Christmas Gift Box For Kids Who Love Arts and Science

Do you have kids who enjoy making things, exploring and experimenting? Most kids do and the good news for parents is, home practical experiments are not only fun, they have educational value. They also make great gifts!

You can shop for experiment ingredients if you have the time to search for them but what if it is all nicely packaged in a box addressed to your child together with materials for the activity, an instruction and trivia booklet along with a gift card, greeting cards and some discount vouchers and delivered to your home? Wouldn't that be a nice surprise?

Atom & the Dot, a pioneer in art and science subscription boxes for kids in Malaysia has done just that. Their monthly activity boxes are curated to inspire curiosity in kids and encourage discovery through hands-on activities.

You can try out a box for one month at RM 100 (or RM 68 from 3-31 Dec 2018)

Subscribers get a surprise box each month with materials and instructions for experiments, activities or games. Subscription rates are as follows:

• 3 months: RM 250 (~RM 83/ box)
• 6 months: RM 450 (~RM 75/ box)
• 12 months: RM 720 (~RM 60/ box)

You can also try an individual box from their Try-me collection before subscribing. These are boxes from earlier months. You can purchase these boxes at RM100 (or RM68 from 3-31 Dec 2018).

Christmas Gifts for Curious Kids

Christmas gift for the kid who likes gardening.

Alternatively, try out one of these Christmas boxes. Christmas boxes are mini boxes with one activity. They make excellent Christmas gifts for curious kids. There are 6 different themes for little gardeners, astronomers, chemists and even paleontologist (scientist who studies fossils) wannabe including

1. Chain Reaction
2. Dinosaur Fossil
3. Periodic Table
4. Robot Tester
5. Self -watering Plant
6. Solar System

Priced at RM45 per box, you can get these mini Christmas surprise boxes for RM35 if you pre-order  before 2 December 2018.

Gift Boxes come with materials and instructions for experiments, activities or games like this Solar board game

Coming Soon in December...

December’s surprise box is a special Christmas edition “Toymaker’s Toolbox”. Kids get to play Santa’s elf with materials and instructions to make 6 mini toys. Like Atom & the Dot on Facebook to receive more details on this upcoming offer.

Redeem a box at RM0.99!

Here is a chance for you to try out a box (the Robot Tester box) at just RM0.99!

All you need to do is refer 3 friends to Atom & the Dot. Limited to first 50 customers. You need to purchase your Robot Tester box by 2 December 2018. Shipping fees apply. Refer friends here.

Besides Christmas gifts, subscription boxes are great as birthday gifts too. Parent and child can have a nice surprise each month with a new hands-on activity to explore together.

This post was brought to you by Atom & the Dot.

Best Klang Valley Malls with Stunning Christmas 2018 Decorations to Visit This Holidays

We have several very active groups of parents on Facebook. When asked what they will do during the school holidays in November and December 2018, many answered "We'll take the kids to visit the many shopping malls to see the Christmas decorations." is one popular answer.

Mall hopping is free and it really puts one in the holiday mood as they are all decked out for Christmas with the most awesome and lovely decorations at this time of the  year. So, its no surprise that this is one of the most favourite things for families to do during the year-end school holidays.

You will have many selfie and wefie opportunities and plenty of instagram worthy shots to share with your friends so don't forget to charge your mobiles before you hit the malls.

Before you head to the malls, let's do a little homework and check out the various malls Christmas deocrations, promotions and activities for this Christmas 2018. Here they are in no particular order. As we write, some malls decor are up while others are almost ready. We'll add on to the post so bookmark this page to check for new updates.

1. Have a Magnificent Christmas at Berjaya Times Square

Get ready to be dazzled at Berjaya Times Square under the shimmering golden light curtain from 10 November to 26 December 2018. There will be a series of Christmas-themed performances and workshops. Shoppers can collect a beautiful Limited Edition LED Illusion Christmas Night Lamp in four designs for each week leading to Christmas.

2. The Mid Valley Christmas Carnival has Arrived in Town

"Christmas Carnival" is the theme at Mid Valley Megamall with a bright red and colourful big top circus set up in the main centre court. Get ready for a carnival experience with a Christmas Carousel ride, attractions and food, naturally. There will be game booths, dance shows, cotton candy giveaways and Christmas workshops. Shoppers can collect tokens to redeem Christmas themed items. Click on the activities and performances or workshop tabs to get details on the timing for the Christmas events from 23 November 2018 to 1 January 2019.

3. Have a Whimsical Christmas at Suria KLCC

Celebrate a Whimsical Christmas world of nutcrackers at Suria KLCC.  Catch ballet performances, Christmas carols and look out for Santa during his walkabout.  The Christmas celebration at Suria KLCC is from 23 November to 25 December 2018.






4. Celebrate the Magic of Disney with Pavillion Kuala Lumpur Dream Christmas theme

A 29 feet Mickey sculpture awaits you at the Pavillion KL, along with 1000 specially-designed Mickey figurines. As if that's not enough Mickeys to wow you, there are another 100 units of Go Local curated 2ft-Mickey Figurines specially designed by renowned brands and luminaries on display. Hop on the Pavillion Dream express and view spectacular light shows. Get the full programme of Christmas events at the Pavillion KL here. Happening from 15 November 2018 to 1 January 2019.

5. The Swede-est Christmas is happening at IPC Shopping Center

This year's celebration coincides with the mall's 15th year anniversary and its happening from 22 November 2018 to 1 January 2019. There will be meet and greet sessions with  Tomte (a Swedish and Norwegian version of Santa Claus) with many exciting activities lined up for the whole family. Best time to visit is 15 December when IPC Shopping Center celebrates its 15th Anniversary at 1500 hours.





6. Be Transported to the Enchanting Medieval Period at IOI City Mall

Be transported to the middle ages this holiday season at IOI City Mall.  Spellbinding activities await you including magic shows, juggling performances, tap dancing and more. For the little ones, there will be arts and crafts workshop, colouring competition and more. Go to the website to get the full itinerary so you can plan your visit.

7. It's a Merry Gifting Time at Avenue K 

Tis the season for gifting and this is the theme Avenue K has chosen for Christmas 2018. Gift boxes of red and gold can be found in the mall as you shop for your loved ones. Be entertained by the Jazzy Christmas Band, Winter Sax Ensemble, Jolly Christmas Dance and sweet Christmas carols as you shop. There will be also be contests, snow globe giveaways and workshops for kids. Find out the full Avenue K Christmas programme here.

8. Let Your Heart Be Light at The Gardens Mall Kuala Lumpur

One distinct feature about The Gardens Mall decor for any festive occasion is its attention to detail with plenty of good photo taking spots. The Gardens Mall takes on a fairy tale theme this Christmas 2018 as it teams up with Teach For Malaysia to promote youth literacy. Towards this end, the mall will host a book drive, inviting shoppers to donate their English books at the Teach For Malaysia booth in the North Palm area on the ground floor. Donors will get to sign a pledge card valued between RM50 and RM500 that will go towards Teach For Malaysia, an independent, non-profit organisation, on a mission to give all children an opportunity for education.

You will be entertained with music, stories and live illustration sessions of you as a fairy and have selfie opportunities with real life fairies. Get the details here: The Gardens Mall Christmas 2018 Programme.

9. May Your Christmas Be Merry and Bright at Bangsar Shopping Center

Celebrate your Christmas under the stars at Bangsar Shopping Center from 23 November to 23 December 2018. There will be beautiful music in the air with harpists, a string quartet, sax ensemble, a band and choir performances with plenty of fun workshops to entertain the little ones. Kids activities include Christmas Frame, Stained Glass Christmas , 3-D Jelly and Slime making workshops. Go here to check the BSC Christmas and workshop schedule as seats for the workshop are limited.

10. Have Yourself a Glistening Christmas at 1 Utama

Step into a totally new dimension at 1 Utama from 28 November 2018 to 1 January 2019. A glittering futuristic world with holographic crystal gloves and sparkly Christmas trees. Selfie lovers will have a field day with plenty of photo opportunities. There will be music, song and dance and a whole new experience awaiting you at 1 Utama’s fully immersive PlayRoom zone. There are 5 pop-up rooms, "Suave", "Gusto", "Tranquility", "Mesmerize" and "Ethereal" which as their names suggest, will leave you feeling out of this world and bedazzled. Stay tuned to 1 Utama's FB Page for more updates.

11. Get into the World of Garden Gnomes at Sunway Putra Mall

The gnomes have taken over Sunway Putra Mall this holidays from 23 November 2018 to 1st January 2019. Get in the woods for the wonder of sight, sound and scent. The sight room is a feast to your eyes, guess the scent in the scent room and make your own music with wind chimes in the sound room. Every weekend, kids can participate in workshops to make popsicles, no bake cheese cake and other Christmas themed desserts. Look for the petting zoo where kids can feed and pet rabbits, guinea pigs and other animals. Get the full details (including snow fall schedule) and register online for the workshops at Sunway Putra Mall Christmas Page.

12. Experience the Quill Christmas Times At Quill City Mall

Quill City Mall is alive with all things Christmas this holidays. Its holiday decor is inspired by 12 elements of Christmas including Santa Claus, Christmas Tree, Christmas Wreath, Red Nose
Reindeer, Christmas Present Box, Christmas Bells, Gingerbread Man, Snowman, Christmas Sleigh,
Christmas Candy Cane, Christmas Stockings and Christmas Hat. See if your kids can spot these elements at the mall! Visit Sanrio Times, the Largest and Most Exclusive Exhibition of Hello Kitty and Sanrio Characters in Southeast Asia showcasing over 300 valued vintage items. The exhibition will be held at Hall 5, Level 5, Quill City Mall Kuala Lumpur from 24 November 2018 to 6 January 2019, 11am to 9pm daily!

13. Spend a glittery Christmas at IOI Mall, Puchong

All that glitters is gold this Christmas at IOI Mall, Puchong with golden reindeers and shiny Christmas ornaments as its main holiday decor. Get ready to meet Mr and Mrs Santa or have a wefie with Santarina. Other Christmas moments include snowy playtime, sweet treats she giveaway, Sing Along Christmas Carols session, mini concert and more. 

14. Visit the Jolly Rainbow Fun Factory at Sunway Pyramid

Highlights of the Jolly Rainbow Christmas Factory at Sunway Pyramid, include the Christmas interactive Rainbow Slide, the Unicorns Alive dome with Christmas characters that come alive when you colour them and Unicorn Sleigh or Rainbow Memory Lane where you can create your own memories with your camera as you snap lots of photos for your family album. What's more, when you complete all the concourse activities, you will be rewarded with a Christmas badge and stand a chance to win prize worth up to RM12,000 in total.

Starting School Tip: Label Your School Supplies

Starting School Shopping

We've got a healthy discussion going on in our FB group on back to school shopping for school uniforms, shoes and bags. Once we have got those out of the way, we will move on to the next stage, stocking up on school supplies. If your child is just starting school, we recommend that you hold back on that really cute design stationery that costs a bomb. As many parents will tell you, during the first year of school, many of these items get misplaced or lost very frequently!

When planning your starting school shopping, don't forget the little details. 

One important detail is labeling. One of the ways to protect your child's stuff and your sanity is to label them with personalized name labels. Most schools have a lost and found cabinet or someone in charge of lost and found items. You can easily retrieve your items if your child's name is clearly labelled on it.

Labels also help to avoid confusion, especially when children carry the same colour and design for bags, tumblers, pencil cases and more. With a name label, your child can easily recognize their own stuff. Clothing and shoe labels also help your child to differentiate their school and extra curricular uniforms, sports or gym wear, shoes,  hats and more from those of their classmates or school mates.

Where to find personalized name labels in Malaysia?

Moms and dads, you can check out the online sticker and labels store Fun Printz. They have labels in various sizes and shapes in cute, colourful designs which you can personalize for your child.

How to choose your labels

The labels at Fun Printz come in many shapes and sizes. So many shapes, which one do you choose? Here's a rough guide.

S-Size Labels

Choose S or small size labels for small items like pencils, swimming goggles, sports rackets etc.

M- Medium Size Labels

If your child goes to an after school daycare, it is important to label his or her items to prevent mix-ups. You can use the M Size labels to label school supplies like pencil cases, colour pencil case, crayons case, water colour sets and palette, water tumblers, food containers, sports equipment and other items headed towards the daycare centre.

L- Large Size Labels

The L or Large size labels are perfect for bigger items like school bags, homework bags and arts and crafts file or bag.

Shape Labels

Shape labels come in various cute shapes and designs. They are for the kid who likes fun things with an identity. It is also easier to recognize from afar. Younger kids in P1 or P2 will probably enjoy these stickers.

Shoe Labels

Just as its name suggest, these labels are made for shoes. Why do you need shoe labels? You would not believe how many shoes get mixed up when the children remove it to go to the library, the prayer room etc. Not only do the waterproof shoe labels prevent mix up, they also help your little one keep each foot in the right shoe.

Square Labels

Square labels is an option you can use to stick onto your child's water tumbler, food container, mobiles and more.

Iron-On Labels

Iron-on labels are good for school essentials made of fabric like school uniforms, socks and day-care clothes. Iron on your child's personalized name labels to make sure the clothes and uniforms your child has to change in and out of is never misplaced.

Other Sizes

Other size labels include mini labels and fun labels.


Value Packs

Not sure which to pick? Choose the Value Pack or Value Pack Plus which comes in an assortment of labels in various sizes all personalized for you.

The Value Pack is RM159

The Value Pack Plus with Iron On Labels is RM179

Fun-Printz Labels are waterproof, machine washable and dryer friendly. They are also dishwasher and microwave oven safe. So you can wash your clothing and school supplies as you normally do without worrying about the labels coming off.

School Holiday Promotion

Free shipping for purchases above RM100. No promo quote required.
10% discount on all labels including iron on labels.
Value Pack = RM159
Value Pack + Iron On Labels = RM179

Visit Fun Printz for further details.

This post was brought to you by Fun Printz

10 Family Friendly Movies To Watch This School Holidays

We're one week away from the school holidays which means its time to hit the cinemas soon! We compiled a list of family friendly movies showing this November and December 2018 and put the trailers all on one page for convenience and easy reference. Of all of these 10 Family Friendly Movies, which one do you like the best?

1. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Release Date: 15 November 2018
Runtime: 133 minutes
Synopsis: This is part 2 of 5 of JK Rowling's Fantastic Beast series. In the Crimes of Grindelwald,  Albus Dumbledore enlists his former student Newt Scamander to help thwart Grindelwald's plans of raising pure-blood wizards to rule over all non-magical beings.



2. The Grinch

Release Date: 8 November 2018
Runtime: 90 minutes
Synopsis: The Grinch attempts to silence Christmas once and for all for the villagers of  Whoville by posing as Santa Claus.



3. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

Release Date: 1 November 2018
Runtime: 100 minutes
Synopsis: A colourful tale of young Clara who travels through a parallel world where she meets a soldier named Philip who helps her find the key to unlock a box to a priceless gift.



4. Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2

Release Date: 22 November 2018
Runtime: 116 minutes
Synopsis: Ralph and Vanellope von Schweetz are back, this time they have to travel through the world wide web in search of a missing part to save Vanellope's video game.



5. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Release Date: 7 December 2018
Synopsis: In Spider-Verse, there's more than just one Spider-Man. That's what Miles Morales discovers when he meets Peter Parker and many other web-slinging superheroes. Together, they team up to stop a threat to all reality.



6. The House with a Clock in its Walls

Release Date: 29 November 2018
Runtime: 105 minutes
Synopsis: Newly orphaned, 10-year-old Lewis Barnavelt is sent to live with his uncle in a creaky old house. He discovers that is uncle is a magician and he needs to help him find a magical clock with the power to bring about the end of the world.




7. Aquaman

Release Date: 20 December 2018
Synopsis: Arthur Curry learns that he is the heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis. He finds himself caught between a surface world that ravages the sea and the underwater Atlanteans who are ready to revolt.




8. Bumblebee

Release Date: 20 December 2018
Synopsis: Charlie who is almost 18 now, finds Bumblebee the Autobot, battle-scarred and broken in a junkyard in a small California beach town. She revives him and discovers that he is no ordinary yellow Volkswagen Beetle. This is the 6th installment of the Transformers Series.



9. Mary Poppins Returns

Release Date: 25 December 2018
Synopsis: Mary Poppins Returns this Christmas to visit the grown up Jane and Michael Banks and Michael's 3 children. She helps them rediscover the joys and magical wonder they knew as children.





10. March of the Penguins 2: The Next Step

Release Date: 29 November 2018
Runtime: 85 minutes
Synopsis: About two penguins, a father and son and the young penguins first journey into the unknown.

Back To School Shopping 2019

It's that time of the year again for back to school shopping! Our Facebook group: The Malaysia Primary School Parents Group is very active now discussing about school uniform brands, what type of school bags to buy, what colour shoes to purchase. We're all gearing up for Back To School 2019.

As with previous years, we noticed that most retailers will start their back to school promotion in mid November, carrying on end December or the first few days of January. We bring to you a summary of some of where you can download some of these back to school shopping brochures. We suggest that you view the brochures or download them so you can make a price comparison and shop smartly.  Links to the catalogues are provided for your easy reference.

Image Credit: Aeon Big, Parkson, Tesco, Mydin Catalogues with links as shown below.

Here you go, in no particular order.

1. Aeon Big - Keep Calm Back To School Promotion from 16 Nov to 31 Dec 2018

Here is the link to the 16 page AEON Big Back To School Brochure on everything back to school including school uniforms, school bags, school shoes, stationery, undergarments, and storage essentials for your home study area. There are no pdf downloadable brochure but you can view this online.

School uniform brands sold include Canggih, Unggul and U-Cemerlang with a 20% discount for Unggul and U-Cemerlang. Shoes include Asadi and Diadora Campus brands.

2. Parkson Malaysia Back To School Promotion 15 November 2018 to 1 January 2019

Parkson's Back To School Promotion runs from 15 November 2018 to 1st January 2019. According to the brochure, you will get 3X bonuslink points for all merchandise at Parkson's One Stop School Shop. You can view the brochure here. Parkson's Back To School Promotion Brochure

Below is an excerpt of the brochure which has many other items including school bags and stationery. There is quite a lot of shoe brands available from what I can see in the brochure.

3. Tesco Back To School Promo 15 Nov - 5 Dec 2018

We're surprised that the Tesco promotion ends on 5 December this year. The Tesco School Shop Catalogue has 24 pages in all. You can either choose to view it online or download the pdf version.

Uniform brands include Canggih, APlus, U-Cemerlang and Adam Hawa. What we like about the catalogue is the pricing is stated very clearly for each brand and the discounts available. Shoe brands include Pallas, Asadi and Diadora.

4. Mydin Back To School 15 Nov to 9 Dec 2018

Just like Tesco, the Back to School promo at Mydin ends in early December. You can either view the back to school brochure online or download the pdf version. Look for Back To School (Edisi Hypermarket Semenanjung) to view or download.

5. Aeon Retail Back To School Promo On Uniforms

We couldn't find any catalogue on Aeon Retail's site possibly because they are still winding up their early bird 15% off all school uniform deal which ends on 18 November 2018. The image below is taken from Aeon Retail's Facebook Page here.

British Council Celebrates 70 Years In Malaysia

To commemorate its 70th Anniversary in Malaysia, British Council has planned many exciting activities this November 2018 including workshops, prizes, giveaways, storytelling and more.

Here's how not to miss out on these fantastic promotion and your chance to win the 15x iPad 7.9", free placement tests, limited edition goodie bags and more which are up for grabs.

1. Like British Council Malaysia on Facebook


2. Visit the British Council Malaysia Facebook page daily from 31 Oct till 14 Nov to check out the latest promotion. There will be different treats and tips each day which will be announced on Facebook

This milestone celebration continues on to the weekend of 17-18 November 2018 with free workshops for all parents. Parents who visit the centre during this weekend and register for the new Young Learner term starting in January 2019 stand to win iPad 9.7". Further details will be shared on British Council Facebook Page.

Workshop 1: Introduction to the Young Learner's courses at British Council
Venue: British Council Kuala Lumpur
Time: 11.30am - 12.30pm
Date: Saturday, 17 November 2018
Description: You will receive an overview of the British Council classes and teachers and how it helps students achieve. You will also receive advice on how you can help your child get the most from their lessons

Workshop 2: Introduction to Phonics
Venue: British Council Kuala Lumpur
Time: 11.30am - 12.30pm
Date: Sunday, 18 November 2018
Description: You will receive a brief overview of phonics methodology with a chance to participate in some typical classroom activities. (Phonics classes are suitable for 5 - 7 year olds)

Workshop 3: Creating Confident Learners 
Venue: British Council Kuala Lumpur and The Curve
Time: 11am - 12pm
Dates: 17/18 November 2018 (2 sessions)
Description: You will discover how confidence helps the learning process and improves student performance across all disciplines. You will learn how British Council courses help develop confidence and receive tips on what you can do to help your child develop confidence in the classroom and in life.
Special session of Workshop 3 is available for members of  The Malaysia Primary School Parents on FB group/Malaysia Secondary School Parents on FB group) *
Venue: British Council Kuala Lumpur
Time: 9.30am - 10.30am
Date: Saturday, 17 November 2018

*Members please visit the group links to find out more

For further information on any of the above or on the British Council Holiday Programme for the remaining few available spots,  visit the British Council Malaysia website, Facebook page or call 03-2780 3894 (Kuala Lumpur / The Curve) or 04-202 0014 (Penang).