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![Presents don't have to be toys to be awesome.](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/d/a/i/7/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.gld86k.gjzsb9.png/1478742997929.jpg)
20 non-toy holiday gift ideas for kids
Children everywhere have already begun to give serious thought to their holiday wish-list while parents everywhere have already begun to cringe with the realisation that in just a few weeks more toys will be invading their home.
![Easy ways to make your gifts presentable.](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/p/o/l/z/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.glpmtm.gjzsb9.png/1511836150424.jpg)
Five gift wrapping hacks for Christmas
There are two types of people in this world, those who are amazing at wrapping Christmas presents – and the rest.
![Xmas craft](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/j/n/1/d/6/image.related.landscape.120x80.gjn1ag.gjzsb9.png/1478742997929.jpg)
![Save that wrapping paper for some Christmas day games.](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/e/6/m/f/image.related.landscape.120x80.glchr9.gjzsb9.png/1478742997929.jpg)
![Cracker jokes for kids.](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/u/2/h/6/image.related.landscape.120x80.glfado.gjzsb9.png/1478742997929.jpg)
![ULTRA-COOL: Have fun opening one of these each day. Photo: Donna Bailey @ Stampin Up](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/3/l/f/m/4/image.related.landscape.120x80.11waau.gjzsb9.png/1478742997929.jpg)
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![Shiraz on the Shelf is the Elf we all need this Christmas](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/8/j/v/c/image.related.landscape.300x200.h18jri.png/1543562405051.jpg)
Why Shiraz on the Shelf is the only elf mums need
Get ready for a wine Christmas, mums
![Photo: Shutterstock](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/8/h/y/d/image.related.landscape.300x200.h18hty.png/1543482080716.jpg)
Why Christmas Eve boxes for kids are a step too far
In the rush to provide our kids with a magical Christmas, are we actually losing our way?
![Image: Shutterstock](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/8/e/w/i/image.related.landscape.300x200.h18c7v.png/1543306690185.jpg)
End-of-year overwhelm is a thing: here's how to deal with it
You don't have to do it all on your own. Reach out for help if you need it.
![Photo: Boozebud](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/8/4/9/w/image.related.landscape.300x200.h184a5.png/1543281860539.jpg)
Adult advent calendars to get you through December
From booze to beauty to stationery - there's an adult advent to suit everybody.
![Image: Shutterstock](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/8/7/s/b/image.related.landscape.300x200.h184gi.png/1542959158008.jpg)
The magic of Christmas - and why you should embrace every wide-eyed minute
I fear this will be our last year of having a believer in the house and it's breaking my heart.
![Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/8/7/8/1/image.related.landscape.300x200.h1875f.png/1542849300024.jpg)
This movie may be considered a Christmas classic but I refuse to let my kids watch it
If I can control one thing this Christmas, it will be that this movie does not show up in the dreams of my sleeping children.
![Photo: Shutterstock](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/8/2/k/k/image.related.landscape.300x200.h182k7.png/1542698577768.jpg)
Want well-rested kids on Christmas day? Don't tell them it's Christmas Eve
This mum has thought of the perfect idea for her kids to get a full night's rest before Christmas Day, but almost no-one agrees.
![5 fabulous advent calendars for Christmas 2018](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/7/k/c/k/image.related.landscape.300x200.h17ixl.png/1541470313129.jpg)
5 fabulous advent calendars for Christmas 2018
If you want something a little different from the usual chocolate fare - for kids of all ages.
![The Aldi wine advent calendar 2018.](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/7/j/u/2/image.related.landscape.300x200.h17jtb.png/1541491127954.jpg)
Aldi wine and beer advent calendars on sale November 14
Aldi heard our call!
![One minute it's a flat, circular thing on the floor, the next a lovely Christmas tree.](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/7/e/1/j/image.related.landscape.300x200.h17aq9.png/1541146481312.jpg)
Collapsible Christmas trees are perfect for excelling at lazy decorating
Also known as pop up trees, some are even fully decorated.
![Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK](http://web.archive.org./web/20181209193949im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/7/2/x/4/image.related.landscape.300x200.h172x5.png/1540821796372.jpg)
Why I'll never force my family to do Christmas portraits
For me, staged photos aren't particularly memorable.
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