The latest toys for babies and toddlers this Christmas
![CGV11-smart-stages-toolbox-d-5](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/12/11/7077877/CGV11-smart-stages-toolbox-d-5-90x60.jpg)
Here are some great toys by Fisher-Price that encourage learning and development skills - fantastic ideas for babies and toddlers at Christmas.
The Santas who are spreading extra Christmas magic
![These Santas are winning Christmas.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/12/08/7067697/Thumbnail1003571263gli229image.related.thumbnail.320x214.gli0jj.png1449536297284.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Staff writers This year we've seen some Santas go above and beyond their usual role in shopping centres and Christmas grottos around the world.
Excitement as three girls get adopted baby brother for Christmas
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Staff writers As far as surprise Christmas presents go, the one these young sisters received was pretty special!
Holiday cheer
Christmas tree alternatives for any size space
![Alternative Christmas tree ideas. Image credit: Domino](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/12/08/7066929/Thumbnail1003562930glcflwimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.glhu42.png1449177015448.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Alexandra Spangaro Putting up the Christmas tree is a special event for many each December, but for those sick of lugging the spider infested logs into their home once a year here are some alternative options to help you get into the Christmas spirit.
Kind Christmas gesture brings happiness to foster child
![The kind words written by a stranger.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/12/07/7065599/Thumbnail1003535597glh9q1image.related.thumbnail.320x214.glh90t.png1449456946830.jpg-90x60.jpg)
LETITIA ROWLANDS A Canberra woman who took her foster child out for coffee with a friend recently did not expect a random act of kindness to leave her in tears.
8 things mums really want for Christmas
![Mother and baby in Santa hat by the Christmas tree](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/12/06/7063704/Thumbnail1003504402glgl1qimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.glgkya.png1449371012785.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Karina Lane Forget the pyjamas and books this year, Santa: this is what mums are really craving.
Christmas stocking fillers for your baby
![Essential Baby's picks for your baby or toddler's Christmas stocking.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/11/04/6983562/Thumbnail1002270238gkqibuimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gkq4ny.png1446607132679.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Suzi Catchpole Check out these gorgeous treats for baby's Santa stocking this Christmas.
Kardashian Kids Christmas Collection now at Big W
![Kardashian Kids have gone for gold for Christmas 2015.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/10/29/6969639/Thumbnail1001725749gkegh1image.related.thumbnail.320x214.gkegj9.png1446098525944.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Suzi Catchpole Kardashian Kids' 'Falling Stars' Christmas Collection has just landed at Big W stores.
Hot Christmas picks for babies and toddlers at Kmart
![Sweet toddler decor items just perfect for Christmas gifts, from Kmart.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/10/30/6972106/Thumbnail1002053110gklh3eimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gklh4m.png1446173610818.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Suzi Catchpole We've found lots of things that will be perfect gifts for babies and toddlers at Kmart.
Divine Christmas onesies from Organique Bebe
![Christmas onesies by Organique Bebe for Chrsitmas 2015.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/11/06/6990241/Thumbnail1002345029gkrqwyimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gkrqdh.png1446779172608.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Suzi Catchpole We've showed you this gorgeous brand before and now they've just released tasteful Christmas onesies for babies.
How to stop difficult personalities ruining family Christmas
![The clash of personalities can make family Christmas stressful.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/11/20/7025207/Thumbnail1002891944gl3gn4image.related.thumbnail.320x214.gl3gdk.png1448080739770.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Pamela McIntosh We can make a conscious effort about how we react to those curly Christmas day scenarios that can send us up the wall, or should we say chimney.
ABC Shop perfect for Christmas gifts
![These are just some of the prizes in our two prize packs from the ABC Shop.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/11/16/7013843/Thumbnail1002612153gkxzdwimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gkxghl.png1447631055042.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Suzi Catchpole What a boon it would be to have your toddler's Christmas gifts covered this year. We have two awesome ABC Shop prize packs to give away to two lucky winners.
Have yourself a...
Have Kylie and Dannii Minogue made the cheesiest Christmas song ever?
![Still from the video for Kylie Minogue's 100 Degrees](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/11/20/7026477/Thumbnail1002907361gl40bzimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gl3s9t.png1448000682451.jpg-90x60.jpg)
PETER VINCENT There's nothing new about cheesy and forgettable Christmas music. Sadly unforgettably good festive songs are the exception, not the rule.
Babies, relatives and coping with Christmas day
![It’s your baby’s first Christmas. It’s exciting but also a bit overwhelming too as you try to plan the big day with family and friends.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2014/12/16/6098101/Thumbnail64226966128lvbimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.128lue.png1418729601059.jpg-90x60.jpg)
PINKY MCKAY Everyone will love your baby but your baby may not be so happy to be passed around a lot of new people - nor may you want to feed with an audience.
Christmas gift guide for babies and toddlers
![Newborn photo prop beanies from JerribeccaHats2 on Etsy.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/10/29/6968373/Thumbnail1001764759gkjm89image.related.thumbnail.320x214.gkfamv.png1446081181342.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Suzi Catchpole We've got the best list of both the practical and beautiful in baby things.
7 tips to kid-proof the Christmas tree
![tree](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2012/12/18/3899123/tree-th-90x60.jpg)
If this is your first Christmas with a toddler, you may be wondering how you'll keep your Christmas treasures out of curious little hands. Here are some ideas to keep your child safe - and your festive decorations in place.
A 10-month-old's letter to Santa
![xmas](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2013/12/15/5012344/xmast-90x60.jpg)
Raquel D'Apice I am a 10-month-old baby and I write because my mother has been sending out my "Christmas List" to people, and her list does not in any way represent the things I really want. Here is a comprehensive list of the things I want for Christmas.
Getting through Christmas pregnant
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Livia Gamble Follow our tips to be a healthy and happy mum-to-be this festive season.
Tips for a stress-free Christmas
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Richard Meadows Here are some tips for a stress-free holiday that embraces the true spirit of Christmas, with none of the greed, one-upmanship or outdated traditions.
Baby and toddler Christmas stocking fillers
![Essential Baby's picks for your baby or toddler's Christmas stocking.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/11/04/6983562/Thumbnail1002270238gkqibuimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gkq4ny.png1446607132679.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Looking for a few little treats to pop in your little one's Christmas stocking? Here are some great options they'll love.
10 easy DIY Christmas decoration ideas
![wreath](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2014/12/16/6097043/wreath-90x60.jpg)
Babyology It's officially time to get into the Christmas spirit. Why not branch out when you put up your tree this year and add a personal touch with a few DIY decorations? We've found the perfect easy-to-make ways to put more festive fever into your home.
Essential Baby Christmas book guide 2015
![Dream Snow by Eric Carle and Little Santa by Jon Agee](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/10/29/6969330/Thumbnail1002076430gklz2iimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gklz4e.png1446094907169.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Suzi Catchpole Babies love books and they will love this selection of Christmas books written especially for little ones.
Healing a family rift before Christmas
![HEAL THE RIFT: Unresolved tension can overshadow Christmas.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2014/12/16/6096405/Thumbnail6420915911w90timage.related.thumbnail.320x214.12883r.png1418698261806.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Aileen Nakhle Christmas is a time to share with those we cherish most. But festivities and family are not always an easy pairing.
10 homemade Christmas gifts even your toddler can make
![craft](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2013/12/02/4972910/craft-th-90x60.jpg)
CATHERINE RODIE Everyone loves a personalised Christmas present - especially those which have been lovingly created by little hands. These Christmas gifts are so easy that even your toddler will be able to make them.
The pregnant woman's guide to Christmas eating
![beach xmas](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2012/12/18/3899340/beach-xmas-th-90x60.jpg)
Livia Gamble Christmas turkey, seafood or ham; however you decide to dine this Christmas, if you’re pregnant there are a few things to keep in the back of your mind.
7 tips for a financially festive Christmas
![xmas baby](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2014/10/01/5834219/xmas-90x60.jpg)
Melissa Browne Plan ahead - and do it now - to ensure festive season expenses don't break the bank.
A guide to going booze-free over Christmas
![drinking](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2013/12/16/5014085/drinkt-90x60.jpg)
Duncan Buchanan Pregnant, thinking of giving alcohol a miss for a while, or doing the Pregnant Pause over the silly season? Here are some tried and true tactics that can help you handle the hardest social situations without giving into pressure to have a drink.
What Christmas means to us after the loss of our baby
![sad xmas](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2013/12/24/5033296/xt-90x60.jpg)
Sally Heppleston We had a very happy Christmas Day in 2007, when we excitedly announced to our family we were pregnant. Then our baby was born stillborn and our lives changed forever.
Best Christmas romantic comedies of all time
![love actually](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2013/12/21/5028297/la-90x60.jpg)
Grab your partner, bestie or a tub of Ben & Jerry's and snuggle up for these Christmas classics.
The fun of inventing new Christmas traditions
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Cal Wilson One of the things Cal Wilson has loved most about having a family is starting their very own Christmas traditions.
Remembering lost children at Christmas
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2014/12/18/6101923/Thumbnail64274582129mr9image.related.thumbnail.320x214.129ml2.png1419342738539.jpg-90x60.jpg)
CATHERINE RODIE This December 25th will be Rachel Nobel's third Christmas without her young son Hamish, who died in a tragic accident aged just 20 months.
Dealing with the holiday season when you're newly separated
![Small girls celebrating hanukkah](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2013/12/05/4982634/hannukah_320-90x60.jpg)
KERRI SACKVILLE As the holiday season approaches, I face my first ever Christmas as a single parent. Interestingly, though, it’s not with the emotions you might anticipate.
10 tips for getting a good photo with Santa
![santa](http://web.archive.org./web/20160124035432im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2013/11/28/4960509/santa-th-90x60.jpg)
LETITIA ROWLANDS Guaranteeing your child will smile sweetly for the camera when they sit on Santa's lap is impossible, but these tips will give you the best chance of success.
Essential Kids Christmas
Lots more articles, activities, recipes, and gift ideas over at Essential Kids Christmas hub
Reviews
Fisher-Price Smart Stages Toolbox
My 18-month-old daughter and I were very excited to be selected to trial the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Toolbox.
Fisher-Price Dance and Move BeatBo
We gave the opportunity for a few of our mums to try out some of the new Fisher-Price toys, here is mum to 3, Hannah who got to review the Fisher-Price Dance and Move BeatBo.
Fisher-Price Smart Touch Play Space
Maria, mum of a 9-month-old, reviewed the Fisher-Price Smart Touch Play Space for babies/toddlers.
Fisher-Price Little People Big Animal Zoo
The Little People Big Animal Zoo was a big hit with Angela's 3-year-old and 16-month-old.
Fisher-Price Smart Stages Scooter
A mum of three kids under four, Bec Sanderson got to trial the Fisher-Price Smart Stages Scooter and has already recommended it to her friends.
Galleries
26 fun Elf on the Shelf ideas
The Elf on the Shelf is a special scout elf sent from the North Pole to help Santa Claus manage his naughty and nice lists. Each morning he appears in a new place. Here are some of the most creative we've found.
Christmas costumes for babies and toddlers
Christmas costumes for babies have never been cuter - check out these little snowmen, reindeers, Christmas trees, elves and more!
Not so jolly?
A hilarious collection of scary, weird and sketchy Santas.
Forum chat
Christmas Forum
Chat with others about tree options, your Christmas shopping style, gift ideas, menu suggestions and your family traditions.
Baby in 2016?
Chat with other women due at the same time as you in the EB forum's 'due in groups'.