Let me just quickly tell you where we’re at with my two boys. Cameo is about to turn three and Marlo is 16 months old. In terms of development, they’re coming on so well. I feel like having two that are quite close together makes it so much easier. They are growing together and Marlo especially benefits from being able to watch his big brother and copy him.

We’ve mastered sleep for both of them. They both sleep for about 11 hours in their own rooms and have a nap in the day. They have very rigid routines that they’re happy with (and we are!) and it makes life so much easier. It means that they’re nice and refreshed each day, and they actually have time where they have fun together. (Because there was definitely a time when Marlo’s neediness was just getting on Cameo’s nerves!)

One way that we love to entertain the kids is with new toys. I mean, we try. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know how many we go through, and they just seem to forget about. But the ones that they never tire of playing with are the musical ones. There’s something about them they both love. If it’s a toy that sings a song, the two of them will stay there and sway side to side for us. Cameo is always sure to get everyone involved by shouting: “Mummy! Look! Dance!”

Since Cameo was very little, he’s had little drums and things to play with. Now Marlo can follow suit, he’s getting very protective over the ones that he’s decided are his. It’s a good job that Halilit was kind enough to gift us a whole orchestra, so the pair of them had things they could both play with together. We now have our own living room orchestra, with Cameo on the keys, Marlo on the shakers, and some collaboration on the percussion.

It’s a five-piece set and made for little hands – that are somehow capable of making the loudest noises! See the full set here, available at John Lewis. Honestly, it’s such a great Christmas present idea for those stuck for ideas for toddlers. It’s especially good if you’re gifting for more than one, as they can both get involved. It’s great value for money.

I know you’re intrigued, so the team have created a fab video of lot’s of little ones playing with the set and it’s like their very own #AWFactor! You can also catch the video on Halilit’s Facebook to see both Cameo and Marlo showing off their musical skills.

 

If you’re interested in more cool gift ideas for young kids, check Halilit on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter too.