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Looking for practical gifts for new parents? These 5 baby essentials (that won’t go to waste) are used daily — perfect for baby showers or new arrivals.

Simple Easter cookies kids can help make. A fun baking activity for toddlers and a thoughtful alternative to Easter eggs for friends and family.

Hi lovelies,

One thing I didn’t expect during pregnancy was how hard it could be to stay hydrated.

Everyone tells you to drink more water… but no one really talks about what to do when water suddenly feels unappealing. Whether it’s nausea, taste changes, or just that general “I can’t stomach another sip”, it can feel like a bit of a struggle.

So I thought I’d share a few options that many mums reach for especially during those phases when plain water just isn’t cutting it.

💧 Why hydration can feel harder during pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body needs more fluids to support everything that’s going on.

But at the same time:

• tastes can change
• nausea can come and go
• and sometimes water just feels… a biit much

It’s more common than you think and it’s okay to find other ways to support your hydration alongside water.

🍋 1. Cold water (but make it easier to sip)

Sometimes it’s not water itself, it’s the temperature or how you’re drinking it.

Things that can help:

• ice cold water instead of room temp
• a straw bottle (somehow just easier)
• small, frequent sips instead of big glasses

It sounds simple, but it can make a surprising difference.

🍓 2. Fruit-infused water (a gentle middle ground)

If plain water feels a bit much, fruit-infused water can be a really easy way to make it more appealing without being overly sweet.

Some suggestions:

• sliced strawberries
• orange or lemon
• cucumber and mint

Just adding a little flavour can make water feel a lot more drinkable, especially if you’re sipping throughout the day.

Is it safe during pregnancy?
Yes using fresh fruit in water is generally considered safe during pregnancy, as long as the fruit is washed properly before use.

A couple of small tips:

• wash fruit thoroughly
• keep it refrigerated and don’t leave it sitting out for long periods

🍓 3. Lightly flavoured hydration drinks

This is where a lot of mums find something that works for them.

Something like Hydramama is designed specifically for pregnancy and breastfeeding, with a light flavour that’s not too overpowering. It’s an easy option to keep in your bag or by your bedside for those moments when water just isn’t appealing.

Hydramama is one that’s often reached for, especially during stages when staying hydrated feels harder than usual. It contains a blend of electrolytes and vitamins, and is thoughtfully formulated for pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding.

👉 You can explore it here:
Hydramama Mini + Me range (Blackcurrant, Peach Iced Tea and more)

🥥 4. Coconut water 

Some mums love it, coconut water can be another option to mix things up.

It’s naturally refreshing and can feel a bit easier than plain water on certain days.

🍊 45 Diluted juices

If full-strength juice feels too much, try:

• diluting with water
• adding ice

It keeps things lighter while still giving a bit of flavour.

Hope the above helps giving you some alternative to water to keep you hydrated during pregnancy.

Simple, low-prep activities for kids including a nature walk checklist and easy at-home ideas for slow afternoons.

Going back to work and wondering how to store breastmilk safely? how long it lasts in a cooler bag (and a reliable expressed breastmilk storage that is loved by mums around the world), and what you actually need when returning to work while breastfeeding

Paediatric OT and mum of two shares how the IVI Rug supports imaginative play, language, motor skills and calm screen-free play at home.

Monster themed fruit snack help fill tiny bellies before trick or treating 

There’s something so lovely about heading outdoors on a sunny day and finding little treasures along the way. We've been enjoying the warm weather walking around the neighbourhood.  We came home with pockets full of gumnuts.

We decided to make a gumnut puppet family with a mum, dad, baby, grandma and a dog. It’s amazing how a few simple bits from nature can spark so much imagination.

Turning Gumnuts into Puppets

This is one of those crafts that’s as easy as it gets. We drew the faces using paint marker whilst sitting in the backyard having our arvo snack. Bonus point:  no screen, simply toss crumbs.

We draw little faces on each gumnut, let them dry in the sunshine and you’re done! Just a few minutes of creativity that keeps little hands busy and minds curious.

Coming Soon: Our Leakproof Stainless Steel Lunch Box

We’re extra excited to share a little sneak peek our leakproof 2-compartment stainless steel lunch box that is almost here.

It’s perfect for picnics, school lunches, or road trips. Durable, easy to clean, leak proof and totally plastic free.  

Featured here: Gathre mat midi in Stars perfect for picnic (on Sale!), Wee Gallery Lacing Cards

Here is a video of us making the Gumnut puppets:

When parents think about preparing their child for school, the first thing that often comes to mind is learning to read and write. But here’s the truth:

The most important school readiness skills aren’t academic. They’re social, emotional, and cognitive skills, which can be developed through play away from screen

In fact, children who can focus, problem-solve, and manage their emotions are more likely to thrive in their first year of school than those who can simply recite letters.

So what exactly is school readiness, and how can you support it at home in preparation of big school?

What Does School Readiness Really Mean?

School readiness is not about whether your child can count to 100 or read simple books. It’s about whether they have the skills, confidence, and emotional maturity to adapt to a new environment, routines, and social interactions.

According to early childhood experts, key school readiness skills include:

1. Emotional Regulation

   • Recognising and managing big emotions like frustration or excitement.

   • Example: A child can calm themselves when a tower of blocks he/she's building falls down instead of crying immediately.

2. Attention & Focus

   • Being able to concentrate on a task without constant redirection.

   • Example: Completing a puzzle or building a small town with toys for 15–20 minutes.

3. Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

   • Working out solutions independently, using creativity and trial-and-error.

   • Example: Figuring out how to best build the base of the tower of blocks that gives best stability.

4. Social Skills & Taking Turn

   • Playing with other children, sharing toys, and resolving conflicts.

   • Example: Negotiating roles in a pretend play scenario (“You be the shopkeeper, I’ll be the customer”).

5. Independence & Confidence

   • Completing simple tasks without help, like packing up toys or getting their lunch and packing away lunch box in their bag once finished.

These foundational skills help your child handle new challenges, build relationships, and succeed in the classroom even before formal academics begin.

Why Screen Time Can Delay School Readiness

It’s no secret that kids love screens, and for busy parents, tablets and TVs can feel like a lifesaver. However, excessive screen time can shorten attention spans and limit opportunities for problem-solving, emotional learning, and creativity.

Research shows that passive screen activities:

• Can lead to lower attention spans when starting school.

• Don’t teach social negotiation or emotional resilience.

• Can affect bedtime routine from being overstimulated by fast-paced screen

The Power of Imaginative, Independent Play

One of the best ways to prepare your child for school is to encourage open-ended play, where they create, explore, and solve problems on their own.

Imaginative play:

• Builds creativity and vocabulary (communication skills)

• Strengthens emotional regulation through role play and scenario building.

• Improves focus and persistence because kids stay engaged longer.

• Encourages independence, which is essential in big school.

Example:
When your child uses toy cars to create a mini-city, they’re not just having fun—they’re:

• Planning their play scenes (problem-solving)

• Deciding roles (“I’m the police, you’re the bus driver”)

• Managing frustration if their Lego bridge they put on the rug collapses (emotional regulation)

Create a Screen-Free Play Space at Home

One simple way to support school readiness is to dedicate an inviting space for imaginative play.

This is where IVI Play Rugs come in. Unlike a flat play mat, IVI rugs have 3D textured designs that are inviting for children to play.

• Encourages focus & problem-solving: Kids create their own stories and navigate “real-world” play scenarios.

• Supports emotional maturity: Role-play helps them manage frustration and also practice sharing with their peers.

• Keeps them engaged longer: Open-ended play sustains attention far better than passive screen time.

It is great for wind down activity after school as well. One of our customers said "Best thing I ever bought him. It is his wind down activity after school every day. Four years going strong."

Final Thoughts: School Readiness Starts with Play

Before your child starts school, don’t stress over early reading or worksheets.
Focus on building soft skills that matter most: attention, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and social interaction.

With the right environment and opportunities for imaginative play, your child will develop the confidence and focus to thrive in the classroom—and it all starts in the playroom.

Ready to create a school-readiness play space?
Discover the IVI Play Rug Collection and turn your living room into a world of screen-free adventure.

Red Dates & Longan Tea — My Favourite Confinement Drink (That I Still Sip in Winter!).

A nourishing, caffeine-free winter warmer with traditional health benefits

A fun visual kitchen experiment to show kids why washing hands with soap is important to remove germs and stay healthy.

Looking for a fun, all-natural sensory activity for your little one? Try fluffy aquafaba foam—made  from chickpea water! It’s a safe, taste-safe, and eco-friendly way to encourage tactile exploration, fine motor skills, and imaginative play.

Drain a can of chickpea, whip the chickpea water with 1/4tsp cream of tartar (or vinegar) until soft peak form. Add colouring if your like!

A little dive about Sensory Play that is everywhere on the socials

Why Touch-Based Sensory Play is a Game-Changer for Your Little One

Ever noticed how babies and toddlers love to squish, poke, and smush everything in sight? From splashing in water to running their hands through a bowl of rice, they’re on a never-ending quest to touch all the things! Turns out, they’re onto something—touch-based sensory play isn’t just fun; it’s an essential part of their development.

What is Touch-Based Sensory Play?

Sensory play is any activity that stimulates a child’s senses—touch, sight, smell, taste, and hearing. But when we focus on touch, we’re talking about letting little hands explore different textures, temperatures, and consistencies. Think squishy playdough, fluffy  foam, warm sand, or even good ol’ messy mud play in the backyard.

Why is Touch So Important?

Touch is one of the first senses babies develop, and it plays a massive role in how they learn about the world. Here’s why sensory play that engages touch is a great:

1. Fine Motor Skills Get a Workout

Squishing, pinching, and grabbing different textures help strengthen those little fingers and hands, preparing them for big-kid skills like holding a pencil, using cutlery, and eventually, buttoning up their own shirts (one day… hopefully).

2. Brain Power Boost

When kids touch different materials, their brains are working hard to process what they’re feeling, compare textures, and even solve mini problems—like figuring out how to get that sticky dough off their hands. Sensory play builds connections in the brain that help with problem-solving and cognitive growth.

3. Calms Big Feelings

Ever noticed how playing with slime or kneading dough can be surprisingly soothing? The same goes for kids! Sensory play can help regulate emotions, ease anxiety, and even provide a great way to wind down.

4. Expands Vocabulary

Soft, squishy, bumpy, slimy—touch-based sensory play naturally introduces new words and concepts, helping little ones build their vocabulary without them even realising it.

5. Encourages Creativity

Give a child some playdough and watch them create a masterpiece. Sensory play lets kids explore textures in their own way, encouraging open-ended play and creativity. No rules, no pressure—just pure, messy fun.

Yes, sensory play can get a little messy. But the benefits far outweigh the cleanup. Plus, there’s something pretty special about watching your little one light up as they discover the world through touch.