Online and in the shops: IKEA donation

For every soft toy or children’s book sold in IKEA between October 20 and January 4, the IKEA Foundation will donate €1 to children’s education through UNICEF and Save the Children.

Since 2003, the Soft Toys for Education campaign has reached more than 10 million children through 90 projects in 46 different countries. BRUMMA bear has bendable arms and legs and can be machine washed, suitable from 18mths, €10; www.ikea.com/ie

Weather protection: Weleda Calendula Weather Protection Cream is a rich balm which protects delicate faces against harsh weather. With extracts of calendula flower and sweet almond oil, it offers protection for skin and lips against drying winds or cold, wet weather, for babies and all the family. This baby balm can also be used to soothe redness and irritation around the mouth and chin caused by the dribbling that often accompanies teething, €10.50 from health stores and pharmacies; www.weleda.co.uk

Bed guard: Dream Tubes is an easy-to-use bed guard designed to provide a safe solution for young children falling out of bed. Especially useful during the transition from cot to bed, you simply blow up the inflatable tubes and pop them in the pockets of the specially designed microfibre sheet, making a cosy barrier. Available in two sizes, Dream Tubes is suitable from children from 18mths to five years and can be used on any standard cot bed or single bed. You can also fold it up into a compact size, perfect for overnight stays, €39.99: www.babytravelshop.ie

Shoebox appeal: This is the last weekend of the Team Hope 2012 Christmas Shoebox Appeal which aims to deliver 200,000 shoeboxes from Ireland to needy children in Africa and Eastern Europe. To join in the appeal, wrap an old shoebox with Christmas paper, fill with gifts for a child, attach €4 and bring it to one of the 300 drop-off points across the country before Nov 11. For more information visit www.teamhope.ie or www.facebook.com/team.hope.ireland.