Harry Potter Book Week Costumes, 2019

| Kidding Around Australia
This post is sponsored by Spotlight Stores

Each year across Australia, the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) brings children and books together by celebrating Book Week. If you have been following for a while you will know that we LOVE to dress up and Book Week is one of our favourite annual events.

Book Week, 2016
Book Week, 2017
Book Week, 2018

Every year, we’ve headed into Spotlight to pick up supplies (yarn, pom poms, ready made costumes, face paint, ribbon – you name it, we’ve bought it!) and, no, they are not paying me to say this we are just happy customers*!

Spotlight is the exclusive costume partner of CBCA, so to get prepared we headed into our nearest Spotlight Store and there was no surprise that it was Harry Potter all the way for Alegría and Isaac!

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Harry Potter Costumes continue to dominate with the range expanding to various Hogwarts house items. This year the Invisibility Cloak is the big hitter, as well as new Quidditch team costume sets. We were also told by the team at Spotlight that “career” costumes such as Astronauts and Doctors were showing early signs of being popular due to this year’s theme of Reading is My Secret Power.

To get inspired for Book Week, head to your nearest Spotlight store to pick up your DIY or ready-to-wear CBCA Book Week costumes. There is something for everyone!

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MORE INFORMATION

Website: www.spotlightstores.com

*We were sent a gift card from Spotlight to purchase the children’s costumes for Book Week this year. In previous years we have used our own money. Our opinions are our own and honest.

Please note all details quoted are correct at the time of publishing. All details are subject to change without notice and Kidding Around Australia takes no responsibility for information contained in this post. Please check the appropriate website to ensure that information is still correct and current.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES ON THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA WEBSITE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA AUTHORS. ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT AND CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Australia – Giveaway

| Kidding Around Australia

Charlie

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Australia opens its factory doors in Melbourne on Friday 9 August and we are giving away $480 worth of golden tickets!

Experience the wonders of Wonka and get ready for the Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, costumes, sets and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper!

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WIN 4 x tickets to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Tuesday 13th August at 7pm at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne valued at $480.

TO ENTER: Simply fill out the form below!

Entries close midnight Sunday 28 July 2019. Good luck!

* This competition is being run on the Kidding Around Australia website, Facebook and Instagram pages and the winner will be selected from all eligible entries across those platforms and contacted via email.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
OPEN TO RESIDENTS OF VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA ONLY. BY ENTERING THIS COMPETITION, YOU AGREE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA MAILING LIST, IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SUBSCRIBED. YOUR PRIVACY IS PROTECTED AND YOU CAN UNSUBSCRIBE AT ANY TIME.
BY ENTERING THIS COMPETITION, YOU ARE ALSO AGREEING TO ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
THIS IS A GAME OF SKILL NOT A GAME OF CHANCE. ENTRIES NOT FILLING IN ALL THE REQUIRED FIELDS AND ANSWERING THE QUESTION WILL BE DEEMED INVALID. THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY ORIGINALITY AND CREATIVE MERIT, BY A NON INVOLVED PARTY. THE JUDGE’S DECISION IS FINAL AND NO CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE ENTERED INTO.
ENTRIES CLOSE 28 July 2019 AT MIDNIGHT AEST. THE WINNER WILL BE CONTACTED VIA EMAIL. 
ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD. PRIZES ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE, CHANGEABLE OR REDEEMABLE FOR CASH. KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOSS, INJURY OR DAMAGE THAT OCCURS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PRIZE OR THE WINNER’S PARTICIPATION IN THE PROMOTION.

Girl Guides Australia’s Annual Biscuit Drive 2019

| Kidding Around Australia
This post is sponsored by Girl Guides Australia

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When I was younger, I desperately wanted to join the Girl Guides. Friends of our family had children that had joined and always had such amazing stories about their adventures. I was so jealous, however due to living in a rural area, we didn’t have any associations close by so I had to live vicariously through my friends. Looking back, not only were my friends having fun, they were also learning business skills by selling biscuits to raise funds for their activities.

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Girl Guides Australia’s much-loved annual Biscuit Drive is taking place in May this year,
when thousands of girls will set up biscuit stalls to fundraise for their Guiding activities and we as a community can support them in any way we can.

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Having a daughter of my own, it makes me so happy that Girl Guides Australia exists to
foster our future leaders by giving girls a chance to fund programs and activities that
empower girls, develop leadership and valuable life skills, boost confidence, financial
literacy, awareness against body image stereotypes and gender-based violence to help girls reach their full potential in life.

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This year’s Girl Guides campaign is about “More Than A Biscuit”, it’s a celebration of the diversity, confidence, empowerment and friendship of Girl Guides, and is a chance to recognise the important role the broader community plays in supporting Girl Guides and their activities.

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This is where you and I come in.

If you would like to support the Girl Guides, please reach out to young girls in your
community. Girl Guides Biscuits can be purchased through your local Girl Guides Units and from State offices while stocks last.

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The range includes the flagship traditional vanilla biscuit, buttery shortbread (gluten-free), and the bite-sized mini chocolate chip biscuit with real chocolate.

For more information, visit https://www.girlguidebiscuits.com.au/shop-now/

#MoreThanABiscuit #girlguidesaustralia #girlguides

 

Don’t Mess With The Dummies – MICF 2019

| Kidding Around Australia

“Don’t Mess With The Dummies” is the latest comedic offering from the award-winning Dummies Corp! We loved “Splash Test Dummies” last year so we were very excited to visit the Famous Spiegeltent during 2019 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

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The show features an all-female circus troupe, where Ellen Henry, Maya Tregonning and Shona Conacher take centre stage with an endearing blend of circus, comedy and loveable antics.

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As silly as they are strong, we were entertained as we were taken on a camping adventure with these three daring and dynamic Dummies!

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The show is full of slapstick and physical comedy – it seems there is nothing as funny as a bum in the face, which had the young audience in fits of laughter! Admittedly, the adults were laughing too! Trust us, you haven’t seen anything until you have seen “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” sung by sleeping bags!

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Don’t Mess With The Dummies runs for 60 minutes and is showing at the Famous Spiegeltent at the Arts Centre Melbourne until April 21.

Tickets are available at www.comedyfestival.com.au

Don't Mess with the Dummies Production Images - Ben Weinstein Photography6

Immunity Support with Sambucol

| Kidding Around Australia
THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY SAMBUCOL

It’s quite ironic that as I sit down to write this post, my muscles are aching and I have a
barking cough. I was just commenting (read, gloating) last week that I managed to avoid the illness that plagued Tim, Alegria and Isaac on our trip to Malaysia and Singapore in January.

I couldn’t quite believe it actually, because generally it is me who gets sick and has the
terrible immune system and the others go about their lives without so much as a sniffle.

Well, I spoke too soon and now I have it!

Not great timing considering the kids are back to the “germ factory” that is school and I am up to my eyeballs with work for our newest venture, The Bush Bus.

This year, I have decided that I need to work on my immunity because it really is terrible. I had glandular fever as a teenager that had a real impact on me, I taught swimming to kids and was ALWAYS sick (I guess that comes with the territory when they cough in your face all the time), then I had a few good years before I had my own children so again I caught everything they did and often my symptoms were worse than theirs.

In September 2017, I got Influenza A. It was the year that over 100 people died from it and I remember reading about the mother who had her baby whilst affected and didn’t get to see her newborn for months. Thankfully she pulled through, many didn’t.

I have never felt so sick in my life. Now when people who have never had the flu say “I’m so sick, I have the flu” when it’s just a cold I want to shake them and scream “YOU HAVE NO IDEA”!!I was put into “quarantine”at our house and the kids weren’t allowed in my room without us all wearing a mask. They had to stay away from me so they could only come to the foot of the bed. There were no cuddles. Isaac was 4 and Alegria 7 and they couldn’t touch their mum. It was horrible to be asked every day “Mumma are you better? Can I have a snuggle?” and to have to answer “no”. My heart breaks for all those parents and kids out there that live this daily, we were lucky that it only lasted a few weeks.

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I don’t want to have another year of sickness for our family so I need to take some steps to improve everyone’s immune systems.

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Sambucol Kids Immunity Gummies are a great way to support your children’s immune
system all year round, with each bottle containing 50 tasty immune support gummies. Their formulation contains Elderberry, Vitamin C and Zinc which can help support the immune system and provide antioxidants to reduce free radicals formed in the body. Please note, it can’t be used for children with asthma or allergies due to the bee products also contained in the gummies (be mindful of this, I know I need to be as Alegria has asthma).

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Whenever I talk about products such as these, I need to put a legal notice in. Please ALWAYS READ THE LABEL; FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE; IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, TALK TO YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL; THIS MEDICINE MAY NOT BE RIGHT FOR YOU. READ THE LABEL BEFORE PURCHASE.

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I’d love to read in the comments how you supported your family’s immune systems. Was it a change in diet or more sleep? Did you use essential oils or try supplements? Have you used Sambucol before? Would you recommend them?

I wish you good health in 2019! – Georgina

#sambucol #healthykids #feelbetterfaster

Smash Back-To-School, 2019 is available at Spotlight Stores!

| Kidding Around Australia

Happy New Year!

We are happily enjoying the school holidays and whilst I am enjoying not making school lunches at the moment, I know my carefree days are numbered so I thought I’d get prepared!

We like to start the new year with a new lunch box, so we ordered a Smash Nude Food Movers set in Live Free and Boy Tech for Alegria and our little soon-to-be big school student Isaac from Spotlight!

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For our back-to-school packs we selected a Bento Switch Up, glow in the dark drink bottle, double snack tubes and a light lunch bag.

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The Bento Switch Up fits perfectly into the light lunch bag and the double snack tubes have a new flatter lid design to fit more into your lunch box!

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The kids love the new designs, and have already declared that the glow in the dark drink bottles are their “bedtime drink bottles” so it was lucky that I ordered a sports chiller as well for school! The glow in the dark drink bottles keep their glow all night – perfect for these hot nights.

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I’m so thankful that job number one for back-to-school is done and dusted, but if you will excuse me, I need to fire up the label maker … Oh, and any and all menu ideas are welcome!

MORE INFORMATION

The Smash Live Free and Boy Tech range is available at Spotlight from 1st January 2019, available only while stocks last.

BOY TECH – www.spotlightstores.com

LIVE FREE – www.spotlightstores.com

SMASH ENTERPRISES – www.smashenterprises.com.au

 

 

BRICKMAN AWESOME – Review

| Kidding Around Australia

BRICKMAN AWESOME – Ryan ‘The Brickman’ McNaught’s latest exhibition

WRITTEN BY GRIFFIN, 15 years.

Brickman 1

If you traveled to see Brickman Awesome by car, please enter through the the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre parking area on Grey St,  go to carpark 3, and catch the lift up to the Exhibition Hall 3. Please be aware that the sessions are booked by the hour, so leave plenty of time.

A friendly Brickman assistant greets you at the door to the Brickman Awesome exhibit, and will take your ticket and give you a business card that prompts you to find the all special figures that have been hidden throughout the whole exhibition, so that you have a chance to win some of best construction toy sets in the world- LEGO®!
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Upon entry you are greeted by a very familiar word to any true LEGO® fan- ‘Awesome’ – because everything to do with LEGO®, is Awesome!
Turning to the left at the entry, you have tables on both side of a very wide isle, with very iconic and creative LEGO® builds, that you are allowed to touch. The isles through the whole exhibit are very wide, so there plenty of room for the foot traffic, as well as parents with prams, and anyone in a wheelchair.
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At the end of the isle you see a large build that is a must for anyone who loves aquatic mammals. Just past that on the left was an iconic Australian arachnid, and the sheer size made my mother cringe slightly, but also marvel at the beauty and the detail of the build against a beautiful background.
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Around to the right was the most amazing build, that is clearly to honour the sponsor of this awesome event – Toyota. Let me say that this build had young and old marvelling over it, more photos where taken of this model than any other whole I was there, because the attention to detail is outstanding and the models appeal is for all ages.
As you walk around the exhibit, please don’t forget to look up, because there are a few gems up high out of eye level that you definitely don’t want to miss! Not to far away from the Toyota display, anyone can help join in an attempt to build the largest LEGO® snake, using your best creative patterns to create a small design to add to the wall, and parents found this a great photo opportunity that shows their child’s personal creativity and it really helped them feel a part of the display.
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There are 2 other opportunities for the kids to build with LEGO® bricks throughout the exhibit. One is for lovers of cute black and white animals that live in the snow. The second is for the kids that are interested in earthmoving, and they will find an amazing build by Ryan, the Brickman, that is just pure inspiration for their personal builds in this area. There are nods to Movie and TV series throughout the exhibit, and the level of detail on these builds is amazing! There are also iconic famous European and USA landmarks and a large scale ride. But I think the ultimate build is at the end of the exhibit, it towers above you and blasts off with light and sounds regularly.
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I personally went back through the display several times, because you don’t feel rushed at all, and I really wanted to take in the scale of all of these amazing builds by Ryan McNaught. As you leave Brickman Awesome there is a LEGO® store filled with every LEGO® set that you could dream of purchasing after being inspired by the models inside, as well as bulk tubs of bricks for the creative builder. The store also has everything from souvenir T-shirt’s and caps, right through to torch key rings.
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Don’t worry about trying to find the parking pay station, because you can conveniently pay with a your personal bankcard on the way out just before you leave though the boom gates in to Grey Street, Southbank.

MORE INFORMATION

Venue: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dates: 1-22 December 2018
#brickmanawesome

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY – OVER $1000 WORTH OF PRIZES

| Kidding Around Australia

CHRISTMAS MEGA GIVEAWAY (1)

‘Tis The Season! Your chance to win one of the following prizes could not be easier! Simply chose which prize you’d like to win, fill in the competition form and you’re in the draw.

RYOBI Drill Kit (Valued at $199)

drill

Get the ultimate combination of power, convenience and versatility with the 18V ONE+ drill driver kit from RYOBI. This comes with a high-capacity 5.0Ah battery, and a nylon bag for easy and safe storage and transportation.

More information can be found HERE.

All RYOBI products can be found exclusively at www.bunnings.com.au

LEGENDS IN CONCERT DOUBLE PASS (Valued at $179.80)

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Legends in Concert is once again heading to The Palms at Crown from the 10th-27th January, 2019 and this year’s line-up was specifically chosen based on Melbourne fans requests! We have a double pass for Thursday 10th January, 7.30pm performance to give away.

You will hear many of the legendary songs you know and love, sung with pitch perfect live vocals as the tribute artists portray Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer, Cyndi Lauper and Kenny Rogers and returning by popular demand, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.

More information can be found HERE.

THE ILLUSIONISTS DOUBLE PASS (Valued at $178)

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The world’s biggest selling magic show returns to Melbourne with their spectacular new production, The Illusionists: Direct From Broadway, materialising in the Regent Theatre for one week only from 22 to 27 January 2019.

The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. This year, The Illusionists: Direct From Broadway will continue to redefine magic and challenge audience expectations with large-scale stunts, levitation, mindreading, disappearance and daredevilry. This non-stop show is thrilling and sophisticated magic at its best!

More information can be found HERE.

HUMAN NATURE DOUBLE PASS – MELBOURNE (Valued at $200)

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Human Nature are making a triumphant return to Melbourne next year for their ‘Little More Love: A 30-Year Celebration Tour’ and you can win a double pass for either of their Melbourne shows.

Their Melbourne shows on 1st and 2nd May 2019 at the Margaret Court Arena, will form part of a national tour to celebrate the success of 30 years of making music together, and the group can’t wait to share the moment with their fans.

General admission tickets, VIP Sound Check packages and VIP Meet and Greet packages can be purchased from HERE (Ticketek).

PETER PAN GOES WRONG DOUBLE PASS (Valued at $199.80)

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Win tickets to this hilarious play at the Arts Centre, Melbourne on Wednesday 19th December, 7pm performance. 

Join the Peter Pan Goes Wrong cast who have all been silly enough to sign on again with The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society where they will once more battle against technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes on their way to Neverland with hilarious and disastrous results.

More information can be found HERE.

2 x SILVERS CIRCUS FAMILY PASS (4 tickets, valued at $120 each)

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From January 2, 2019 Silvers Circus will be at the Bata Show Grounds, 1150 Nepean Hwy Mornington.

Owned by Swiss born Anna & Anton Gasser, Silvers, from humble beginnings 40 years ago, have evolved into the critically acclaimed position of being one of the Top 10 Circuses of the World. Silvers circus presents a line up of stunning international artists, Las Vegas style illusions and captivating production techniques.

Prize winners can chose date and time to attend. More information can be found HERE.

WIND IN THE WILLOWS FAMILY PASS (4 tickets, valued at $90)

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Win tickets to this not-to-miss outdoor theatre experience in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne on Friday 21 December at 10am.

There is fun for young and old as the Head Chief Rabbit transforms the audience into rabbits with a waggle of the ears and a wiggle of the nose. The young ‘rabbits’ are encouraged to get involved in the action and are given every opportunity to scream out loud, sing along and become part of the adventure.

The Wind in the Willows is Australia’s best-loved affordable family entertainment, so pack a picnic, grab the kids and join in the fun! More information can be found HERE.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND FAMILY PASS (4 tickets, valued at $110)

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Win tickets to this not-to-miss outdoor theatre experience at the 11am show on Friday the 4th of January, 2019.

Life is suddenly turned up-side down for Alice, so join her as she tumbles down the rabbit hole and lands in the magical world of Wonderland. It’s a roller-coaster of a story as she bravely bounces from one unexpected and amazing situation to the next.

Presented in a bright performance style, with colourful costumes, interactive games and catchy songs this is a perfect way to go on a gentle but stimulating adventure with the entire family. Show location is Ripponlea House and Gardens – 192 Hotham St, Elsternwick (entry via main gate on Hotham St) and you are free to explore the gardens after the show.

More information can be found HERE.

 

YOWIE CHOCOLATE HAMPER WITH 12 PACK OF YOWIES AND 6 BOOKS (Valued at $78)

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Yowie has released its mega World Wildlife Super Series to Australian collectors, featuring over 50 new toys to discover. Yowie is a delicious 100% premium milk chocolate with a surprise toy inside and is nut, gluten and GMO-free. Certified by the Rain Forest Alliance, Yowie is the natural choice for the allergy and eco-conscious.

The Yowie World Wildlife Super Series is available for a limited time at retailers such as Woolworths, Kmart and Big W.

Find out more about Yowie’s new World Wildlife Super Series by visiting: http://yowieworld.com/au/

 

WINNERS:

Thank you to the thousands of people who entered our amazing Christmas competition!

The winners are:

RYOBI DRILL KIT (VALUED AT $199)

ALEXANDRA MILLER

WIND IN THE WILLOWS FAMILY PASS (4 TICKETS, VALUED AT $90)

JADE STANTON

ALICE IN WONDERLAND FAMILY PASS (4 TICKETS, VALUED AT $110)

ALICE HOSKING

2 X SILVERS CIRCUS FAMILY PASS (4 TICKETS, VALUED AT $130 EACH)

  1. MERON SLATTERY
  2. JAYDE MOORE

LEGENDS IN CONCERT DOUBLE PASS (VALUED AT $179.80)

WAYNE DAINER

THE ILLUSIONISTS DOUBLE PASS (VALUED AT $178)

MEL CHAPMAN

YOWIE CHOCOLATE HAMPER WITH 12 PACK OF YOWIES AND 6 BOOKS (VALUED AT $78)

LISA PIRES

HUMAN NATURE DOUBLE PASS – MELBOURNE (VALUED AT $200)

JACKIE O’CONNOR

PETER PAN GOES WRONG DOUBLE PASS (VALUED AT $199.80)

KALAI SHAW

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
OPEN TO RESIDENTS OF AUSTRALIA ONLY. BY ENTERING THIS COMPETITION, YOU AGREE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA MAILING LIST, IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SUBSCRIBED. YOUR PRIVACY IS PROTECTED AND YOU CAN UNSUBSCRIBE AT ANY TIME.
BY ENTERING THIS COMPETITION, YOU ARE ALSO AGREEING TO ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
THIS IS A GAME OF SKILL NOT A GAME OF CHANCE. ENTRIES NOT FILLING IN ALL THE REQUIRED FIELDS AND ANSWERING THE QUESTION WILL BE DEEMED INVALID. THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY ORIGINALITY AND CREATIVE MERIT, BY A NON INVOLVED PARTY. THE JUDGE’S DECISION IS FINAL AND NO CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE ENTERED INTO.
ENTRIES CLOSE 12 DECEMBER AT 11.59PM AEST. THE WINNER WILL BE DRAWN 13/12/2018 AT 9AM AEST AND ANNOUNCED ON THIS WEBSITE. THE WINNER WILL ALSO BE CONTACTED VIA EMAIL. 
ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD. PRIZES ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE, CHANGEABLE OR REDEEMABLE FOR CASH. KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOSS, INJURY OR DAMAGE THAT OCCURS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PRIZE OR THE WINNER’S PARTICIPATION IN THE PROMOTION.

ELF ON THE SHELF COMPETITION

| Kidding Around Australia

CHRISTMAS COMPETITION!

We have 3 x The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition® box sets to give away (2 Girls and 1 Boy) AND 3 x Elf Pets – A St Bernard Tradition to give away between 6 lucky winners!

Competition closes: 30/11/2018 at 12pm.

Congratulations to our winners!

Girl Elf – Jodie Clark

Girl Elf – Paul McCallum

Boy Elf – Emma Decker

Pet- Tara Leigh

Pet – David Day

Pet – Sarah Baker

Winners were chosen from the Kidding Around Australia Facebook page, Instagram page and website and announced here on the Kidding Around Australia website.

#elfontheshelf #kiddingaroundaustralia