18 Months to 2 Years
Babyhood Is Over, Toddlerhood Is Here: Buckle Up!
But let’s not forget the perks! Toddlers come with big personalities, endless curiosity, and a knack for keeping us on our toes (usually at 5 a.m.). And then there’s the moment they master the climb. The climb out of the cot, onto the couch, and into your last nerve. It’s a bittersweet milestone that’s both endearing and a little bit terrifying.
With the cot battles in full swing, now’s the perfect time to embrace this new phase by giving their bedroom a glow-up. Christmas is the ultimate excuse to create a toddler-friendly space where they can grow, thrive, and (fingers crossed) sleep better. Bonus tip: when their room works for them, it works for you too.
Not sure where to start? Check out our Sleepy Monkey Gift Guide, filled with gorgeous finds for their space (and your peace of mind). Because let’s be real: a beautifully set-up room is the gift of sleep for everyone.
1. A Sleepy Monkey Floor Bed (of course!)
Why It’s Perfect (from a Mum Who’s Been There): Look, we’ve all been through the nightly routine struggle—the cot protests, the midnight wake-ups, the acrobatics required to squeeze into a toddler-sized bed for “just five more minutes” of cuddles. Enter: the Sleepy Monkey floor bed.
Not only does it encourage your little one’s independence (they’ll feel like a rockstar climbing in and out on their own), but it’s big enough for those inevitable moments when you need to sneak in for some shut-eye too. So really, this Christmas present isn’t just for them—it’s for you, too. Whether you’re transitioning out of the cot or ready for the “big kid bed” leap, our beds are here to give your toddler space to grow while keeping just enough room for those precious snuggles.
2. Dreamy Bedding
Why It’s Perfect: Because, according to science, toddlers are way more likely to sleep on bedding that’s as fun and bright as their personalities. My scientific source: my 18-month-old boy who supervises sheet changes and brings me his favourite sheets to ensure I get the right ones.
Ideas:
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- Kip & Co has organic cotton bedding in playful prints. It’s cosy, breathable, and basically a bedtime win.
3. Decor that brings your room to life
Why It’s Perfect: Wall art and cushions are the ultimate finishing touches that make the space feel personal and exciting. Make their rooms a space they love to minimise those bedtime struggles.
Ideas:
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- A colourful wall buddy from V.HappyCo. The beautiful acrylic art is a sure way to add colour and personality to your toddler’s room.
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- Whimsical wall art from I Heart Wall Prints. Their animal-themed prints are a big hit with kids!
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- Finish off with beautiful cushions from Kip&Co to create a cozy reading corner.
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- Beautiful wall decals from TinyWalls.
4. Quiet Time Toys for Tiny Hands
Why They’re Perfect: Every parent’s secret weapon for that much-needed wind-down time before bed.
Some of our favourites:
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- Wooden stacking toys from Qtoys.
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- Felt busy books from BookyWoo that your little one will love for years to come.
5. Accessories for Sweet Dreams
Why They’re Perfect: The right nightlight or diffuser can turn bedtime battles into bedtime bliss.
Ideas:
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- Soft glow nightlights from HipKids.
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- White noise and essential oil diffuser from Glow Dreaming.
Big kids: 3-5 Years
If your 3–5-year-old has decided your bed is the perfect place for their tiny little pointy knees, elbows and random toy cars at 3 a.m., we are here to use Christmas as an excuse to turn their room into a haven they’ll actually want to stay in all night long. And give you back your room while also allowing you the space in their room if needed.
Here’s a guide for gifts for your big kids that will set up their room to be a place perfect for sleep, play and, most importantly, your sanity.
1. The Bed That Saved My Sleep
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- Why It’s Brilliant: Picture this: a bed that’s low enough for your kid to climb in and out of by themselves (no late-night “Muuuum!” to lift them back in). Plus, there’s room for me to sneak in for a cuddle (or a nap).
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- The Winner: Sleepy Monkey’s floor beds of course (we are biased after all) – handcrafted, beautiful, and big enough for co-sleeping when those nights just happen.
2. Bedding So Good You’ll Wish They Made It in King Size (they actually do!)
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- Why It’s Brilliant: Fun prints = bedtime excitement. Soft, high-quality fabric = they actually stay comfy.
3. Decor That Says “This Is My Space”
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- Why It’s Brilliant: Little touches make the room feel special and not just another spot for their toy tornado.
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- Kid-Approved Ideas:
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- Playful rugs from double add charm and whimsy.
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- Personalised art from Little Fish Co. to make the room their official domain.
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- Kid-Approved Ideas:
4. Toys That Double as Room Candy
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- Why They’re Brilliant: Toys that are fun and aesthetically pleasing? Yes, please. These won’t make you wince when they’re scattered across the floor.
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- Top Picks:
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- Beautiful wooden puzzles and stacking toys from My Playroom.
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- Gorgeous dollhouses and play sets from QToys.
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- Montessori-style activity boards from My Little Set.
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- Cute storage tubs that will make clean-up a breeze from Cowrie and Conch.
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- Top Picks:
5. Quiet Time = Mum Time
Creating a space for independent quiet play means you can maaaaaaybe drink a coffee while it’s still hot.
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- Must-Haves:
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- A bookcase paired with a soft beanbag or child-sized chair from Mocka.
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- Beautiful dolls and pretend play from Olli Ella.
- 3D rugs from Urban Baby paired with cars like HotWheels and small animals to create farms and zoos.
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- Must-Haves:
6. Books That Keep Them in Bed
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- Why They’re Brilliant: When bedtime involves “just one more book,” make sure you’ve got the good ones ready.
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- Mum Favourites:
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- “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak.
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- “Hairy Maclary” series by Lynley Dodd.
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- Find more reading treasures in My Playroom.
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- Mum Favourites:
7. Small Furniture, Big Independence
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- Why It’s Brilliant: Give them ownership of their space with furniture they can actually use.
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- Suggestions:
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- Open shelving or low wardrobes from Mocka so they can dress themselves (mostly).
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- A beautiful and cozy mini desk for art projects or quiet colouring time from Cowrie & Conch.
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- Suggestions:
8. A Nightlight for Sweet Dreams
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- Why It’s Brilliant: A soft glow keeps them feeling secure and helps you avoid stepping on a rogue LEGO piece.
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- Mum-Approved Picks:
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- Nightlights from Metro Baby are cute enough to leave out all day.
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- Mum-Approved Picks:
Because let’s face it—anything that gets them excited for bedtime (and keeps them in bed) is the ultimate gift for them and you. Here’s to a joyful, sleep-filled holiday season, mamas!
