Gift Guide: 18 kids' books under S$50

Christmas is just next week. Rushing to get some last minute gifts? Why not consider these books from four online shops?

Closetful of Books

Crocodile Cake $15.50

Written in fast-paced, catchy verse, Crocodile Cake tells the tale of a little girl who bakes a very dangerous cake - the kind that you have to eat before it eats you.

The Last Viking $16.50

Young Josh is very brave. He's not afraid of anyone or anything - except maybe the dark, pirates, boy-eating dinosaurs and monsters under the bed.also, he's also just a little afraid of dragons and vampires. Other than that, Josh is as brave as a lion. When he comes face to face with real-life trouble, he begins to find out how brave he really is. A good story for teaching the importance of facing one's fears.

The Toys Series by Emily Lim (4 books) $36.00

This extra special pack contains four of Emily Lim's popular picture books from the Toys series - Bunny Finds the Right Stuff, Prince Bear & Pauper Bear, Just Teddy and The Tale of Rusty Horse. Little ones will enjoy reading stories about a bunny who is not happy with the way he is, two bears who find out more about themselves and each other, a bear who tries hard to fit in and an old forgotten rocking horse.

There was a Peranakan woman who lived in a shoe $15.95

Local author Gwen Lee takes a local spin on popular, well-known nursery rhymes. Such as the a Peranakan woman who lived in a shoe. She made so many nyonya kueh, she didn’t know what to do. In this book of modernised nursery rhymes, original rhymes are recreated with local flavour and humour.

Flip For Joy

从窗外送来的礼物 $13.90

Santa is delivering Christmas presents to the animals, but tosses them through windows based on who he thinks is staying in the houses. Is he making the right deliveries? A quirky and creative picture book by Japanese illustrator Taro Gomi, this endearing book clearly uses cut-outs for a fun-filled and engaging read for both little ones and their parents.

噼哩啪啦玩具立体书: 第二辑（5 books) $35.90

Recommended for children ages 3 and below, this set of creative and interactive books bring little ones on fascinating journeys to the zoo, park, aquarium and circus, while the biggest book focuses on Christmas. Look forward to beautifully crafted pop-ups, pull-outs and lift-the-flaps to give little ones an unforgettable reading experience.

多彩生活洞洞穿绳 $14.90

This is a highly creative book that integrates storytelling with fine-motor skill development. Through the many different holes in the book, little ones will thread four colourful strings to complete simple tasks and pictures. They can also learn how to tie shoelaces. This book makes joyful reading for kids between the ages of 3 and 5.

不睡觉世界冠军 $15.90

The World Champion of Staying Awake is another beautiful and heartwarming creation by award-winning Taiwanese illustrator Jimmy Liao. None of Stella’s stuffed animals wants to go to bed, each declaring that they are the world champion of staying awake. She comes up with creative ways to bring Pig, Mouse and Frog on highly imaginative adventures and make them go to bed.

新十万个为什么: ：儿童博客版 (4 books) $39.90

This comprehensive encyclopedia has four books containing fascinating facts, clear and concise explanations and colourful illustrations. Covering topics like Earth and the Environment, Science and Technology, Human Body and Medicine, Society and Culture, this series is designed to develop inquisitive minds in older children aged 7 and above.

少儿地板大拼图 - 世界地图 World Map (48片) $32.90

Have fun discovering about the countries of the world. Detailed and beautifully illustrated, with interesting icons and facts of various countries, this 48-piece world map puzzle in Chinese language gives little ones some practical, hands-on fun in learning about the world around them. The puzzle measures 86cm by 60cm, and comes with a world map print out and 48 flag bubble stickers.

For the month of December, receive a $10 Flip for Joy gift card with every $100 spent. (Gift card is for one time use only, valid for 6 months)

My Imagination Kingdom

Olivia Helps With Christmas by Ian Falconer $19.90

Just for girls aged 3 to 5 years, this is a charming title about Olivia's adventures with her family during Christmas. From waiting for Santa, helping to set up the dinner table, opening up her Christmas presents and making a snowman, the traditions of celebrating Christmas is told through the eyes of Ian Falconer's popular and beloved character, Olivia.

Yes, Virginia There Is A Santa Claus by Chris Plehal $17.90

Based on the true 1897 story of a little girl who believes wholeheartedly in Santa Claus. But is he real? 'If you see it in The Sun it's so,' said her father. So young Virginia wrote to the editor, Francis Church who gave a reply that remains one of the most reprinted editorial ever to run in any English newspaper. Suitable for girls between 6 to 8 years old, this book is a great way to introduce children to the spirit of Christmas and what it means to believe in Santa Claus.

Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by James Dean $18.90

Just the book for boys aged 3 to 5 years old, this book is based loosely on "The Night Before Christmas" and told in a lyrical sing-song style that parents and children would enjoy. The book tells the story of how Pete the Cat makes Christmas happen by helping Santa who falls sick the night before. Boys will revel in the story while being taught the values of helping a friend and how that can make a difference to others.

An Otis Christmas by Loren Long $21.90 

For boys who love trucks and machines, they will love Otis. This little tractor is looking forward to welcoming Christmas with his friends on the farm. But alas, one of the farm's horses, Otis' friend is about to have a baby in the middle of the night and who else but dear Otis comes to the rescue! This beautiful story about how a tractor saves the day (or night :) will keep both big ones and little ones smiling till the very end.

Just for ToddlyMummy readers, there's a 10% discount on My Imagination Kingdom's online store. Just enter the code 'WXM010'. Valid until the 31st December.

Alternatively, visit My Imagination Kingdom's newly opened store at One KM, 11 Tanjong Katong Road #03-43 (10pm-10pm) with over 2000 kids books and over 300 titles for parents.

The Groovy Giraffe

Baby's First Bible (4 Books) $16.90

This board book collection is written in simple language, with colorful illustrations and sparkly foil on the pages to capture children's attention. Created especially for infants and toddlers the four titles include Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, The Story of Jesus, and The Story of Moses.

My Magical Fairies (Sticker & Activity Mosaic) $6.90

This fun and pretty sticker book has four beautifully illustrated fairies that children can add over 900 mosaic stickers to. There are also puzzles and games to keep little children busy and entertained.

Bob Graham's Little Library (8 Picture Storybooks) $39.90

This is a value pack of 8 storybooks by the brilliant author and illustrator Bob Graham. His books are well known for their simplicity and humour, told from a child’s perspective. Titles include the award-winning story of Max, a young superhero who discovers how to fly; Kate Greenaway Medal winner Jethro Byrde Fairy Child, which is about a little girl spends a magical afternoon with a tiny fairy child, as well as A Bus Called Heaven, about a old, broken-down bus that brings a whole city neighbourhood together. Other titles include Rose Meets Mr Wintergarten, Buffy an Adventure Story, Let's Get a Pup!, The Trouble With Dogs! and April Underhill Tooth Fairy. Suitable for children between 6 and 8 years old.

Dinosaur Cove Backpack (4 Books) $19.90

Just for adventure lovers! A whole new world of dinosaurs of different shapes and sizes await Jamie and Tom when they discover the secret of Dinosaur Cove. This fun backpack contains four Dinosaur Cove books, such as Flight of the Winged Serpent, Stampede of the Giant Reptiles, Rescuing the Plated Lizard and Swimming with the Sea Monster.

For the festive season, readers can enjoy an additional 20% discount on top of the already heavily discounted items by keying in coupon code “groovyxmas” (except bargains). Free gift wrap for items $9.90 and above.

Hope you have found this book gift guide useful. Happy shopping!!

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored in any way, and we did not receive any books in kind.

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Gift Guide: 10 kids’ gifts under S$50 for the festive season

It’s gift giving time! So no ideas what gifts you should give your kids, or your nieces, or nephews, or friends’ kids?

Here are 10 ideas from Agape Babies, which is dedicated to baby essentials such as diapers, milk, skincare, organic food, toys and books. 

Photo: Agape Babies

Thermos Frozen Funtainer Stainless Straw Bottle S$35.90

Who can resist anything that's frozen? Definitely not this Elsa and Anna straw bottle from Thermos featuring a TherMax double wall vacuum insulation that keeps drinks cool for up to 12 hours, as well as durable durable stainless steel interior and exterior. BPA free, this 12-ounce (355ml) bottle is leak proof, with an easy to open/close hygienic push button lid with pop-up straw. Kids can run and climb all over the place with no worry of spills. Don't like Frozen? No worries, there many other designs to choose from.

Photo: Agape Babies

Tiger Tribe Alphabet Stamp Set S$39.90

Beautifully packed in a tin box, this contains 26 stamps, 2 ink pads and a note pad. It's a great gift that promises to entertain and educate at the same time.

Photo: Agape Babies

Tum Tum Trainee Lunch Set Animal S$17.90

A uniquely shaped and versatile lunch box that comes with a dipping pot separator, which can be removed for more space. Some yummy ideas include two sandwiches and a pot of yoghurt, or even a pasta dish (no pot). BPA free, there's also another design featuring Bugs.

Photos: Agape Babies

Tiger Tribe Piccolo Colouring Set S$17.90

The Tiger Tribes Boys Favourites/Big Girls Favourites Piccolo Colouring Sets are filled with colouring activities for boys and girls aged 5 and above. Complete with markers and stickers in a handy storage box with magnetic closure, this fun set promises activity after activity on the go.

Photo: Agape Babies

Skip Hop Zoo Umbrella Ladybird S$24.75

There's something about umbrellas, kids simply adore them. And they love venturing out in the rain with their own umbrellas, unable to resist puddles. This Zoo Umbrella features a innovative peek-a-boo window pane which allows the kid to see what's ahead as they protect themselves in the pouring rain. A child-sized handle with a kid-friendly release means as it is absolutely safe for little fingers to open and close the umbrella. We love the 3D ears and coordinating closures. Don't you? This umbrella is also available in Monkey and Owl designs too, all equally whimsical.

Photo: Agape Babies

Skip Hop Christmas Zoo Backpack Limited Edition Polar Bear S$44.90

This little functional backpack simply shouts 'fun'! It's BPA-Free, Phthalate-free, PVC Free, so it's absolutely safe for kids. Its special features include an insulated pouch for snacks, an adjustable mesh bottle pocket, padded, adjustable comfy straps, and an easy to clean lining. Durable with lots of space, this is the choice backpack for kids on-the-go. Ther designs include Penguin and Moose.

Photo: Agape Babies

Trunki PaddlePak Clown Fish Chuckles S$40.40

A backpack for the great outdoors. Made from lightweight, durable and water-resistant material, this PaddlePak is designed to stop wet stuff getting in, or leaking out! It features a spacious 10 liter capacity, break-away safety buckle, reflective trim, adjustable high visibility reflective straps, and a dry zip pocket 'Trunki Grip' for sunglasses or goggles. It's great for fun-filled days out and trips to the pool or beach. Recommended for ages 5 and above. Other designs are also available.

Photo: Agape Babies

Trunki Luggage Union Jack S$46.90

Been wanting to get the world's first ride-on kid's suitcase? Now is a good chance to grab this special offer. With a 18 litre capacity for toys, games, books and clothes, this trusty luggage is specially designed for kids and family travel, allowing them to ride-on and race around departure lounge, sit-on and rest little legs in long queues, pull along their luggage, or be tugged around by their parents. It is lightweight, durable and is hand luggage approved. Recommended for ages 3 to 6 years.

Photo: Agape Babies

Krooom Noah's Ark Playset S$40.40

This is great for kids who love boats and animals. They can slide and fold each sturdy piece to fit together precisely to make the ark. Then they can parade the alligators, giraffes, cows, zebras, elephants, lions and horses up the ramp. This playset is made entirely of 100% recyclable, reinforced laminated printed board and makes memorable hands-on play.

Photo: Agape Babies

When I Am Feeling Series (set of 8 Paperback Edition) S$42.48

This series by best selling children's author Trace Moroney has been carefully designed to help children better understand their feelings and develop skills to identify and manage their feelings. Beautifully illustrated and covering many emotions, it explains in simple language examples of ways to how to express feelings in a way that is both appropriate and acceptable to themselves and others. In this way, kids can have a healthy emotional founddation - more confidence, self-esteem, with an optimistic and hopeful state of mind. Also included are parent and teacher notes to help encourage discussion.

Fun, educational and practical gifts, all under S$50. Of course, there are heaps of choices on Agape Babies. There’s also a 5% discount for you! And while you’re shopping for gifts for your kids, why not look at this post and check out their partner store Sunshine Kids, which specialises in designer dresses for girls up to 7 years old? Do your shopping across two stores, and check out only once. Convenient, isn't it?

Discount!!

Specially for ToddlyMummy readers, Agabe Babies is offering a 5% discount. Just enter the code ‘toddlymummy5%’ upon check out. Offer ends 8 January 2015.

Happy shopping!!

Disclaimer: We received a S$30 voucher for the purpose of this gift guide. No compensation was received. 

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Thank you for reading. If you like this post, please do connect with me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, so I can share our fun adventures, thoughts and exploits with you. 

Seconds after impact

It's been over a month since the accident. I still think about it. It's hard not to, as I walk with my crutches and do the physiotherapy exercises every day to get my right leg back to normal.

I'm thankful for being alive, for being able to hug my family, DaddySay, my kids, and everyone close to me. 

I can still remember that night clearly. Seconds after impact, immediately after I discovered I was on the floor, when I was just standing the split second before, everything was very surreal, as though a dream. I wished it was a dream. I looked down at my thigh and saw this really big lump. I tried to move my right leg, but I couldn't. My first reaction was 'uh oh... That's a funny lump', and then 'oh d***!'. 

My first thoughts were of DaddySay, EV and AA. I wanted to hold them so much. I wanted DaddySay to tell me, it's all a dream. Either that, I wanted him to tell me, that big lump was just a little bruise, nothing too serious, that I'll be home soon to hold and hug them all. 

But somehow, I knew it was not possible. My thigh moved funnily. I needed to stay composed because of them. Deep breaths. People around me were asking me if I was ok, I could only reply softly because I had to focus on breathing in and out, to stay calm so that I don't faint or anything like that, or to aggravate my injury any further. No, I needed to remain on the floor, in that funny position, focus on breathing, focus my thoughts on my family, and wait for the ambulance to come. Oh, how I wished the ambulance would hurry up. After the shock, the pain was increasing, and it was harder to keep focused. Breathe in, breathe out, I had to keep calm. 

I managed to call DaddySay, and I remember his first words: 'Are you ok?' I could hear the panic in his voice, his love, his care. Later, when I finally saw him as I lay on the hospital bed, my heart was feeling so joyful, so thankful, I cried. I finally broke down. I could finally feel him, hold him. I held on to his hand tightly.

I didn't see EV and AA until a week later, because we didn't want to alarm them. I was staying at my mum's place and they came over to bring me home. The moment I set eyes on them, tears just poured. I had missed them so very much. For the first time since the accident, I could hold them, hug them, kiss them. It was truly a blessed moment.

When the four of us finally sat together for the first time in one week, it was extremely emotional for me. It was such a freaky accident, yet I am thankful. Thankful to be alive, to be able to hug and hold my most loved ones, my most precious babies.

The journey to recovery is a long one. I'm glad to have my family walking beside me, as I toddle slowly on my crutches.

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Gift Guide: 5 kids' dresses for the festive season

With the festive season just around the corner, kids need the right dresses to get in the mood.

Here are five kids' dresses from Sunshine Kids, which specializes in designer dresses for girls aged up to 7 years old to attend parties and special occasions.

Photo: Sunshine Kids

Princess Auora Dress in Ivory with Gold Crowns
Understated and stylishly designed, this flowing organza gives a young lady a cute elegance that's irresistible. We like the gold crowned waist band.

Photo: Sunshine Kids

Audrey White Dress with Bunnies

We love the bunny prints on this white dress. It's unique yet simple and transforms the little lady into a young fashionista.

Photo: Sunshine Kids

Monroe Burgundy Flower Girl Dress

Why not go bold with the rich burgundy colour of this dress? This will definitely make the kid stand out from the crowd.

Photo: Sunshine Kids

Blair Princess Dress

This sleeveless dress features a chiffon overlay over soft satin, with gorgeous light pink ruffled chiffon at the bodice. Simple cool elegance for a outdoor event.

Photo: Sunshine Kids

Holly Rose Flower Girl Dress in Pink

Such a sweet dress, with ruffled flower petals on the bodice. This is a good choice not only for Christmas, but also for kids celebrating Chinese New Year.

These five dresses for girls between 3 to 7 years of age are just those that caught our eye. There are lots more choices on Sunshine Kids. So do check it out, because this month, there's a 15% discount just for you!! What’s more, as Sunshine Kids is a partner store of Agape Babies, which is dedicated to baby essentials such as diapers, milk, skincare, organic food, toys and books. You can not only shop for your kids’ dresses but also their necessities, checking out in one shopping cart. Very convenient.

Discount!!

Specially for ToddlyMummy readers, Sunshine Kids is offering a 15% discount on dresses, excluding sale items. Simply enter the code 'toddlymummy15%' upon check out. Offer ends 2 January 2015.

Happy shopping!!

Disclaimer: We received a Princess Auora Dress in Ivory with Gold Crowns dress for the purpose of this gift guide. No compensation was received. 

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Thank you for reading. If you like this post, please do connect with me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, so I can share our fun adventures, thoughts and exploits with you. 

Remember, remember the 5th of December

5th December is a very special day, a special day of remembrance.

9 years ago in 2005, my dearest grandmother, my 阿婆 (pronounced 'ah bu' in Shanghainese) passed away suddenly, within 24 hours of fainting.

It was so sudden, very few in my family could accept it. No one expected her to leave so soon. She was the matron of my mum’s side of the family. She looked out us, she’s the one who always cooked our favourite Shanghainese foods, the reason why the family came together for weekly dim sum sessions.

阿婆 used to stay in Hong Kong, and when I used to stay there for the whole of the December holidays, we would do things together. She brought me for ice skating lessons, to the playground and the Peak Cafe at the Peak (long before the current shopping mall existed). She brought me to eat my favourite chestnut cake, even to her office or to my grqndfather's office where I would chase after the resident cat or spend the afternoon cutting pieces of silk cloth. I went everywhere with her. On the way home, I would often fall asleep on her shoulder, as the bus moved through the busy streets. 

When I started working, I spent less time with her. But because she had moved to Singapore, I made it a point to have dinner with her, and to be with her. I'm glad that I made a trip to Shanghai with her to attend her grand niece's wedding. It was definitely time well spent with her.

But her passing was too sudden. On that fateful day, I was taking my Japanese language test. I didn't pass. Since then, I have stopped taking Japanese. It was too painful, and brought back memories. Perhaps one day, I may take it up again.

One of her greatest wish was to see me get married, and have great grandchildren. Sadly, that was not to be. If she was still around today, I think she will be extremely tickled by EV and AA.

I wish she was still around. There are still so many things I want to share with her. Mostly, my kids. I look at them and I wonder how things would be if she was still around. Perhaps we can even take our overdue trip to Beijing together.

I miss her, a lot. I guess in many ways, I'm still grieving, still wishing she was still around, still wanting to hold her hand as we chat. This year, I will buy her favourite yellow flowers again to visit her. It's something I've been doing every year since I said goodbye, a painful goodbye I will never forget.

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Review + Giveaway: Mummy-daughter fashion by Glitter Glam & Mary Had A Little Lamb

Two weekends ago, I dressed up for the first time in one month since the accident. Well, as much as I could. It was to attend a cousin-in-law's wedding. I had to look nice, yet, the dress must be easy enough for me to wear, given my injured leg.

So I wore a pink dress from Glitter Glam. What made it even more special was dressing up in matching clothes with my little mini-me. She wore the kids' version from Mary Had A Little Lamb.

It was so special, we couldn't resist taking a few snaps at home. AA joined in the fun as he was in pink too.

Made of polyester, this dress is extremely simple. There aren't any fancy prints or other embellishments, just folds at the neckline. However, this well fit dress emits a simple elegance, and for little kids, a classy cuteness that is irresistable.

In fact, we kind of shared the limelight with the wedding couple. All the relatives loved our mother-daughter look, and wanted to take pictures of us. EV was beaming from all the compliments she received.

Here's our favourite photo from the wedding.

There are lots more matchy-matchy dresses that mums can wear with their little 'mini-me's at Glitter Glam. And just for ToddlyMummy readers, there's a 20% discount off regular-priced items till end December. So what are you waiting for? Happy shopping!!

Discount!!

Get 20% off all regular-priced items. Enter this code ‘WINNIETM20' upon checkout. Valid till 31 December 2014.

Giveaway!!!!

Here's a chance for you to win one of TWO S$50 cash vouchers from Glitter Glam (only applicable on the regular-priced dresses by Glitter Glam, either 'Mother' dresses or women workwear). Just follow the Rafflecopter instructions below. Good luck!!

Terms and conditions:
- Entries that do not fulfill the requirements stated will be disqualified without notice.
- This giveaway is open to Singapore residents only.
- This giveaway starts on 3 December and ends on 14 December (inclusive) at midnight.
- The winner(s) will be chosen from a random draw of entries received in accordance with these Terms and conditions.
- The winner(s) will be announced on this post by 17 December.
- The winner(s) will be notified directly via email by the sponsor regarding collection of the prize(s).
- Toddly Mummy's responsibility will end once the winner's details are passed to the sponsor.
- Only one winner per household is allowed.
- The organisers accept no responsibility for entries that are lost, delayed, incomplete or cannot be delivered or entered for any technical or other reason.
- Entrants into the giveaway shall be deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions.
- Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice, at the organisers' sole discretion.
- This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook.
- Participants are providing information to Toddly Mummy and the sponsor(s) of this giveaway and not to Facebook.

a Rafflecopter giveaway About Glitter Glam & Mary Had A Little Lamb
So who are the people behind the beautiful dresses we wore? Glitter Glam is a home-grown brand specializing in dresses and work wear that are comfortable and tasteful yet edgy.

Mary Had A Little Lamb was conceived on Mothers’ Day 2013 to celebrate motherhood and the extraordinary connection between a mummy and her child. The idea was to create mini-me versions of a mummy's wardrobe, while remaining unique and modern.

Disclaimer:  We were provided with a mother-child dress set, a VIP membership and two S$50 cash vouchers for the purpose of this review and giveaway. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions and images are my own.

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Thank you for reading. If you like this post, please do connect with me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, so I can share our fun adventures, thoughts and exploits with you.