child occupies their own seating position.
* a child is travelling in a police or emergency vehicle
* a child has a medical condition or physical disability that makes it impractical to use a child restraint, and the driver has a certificate from a doctor indicating this is the case.
Source; RACV
I have looked at the Ride Safer Vest before and think its sounds great. However, I cannot see that it is approved for use in Australia. Having said that, it may seem unlikely that a taxi driver would stop you from using it! (I have never used one and would be really interested to hear about it if you decide on getting one).
As you mentioned, a car seat would be a burden and bringing your own from overseas is unlikely to meet Australian regulations anyway. If you decided to consider a carseat you may choose to buy a cheaper car seat here and then donate it to a charity when leaving. Other alternatives could be to consider a “booster cushion” seat with a seat belt adjuster such as a Safe Fit. These would be a bit less bulky than a car seat and provide more protection than a seat belt alone. There are also reputable hiring companies, but again, when you aren’t hiring a car…
Also, have you seen the Trunki Boost A Pak? I love these (note; they aren’t approved or sold in Australia). The back pack style may suit you as they seem ideal for travel. This allows the child to be lifted up in the seat and move the seat belt away from the neck.
Since taxi’s in Australia is an area of interest to many, I’ll now include some general information below;
A note on Child restraints in Australia
All child restraints used in Australia must comply with current Australian standards – one of the main features of which is the use of a rear strap to an anchor point. Australian child restraint standards are some of the most stringent in the world and most overseas child restraints do not comply with these standards and cannot legally be used in Australia – this includes restraints from countries such as the UK and USA.
Travelling in taxis in Australia
Taxi drivers are not required to provide child restraints or booster seats.
All taxis should have the correct anchor point for fitting the restraint, but it is always advisable to call the taxi company in advance to check.
Taxi companies may be able to provide child restraints if they are given sufficient notice. A surcharge is the norm for the hire of the child seat and you will often have to pay for the taxi to collect the seat from a depot or taxi company’s headquarters. Your journey will be metered from the carseat collection point, to wherever you are picked up and then onto your final destination. Check all charges with your taxi company in advance and ensure that you book your vehicle well in advance (at least an hour).
The rules for travelling in taxis with very young children do vary from state to state within Australia. It is advisable to check with taxi companies when booking and to order a child seat in advance. Customer service desks at airports (both within Australia and internationally) should be able to assist you with booking taxis with childseats if you are not able to pre-book a taxi prior to your arrival.
Finally, Peter and family – all the best for a fabulous holiday! Sydney and Melbourne have some great attractions for families. I hope some of these ideas are useful and would love to hear what you decide. Enjoy the rest of your planning and let us know if we can help further.
Regards,
Donna
Other relevant Little Gulliver Blog articles:
Travelling on a Bus with a 20 month old
Other useful links:
What are your tips for great family meals while on holiday?
In July we asked our readers “what are your tips for great family meals while on holiday”? (The two winners won an Annabel Karmel recipe book). We had some great responses and I’ve been happy to summarise them into this article.
Hotel meals
*The hotel buffet breakfast scored a lot of points with our readers. Make sure everyone in the family enjoys a heallthy, filling breakfast. Then, grab a couple of bread rolls and a piece of fruit on the way out – toddlers lunch done! (Remember to take some resealable sandwich bags with you).
* It sounds obvious, but always ask for a kids menu. Some restaurants have them, but only on request. If there are no kids meals, ask if simple modifications can be made to adult dishes. “A half serve of pasta or a cheese and tomato
sandwich are generally easy for a kitchen to manage”.
* “Another great option which normally appears on an adult menu (but not on the kiddie menu) is soup. Again, ask for a half serve. It is a great way to get veggies into your kids and a makes a refreshing change from the breaded and fried usual suspects on kids menus.”
* “Many kids meals come served with chips. Ask if these can be replaced with a salad or veggies (if your kids will eat salad or veg)”.
* “As far as choosing where to eat out when we did, it was a combination of exploring the local neighbourhood and using Lonely Planet suggestions – sometimes good, sometimes terrible – what is a great venue for a 20 something y.o. backpacker is not necessarily such a great spot for a family meal!”
Bringing some easy food on the road
* “we brought a tube of vegemite with us from home”.
* “For our toddler we brought soft-packaged baked beans, spaghetti, and other meals from home – the restaurants were happy to provide her with a bowl etc”.
* Disposable bibs – so handy! “and make sure they’re the Heinz ones, the cheaper brands don’t cut it, as we discovered on a previous trip”.
* “Both boys are keen on smoothies (fruit / yoghurt / milk) so we are actually travelling with a stick blender so we can make them anywhere. Come the end of a day where they haven’t eaten much or are too tired for a substantial meal we know we can always at least give them that”.
* “Take snacks that travel well and are healthy. Sultanas and other dried fruits & nuts, well choosen museli bars and fruit (especially mandarins, apples and snack packs) are great to keep tummys full between meals”.
Eating outdoors
* “Find a local park with BBQ facilities. Pick up some sausages, buns and sauce at the supermarket and take the family for a picnic on holidays”!
* “There is nothing better than cooking some lamb, chicken kebabs on the bbq and having yiros wraps – lots of salad, hommus, tabouli!! Kids and adults both love it – we did this for our son’s first birthday and it was easy to prepare and cook, healthy and went down as a huge hit for all ages”!!!
* “When traveling with our 5 kids, takeaways can be expensive and not a healthy option ! We try to “cook out” as much as possible. We wrap our potatoes and corn in foil and bake in the coals, We take tins of vegies for the pot and we always casserole or grill. We know we are all getting wonderful nutrition even though we are away from our home comforts. No terrible takeaway meals that leave us sluggish and feeling ill. All healthy food that fills us with GOOD energy and vitality”.
* “When on holiday, there is something special about having fish and chips down on the beach – straight from it all being wrapped up in the paper”!!
Naps
We all wanted to ensure our toddlers didn’t miss out on their day sleep time. Some suggested heading back to the hotel was worthwhile, as everyone in the family was generally ready for a break. Others had a travel stroller with them and their little ones were able to have an hour or so nap while out and about.
Food allergies
* “We travelled to Europe 9 months ago for 5 weeks, staying in apartments and self-catering. We tried to learn to say ‘egg and nut allergy’ in each of the languages and used Google translate to print it out and added pictures.”
Flying
* “Pre-order children’s meals on flights. Not only are they often more palatable for kids, they arrive before other meals”.
Serviced apartments
Readers suggest serviced apartments as a “great alternative” to a hotel. There is often more space and can be cheaper than a hotel room. Being able to prepare your own meals can be a bonus – especically when cereal is such an easy breakfast “cereal and milk couldn’t be easier“. As Kylie suggests, “often the kids are up early and ready for breakfast – before the local cafes may be open. You can then also prepare sandwich’s for lunch before you head out”. Then there’s no lines for lunch, you can eat whenever or whereever you want and its generally healthier and cheaper!
* “We looked up supermarkets close to each of the apartments on Google maps before we left, which helped with ease of supplies when we arrived”.
* “Find somewhere to stay where you have access to a full sized kitchen. Check out what cooking tools you have available to use and then source local produce. Don’t forget to take the kids along and try and get them excited about the fresh food and helping with dinner. Nothing like a fresh dinner made from local produce”.
* “When on the road, on thing we have done is freeze up some popular / familiar meals (usually meatballs, pasta sauce or risotto) when we are staying somewhere and then bringing it in a mini freezer bag to the next location on our trip. Then we have a few fast / handy meals available for times on our trip when we know we will be busier”.
Stay in routine
* “I have a 3 and a half year old and a 2 year old. My tips are to keep things as predictable as possible. Get into meal routines quickly and try to give them at least some food they are familar with. Where possible get your villa to buy things in ahead that you know the kids will like and ensure you have lots of interesting, low sugar snacks for the journey!”
* “We’ve been trying to keep the food familiar when we can as well as mixing in new things they haven’t tried before”.
* “We’re currently on a nine week family holiday in Europe with our two children (3.5 years and 22 months). We are staying with family and friends as well as in self contained accommodation. We are moving around around every week to a week and a half and have plenty of quiet days for down time for our children. I think this would be my best advice when it comes to great family meals whilst on holiday as when you move around faster than this it becomes very difficult to preserve the ideal of a family meal”.
And finally…
“relax and enjoy. If your kids aren’t eating as well or as healthily as you would like them to, don’t fret. Know that they will get into a better eating pattern when they get home”.
Thanks again to everyone who contributed. We love all your suggestions and are sure they will be helpful for all our readers.
Create some wonderful family memories, be flexible, take lots of photos and enjoy your holiday!
Free kids ebooks
Then there’s the cost…but Project Gutenberg Australia has made many classic works available in the public domain. They’re available online to download or read from your browser. Once again, for free!
This link is for children’s literature, but there are titles available for the whole family.
http://gutenberg.net.au/children.html
Titles include;
- The Complete Adventures of Blinky Bill by Dorothy Wall
- Dot and the Kangaroo by Ethel Pedley
- A Book for Kids by C J Dennis
- The Glugs of Gosh by C J Dennis
- Peter Pan by J M Barrie
- Lucy Maud Montgomery–“Anne of Windy Poplars and other books in the “Anne” series. Click on author’s name to access these ebooks.
- Stories by Mark Twain
- Stories by Beatrix Potter
- The Doctor Dolittle stories
- Stories by Robert Louis Stevenson–Treasure Island, Kidnapped, etc.
- Stories by Daniel Defoe–Robinson Crusoe, etc.
- Raggedy Ann and other works by John Gruelle
Fantastic!
Christmas markets cruise for kids?
Andrea said: July 17 2011 4:55 PM
Just wondering if you know of any cruise lines in Europe that do the Christmas Markets and will take children aged from 2 and 3 quarters to 8?
Thanks
Andrea
Donna @ Little Gulliver said: July 22 2011 4:29 PM
Hi Andrea,
its lovely to hear from you again. We hope your last European trip went well and are really pleased to see you’re planning another (also a little envious)!
The Christmas markets sound like a ‘must do’ activity for the bucket list and I think experiencing this when the kids are young sounds like lots of fun. However, I’m unsure of a specific cruise line to recommend.
History of the Christmas Markets
For those of us who know little of the Christmas markets, I’ll give a brief rundown of their background…The Christmas markets are a tradition believed to have
started in Germany in 1434 and are now held all over Europe. There are genuine market stalls where visitors can search for handcrafted gifts while soaking up the Christmas traditions (such as Santa, nativity scenes and carolling). And for us in the southern hemisphere it is a way of experiencing the best of a European winter Christmas.
I love the tradition of the Christmas markets and it seems those in Germany may be the best to check out, with Nuremberg being the most famous. They run from late November to the third week of December or later, depending on the location. Another thing about sticking to a German cruise is that you may be able to select a shorter option (and can make an exit if it isn’t suiting the kids) while still able to see the ‘best of the best.’ Some families prefer a longer cruise and incorporate sight-seeing with the Christmas markets. Parents report they are able to have some adult time on shore, while leaving the kids in the care of experienced workers.
Cruises for Families
I would suggest checking the Cruises for families website (type in destination Europe, date November or December 2011) and have a look at the types of cruises it suggests. It will allow you to get a feel of your ‘ideal’ Christmas markets family cruise. If you find one you really like, it is then a matter of tracking down this or a similar through a local (Australian) agent ot tour operator. (Generally you cannot book with an overseas operator. Australian cruise enthusiasts are constantly unhappy that this invariably means paying more for the same cruise than our European counterparts).
Further Reading
Europes best Christmas markets
Taking teens to the Christmas markets
Australian Operator
http://www.globaljourneys.com/river_cruises/europe/europe/uniworld/uniccm.php
I hope you find this information useful. Let us know how you go, I’ve loved reading about these cruises and would love to go on one!
Thanks again for contacting us and sorry we can’t be of more help.
Kind regards,
Donna
Dad’s Malaysian trip with his 16 month old daughter
I am stressing out mainly over checking in, going through customs and boarding the aircraft. As I figure it, I will be trying to man handle an active child (who only knows how to run and not walk), large suitcase and carry on luggage. I am not sure whether my daughter should be sedated or me? I am flying from Brisbane with Malaysian airlines.
I have read your top ten tips and, although helpful I was hoping for something a little more specific to my circumstances.
Donna @ Little Gulliver said: June 8 2011 5:33 PM
Hi Gavin,
thanks for your question. It is understandable that travelling with the little one can seem a bit daunting, especially doing it on your own for the first time. There are a few things that you can think about which may help make things easier. Check out our business www.LittleGulliver.com.au we may have some products of interest to you…travelling with our first born is how the business came about.
Check in
Try to think of it as a holiday, even the airport! If you’re checking in on your own, consider hiring a trolley from outside the airport. That way you can have all your gear on it and a spare hand for the little one prior to check in. If you have some close friend or family who’s happy to help – bring them along to the airport. They could be an extra hand, up to the International Gate at least (and probably wouldn’t mind at all)!
Airport
- Consider use of a harness. For a 16 month old a 2-in-1 Harness Buddy could be a good option – as it’s cute, cuddly and has a harness for a tail!
- Also look at a popular backpack stroller called a ‘quicksmart’ it folds up small enough to go in the overhead locker on planes, so may help you move the child through the airport and allow for a nap etc if neccessary. It might be handy too at your destination.
- Another option could be a baby carrier, this keeps the baby close while you have your hands free. Only thought here is, that your daughter may be starting to be a bit heavy and you’ve mentioned she’s really active…
Activities
Look at things you will both be enthusiastic about during the trip. Would you like to do some colouring together or reading? For this age group, maybe consider things to chew and feel and maybe a board book. A favourite story book? A teddy? A Car? I really like the ‘chubbies’ range for smaller kids as they’re big and robust. Some might like a new cuddly toy with different textures they can touch. Don’t forget the simple things, singing ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ (you don’t have to belt it out –
maybe just sing it quietly in her ear), playing peek a boo, tickling – things you know she enjoys. Doodle Pro’s are really popular. And I think I’ve mentioned (in an earlier post) one time where my daughter and I spent a long time taking her shoes and socs on and off!
Eating
Consider if your child has any food requirements. It can be good to take more snacks than you think you might need. I have had experiences where we have been stuck on the tarmac or unable to land and had run out of food! At 16 months, those squeezIe fruit and vegetable packs are great (such as Rafferty’s Garden). Bananas and rusks are great. Does she have a favourite bakery item? Will you need bottles? Also, look at our Drop Buddy, Groovy Gripper and Disposable Bibs. See our mealtime category.
Nappies
Our range of ‘Diaper Buds’ have been hugely popular. Each nappy is vacuum sealed so it takes up less space – great for travel (you can fit 3 Diaper Buds in the space of 1 normal nappy).
Sleeping.
Think about something cute like a Zoobie, its a soft cuddly toy which opens up to reveal a pillow and a blanket – all in one. Think about a neck roll (the monkey animal neck rolls are really cute). Also, do you have bedding organised at the other end? Can you hire a cot?
Seating
At this age your child is likely to be over 10 kilos. You could consider a CARES harness if you have booked or are allocated your own seat. While the CARES is great for safety, (protecting the child’s upper torso, much like a car seat does in cars) – it does add the bonus of being difficult for a child to undo. Airline seat belts are, as you know, childs play to unbuckle! Also, I like to sit near the aisle, its easier to get in and out for the inevitable nappy changes. If you get 2 seats, I prefer the child in the middle, as on the aisle their heads, hands and feet are prone to hanging out and getting knocked by other passengers and trolleys.
On board
Don’t hesitate to contact your airline if you have any questions about onboard facilities. (Don’t expect great answers though, sometimes it pays to ring a few times). If you haven’t already looked the Malaysian Airlines flying with children section (kids corner) it’s here. If you know which aircraft you will be flying on check www.seatguru.com, you may like to be near toilets with change tables or located in a particular part of the aircraft.
Other blogs say…
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=548067
http://parents.berkeley.edu/advice/going/long-flights.html
Anyway, these are just a few ideas. I think its good that you are thinking about it now, but once you leave, just relax and enjoy. Ask for and accept help when you are comfortable doing so, watch a movie, cuddle and do some people watching. Most of all I hope the 2 of you enjoy some great daughter and dad time!
Also, let me know if you have any other thoughts and enjoy the trip!
Regards,
Donna
Ahhh Mary Poppins!
While I don’t have strong childhood memories of the classic Disney movie ‘Mary Poppins’ I have often longed for her arrival at my home over the past few years!
But, during our last library trip (bless you librarian folk for tolerating us once a week), there it was! The Mary Poppins DVD, on the shelf, ready to borrow. And with our forthcoming staycation I thought it was just the thing for some ‘good ol’ family entertainment’ (ha, don’t get to write that much)! So off Mary went into our library bag for a rainy day.
If you’re not familiar with it, here’s some quick stats; released in 1964, directed by Robert Stevenson. Starring Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke and Glynis Johns. And the storyline? A magic nanny comes to work for a cold banker’s unhappy family. Of course they’re not unhappy for long and soon us older folk are singing along to familiar songs such as A Spoonful of Sugar, Step in Time, Chim Chim Cheree and of course, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious…
And the verdict? We loved it! It was a great show for the younger ones (ours being 2, 3 & 4) each enjoyed it enormously. And as I didn’t really recall the storyline it was a journey for each of us…the Carousel ride, the ships Admiral (and his cannon) and the delightful Mary Poppins herself with her carpetbag full of goodies. What a wonderful voice Julie Andrews has and Dick Van Dykes dancing…we need a chimney sweep like that (not to mention the maid and the cook). If only we really could have a tea party on the roof…our kids have already asked to have one!
So, this staycation I recommend a revisit with ‘Mary Poppins’ for pre-schoolers or other young kids. Perfect for a lazy family afternoon or Saturday night special. We’re going to grab a copy to keep at home for next time.
To beach or not to beach? Or our 2, 3 & 4yo hit the sand running!
I say, ‘to beach’ it is! And yes, they were literally running…
Both of us adults in the family were brought up inland, so while the lure of the waves, sand and breeze does get us…its more of an island holiday or Queensland trip that gets us thinking ‘beach’. But, we actually have beaches only around 1/2 hour from us here and we have sadly neglected them over the years. For me it was the thought of Melbourne’s ‘bay’ beaches and my old theory that ‘no waves, no beach’. Mind, I am nowadays a real Melbournite and defend Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay beaches fervently! And the lack of waves is perfect for the little ones!
So, this stay-cation, on a beautiful autumn morning we headed off. The whole thing was magic – for the kids it was one big sandpit and an unconditional ‘get as wet as you like’ thing. For Mum and Dad it was all about having our feet buried, making sandcastles and the sound of the waves, seagulls and that other thing…what is it…oh yes, no kids arguing!
What we took for our Autumn morning beach trip;
- the kids already in their bathers, sunscreen, Banz sunglassesses and hats.
- our 2yo, currently potty learning wore swim pants
- water (check our range of gorgeous kids Cheeki drink bottles).
- hot cross buns, its now officially pre-easter and I can’t resist them (ate morning tea on the way)
- beach towels for everyone.
- bucket and spades (raided the sand pit). And the bucket is great to bring your shells home in (show and tell, tick).
- truck (our 2yo boy mainly played with this).
- croc’s (easy on and off and good for checking out rock pools).
- change of clothes (but why bother if the kids are dry when you’re getting back in the car and aren’t sandy).
- lunch (ate on the way home). Don’t miss our Fridge to go to keep things cool for up to 8 hours!
What I’d recommend;
* If you don’t have one of those collapsible picnic baskets I recommend them. They’re great for tossing a whole lot of things together when heading out with the kids. You’ll use it a lot more than you think.
* Stuff it bags, I just grabbed one (from a row of them hanging in our broom cupboard) and filled it with our clean change of clothes. Another one for spare swim pants and wipes.
* If you’re like me and not keen to show off your beach body, don’t despair. I wore my swimmer pants under a light dress. There were no bikini’s there this time of year!
* Map out how to get there before you leave. I also goggled “best (insert your coastal area here) beach for kids” and read a few articles to choose one. Some had barbecue areas and playgrounds which would be OK if you were planning on going for a while and maybe had older kids.
* With younger kids don’t think you have to stay too long. We kept it simple and made it a morning trip – as our lot are fairly worn out after an active 1st semester at Kinder.
* coins – our car park needed coins to buy a ticket! And lets face it, with kids, park as close as you can I say.
So, if you’re not normally a beach goer, aren’t sure if your kids are old enough or worry about too long in the sun – pick a lovely autumn day and enjoy your staycation!