So with that in mind, and to help spread the Christmas cheer to some of my fave small business owners by encouraging you to shop small and shop local, I’ve compiled a handy little guide to the BESTEST places to shop online this Chrissy. I’ll be purchasing a lot of my gifts this festive season from these stores. In the past I’ve bought some of our most treasured trinkets, outfits and shoes from these stores and every one of them rocks.

Whatever you buy from these stores, I can assure you it will be awesome and the present will be loved. You won’t have to brave the crowds, instead just wait for the doorbell to ring when the postie arrives laden with gifts! No need to thank me (but I do hope you’re noticing how helpful I’m being, Santa). Here we go…

Hello Willow

Some of the best children’s designers from Australia and NZ can be found in the one place. PIC: Hello Willow

This little shop is packed to the brim with the funkiest children’s clothing, décor and gifts with everything either designed or designed and made in Australia or New Zealand. You won’t believe how talented our local designers are – there’s brands like Minti, Bella & Lace, Children of the Tribe, Nature Baby, Peggy, Huxbaby and Milk & Masuki to ensure your little one is streets ahead in the style stakes. Then Mister Fly, Boo and Bear, Two Little Ducklings Naturebubz and Indus will kit them out with the cutest accessories like play mats, rattles, flash cards, blankets and softies. Run by Melbourne mum Jas, the shop is located in Elwood village, but if you can’t get there and don’t want to miss out, visit hellowillow.com.au

Acorn

Millie wears the Abbey reversible hat and Golden Day bloomers. PIC: Acorn

Acorn is your one-stop summer shop. Sunhats, bonnets, playsuits, headwraps and bloomers with the sweetest prints are available in all sizes from infant to big kids. Designed in Melbourne, the hats are a winner for staying on and keeping the sun off. Adjustable bands, toggle ties, reversible designs and wide brims, the hats are rated UPF50+ and keep little heads cool (while looking cool!). With a long, hot summer of playground visits, beach days and kinder ahead of us, it’s the gift you’ll need AND want. A word of warning: adding bloomers or a playsuit to cart will generate a new shopping addiction once you see your little one’s leggies in them. ADORABLE. Have a look at acornkids.com.au

Oishi-m

Colourful, cute and comfy. PIC: Oishi-m

Limited edition garments for skinny minis and chubba bubba boys and girls, Oishi-m is designed in Torquay (Vic) with lots of the clothing made here too. Pieces are so adaptable with rolled hems, stretch fabric ‘tummy toastie’ waistbands and double buttons on dresses and jackets to accommodate a growing child. Cleverly cut panels allow freedom of movement while looking oh-so-cute. Super comfy but super stylish, Oishi-m is original, bright and hard-wearing – you won’t find better clothes that allow kids to be kids. Visit oishi-m.com

Pretty Wild

Millie wears the Pretty Wild Ginger dress in Blossom

If you love classically chic clothing with hand smocking, embroidery or Liberty florals, you’ve come to the right place. Pretty Wild pieces have a timeless charm that suit every occasion and will become a treasured part of your child’s wardrobe. Party dresses, Christmas Day outfits, cosy cardis or beautiful clothes for frolicking in the park, it’s all here. A brand new store has opened in Smith St in Collingwood (Melbourne), but the online store also has all designs and accessories in stock with free shipping Australia wide. Visit prettywild.com.au

Naughts & Crosses

A treasure trove of childhood fun. PIC: Naughts and Crosses

I’ve spoken of my love for this store on this blog before, but now there’s an online store for the shoppers not lucky enough to live near this hidden gem. Owner Louise has a knack finding the cute and the quirky, the different and the sometimes hard-to-find toys, decor and knick-knacks that means you’ll be spolit for choice when deciding on pressies. There’s goodies for teeny bubbas celebrating their first Christmas to dolls for girly-girls, puzzles, toy trucks and trains, craft kits, bath toys, wall hangings, lamps and bedding. Go to naughtsandcrosses.com.au

Printebebe

Floaty florals and breezy dresses at Printebebe. PIC: Carlotta Moye for Printebebe

Another one of my fave online stores (I’m now realising I have many!) is Printebebe. Having worked as a fashion editor, Printebebe is a combination of Sydney designer Fiona’s love of fashion, mixed prints and her daughter, Gidget. The simple girls’ clothing range suits children from three months to eight years – with some pieces for boys too. Lightweight cotton dresses for summer or quilted jackets and printed overalls for winter, I’m often asked where I find Millie’s outfits and more often than not it’s when she is wearing Printebebe. Shop at printebebe.com

Bobux

MIllie wears the Bobux Zap shoes in red

Got to love a shoe shop where I can find something for my baby boy as well as my ‘big girl’. Soft soled booties, colourful sandals, leather boots and sneakers that kids love to wear but are good for their feet are very hard to find. But every Bobux shoe is designed with healthy foot development in mind. We can vouch for the quality of Bobux shoes – they look cute-as-a-button but protect tiny toes, prevent blisters, allow feet to breathe and flex and move with every step. Try the expert fitting tool and shop online at bobux.com.au

Big Dreams

I’m convinced Santa shops here too. PIC: Big Dreams

It’s a children’s emporium that fills every little visitor with joy – from the artfully decorated windows to the massive range of quality toys, the Northcote (Melbourne) store is just like Santa’s workshop. But jump online and it’s all there for your choosing and really easy to navigate – the shop by age category is super handy for buying gifts and staff picks highlights the fave pieces from the ever-helpful Big Dreams staff members. Soopsori, Bajo, Grimm’s, Brio and Moover brand toys sit alongside Ragtales, Maileg, Oli & Carol, Lego, Seedling and Sylvanian Families. Clothing, baby gifts and a huge selection of shoes is also available for browsing online 24/7. Fast, free shipping is offered for orders over $150 at bigdreams.com.au

Oobi

Colourful, fun and frilly is the Oobi style. PIC: Oobi

Frolicking in bright and cheery prints is the Oobi mantra. Designed in Sydney, Oobi is all about colour and the cute outfits that little girls want to wear. There’s styles for newborns right up to a size 13. My favourite part? Designer Alex Riggs wants to ‘Oobify’ the world and donates a new piece of Oobi clothing to a child in need for every item purchased. Shop at oobi.com.au

Little Nook Children’s Boutique

A very Christmassy flatlay. PIC: Little Nook Boutique

Little Nook Children’s Boutique was created by mother/daughter team Sue Manson and Nicole Haddon with stylish and quality fashion and interior design important to them personally and professionally. They have put together a beautifully curated range of Australian and international designers for kids including books, toys, cushions, nursery décor, party ware and clothing. If you can’t visit the boutique in Mt Eliza (Vic), shop online at littlenook.com.au

Wild & Whimsical Things

Little forest friends by Hazel Village. PIC: Wild & Whimsical Things

Owned by a self-confessed day dreamer, lover of nostalgic childhood stories, crafter and collector of beautiful toys, mum Adrian encourages the toys for children to learn skills to enable them to become more confident and capable adults. Wild & Whimsical Things has selected toys “that help naturally engage children into imaginative and creative play rather than have a specific purpose built in mind”. Toys that won’t restrict a child’s imagination and allow them to play and explore freely can be found here. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter for a 15% off discount code, wildandwhimsicalthings.com.au

*MillieMummyMelbourne is a proud brand ambassador for Acorn and Bobux

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Millie – one of the luckiest one-year-olds in Melbourne – was one of the VIP guests at the City of Melbourne’s Christmas launch on Friday.

Millie was mesmerised by all the Christmas cheer in the CBD

Having Millie has renewed my love for the festive season (we escaped the ‘fuss’ back home and travelled to New York for Christmas two years ago). This year we’ve put our stockings up, bought a tree & hubby has switched on the outdoor fairy lights.

We’re reading Millie some Christmas-themed books and she now says “cinta” when she sees the bearded man in the red suit.

So you can imagine how much she loved the decorations, music and lights of the CBD at Christmas.

First stop was the Gingerbread Village by Epicure at the Melbourne Town Hall (enter corner Little Collins & Swanston streets).

The gingerbread Luna Park at the Gingerbread Village by Epicure

More than 2000 hours have been spent creating the intricate display which features Melbourne’s landmarks in gingerbread.

The detail is amazing, the smell is even better.

Millie is a spectator at a mini gingerbread MCG

Entry is via gold coin donation, with proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Australia.

The Gingerbread Village is open December 1-12, 10am-6pm and December 12-24, 10am-8.30pm.

The City Square has been transformed into Christmas Square with a magical forest, nutcracker soldiers, interactive candy canes and free photos with Santa. Santa photos are 10am-noon & 1-3pm (also 4-7pm Fridays) every day to December 24.

Get a happy snap with Santa at Christmas Square

Christmas buskers will be performing and sound and light shows are on at night, 9pm to 11pm.

The City Square has transformed into Christmas Square

Write a letter to Santa (include a stamped, self-addressed envelope) to get a reply from the big man himself. Santa’s post box is on the corner of Swanston & Collins streets until December 19.

A nativity scene blessing and a performance by the Australian Youth Choir is on at Christmas Square at 10.30am, December 3.

The Melbourne Town Hall is gift-wrapped for Christmas by day and at night becomes the backdrop for a very impressive animated projection from dusk to 11pm. Until December 25.

Toy soldiers stand guard outside the Melbourne Town Hall

The Myer Christmas Windows, Bourke St, tells the tale of Santa Claus and the Three Bears. The story and animation is on loop from 7.30am-1am until January 5.

The Myer Christmas Windows have been a delight for children for 59 years, attracting an estimated 1.2 million visitors every year

The free Santaland Express Train is on level 6 of Myer.

Crown’s Christmas Spectacular always draws a big crowd. The Atrium at Crown Towers comes to life with an animatronic, musical display every 30 minutes from 10am-midnight to Sunday, January 4.

Giant baubles pop open to reveal Santa’s friends and a 15m Christmas tree stays fully-lit 24/7.

Until December 25 Federation Square has a free snow installation called Whiteout, with huge interactive white spheres decorating the space.

Do you have a favourite family Christmas activity? Share it with us below

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I don’t plan for tomorrow to be any different to any other day. But I love the fact that the day celebrates all mums – and this year I’m one of the lucky mums who gets to give kisses and cuddles to their child and relish the chance to be appreciated and loved.

But in equal measure, I’m dreading it.

My own mum won’t be here.

Jo-Anne, Millie’s beautiful grandmother and my darling mum, died after a relatively short battle with cancer in August 2010.

Mum and mini me, 1979

She missed my wedding day and the birth of my precious baby girl. And as much as I love and enjoy Christmas, Easter and birthday celebrations, those happy events are also tinged with absolute sadness.

It’s not fair.

Mum was the kindest, most selfless and caring person I’ll ever know.

She brought up my brother and I on her own and always put her children first. She made sure we never missed out on anything, even if it meant going without herself.

She’s the one person I wish could have walked me down the aisle and been there to help welcome little Millie Jo-Anne into the world.

I’d ask mum for advice on everything – from which shoes to buy to career choices.

It’s been tough to go on with life as a wife and mother without her guiding hand. I wouldn’t second-guess some of my choices if she was here to reassure me that it’s the right thing to do.

Jodes (that was what my brother and I called her – long story) was my best friend.

I can only hope I have the same sort of relationship with Millie when she grows up.

I wish all the mums out there a very, very happy Mother’s Day but shed a tear for all those people missing their own mums, the mums missing children and the would-be mums struggling to have a baby or whose circumstances prevent them from doing so.

It’s a beautiful day but it also really, really sucks.

77 Australians lose their lives to bowel cancer every week. To donate to Bowel Cancer Australia, click here

-37.884799144.997563

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Last year, the not-for-profit kinder was able to raise enough funds to overhaul the outdoor space – turning into a unique play-based garden that blends with the surrounding natural environment. To help fund the next exciting stage of improvements, my friends at Vuly Play generously donated an Ultra Medium trampoline to the kinder, valued at more than $649.

The Ultra trampoline has been designed with advanced safety features – including a heavy-duty secured enclosure, tightly woven polyethylene net and a soft-landing mat. The trampoline has also been performance tested for safety in high-UV and wet weather conditions, making it perfect the great Australian outdoors.

Vuly Play Ultra trampoline. PIC: Vuly

This incredible trampoline was the prize in a silent auction and was delivered to a kindergarten family in time for Christmas, raising funds to support ongoing upgrades for this not-for-profit preschool.

The benefits of regular outdoor play

Vuly Play Ultra trampoline. PIC: Vuly

Regular outdoor play is proven to boost our kids’ mental and physical wellbeing, and can help create lifelong healthy habits. Families who incorporate regular outdoor play into their routine are less likely to develop lifestyle related diseases, such as obesity or diabetes. According to guidelines from the Department of Health:

• Infants (Birth to 1 year) should have supervised floor-based play every day, including at least 30 minutes of tummy time.
• Toddlers (1 to 5 years) and Pre-schoolers (3 to 5 years) should be physically active for at least 180 minutes every day. A variety of high-energy playtime activities (including running, jumping and twirling,) should be spread throughout the day.
• Children (5 to 12 years) should participate in moderate or vigorous activity for at least 60 minutes every day. (Including organised and non-organised sports, games and other outdoor activities.) Regular outdoor play allows the body to intake Vitamin D, which is essential to the process of calcium absorption and building healthier bones. Eighty per cent of Vitamin D is obtained from the sun, which means it’s important for little ones to have at least 15 minutes of sun-safe outdoor play each day.

Vitamin D also boosts the production of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin. These ‘feelgood’ hormones can decrease feelings of stress or anxiety, helping create happier and calmer young minds. Incredibly – every tissue within the body has Vitamin D receptors, including the heart, muscles and immune system – which means it’s vital for children’s development.

Outdoor play also encourages children to use their imaginations and express themselves creatively. In fact, outdoor play helps children to take risks, to develop self-awareness, and to grow an understanding of the world and their interactions with it!

*MillieMummyMelbourne gratefully accepted a Vuly Play Ultra medium trampoline to be used as the grand prize in a North Brighton Kindergarten Christmas fundraiser.

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He and his elves have been making bits and bobs for Millie over the last 12 months and storing them away ready for December 25.

All I want for Christmas is… PIC CREDIT: Invite Me, Yarraville

Well Santa, it’s finally time to deliver those pressies!

Millie will be 17 months on Christmas Day – she might not realise it’s you, Santa, who’s behind all the goodness that will be under the tree for her, but this year she can almost open her own gifts, which is a vast improvement in her capabilities since last Chrissy.

But Santa has kindly let me know what he’s leaving for our little bean and so I can share with you guys the Millie wishlist.

It might be too late to ask Santa for some of these goodies for yourselves, but savvy shoppers might be able to pick some up on special come Boxing Day. That is, if you’ve decided your mini hasn’t scored a big enough/good enough haul already.

Plui Rain Cloud bath toy from Big Dreams (Collingwood & Northcote):

Junior Girls Super Girl PJ set by Peter Alexander (gifted):

Maileg Flora Bunny (medium) from So FoFo:

Ragtales The Princess & the Pea soft storybook from Parenthood (Richmond, Malvern, Nunawading):

Plan Toys My First Camera, wooden, from Big Dreams:

Amber Nappy Cover and Julia Singlet in lemon (not shown) by Peggy:

PIC CREDIT: Peggy Clothing

Yellow & white Chevron Print Teepee by Little Totem:

PIC CREDIT: Little Totem

Suella Pink Ice Cream Cushion from Invite Me (Yarraville):

White Rain Romper by Fable Baby (Brunswick):

PIC CREDIT: Fable Baby

Kids Oxfords in Bloom by Zuzii:

PIC CREDIT: Zuzii

Wooden Soldier Skittles from Big Dreams:

Lia Liberty Romper by Pretty Wild from Big Dreams:

PIC CREDIT: Pretty Wild

Tickled Pink Socks by Hello Toes:

PIC CREDIT: Hello Toes

Duplo All-In-One Pink Box of Fun (1.5-5 years) from Child & Adult (Elsternwick):

PIC CREDIT: Lego

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night! Hope Santa brings you all you wish for xx

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Offering more than 2.5 million products, Giftorium has toys, homewares, games and puzzles, fashion and cosmetics all grouped into seven themed areas. I plan to take my list to level 6 of Myer Melbourne and tick off all my Chrissy shopping in one afternoon. I’m super confident it can be done!

Millie and I were invited to check out the one-stop Christmas shop at the VIP launch last week and were both in awe of the unique gifts for sale.

Savvy shoppers can find personalised jars of Nutella (oooh yeah), personalised Peanuts and Mr Men prints, Australia’s only Build-A-Bear shop inside a shop, monogrammed leather goods and pop-up Star Wars and Disney shops.

Myer CEO and managing director Richard Umbers said this year the Giftorium is bigger and better.

“Giftorium brings the love of shopping to life and captures the spirit if Christmas by bringing together an extensive range of Christmas gift ideas combined with the theatre and sparkle of retail,” he said.

Giftorium goodies are available both in store and online.

To keep up your shopping stamina, Brunetti has a pop-up cafe within the Myer Melbourne Giftorium (yay for quality coffee, macarons and mini gelato!).

Meanwhile, Santaland will open in Melbourne on Tuesday, November 10 to coincide with the Myer Christmas Windows unveiling, and all other downtown stores on Saturday, November 14.

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