The following post is written by Janey Lee Grace.

Credit crunch and all and I’m feeling the pinch that’s it time to buy new clothes for my little girl.  Having been a charity shop chic cheapskate mummy for many years using hand me downs for all three boys I’m now suffering a tad of guilt that my only precious female offspring, currently dressed in her brothers’ old corduroy trousers may occasionally want to experience the joys of something pink or girly.   I could of course buy something cheap from the high street but at what cost to the planet? With the three boys, when I did occasionally buy scarily expensive organic cotton kit, I later realised that those were the clothes that lasted for all three boys! So they are still OK to be worn, so long as my gal is in a tomboy mood. Somehow I fear there won’t be any more gals on the way for me, so colleagues and friends with girls a year behind Lulu, speak up now if you’d like my organic hand me downs!  We’re all aware now that seriously cheap clothing is a false economy. Really good quality fair-trade organic clothing IS worth the investment. Look at the gorgeous new range from Frugi: The spring collection is called ‘Go-Carts and Rainbows – paint the whole world’. It takes me back to the days of Space Hoppers and orange jublies (is anyone else old enough to remember those weird orange triangular lollies ? Frugi or you can call them on 01326 221930.

Also check out the wonderful ranges and goodies at Piccalilly.co.uk as well as Tatty Bumpkin www.tattybumpkinshop.co.uk. Of course, clothes swapping parties are all the rage too now so organise one with parents who have children a similar age and you could grab some wonderful freebies.

Skincare

Having sorted out their clothes, don’t forget the skincare. There are so many ranges now that it’s hard to single one out, but in a credit crunch it’s hard to beat Weleda’s Calendula protective cream for babies and adults alike. Weleda were featured in Lifecape’s recent beauty awards of course, as were several of my other favourite baby skincare ranges such as Faith in Nature, Badger Balm, and Lavera

Add to your homemade goodies some of the excellent organic products from Natural House (who do a wonderful old style Organic Soap flakes) and Homescents, (who also offer a Babyscents range which includes a 100 per cent natural multi purpose nursery cleaner)  and you’ll tick the eco box while looking after your own health and wellbeing.

The best kids’ gifts for all ages!

Seems like a while since Christmas but are you looking for a top gift?  The absolute best present I ever bought for my kids was a set of Planx,  They’re described as natural building blocks to let your imagination run wild.  We’ve all built a small tower with Jenga blocks but this is something else. It’s the only ‘toy’ that amuses all ages including adults for a good long while.   The older boys are constructing architectural impossibilities with 6 feet long marble runs while the five year old builds a pirate ship and the three year old amuses herself making a dolls’ home.  Best of all, because they’re nicely crafted bits of wood, it doesn ‘t look too terrible even when all 400 are strewn across the lounge! www.Teamlollipop.co.uk.