Portable North Pole 2017 and Magic Pass Giveaway

December 15, 2017December 15, 2017 | Kidding Around Australia

Have you heard of the Portable North Pole 2017? Its a fun website and app that lets you create highly personalized video and phone messages that are delivered directly from Santa in just a few minutes to be viewed (or heard) on the web, your smartphone or tablet.

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The video and calls are personalised so that Santa greets children by name (or nickname if your child has a unique name) and shows their picture. Alegria and Isaac were in shock at first, and then loved it!

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“Mum, can we watch it again!!!!!!” “Do you think Santa will send us another message?” “How does Santa know my nickname?” (The answer to that one was … He sees you when you’re sleeping …)

Alegria had to watch the video 3 times, to let it all sink in! She couldn’t believe that Santa knew she was 7 years old and in school. She is very happy to know that Santa has picked out some great presents for her!

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Isaac is super excited that he is currently on the nice list and on track for some special presents from Santa. He loved seeing how the big book worked and is happy with the photo choice that Santa has included! Apparently, he really LOVES those shoes!!

If you would like to see Isaac’s video, head to our Facebook page!

HOW IT WORKS

By visiting www.portablenorthpole.com, I created personalised messages for both Alegria and Isaac. I had to use a nickname for Alegria and for Isaac had to change the pronunciation as it was the American pronunciation of eye-zik instead of eye-zac.

I then entered details such as name, age, class and uploaded a photograph. Depending on the video you choose, you can also add the gift your child is hoping for. It was quick and simple! I was then able to access it on my phone via the app ( I only let the kids in the special children’s area – which they think is fantastic) and download it in high definition onto my computer.

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It is also via that app that the kids were able to add different filters to their photos and I was able to record them watching their videos.

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Santa speaks in four different languages – English, French, Spanish and Italian and there are quite a few package options including free videos (which last for around a minute), options for groups so that kids, such as childcare and preschool groups, enjoy Santa’s greeting together and there are no limits – make as many as you want!

PACKAGES (AU$)

• FREE: 4 unique, customizable videos (Christmas videos for kids, grownups and groups, plus one for Birthdays)
• Single Premium Video ($4.49): Choose from among 6 Premium videos.
• Video Pass ($12.99): Unlimited Premium videos, Reaction Recorder (mobile app only), Christmas Eve and Birthday videos.
• Magic Pass ($17.99): Unlimited Premium videos and calls, Reaction Recorder (mobile apps only), HD video downloads and 5 weekly bedtime videos read by Santa leading up to the big day. Also includes Christmas Eve and Birthday videos.
• Upgrade from Video to Magic Pass ($5.99)

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Another great aspect is that Portable North Pole donates 5% of all online sales proceeds to children’s hospitals around the world. Since 2012, PNP has donated over $300,000.

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SPECIAL OFFER

For a limited time, Kidding Around Australia readers get 20% off Magic Pass. Simply go to this link (hyperlink: https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/?openCart=PAS03&promocode=PNP7BLG20 ) create your account and the discount will be automatically applied.

COMPETITION TIME

To share the joy of Christmas, we have 2 x Magic Passes ($17.99) to giveaway to 2 of our readers. The Magic Pass is your all access pass to: Unlimited Premium videos and calls, Reaction Recorder (mobile apps only), HD video downloads and 5 weekly bedtime videos read by Santa leading up to the big day. Also includes Christmas Eve and Birthday videos.

To Enter: Fill out this form and tell us what PNP feature you are looking forward to sharing with your children!

We would love you to share this post with your friends!

Competition closes: 18/12/2017 at 8pm.

MORE INFORMATION

Simply visit www.portablenorthpole.com or download the mobile app on iOS and Android – Remember there are free clips available!

#PNPSanta portablenorthpole.com

Facebook.com/PNPSanta, Instagram.com/PNPSanta, Youtube.com/PNPSanta, Pinterest.com/PNPSanta, Twitter.com/PNPSanta, Twitter.com/PNPElf

Christmas Gift Guide 2016

November 27, 2016November 27, 2016 | Kidding Around Australia

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and if you are anything like us, you LOVE the look on other people’s faces when they open your gifts!

This year, we thought we would put together our TOP 5 gift ideas for Kids 0-5, Kids 6-12, Mums, Dads and Teachers to help you spread some Christmas cheer!

KIDS 0 – 5

We Are All

weareall_ss16_hero Clothing and lifestyle brand, We Are All, have recently launched in Australia and the UK and their clothes are amazing! The brand’s first collection is all about the kids with a lifestyle range being presented for boys and girls from 2 to 12 years old.

The 2016 Spring Summer launch collection includes 32 individual clothing pieces and 4 styles of sneakers and sandals.

RRP: from $29.95 Stockist: www.weareall.com.au

smarTrike® Splash 5-in-1

Suitable for children aged 10 – 36 months, smarTrike adapts and grows with children throughout five key developmental stages until they are ready to transition into riding a bike or scooter on their own. Available in a variety of trendy colours, the Splash boasts stylish designs that will be a sure hit with children and parents this Christmas (assembly required).

RRP: $179 Stockists: Target, Big W, Baby Bunting, Toys R Us and Harvey Norman

Disney Frozen Northern Lights Feature Elsa Doll

Disney’s Frozen is still very popular and Elsa needs your child’s help to bring back the Northern Lights and restore her powers! Your child can wave their hand over the snowflake, and create beautiful colors, lights and sounds with Elsa. When they hold their hand over the snowflake, the beautiful Northern Lights are restored and Elsa’s dress sparkles as she sings “Let it Go.” Elsa says 40 phrases, lights up and sings.

RRP: from $71 (Prices vary store to store) Stockists: Target, Kmart and Toys R Us

Care Bears 30cm Plush Bear

Your favourite Care Bears characters from Care-a-lot in a fun 30cm plush toy!

RRP: $29.00 Stockists: Big W (on sale for $20) and Myer

Lamaze Squeezy the Donkey

Squeezy the Donkey is super excited to greet baby with his amazing surprise ears! Perfect to play together with little ones, just squeeze his tummy to POP up his adorable ears to say hello. Baby will love his surprise ears, happy smile and engaging eyes. Squeezy also features ‘clip clop’ and crinkle hooves to trot him all about. He also includes a velvety tail, textured ears, and satin ribbons for baby to touch and explore.

RRP: $15 Stockist: Target

KIDS 6 – 12

Travel Journal

Whether you enjoy occasional overnight stays or months of adventures on the road, weekends away or international adventures this travel journal is packed with 80 journal pages to document your daily experiences. The kids (and grown-ups) in your family will have a wonderful time documenting the highlights and happenings of each and every day (they can draw, write or attach a photo)and enjoy looking back on the memories in the months and years to come. Each journal has 80 days of journal pages, reusable Packing Checklist, reusable Address book, 6 pages of fun activities all spiral bound with a protective plastic sleeve.

RRP: $26.95 Stockist: Travelling With Kids (Affiliate Link – you pay the same amount and we receive a small commission to help us run Kidding Around Australia!)

Hatchimals

Hatchimals are on the top of Alegría’s Christmas list! They are interactive magical creatures inside eggs! Who’s inside? It’s a surprise! Care for them and they will hatch themselves! Your child can teach theirs to walk, talk, play games and more as they raise them through multiple stages.

RRP: $99 Stockist: Big W, Kmart, Toys R Us, Toyworld

Razor Rip Surf

Riding on two caster wheels and an authentically styled polypropylene deck, this is one ride-on that’s ready to make waves this Christmas!

RRP: $149.99 Stockist: Toys R Us and Target

Escape Room

The most thrilling new board game this Christmas! Feel the thrill and enjoy the mystery from an escape game in your own home! Work together to solve puzzles and crack the code to ‘escape’ before the Chrono Decoder counts down to Zero.

RRP: $59.00 Stockist: Available exclusively at Big W stores nation-wide

Pass The Pigs (Hasbro)

We have gone Kidding Around Australia (and the world) with this handy travel sized game for years! By rolling two plump, pink Piggies and seeing how the little porkers land will determine if you are top hog! Will you be ‘Pigging Out’ or ‘Makin Bacon’? Only the pigs will tell!

RRP: $29.99 Stockists: ABCshop and Fishpond.com.au (Fishpond has free shipping and a discount at the moment!)

FOR MUM

CIRCUS 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus

The producers of the world’s biggest magic show, The Illusionists have teamed up with the award winning puppeteers from War Horse to present a thrilling turn of the century circus spectacular.

Sensational puppetry puts Elephants back in the ring as never seen before along with a huge cast of the most unique, amazing and dangerous circus acts from all four corners of the world, from strong men to contortionists, acrobats to musicians, knife throwers, high wire and much more!

CIRCUS 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus is set to captivate audiences of all ages in Canberra from 1 December, Sydney from 18 December and Melbourne from 3 January.

INFORMATION & TICKET SALES: www.circus1903.com

Lalen Turkish Towels

Until recently, we didn’t know that Turkish towels were even a thing! Peshtemals (known as Turkish Towels outside of Turkey) are now our ‘must-haves’ to take on holiday as they are 100% natural cotton, super absorbent, light weight and get softer after ever wash!

We love our towels from Lalen – Marc and Seda, are an Australian-Turkish couple who live in Queensland who are contactable on +61 422 674 245 or hello@lalen.com.au.

RRP: from $40 Stockist: Lalen (you can check them out on Instagram as well)

W7 Eye Palette – In the Nude

W7’s In The Nude eye shadow palette contains 12 powdered eye shadow shades. The colours range from pinky nudes to plummy golds and we love the sturdy, metal tin which can be slipped into a handbag or luggage without the risk of damage!

RRP: $9.99 Stockist: Chemist Warehouse, and My Chemist

Michael Buble by Invitation

By Invitation by Michael Buble is a Floral Fruity fragrance for women. Top notes are red fruits and bergamot; middle notes are lily-of-the-valley, jasmine, peony and rose; base notes are sandalwood, musk, vanilla and praline.

RRP: $49 (100ml) Stockist: Chemist Warehouse, My Chemist and My Beauty Spot

Unbreakable Wine Glasses

unbreakable-wine-glass Unbreakable wine glasses are the ultimate for travelling wine lovers! These shatterproof stemless plastic wine glasses are made from a high-quality BPA-free food grade silicone that’s guaranteed to never chip, melt, break or crack allowing you to enjoy a stress-free drink by the pool, at the beach or anywhere you don’t want the fear of broken glass ruining your day

RRP: $18.98 USD Stockist: Amazon

FOR DAD

Mouthguard Challenge

This hilarious family and party game centres around players wearing mouthguard devices while trying to speak out the phrases or do “extreme” challenges! The game features 51 challenges, revenge cards and 4 mouth guards.

RRP: $10.00 Stockist: K-Mart

allocacoc PowerCube ReWirable USB

The one-of-a-kind allocacoc PowerCube ReWirable USB is the ultimate travel companion.

Equipped with 4 sockets, 2 USB plugs, and 1 AU IEC cable, the sleek Allocacoc Powercube Rewireable Travel USB can be used with multiple devices. It comes with 3 interchangeable plugs for use in a variety of countries in the UK, Europe, Australia and the US, great for the jetsetter!

RRP: $39.99 Stockists: Target, Big W and www.funtastic.com.au

Police Icon Gold

Icon Gold is a masculine citrusy-spicy fragrance which perfectly represents the magnificent elegance of the falcon. The original bottle shape that characterizes all three Icon editions is additionally embellished with gold color which highlights all facets of the edition and makes it a unique statue.

125ml RRP: $39.99 Stockist: Chemist Warehouse, My Chemist and My Beauty Spot

Cirque du Soleil KOOZA

Kooza is Cirque du Soleil’s eighth Big Top show to tour Australia. It is a sparkling homage to the traditions of circus, springing open like a bejeweled toy box to capture your imagination and set your pulse racing.

The international cast of 50 acrobats, musicians, singers and actors present heart-stopping feats and laugh-out-loud antics to a live soundtrack fusion of jazz, funk and Bollywood beats.

Tickets from $60 through Ticketek Brisbane Nov 24, 2016 – Jan 8, 2017 Melbourne Jan 20, 2017 – Mar 12, 2017 Perth Apr 13, 2017 – May 7, 2017

Phantom 4 Drone

No gift list for Dad’s would be complete without what is on top of Tim’s list! Tim has been dreaming about owning a drone for years and is always telling Georgina the benefits of drone ownership and what we could do with one and Kidding Around Australia!

RRP: $1699 Stockists: JBHiFi and DJI (on sale for $999 USD)

FOR TEACHERS

C-Lab & Co Coffee Scrub

This is not only a gift for teachers, but for everyone! Made from 100% natural ingredients, the easy to use scrub works hard to target cellulite, scars and skin imperfections, leaving users with smoother, brighter and more youthful looking skin! We LOVE this scrub – seriously, it’s the best!

RRP: $24.95 Stockist: Priceline and Terry White Pharmacies

Dr. Bronner’s organic personal care range and Dr. Bronner’s Gift Pack

The Dr. Bronner full range is available to view here, they have an amazing assortment of beautifully packaged organic body washes, hair lotions, hair care, body balms and soaps.

Gift packs are also available for added convenience.

RRP: $15.00 (for gift pack) Stockist: David Jones and select chemists.

Seed Heritage Scarf

This super soft scarf with contrasting embroidered spots will be a huge hit with your child’s teacher. Length 180cm, 100cm.

RRP: $49.95 Stockist: Seed Heritage

KeepCup

KeepCup Original is the world’s first barista standard reusable cup. Made from lightweight plastic its unbreakable and colourful – an easy choice for coffee on the go. You can even customise your colour combination and make your KeepCup perfect!

RRP: $14.00 Stockists: via Keep Cup

Gift Vouchers

Why not gather a few parents from your child’s class and all chip in for a gift voucher? There are countless gift vouchers available – here are some ideas!

Beauty salons
Clothing or handbags
Hardware stores
Movie vouchers or Liqueur stores!

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Kidding Around Australia Christmas without some presents for you!

We are giving away a SmarTrike® Splash 5-in-1 valued at $179 and 2 double passes for the Tuesday 3rd Jan, 7pm performance of CIRCUS 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus. Tickets are valued at $101.65 each, so $203.30 per double pass.

Entries close: Sunday 11/12/2016 at 11.59pm!

SmarTrike® Splash 5-in-1

The SmarTrike® Splash 5-in-1 is suitable for children aged 10 – 36 months and adapts and grows with children throughout five key developmental stages until they are ready to transition into riding a bike or scooter on their own.

To WIN, tell us in the comment section “what are you looking forward to doing with your kids this Christmas and why?”

CIRCUS 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus

CIRCUS 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus is a thrilling turn of the century circus spectacular featuring sensational puppetry and a huge cast of the most unique, amazing and dangerous circus acts from all four corners of the world!

To WIN, tell us in the comment section “what circus act you love watching and why?”

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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.

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Kidding Around … Myer Giftorium

October 26, 2015October 28, 2015 | Kidding Around Australia

Alegría and I were excited to go on a Mummy and Daughter date to the launch of Myer’s Giftorium – which is a wonderful place that has Christmas all wrapped up!

Upon arrival we were given a personalised gift bag – which, much like a kid on Christmas morning, we ripped right in to! In our gift bag we discovered toys, a custom Peanuts licensed print, a monogrammed mug, The Spirit of Christmas CD, Dilmah Tea, a leather pen, Roller Lash, gift vouchers and a personalised jar of Nutella. So. Much. Fun!

We were welcomed to the launch by Myer Ambassador Kris Smith who is a self-confessed “Selfie King”. I was happy to take him up on his offer – Alegría, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with him! I apologised and told him not to take it personally … to which he replied “Don’t worry, I have that affect on women”. Yeah, sure you do Kris!

Exploring the entire 6th floor of Myer Melbourne is a Christmas shoppers dream! There are gifts for everyone catering for every budget, from stocking fillers to music systems and if you don’t know where to start you can book an appointment with Myer’s trained “Gifticians” who will steer you in the right direction!

Personalised gifts are definitely all the rage this festive season with everything from embossed leather goods, to embroidered Santa sacks and stockings, custom Mr Men, Little Miss and Peanuts licensed prints and the hugely popular Nutella jars.

Star Wars is set to be a popular gift choice this year – Alegría and I participated in a Jedi training at the launch, which I am sure will be a hit with the kids whilst Mum and Dad decide on gifts! We bought Isaac a Mr. Potato Head Star Wars toy as a consolation for not coming with us! Star Wars along with Build A Bear Workshops are setting up in-store pop-up shops in every Myer store.

On November 10, Jennifer Hawkins will unveil the 60th season of the Christmas windows display at Myer’s flagship Bourke St store and Santa will take up residence in Santaland. Children can meet him, have a photograph taken and tell him all the goodies on their wish list. As a bonus, there is no more waiting in line with screaming kids! You can get in early and book* your time to meet him, so you can enjoy even more fun at Santaland. The Santaland Express train is only available at Myer Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Height requirements to ride the train safely: minimum 80cm, maximum 122cm. *Photo bookings are only available at Myer Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Hobart.

The Myer Melbourne Giftorium will officially open on November 14 with performances by Dami Im and Hi5. If you are not in Melbourne, don’t worry, the Giftorium experience will be available in all 67 Myer stores nationwide.

Thank you Myer and Kids Business for inviting us – on the way home, Alegría said “I had such a fun day with you Mum. Can we go again one day?”

MORE INFORMATION

Website: www.myer.com.au

Competition Time … Santa’s Magical Kingdom

October 18, 2015October 19, 2015 | Kidding Around Australia

We have been eagerly awaiting Santa’s Magical Kingdom’s return to the Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne this year, as it promises to be bigger and better than ever! We are also excited that our friends in Sydney are also able to join in the magic of Christmas this year when it opens for the first time at Sydney Olympic Park.

If you are new to the world of Santa’s Magical Kingdom – it is a festive family-friendly event with tickets selling out in Melbourne for the past 3 years!

The event includes:

• A magical Christmas walk-through wonderland

• Snowland with the all new Snow Castle

• A free gift, when you meet Santa

• A brand new International Christmas Show Spectacular

• Roving Christmas characters

• Meet the Original Snow Queen and Snow Maiden from Hans Christian Anderson

• Gingerbread Land, where you can decorate your own gingerbread man

• Interactive Letter Writing area with Mrs Claus

• Amusement Rides & Games, including laughing clowns, a Carousel, Santa’s Sleigh Ride, the Giant Ferris Wheel and one of the Largest Super Slides in the country!

WE HAVE AN EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR TWO LUCKY FAMILIES!

We have one family pass to Santa’s Magical Kingdom in Melbourne (on Saturday 21st of November at 10am) and another family pass to Santa’s Magical Kingdom in Sydney (on Saturday 12 December, 6pm – 9pm)!

For your chance to win:

“Like” Kidding Around Australia on FACEBOOK ;
“Like” Santa’s Magical Kingdom in your city – MELBOURNE or SYDNEY ;
Leave a comment on this post (this will save you time when filling out the form – you won’t have to come back!)
Click on your city’s link below!

ENTER HERE FOR MELBOURNE

https://gleam.io/DB4Rp/santas-magical-kingdom-melbourne

ENTER HERE FOR SYDNEY

https://gleam.io/mBxtc/santas-magical-kingdom-Sydney

Competition closes at midnight on the 1st of November, 2015. Good Luck!

Terms and Conditions:

Open to residents of Victoria and New South Wales, 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.

The winner will be drawn 02/11/15 9am AEST and announced on this website. The winner will also be contacted via email. The Prize is a family pass (4) tickets to Santa’s Magical Kingdom in Melbourne (on 21/11/15 at 10am) and Sydney (12/12/15 at 6pm).

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 winners participation in the promotion.

MORE INFORMATION

DATES: Melbourne 21/11/2015 – 24/12/2015 and Sydney 12/12/2015 – 24/12/2015

TICKETS: On sale now, via Ticketmaster or through the booking office, 1300 307 740.

WEBSITE: www.santasmagicalkingdom.com.au

FACEBOOK: Santa’s Magical Kingdom – Melbourne and Santa’s Magical Kingdom – Sydney