What do kids ask Santa for? How to get ready for the big question
On a Santa phone call, Santa asks what they would like for Christmas and waits for the answer. Here is how to help them get ready, and what to do with what they say.
· 2 minute read
Articles
Christmas ideas for the whole family
Santa calls, gift ideas, ranked lists, decorations to make and traditions to start. New articles are added through December.
Santa calls
A call from Santa or a letter from Santa: which is right for your child?
Letters, emails and phone calls each do something different. A plain guide to choosing, by age, by budget and by how much magic you want on the night.
· 2 minute read
Is there a phone number for Santa in New Zealand?
Parents search for a number their kids can ring. Here is why a call that comes to you works better, and how to set one up.
· 2 minute read
Seven ways to make a Santa call a moment they remember
Small things that turn a one-minute call into the story your family tells every December.
· 1 minute read
What is the right age for a call from Santa?
From toddlers to ten-year-olds who are starting to wonder: what to expect at each age, and how to set it up.
· 2 minute read
Santa and Christmas ideas
How to help your child write a letter to Santa
Simple tips for helping a child write to Santa: what to include, how to start, and how to keep the list short enough to actually read.
· 1 minute read
Christmas Eve in New Zealand: ten small traditions for a summer night
It is light until nine and nobody is cold. Ideas for a summer Christmas Eve, from the beach to the phone call before bed.
· 2 minute read
Reindeer names and stories for Christmas Eve
Ideas for telling the reindeer stories children love, with ways to help them remember every name on the night.
· 1 minute read
Elves and a workshop: easy ideas to bring Santa's helpers to your home
Simple ways to make elf magic in December, from tiny notes and footprints to a pretend workshop the kids can help build.
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Milk and cookies for Santa: what to leave out and what the children can make
A simple guide to the Santa snack tradition, with ideas for treats, what to leave for the reindeer and how to let the children help.
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How to follow Santa on Christmas Eve without a screen
Low-tech ways to make the Christmas Eve journey feel real for children: a map, a bell, a countdown and a few simple clues.
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Keeping the Santa magic alive for older children
How to keep the magic alive for children aged nine to twelve who are beginning to wonder, without tricking them or spoiling the fun.
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Christmas countdown ideas for every day of December
Simple family countdown ideas for December: a paper chain, a jar of activities and a few small surprises to make each day feel special.
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Christmas Eve box ideas: what to pack for the night before
A practical guide to a Christmas Eve box: pyjamas, a book, a small treat and a few ideas to keep children calm until Christmas morning.
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Christmas baking ideas for a summer Christmas in New Zealand
Baking ideas for a New Zealand Christmas, from pavlova and mince pies to easy biscuits the kids can help decorate.
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Christmas light trail ideas for a family evening out
How to plan a family Christmas light trail: where to look, how to keep children interested and a few ideas for a hot-chocolate stop.
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A backyard Christmas picnic: ideas for a sunny New Zealand afternoon
Picnic ideas for a summer Christmas in New Zealand: simple food, shade, games and a plan for the kids to keep busy.
· 1 minute read
Christmas movie night ideas for children of every age
How to plan a family Christmas movie night, with ways to choose a film, make it cosy and keep younger children awake to the end.
· 1 minute read
Gift ideas
Christmas gift ideas for toddlers: safe, simple and loved
Gift ideas for toddlers under three: safe, sturdy toys, books and simple games that children play with again and again.
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Christmas gift ideas for children aged five to eight
Gift ideas for five to eight year olds: craft kits, building sets, science toys and books that keep young minds busy after Christmas lunch.
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Christmas gift ideas for tweens: ten to twelve year olds
Christmas gift ideas for children aged ten to twelve: hobbies, books, sporting gear and experiences that feel grown-up without being too much.
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Christmas gift ideas for teenagers they will actually use
Gift ideas for teenagers: tech accessories, music, sport, a favourite brand and a few experiences that suit a young person's own style.
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Last-minute Christmas gift ideas you can buy in New Zealand
Last-minute gift ideas for New Zealand shoppers: local food, books, experiences and gift cards that can be sorted in a single afternoon.
· 1 minute read
Ranked lists
Top 8 gifts for kids, ranked: what children play with longest
A ranked list of eight gifts that children tend to play with longest, from building sets and art kits to books and outdoor toys.
· 1 minute read
Top 8 gifts for parents, ranked: what busy grown-ups actually want
A ranked list of eight gifts for parents, from a night off and a good coffee to a comfy jumper and a short course.
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Top 8 gifts for grandparents, ranked: what gets used most
A ranked list of eight gifts for grandparents: photo books, warm blankets, gentle games and visits that get used and remembered.
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Top 8 stocking fillers, ranked: small gifts that feel big on Christmas morning
A ranked list of eight stocking fillers for children and adults, from chocolate and pencils to bath bombs and a small surprise.
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Top 8 most needed Christmas decorations, ranked
A ranked list of the eight Christmas decorations most families need: lights, a tree, wreaths, garlands and a few simple extras.
· 1 minute read
Top 8 outdoor Christmas decorations, ranked for NZ gardens
A ranked list of eight outdoor Christmas decorations for a New Zealand home, from solar lights and a door wreath to a glowing tree and a few ideas that stay put in the weather.
· 1 minute read
Top 8 Christmas decorations for a small home, ranked
A ranked list of eight Christmas decorations that suit small homes, flats and units, with ideas that take up little space and pack away easily.
· 1 minute read
Top 8 Christmas decorations kids can make, ranked by fun
A ranked list of eight Christmas decorations children can help make and hang, from paper chains and salt dough to a handmade star.
· 1 minute read
DIY decorations
DIY paper star decorations: a simple project for a rainy afternoon
How to make paper star decorations at home: the folding method, a few colour ideas and a way to hang them for a bright window display.
· 1 minute read
DIY pinecone decorations for the tree, the table or the door
How to make pinecone decorations at home: cleaning, painting and hanging them, with ideas for glitter, gold and natural finishes.
· 1 minute read
DIY wreath from branches and ribbon for the front door
How to make a simple wreath from branches and ribbon: a frame, a few greenery choices and a way to hang it so it lasts through a summer wind.
· 1 minute read
DIY salt dough ornaments that children can make and paint
How to make salt dough ornaments at home: the simple recipe, shaping and baking tips, and painting ideas children enjoy.
· 1 minute read
DIY Christmas garland from recycled materials
How to make a Christmas garland from recycled materials such as paper, card and old greenery, with ideas for kids to join in.
· 1 minute read
Family traditions
Family tradition ideas: an advent activity for every day of December
Family tradition ideas for December: a simple advent calendar of activities for children, from baking and carols to a night walk and a letter.
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Family tradition: Christmas Eve pyjamas, a book and a cosy night in
A family tradition for Christmas Eve: matching pyjamas, a shared book and a cosy night in, with ideas for keeping children calm and happy.
· 1 minute read
Family tradition: a special Christmas morning breakfast
A family tradition for Christmas morning: a special breakfast, a favourite drink and a short family moment before the presents.
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Family tradition: a gratitude jar to fill through December
A family tradition for December: a gratitude jar that children fill with notes about the year, with ideas for making it a Christmas Day moment.
· 1 minute read
Family tradition: a kindness countdown for the whole month
A family tradition for December: a kindness countdown with a small act each day, from baking for a neighbour to a donation to a local food bank.
· 1 minute read
Santa is ready when you are
Two minutes to book, and the phone can ring tonight.