Tots to Teens: Go wild for Irish nature with The Great Irish Biodiversity Book

It’s available in hardback for €24.99.

Winter light shows

You may have just packed away the Halloween decorations, but ultra-organised parents are already gearing up for Christmas.

Many are booking trips to Wonderlights 2024, a spectacular light show across three locations nationwide.

‘Marley Park by Night’ promises golden animal sculptures, a projection of the night sky onto a giant screen over a lake, and a 35-metre-high observation wheel that will give visitors panoramic views of the illuminated landscape below.

‘A Light Spectacle’, at Malahide Castle, will feature tunnels of light, projections mapped onto the castle’s exterior, and stories told by a talking tree.

There is also ‘The Magic of Winter’ in Fota House in Cork. This show will transform the Fota House’s gardens into a winter wonderland, with illuminated sculptures of Arctic animals, meadows of glowing winter flowers, and a frozen forest.

To make these light shows even more special for families, seasonal food and drinks will be served in Alpine villages, and special stations will be set up for children to toast marshmallows.

The light shows will run from November 16 to January 5. Tickets are on sale now, and prices start from €15.

Greeting cards

If you know a sports-mad little one celebrating their birthday soon, these personalised greeting cards will put a smile on their face. 

Produced by Imprint Illustration, a business run by an Irish artist and mother in Dublin, the cards can be customised with a county’s football or hurling kit alongside the child’s name in gold foil. They cost €5.25 and are wonderful keepsakes.

Follow @imprintillustration on Instagram.

Rag dolls

The traditional rag dolls made by mother of three Áine Gleeson and the team of women behind www.WowWee.ie in Clare are destined to be loved by generations of children. They come in a range of styles designed for boys and girls.

All can be embroidered with a child’s name. They also have their outfits, socks and shoes, and further outfits can be purchased for even more playtime fun.

Prices start from €30.

Toy bazaar

Come along to the Cork County Cricket Club on Mardyke Walk in Cork City this Sunday, November 10, to start this year’s Christmas shopping in sustainable style.

Hosted by The Toy Library, it runs from 11am to 3pm.

Families are invited to bring any toys they no longer use, but which are still in good condition.

All the toys will be on display, and children are welcome to browse through what’s available to find new favourites to love.

There will also be an eco-friendly wrapping station for those who want to give the toys they find as gifts.

This Circular Christmas event aims to help families save money, reduce waste, and teach children valuable lessons about sustainability and sharing, while also celebrating the joy of getting toys that are new to you, just in time for the festive season.

It’s a free event, but organisers are asking families to register on www.eventbrite.ie in advance.