How Time Flies - 3 Years On and Gifting has never been so easy.

How Time Flies - 3 Years On and Gifting has never been so easy.

It's been almost three years since we first launched Ooh-Box and it has certainly been a "journey".  In truth, if someone asked me would I do it now - I think I would probably say "No"! but so much time and love and energy has been invested and it's been slow - but then Rome wasn't built in a day!
Why educational toys are not boring! Toddler Gifts to Educate and Inspire

Why educational toys are not boring! Toddler Gifts to Educate and Inspire

Over the years the research into early years learning and development has changed so much.  From what I was shown when my two were born almost 30 years ago, to a whole new learning for my grandchildren.  It's quite scary when what you thought you knew no longer applies.
The Gift of a New Baby.  Top Tips to Surviving the Early Days of Parenthood.

The Gift of a New Baby. Top Tips to Surviving the Early Days of Parenthood.

Ah, parenthood—the most exhilarating rollercoaster ride you never bought tickets for! The early days of parenting are like stepping into a surreal Wonderland where the Cheshire Cat grins knowingly, and the Mad Hatter serves up sleepless nights with a side of baby sick! But fear not for on this wild, wonderful and mind meltingly exhausting adventure, we shall uncover the secrets to surviving the early days of parenthood with style and grace.
Back to School – A Gift for Kids and Parents

Back to School – A Gift for Kids and Parents

As the summer sun begins to wane, the excitement of a new school year is on the horizon. The return to school brings with it a sense of normalcy, routine, and a plethora of benefits that extend beyond the classroom. In the United Kingdom, the annual ritual of kids going back to school is a time that holds a variety of perks for both parents and children alike.

**1. ** Structured Routine:

After the long summer break, children thrive on structure and routine. Going back to school provides them with a predictable schedule that helps in setting their biological clock right. A structured routine aids in better time management, ensuring kids get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and engage in extracurricular activities effectively.

**2. ** Social Interaction:

School is not just a place for learning; it's a hub for social interaction. After weeks of the inevitable bad weather and hours indoors, returning to school means reuniting with friends, making new acquaintances, and engaging in face-to-face conversations. Social interactions at school contribute significantly to a child's emotional and social development.

**3. ** Learning Opportunities:

Of course. education is at the heart of school, and the classroom provides an environment conducive to learning. Kids have access to teachers who are trained to impart knowledge effectively. From science experiments to art projects, school is a treasure trove of hands-on learning experiences that cannot be replicated at home.

**4. ** Skill Development:

Beyond academic subjects, school is a place where kids learn essential life skills. Teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and time management are all skills that are honed through interactions with peers and participation in group activities.

**5. ** Extracurricular Activities:

Schools offer a wide array of extracurricular activities, from sports to clubs and arts programs. These activities enable children to explore their interests and passions outside the classroom. Whether it's joining the football team, participating in a choir, or learning to play a musical instrument, these activities add depth to a child's overall development.

**6. ** Sense of Normalcy:

The return to school signifies a return to a sense of normalcy. A familiar routine, friendships, and the buzz of a school environment all contribute to a feeling of stability and reassurance for both kids and parents.

**7. ** Parental Relief:

The summer break often poses a challenge for working parents in terms of childcare arrangements. With kids back in school, parents regain the ability to focus on their professional commitments without worrying about entertaining and supervising their children throughout the day.

**8. ** Physical Activity:

Schools encourage physical activity through PE classes, outdoor play, and sports activities. These opportunities for movement and exercise are crucial for a child's physical health and overall well-being.

**9. ** Mental Stimulation:

The school environment stimulates a child's mind through exposure to new ideas, subjects, and challenges. Engaging in classroom discussions, reading assignments, and critical thinking exercises keeps their cognitive skills sharp and their curiosity alive.

**10. ** Sense of Achievement:

School provides a platform for children to achieve milestones, both big and small. From spelling tests to performing in a school play, these accomplishments boost a child's self-esteem and help them build a sense of competence and confidence.

In conclusion, the return to school offers a multitude of perks that extend beyond textbooks and classrooms. From structured routines and social interactions to skill development and a sense of normalcy, the benefits of kids going back to school are far-reaching. As parents prepare their children for another year of learning and growth, they can rest assured that the school environment holds the key to the holistic development of their young ones.

With student gift sets available in our online shop as well as eco friendly notebooks and travel cups we have gifts for students young and old

Pre-School?

Fear not, we have educational gifts for little ones including musical instruments and reading and puppet gift sets designed to engage, entertain and educate even the youngest minds.

Storytime and Making music are proven ways to stimulate creativity, imagination and language in pre-school children.  The more we invest in their development the more fun we have together.

 

 

Secret Santa Gift Ideas for Big Families

Secret Santa Gift Ideas for Big Families

Instead of buying a gift for everyone, you draw a name out of a hat, and keeping it to yourself, you only buy for that one person.  On Christmas Day, all the Christmas presents go under the tree, and the recipients can try and guess who their ‘Secret Santa’ is.

The aim is to choose a budget that you can comfortably save up for without breaking the bank – you don’t want to be worrying about January, but you do want to make sure you’ve got your person a thoughtful enough gift.  It’s their only one, remember!

Reading to Children:  Why It’s So Important and How Ooh Can Help

Reading to Children: Why It’s So Important and How Ooh Can Help

Reading is pretty much established as an amazing thing you can do for your pre-schoolers to get them learning language ready for school, but don’t underestimate the fun you can have with younger children and books!
Parenting in the 21st Century - Check out our handy hints.

Parenting in the 21st Century - Check out our handy hints.

There are loads of parenting schools of thought that claim to tackle these modern issues, and we at OohBox thought it would be a great idea to mention a few of them here, to hopefully help childhood go a little bit smoother for you and your little ones.
Entertaining Toddlers? All the Ideas You Need

Entertaining Toddlers? All the Ideas You Need

If you’re stumped for ideas for what to do with your kids at home, the main thing is to not worry.  Children are resourceful, and as long as their imagination is fuelled, the possibilities are endless.  Read on for a few easy to achieve activities in the home.
Springtime Babies: What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Springtime Baby

Springtime Babies: What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Springtime Baby

If you or your loved one is expecting their baby between March and June, then you or they are in luck!  Babies conceived in Summer, and therefore born in Spring, are much more likely to have a better birth weight than their baby friends born in other seasons.