books

books

Paul & Paula shares their favourite books for kids. We cover books for all ages – from baby till teenager!

We love books and enjoy sharing what we read at home. With so many languages around us our personal library is big. The kids love to read and we all love to spend time in book stores. Enjoy our selection and have a look at our book store.

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20 really cool Christmas Gifts for big and small!

paul paula christmas gifts 2022

Hello! Bonjour! Guten Tag! Hej! Ola! How are you? Are you in the holiday spirit yet? I came back from a short work trip last week and woke up to my children asking for the Christmas decorations to be put up, cookies to be baked, and Christmas songs. I have to admit, I needed a good tea and breakfast, but since then…

‘Have a holly jolly Christmas, It’s the best time of the year…’

And the wish lists have landed on my desk as well, all of them. That means I started looking for gifts, browsing stores, bookmarking… and there is a lot to choose from now.Personally, I like to find personal gifts that are a bit different. And before you wonder, my children are normal children and ask for headphones, markers they saw on YouTube, or football shirts too. And I am more than happy to wrap their wishes and put them under the tree.

Nonetheless, I am also sending gifts to friends and family, people I love and love to send a little something to.

Most of the ideas below come from finding cute gifts for best friends. And I hope I can inspire you a bit.

boho striped knit sweater

A super soft mohair blend makes this sweater the prettiest and cosiest sweater you could dream off . Each piece is hand knitted specially for you. Stripes and fabulous colours included.

 

velvet christmas stocking personalised

Personalised luxury velvet Christmas stocking in 5 gorgeous colours! Select your favourite colour and optional name these will last for years to come.

 

origami christmas stars scandinavian

These minimalist and stylish Scandinavian-style paper stars are perfect for any room in your home. Use them to decorate for the holidays, give them as a gift or simply enjoy them in your own home as a unique and beautiful pieces of art.

 

natural greenery christmas wreath

Combining a selection of fragrant and festive fauna with Spruce, Conifer and Pine, complimented by eucalyptus boule and ferns for a truly glorious perfumed welcome wreath. Each wreath is hand-made to order!

 

big and bright christmas wreath

Or do you want to go all out this year and put this extra large super chunky candy cane Christmas wreath on your front door? (other designs available)

 

personalised christmas baubles portrait

I love these so much and I think they make the best gift. A true heirloom item that will get out of the box every year and put a smile on a face. Personalised christmas baubles!

 

toy from drawing handmade

You  send them your favourite kids drawing and they will turn it into a fun toy! Toys from drawings

 

your house personalised drawing

One of my favourites and I am sure everyone would really love to receive this as a gift! An original hand made painting of your own home or of someone you love. Of course, it can also be a favourite place, vacation house or a treasured memory. Every painting is painstakingly detailed and intricate and takes many hours to complete.

 

birch scandinavian design christmas tree

We have a similar tree in our house that I bought when we lived in Sweden. Yes, it is different… but I like it so much. We do get a real tree as well every year and it is more an addition to the Christmas decorations for us. Branch is an elegant hand crafted Christmas tree made from sustainably sourced maple. It provides a unique contemporary decoration without any mess.

 

personalised wooden rainbow toy

A beautiful wooden rainbow made from solid European beech wood and painted in your choice of colours. Each rainbow contains six arches in varying sizes to create a rainbow shape. You can choose to add a name to the smallest arch for an added personal touch.

 

space kids room wall hanging

Organic cotton wall hanging of the solar system. A beautiful addition to any kids room.

 

christmas jumper embroidery

Do you live in a place where Christmas Sweater are a thing? I have something for you, because they can be nice. Like this sweet Merry and Bright Sweatshirt made with premium materials for a soft and comfortable feel.

 

christmas eve box personal

Oh, this is so pretty. And you can fill this gorgeous wooden Christmas eve box with treats and surprises to keep the little ones entertained this Christmas Eve. Each solid Christmas Eve box features a metal clasp and hinges and is crafted from natural wood.

 

wooden moon lamp kids room

This beautiful lamp is made of sustainable maple wood and comes in the shape of a moon. Sweet dreams are guaranteed!

 

embroidered christmas tree ornaments

These vintage-inspired ornaments will make a great addition to your holiday decor. Can be hung on your tree or displayed on a wall/shelf to add warmth and cheer to any space in your home.

 

gift wrap cloths reusable

The perfect alternative to wrapping paper: These eco friendly Furoshiki wrapping cloths, sewn with love and care, can be used and reused for wrapping presents, groceries, and wine bottles.

 

leather bucket bag

A classic yet contemporary bucket bag, is THE accessory to put under the tree. Made from Belgium vegetan leather with an  adjustable shoulder strap. It has a handy card sized inside pocket. (available in black as well)

 

chevron throw

Herringbone patterned and beautifully handwoven cotton throw blanket. Soft, cosy and gorgeous!

 

designer throw

LOVE! Take it to the beach, use it for a picnic at the park, hang it as art on your wall, or use it to cosy up on the couch. The possibilities are endless with this versatile throw blanket! Feature fun original artwork. They’re 100 percent cotton and easily washable.

 

embroidered christmas stocking

Make your Christmas even more special with a hand embroidered Christmas Stocking! Each stocking is embroidered entirely by hand and as such makes each one entirely unique. Beautifully framed by a circle of stars, tiny golden stitches, fir tree branches and mistletoe.

 

More gifting inspiration:

My Etsy finds for everyone

Embroidered knits with a twist

Too many good things

The best Family board games

Delightful Rainbow Wall Hangings

 

All product links are affiliate links!

How to keep your kids away from the screen with reading!

kids reading no screen

As much as I think that screens are actually not the devil and can support and even educate, I also think that their usage needs limits and rules. That is why I am always searching for new ways to get my kids away from them.

My eldest daughter is always seen with a book in her hands, and it definitely inspires her siblings to enjoy reading as well. However, the TV or my phone can be very compelling. Therefore, I am looking for things to do as well as books that really spike their interest and get them absorbed.

Clever Champs makes personalised books that are lovely, but most of all, they are super fun because your child is the main character. And in addition to being an effective way to support reading, the book boosts self-esteem. And they are fantastic keepsakes that your child will get to treasure for a very long time.

The story of The Missing Moon is on a mission to ignite kids’ curiosity by transforming the science learning process into an immersive experience and educating your child about the wonderful world of S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). You can personalise the main character of the book by adding gender, eye, skin, and hair colour, hair style, and giving him or her your child’s name.
And even better, a tree will be planted for every 100 books printed!

Let’s have a look at Josephine, starring in her very own book:

kids reading no screen

kids reading no screen

kids reading no screen

Three Reasons Why Reading Is So Important for Children

1. It expands their vocabulary

While reading, children might come across words they have never heard of. This will prompt them to find out what they mean and add it to their vocabulary. Furthermore, subconsciously, they absorb information on how to structure sentences and how to use words.

2. It enhances their imagination.

Reading a book relies on us using our imagination to picture characters and visualise their settings and environment. And guessing what is coming next. Young children naturally have the capacity to dream big and use their imaginations. And reading as an imaginative activity can open doors to all kinds of new worlds for your child. By widening your child’s imagination, they are more likely to dream bigger and act creatively, which will benefit them in all areas of life.

3. Reduces screen time

Children’s brains need stimulation to learn and grow. Screens can hamper their brain development if not controlled. For example, children tend to stay home and not interact with their peers. Or they become physically unhealthy as they spend hours on screen. On the other hand, books inspire children to learn and develop, and explore the world around them.

kids reading no screen

kids reading no screen

kids reading no screen

More benefits of reading

Just to list a few: Comfort and reassurance, confidence and security, relaxation, happiness and fun. Reading is the key for lifelong learning! And if you can instill a love of reading at an early age, your children will benefit forever. Children who value books are motivated to read on their own, and will likely continue to practice independent reading throughout the rest of their lives.

When it comes to reading to your children, the benefits are crucial as well. Next to building a close bond with them, reading aloud to children is truly the single-most important activity for building skills essential for reading success that your child will carry with them all throughout their life.

More about books on Paul & Paula:

 

Clever Champs

 

Disclaimer: We received a free copy for Josephine (6) and love it. All words are my own.
All images by Paul & Paula. Please do not use without permission.

24 fun things for a good start into 2022!

2022 mix

Happy New Year! Oh I am so happy to be back and so happy you are here with me. So patient! I know I have not written or shared anything for a quite a bit and I am so sorry. Paul & Paula is always on my mind and a big part of me, but sometimes life happens… therefore I will not even try and make excuses.

However, today I am here, and I am sharing a lot of goodies that I kept on bookmarking. I really hope you like them and please do expect to see less baby things, even a bit less kids stuff… and more family orientated finds. Interiors, mum stuff and only the best and most selected of the kids world as of today and moving forward.

2022 is here and I hope it started with a bang for you! These 24 very cool and stylish finds will definitely help:

 

Ellen Dixdotter's and Jacob Cappelen Holst's farm

Ellen Dixdotter's and Jacob Cappelen Holst's farm

Ellen Dixdotter's and Jacob Cappelen Holst's farm
Ellen Dixdotter’s and Jacob Cappelen Holst’s farm in Örum on Österlen. A Scandinavian family dream filled with Vintage finds from France. Via Elle.se.

50 women over 50 – every person on this list has a pay-it-forward mindset and is working to solve some of society’s biggest issues.

 

french family home marseille

french family home marseille
Earthy! What a lovely family home in Marseille, France. Via The Socialite Family.

Mental health resources are failing black women athletes.

 

dolls clothes dolls blanket
Darling dolls clothes and blankets everywhere! Smitten!!

10 most stunning art deco buildings in the world.

 

ocelotmarket kilim loafer
Kilim Loafers!

Fashion between downtown cool and uptown polish. Different!

 

mermaid girls room

mermaid girls room
A mermaid dream for a little girl.

‘Open conversations without judgment or shame are important to let our kids know we will always be the people they can come to when they mess up or are scared.’ What We Need To Know About Our Tweens’ Brains! Scary Mommy.

 

african garlic basket
Every one of these beautiful baskets are made using natural materials like sisal, wild grass, ilala palm and sweet grass. Every basket purchased, goes towards African artisans being able to provide food, education, a better home and healthcare for their family in Zimbabwe and Kenya supporting over 400 women from rural areas working towards a better brighter future.

Books:
Sun and Shiro and the Polka-Dot Snake
It is not only about apples. It is a charming tale of friendship that consequently educates young readers about healthy eating without pointing a moral finger.
Adorable illustrations!

Let’s Play Indoors!
A book that encourages children to go play outside and discover what nature has to offer.

Alex and Alex
This is a book for very young readers introducing ideas of tolerance and friendship in a completely non-gendered way.

At This Very Moment
A beautifully poetic bedtime book.

 

linen clothes kids
Linen clothes for little people!

9 Terrific Tree Tunnels Around the World. Fodors.

 

lily river montessori wooden toys
Intuitive wooden toys for our children!

The Weird Science of How Sweat Attracts

 

Stylish-wallpapers-kids-rooms
Coolest wallpaper to date!

Great interview and images with Adele.

 

garbo friends baby products
Garbo & Friends. Love the new designs!

Cool retro dolls pram.

 

Have a wonderful week and I will work very hard to share more here on Paul & Paula again! Stay tuned. And stay safe and healthy too.

 

30 incredible things for your November!

paul paula blog november 2020

Yes! 30 incredible things I have for you. Things that have been waiting for you and that I am so happy to finally share.

This week I realised that the upcoming months may be not as easy and nonchalant as I hoped and wished they would be. Little Josephine will be home for an extra week because of a positive Covid case. And that really was the eye opener how quick things can change.

How quick we are housebound and have to change plans. And even so these plans were nothing spectacular seeing the circumstances, they still were something we were all looking forward to.

Now, lets keep the chin up and hope for the best and make the best out of every day. And pssst, I already included some gift ideas for the upcoming festive season. Enjoy!

With a little help, well 30 little helpers, right here:

 

Creative Colorful Family Apartment Copenhagen

Creative Colorful Family Apartment Copenhagen
Creative and colourful family apartment in Copenhagen. Such a fun kids room.

 

What is an algorithm? Mashable

 

hand painted candles
The most gorgeous candles! Hand painted!

 

Just the best beanies* for this winter.

 

embroidered flowers name hoops

kids room wall tapestry

lion head kids room decor

kids room wall tapestry
Gift ideas: I should have given a full article to Katharina’s designs*. But I only realised that when I put together this list. And then I just really wanted to share this with you. Wall tapestry, beautiful name hoops embroidered with dried flowers or a sweet lion. Love it all!

 

A very real Kate Winslet. Great interview!

 

the problem with pierre

the pocket chaotic
Books:
The problem with Pierre
A fussy cat ruffles the feathers of two neighbours who couldn’t be more different…

The pocket chaotic
Alexander’s mum keeps putting stuff in her pocket… and it’s driving him CRAZY!

 

Oh yes, I watched Selling Sunset. First for the properties… and then for the very light entertainment.

 

modern barcelona apartment
Dream house in Barcelona! Look at those windows and floors – extraordinary.

 

Lego X Adidas

 

interior fairy lights
Short days. dark days, gloomy days – add some sparkle to your home and give yourself a little boost. Cosy and inviting and such a great selection of lights* for all corners of your house.

 

Another proof that avocado is the best!

 

schneid studio
Schneid Studio!

 

21 daily podcasts for your morning routine.

 

dollhouse suitcase
Gift idea: Dollhouse suitcases*. To carry around and bring wherever you go!

 

Are you, or your kids, eating vitamin gummies?

 

aga kitchen
An amazing Victorian house in Kent with a Scandinavian touch and so many great details and elements.

 

Let the kids be in charge!

 

artipoppe baby carrier
Artipoppe is not just a baby carrier — it’s a lifestyle that unites women, inspiring them to trust their instincts and embrace imperfections.

 

I am a fan of rosehip oil. And you?
Find out what it does to your skin.

 

hamimi-crocheted-pendant-light
For your own wishlist: These crochet pendant lamp shades* will give every room a special feel!

 

Wedding dress* envy!

 

stars moon mobile
Stars & Moon mobile*!

 

Gift idea for your best friend: Hand-crafted wooden home wares and jewelry*.

 

personalised christmas stocking
And to finish, I am going A L L Christmas! Personalised Christmas stockings*.

 

This little owl woodland print* is the cutest. And so perfect for this season!

 

Have a great weekend, enjoy a quiet Halloween, and stay healthy!

*affiliate links

18 things for a better stay-at-home May!

18 things for a better stay-at-home May!

Technically I am late. Because I am usually sharing my monthly list the last Friday of the month. But since things are just a bit different right now (and I actually totally did not notice that tomorrow is the 1st of May until right now), the first of May is just as good. Yes?!

And last April definitely was very different from any other April and I think I never wrote that little here on Paul & Paula. Admitting that I never thought that having the kids home and doing the whole school thing would be that time consuming. The days fly by and boom, it is 8pm and all I want to do is hang on my couch.

What drives me, and keeps my going, is running. And I added a lot of km to my weeks these days!

How are you doing at the moment? I actually wrote on our kitchen calendar, usually decorated in many colours and handwritings, SAME SAME SAME in bold letters all over the week. And that is how I feel mostly: Same. Every day is the same. Therefore we want to make it a bit more fun, inspiring, and fresh with this new list today.

And of course, I added some things that will make the current situation more bearable. Enjoy:

 

yellow kitchen
Starting with a yellow kitchen to give you the best start!

I want these boots*!

 

bonnie and the gang baby romper
Ine de Haes launched a new brand. For little people!

Entertain the kids: Cool craft ideas or colouring sheets. Or both!

 

embroidered hoop sequins
So many adorable things, especially the embroidered hoops*! Big love!

Pajamas!

 

Rudloe-Road-London-SW12
Lovely London house.

I know, the C word is everywhere, but this article is interesting: All the things COVID-19 will change forever!

 

play roll kids colouring roll paper
PLAY ROLL*! Keeping the kids entertained just got a bit easier…

Pretty mugs* make for good starts into a day.

 

quincy mae
A great collection* of poetic and timeless wardrobe staples for the tiniest of tots. At very reasonable prices too.

Truly loving this London-based skincare brand. All organic, simple, and natural. And right now is a good time to give our beauty program a little more attention and love I think!

 

mix of chairs kitchen table
Loving the colourful chairs around the table.

Everything* for the most enjoyable home. In the best colours and made from soft fabrics.

 

kids desk harto

white bunk bed
Such a well designed space in my home town!

Great book that encourages children to go play outside and discover what nature has to offer. Perfect timing!

 

soor plom dress
Quintessentially cool kidswear* from Brooklyn!

Another practical and pretty necessity to make the current times more pleasant: Desk Organisers*

 

Wishing you all a good month of May, that hopefully ends with good news…

 

*affiliate links

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