I’m not sure if it’s always been the case but it seems to me as if there’s been a trend in the last few years to purchase a special outfit for the kids to wear on Christmas Day. Perhaps it’s me, perhaps for many of you this is simply another festive tradition and all part and parcel of the fun and games of Christmas itself. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on the matter…
That’s not to say we didn’t don our glad rags for Christmas dinner when we were small; if we were the lucky recipients of new clothes on December 25th then you can bet your bottom dollar that we wore them otherwise we rifled through the depths of our existing wardrobe to wear our party dresses instead.
It made sense then to share a post with you all on prospective Christmas outfits; apologies in advance to those of you with wee babes or older children as this post focuses on sartorial get-ups for toddlers only (although some of the choices do come in bigger and smaller sizes too).
John Lewis
Let’s start with good ol’ John Lewis eh?
I couldn’t not share these pyjamas…slightly premature of me I’m sure since Lottie will be sharing a post very soon dedicated to all things nightwear. This pyjama set is colourfully decorated with a Christmas tree using applique and embroidery including baubles, snowmen and reindeer motifs. Amazing, right??
And for those of you looking for a Christmas jumper that goes beyond…well Christmas…then I think you might like this blue knitted reindeer design. The print continues on both the front and the back, with ribbed cuffs and hem.
Zara
Zara are nailing it particularly with their girls’ party wear collection this season and honestly if I had a girl I’d be bankrupt with the amount of frocks I would have bought from their party wear section and also their Winter campaign too. Incidentally Hector owns most of the boyswear so I can’t say I’m faring much better. Anyway I digress.
My heart swooned over this blush tulle number particularly though which has embroidered sparkles ALL over it. Pair with cherry red patent boots for a edgier look or the sweetest golden pumps to channel the sugar plum fairy. Stock was running low in this design with only sizes 2-3 and 3-4 left when I last looked but the waistband is elasticated so I guess you could put a smaller tot in the skirt and probably get away with it.
Whilst I think Hector is a bit on the young side for a full suit get-up I do like this velveteen blazer with lapel collar. The jacket fastens with buttons and has false front pockets and is lined inside. Perfect for snuggling up next too.
Mamas And Papas
Call me old fashioned but I do love a smocked dress and this one from Mamas & Papas is simply dreamy. Designed in baby soft pink, this classic French knot detail smock dress is perfect for the party season. Pair with woollen tights, a cardigan and ballet pumps for a Princess Charlotte copycat look. Plus it’s currently in the sale too!
H&M
If you’re looking for super fun t-shirts for the run up to the big day which nod to the season then you can’t go far wrong than with this magic t-shirt or this ‘most wonderful time of the year‘ design both of which are available to purchase from H&M.
If your girly wants to sparkle though then I love this sequinned dress which is available in sizes up to ten years and in pink and gold as well as white and gold to boot! Made from sequined tulle with concealed press-studs at the back and a flared, tulle-lined skirt for maximum twirling.
Boden
After Boden’s recent 30% off extravaganza for Black Friday/Cyber Monday, there’s not a huge amount of styles that have multiple sizes left; pillaged springs to mind!
That said you can’t go wrong with a Christmas jumper or two. This Christmas jumper is in the girls’ section but I see no reason why boys couldn’t wear it too. Complete with Christmas trees and pompoms, the super cute knit is made from a soft cotton blend to keep you cosy through all twelve days of Christmas.
For the penguin lovers out there then this grey marl number is bound to set hearts racing. This design has long stripy sleeves and sweet 3D detailing to delight curious tiny fingers.
Petit Bateau
When Hector was smaller I used to adore popping over to the Petit Bateau website and perusing all their amazing clothes…although I think they’ve gone off the boil lately with their toddler boy offerings. That said this velour dress caught my eye. Available in sizes from 3 months to 3 years, this long-sleeved dress is made from cotton and modal velour and has a Peter Pan collar and a pretty bow at the waist. Cute!
Marks & Spencer
It was naughty naughty Lottie that told me about the new collection at Marks & Spencer designed by Marie Chantal. Dirty enabling in action right there. I promptly bought Hector this shirt complete with its sweet rounded collar and micro check pattern. Available in sizes up to five years.
My heart definitely pounded a little faster though when I clapped eyes on this luxurious silk velvet party dress. I think it’s the decadent candy pink colour – not something I’d usually go for – but I couldn’t resist especially when I spied the red clashing ribbon. Definitely one to pair with boots though to prevent going too far over to the saccharine side.
The White Company
I really rate The White Company kids’ clothes. I think the quality is superb and they always wash really well – well in my humble opinion. I know Hector would adore this Reindeer jumper (he’s currently going through a phase of loving cars/trucks/animals on his clothing) so this knit would be right up his street. The bold bottle-green trims on the ribbed cuffs and hem and the 3D pom-pom nose make this jumper stand out for me. Available in sizes up to 6 years.
I’ll finish then with this epic layered tutu in the softest dove-grey hue. With not one, not two but three layers of tulle there’s serious twirling potential. Sequins along the hem finish the look perfectly.
So that’s it. My round-up for toddler party outfits…have any of you purchased anything for your littles to wear on the day or will they actually perhaps more realistically be sporting their spiderman outfit instead? Hector isn’t quite at this stage yet but I know that it won’t be long until he’s demanding to spend all of his time dressed as a dinosaur/action hero or even Duggee….Kids eh?
Morning! I don’t remember having Christmas outfits or new pjs as a child, but do remember being stuffed into a party dress to go to Grandma’s on Boxing Day… I was not that kind of little girl!
But I have bought Silvia the most adorable little pinafore dress from Boden. It’s red with polar bears and bunnies and snow. She can wear it to our village Carol service and then to her Nannie and Grandas house. She’s too little to kick up a stink this year so I’m taking advantage.
Take advantage as much as you can Lucy! I’m already seeing trouble on the horizon when he chooses socks that clash with the rest of his outfit..minor things eh and I suppose I should be celebrating his individuality! The Boden frock sounds adorable!!
I so wanted this pinafore for Alice. I love it. xx
Ahhhh a Lolly fashion post. Now I have my own boy to dress (yup, I have to find two non appliquéd options and one of each sex) I’m struggling even more.
I was disappointed with Zara girls to be honest (we aren’t in their boys stuff yet). Saw their stuff in store and it’s just impractical. Doesn’t look like it will wash well and the velvet collars on a lot of the girls wear whilst cute from a distance had pulled stitching and looked cheap.
My new discovery for classic boywear is Mamas and Papas. I had vouchers for TWO YEARS sitting around because their girls wear is so dire and either overpriced and impractical or cheap feeling but basically bought the entire store this week for boys. Fantastic quality. Fantastic price. Too many links to post!
I’m loving M & S autobiograph for baby boys too. They have a gorgeous striped romper for £14. Enabling alert
Biggest win for me has been Next. Yes they have SO MUCH STUFF and some appliqué to wade past but there are some lovely pieces amongst the chuff. Knitwear for boys particularly. Winning.
Christmas Day we have matching PJs (nightmare to find in babygro and toddler pjs except EBAY) and matching red Boden jumpers. Hers with a navy cord skirt from JoJo (15% off Code on Mumsnet) and his with woollen looking trousers from Next (£6).
My work here is done.
Rebecca your comment made me laugh! I shall I have to take a gander at the Mamas & Papas boys wear Rebecca. Saying that yesterday I did spot a pair of red flannelette checked PJs that I know Hector would look fab in for Christmas day…and they’re in the sale too so I might just buy them….Slightly envious that you have all the vouchers!
I never seem to find anything I like in Next…perhaps I need to take a closer look. And I LOVE the idea of your two in matching Jumpers; totally stealing that for when I have two xxx
I now feel I need matching jumpers for us all. Off to peruse the shops…..
Autograph is the one place the boys stuff is really lovely. John Lewis is pretty good for basics – cords etc. Comes up big though.
Monsoon boys is nice – not cheap though but classic and fun. We haven’t got a Christmas jumper but my boy will be wearing a jumper with a giraffe in a bow tie with a Union Jack to the back of the jumper! Sounds odd but is lush. That was a gift from there.
Not always keen on next – hit and miss – sometimes amazing. Their summer stuff this year was perfect but I’ve not liked their Autumn stuff. H&M has some nice odd bits – not always amazing quality but their vests are good.
Why do shops always have more girls than boys stuff when it’s roughly 50:50 population?!!!
PJs – Tobias and the Bear have just announced they now do adult versions in addition to childrens – lots of leggings and matching babygrows too. Not Christmas themed (there are some stag leggings but not in the adult version yet) but sharing in case of interest! I’m sure by next year there will be many more options. Loving your red jumper idea!!
Haha Rebecca I thought about you the other week (random I know!) as I purchased a baby boys appliqué top from Boden for a gift for someone!!
I have to agree on the Next front -some of the boys stuff is super cute (I have a girl and always have a nosey) and they have a cute Christmas jumper with reindeer on in cream and blue that I am going to get her -I am infuriated by the amount of pink on the majority of girls Christmas jumpers…..gaaahhhh!!! (I also got her one from the boys section of M&S!)
I find the Next girls stuff very hit and miss…..mainly miss if I’m being honest….
The kids are sorted for Christmas day pj’s and outfits but I need a sparkling Christmas day outfit that I can breastfeed in please if you could find some beautiful outfit options?! Thanks in advance!
Did you see Lottie’s mums’ fashion post the other day? Here’s the link in case you missed it…http://rockmyfamily.wpengine.com/christmas-fashion-mums/
I’ve tried on numerous occasions to get the M&S reindeer jumper. It is always sold out in our size. It’s just too cute!