Hands up if you’re already wrapping Christmas gifts and planning out the big day!
You’re the ones we love – bringing Christmas alive early by prepping and planning.
With IGA, getting ahead with your Christmas planning and early gifting is a snap. A gingerbread snap even, hee hee!
With an early IGA Christmas shop, some clever stacking in the pantry and some super fun baking, you’ll be feeling relaxed and in the Christmas mood way before everyone.
We’re looking for active Mouths of Mums members who love to plan, prep, pack and gift nice and early so that Christmas celebrations are filled with fun, love and laughter … and a whole lot less stress! You might be the Mum who bakes Christmas treats for the kids’ teachers and all your work friends or you prep and freeze early so you know it’s all ready to roll.
We’ll give you an IGA voucher and send you shopping to Get Ahead This Christmas. We’ll ask you to stock up and then Get Ahead for Christmas so that you can share your hints and tips on how to plan and prep for Christmas so it’s as stress free as it can be.
You might like to whip up a few batches of Spiced Reindeer Xmas Cookies, make and freeze Spiced Fruit Xmas Tarts or bake and gift Nutella Filled Gingerbread Men.
When it comes to getting ahead for Christmas, there are so many recipes that can be made in advance and either stored in the fridge or frozen. White Christmas, Rum Balls, Apricot Balls, Christmas Bark and all sorts of Gingerbread! No one is going to say no to a beautifully wrapped batch of homemade cookies, are they?
If you’ve already got your Christmas gifting sorted, why not cover off some of the cooking and preparations for the big day? Whip up a Festive Reindeer Tart, make a double batch of Creamy Brandy Butter or get your stuffings sorted and freeze. Anything you can do ahead of time means less stress as Christmas approaches and more time for family, fun and festivities.
I decided to make some Christmas treats with the kids for an early festive gathering at home, it was so easy to pop into our local IGA to grab everything we needed, IGA had a great range of ingredients from the essentials to the decorations. I love that the range is always a little different to what you’d find in the other supermarkets, and it’s all priced well. In addition to our Reindeer treat ingredients I also picked up a few Black & Gold baking items, for other Christmas baking, it’s such good value for money. Couldn’t recommend IGA more, and while it’s hard to squeeze baking time in with the kids during the silly season, it’s worth trying to make the time for it – my kids loved it.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
Absolutely thanking the universe that I decided to live within walking distance to an IGA! Mine has the best selection of great products. Especially when I needed so many baking supplies… not ashamed to admit I needed to make two trips as I forgot to buy butter! Stoked that my Christmas baking is well underway, handy hint make a double batch of cookie dough & freeze half! We had our work Christmas show today where we all bring a plate so I took the opportunity to make extras of everything & freeze so Santa has his cookies fresh for Christmas Eve! Tiny hands make more work, but it is more fun. I put my kids to the test with baking & helping me plate this delicious lot. Not sure whether more landed on the floor, in their mouths when I wasn’t looking, or on the plate!!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I love my local iga! It has everything I need to stock up for my baking needs ready for christmas time! I was able to easily pick up all that I need to bake some Christmas puff pastry snacks and some triple chocolate cookies today, in prep for Christmas. It’s great having an IGA so close!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
This time of year is always a rush with end of year concerts, presentations and trying to fit in all the other things we need to do! Thankfully I was able to save time and get ahead on the dessert prep with IGA. My daughter and I whipped up a biscuit and berry ice cream cake that I can store in freezer until the big day. Time and money saved thanks to IGA!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
With a short stroll away IGA provided our family with an abundance of great value to help us get ahead with our Christmas baking and end of year gifting. My children loved helping to grab all the essentials we needed to create some magical recipes that of course got tested tested before the big day.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
My go to for the holiday season is Biscoff and Oreo truffles! Since they are cream cheese they are super easy to make ahead so if anyone pops over during the holidays you have some cute festive snacks ready to go! I managed to pick up everything from IGA super easily and was ready to get ahead.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
Went to IGA and was very happy with the baking products that I purchased. They had everything I needed and upon all my baking I was very satisfied of the quality of the products. All turned out amazing.🤩. Cant wait to pack the Christmas baking items to gift away. Been a busy baking week indeed.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I really enjoyed the experience of shopping at my local IGA. It was convenient, staff were helpful and friendly and the produce was neatly presented and easy to find. I decided to try making a biscoff caramel slice to take to my annual friendmas dinner (early Christmas dinner with friends). As I was tasked with a dessert to bring. All ingredients were easily sourced, of high quality and it made the process super quick and easy. I would 100% shop at IGA again to avoid the busy carparks and long lines at my other local supermarkets.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
Was totally impressed with my IGA haul and shopping experience. I even made a boo-boo with the voucher as I was a few dollars over & it got stuck in the system but a quick call to the card hotline & help from the assistant meant I was able to walk away with good quality & brands we love goodies to create some Christmas magic in the form of biscuit reindeers, plum puddings & gingerbread houses all covered with melted chocolate & adorned with lollies, ready for end of year class parties.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
Bought all the ingredients from IGA and made a nice salad for Christmas, it’s Thai glass noodles salad, it was so yummy and everyone loved it.
I found the ingredients very easily and added all together and made the best salad for summer. It was great deal.
Love IGA.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I had the best time creating a Gingerbread House with help from my family in creating this little masterpiece. My local IGA is close by and it was easy to call in and pick up all the ingredients I needed. I mostly purchased Black & Gold branded baking supplies with some extra supplies to assist with baking over the Christmas season. This was an enjoyable, fun activity to share with the family, loved it!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I decided to make some Christmas treats with the kids for an early festive gathering at home, it was so easy to pop into our local IGA to grab everything we needed, IGA had a great range of ingredients from the essentials to the decorations. I love that the range is always a little different to what you’d find in the other supermarkets, and it’s all priced well. In addition to our Reindeer treat ingredients I also picked up a few Black & Gold baking items, for other Christmas baking, it’s such good value for money. Couldn’t recommend IGA more, and while it’s hard to squeeze baking time in with the kids during the silly season, it’s worth trying to make the time for it – my kids loved it.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I am loving having my local iga within walking distance! It makes such a difference when I need to just quickly duck to the shops for a couple of items, like I did yesterday to get some ingredients for Christmas baking. They are stocked very well, and have everything I need to get ahead for Christmas! Thanks iga ❤️
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
Absolutely thanking the universe that I decided to live within walking distance to an IGA! Mine has the best selection of great products. Especially when I needed so many baking supplies… not ashamed to admit I needed to make two trips as I forgot to buy butter! Stoked that my Christmas baking is well underway, handy hint make a double batch of cookie dough & freeze half! We had our work Christmas show today where we all bring a plate so I took the opportunity to make extras of everything & freeze so Santa has his cookies fresh for Christmas Eve! Tiny hands make more work, but it is more fun. I put my kids to the test with baking & helping me plate this delicious lot. Not sure whether more landed on the floor, in their mouths when I wasn’t looking, or on the plate!!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I really enjoyed shopping at the local IGA and was surprised by the range and great specials available. I was able to get ahead this year by making some yummy treats for gifts and stocking up on some chips, drinks, and lollies ready for Christmas Day. Great to be organised ahead of time.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
With the ease of having IGA so close, makes last minute shops so much easier and convenient. My boys and I were able to grab the ingredients to make a trifle to bring to a Christmas party, and found cookie dough in the cold section to put away and make cookies for Santa. The ingredients were fresh and availability was plenty. Will definitely be back for Christmas stock ups due to the ease in shopping and large variety to choose from.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I was so happy with my shop at Romeo’s IGA at South Eveleigh in Sydney last week. I spent just over the $30 and was able to make individual tiramisus as well as a traditional passionfruit custard sao slice for a Christmas party I was attending. I thought the value I got at IGA was great and the range and layout of the store were lovely – it was very large and new and actually felt nice to shop there. I’ll definitely be back!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
Walked into my local IGA and was actually excited to see products that aren’t stocked in other major supermarkets. It was super easy to find all my ingredients for my traditional ‘lazy cake’ that the women in my family have made for decades. There was such a good variety of biscuits, melting chocolate, good quality cocoa. Definetly surprised. This chocolate biscuit cake was prepared using my IGA haul, and is covered in the freezer ready for Christmas eve.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
Getting ready for Christmas has never been easier thanks to IGA. The ease of shopping, ability to get fresh products and friendliness pf staff makes shopping and getting ahead of the big day so smooth. Everything we needed to bake up a storm with the kids this Christmas
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I love my local iga! It has everything I need to stock up for my baking needs ready for christmas time! I was able to easily pick up all that I need to bake some Christmas puff pastry snacks and some triple chocolate cookies today, in prep for Christmas. It’s great having an IGA so close!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
December is so busy with Christmas gatherings. I was so excited to be part of this trial and IGA really helped me “get ahead for Christmas” I managed to find everything I needed to make my chocolate slice and Christmas brownies. I was able to purchase the black and gold range for the basic products which enabled me to get so much great value! I am shopping more and more at IGA due to the convenience of an independent store and there’s no hustle and bustle!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I was really impressed by range available at my local IGA, the experience was really pleasant. The staff were helpful with locating products and the prices were great! I loved the christmas ranges including the tub of christmas coloured m&ms which make christmas baking really easy! I will be shopping at my local iga again!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I’ve been wanting to make a Nutella Ice-Cream Cake from my favourite cookbook for ages now but haven’t had the right occasion. We are hosting Christmas this year, so it seemed like the perfect dessert to do now and help get ahead with our Christmas preparations. I had to drive about 15 mins to the nearest IGA store that accepts e-vouchers. The store is small, so easy to get around and find the ingredients I needed, unfortunately one of the key ingredients (hazelnuts) was not available in store. What stood out to me was how friendly the staff were, ready to answer questions, have a conversation and point me in the right direction of my ingredients.
I’ve had a misconception that IGA prices are much more expensive than my local supermarkets, however after doing a quick price comparison on the branded ingredients, IGA came in 12% higher (which was less than I was expecting). Each time I go into IGA, I do manage to find an ingredient or two which is a lot cheaper than other major chains, so for the savvy shopper who shops around, there are bargains to be had.
Overall whilst the prices are higher and the location isn’t that convenient for me personally, it was a good shopping experience, they sell quality ingredients, and I love IGA’s core value that they are supporting local communities and farmers.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
IGA shop made my Christmas prep easy, convient store layout with all the ingredients I needed, many with weekly specials, great quality of ingredients and value for money helping me to create some beautiful shortbread cookies for Christmas Day
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
This time of year is always a rush with end of year concerts, presentations and trying to fit in all the other things we need to do! Thankfully I was able to save time and get ahead on the dessert prep with IGA. My daughter and I whipped up a biscuit and berry ice cream cake that I can store in freezer until the big day. Time and money saved thanks to IGA!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
With a short stroll away IGA provided our family with an abundance of great value to help us get ahead with our Christmas baking and end of year gifting. My children loved helping to grab all the essentials we needed to create some magical recipes that of course got tested tested before the big day.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I really enjoyed shopping at IGA this festive season. It was super easy to find what I was looking for and made me feel prepared for Christmas. I found it to be good value for money and I was less overwhelming than going to a large supermarket. There was so much choice of festive treats to include within my Christmas baking. I made Christmas bark and it went down an absolute treat at a recent Christmas party that I went to!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
My go to for the holiday season is Biscoff and Oreo truffles! Since they are cream cheese they are super easy to make ahead so if anyone pops over during the holidays you have some cute festive snacks ready to go! I managed to pick up everything from IGA super easily and was ready to get ahead.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the value and experience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
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Article
Genius Beach And Pool Tips Every Aussie Mum Should Know
Summer beach and pool days are core childhood memory creators, but getting the kids out the door, not so much! From wrestling wriggly toddlers into rashies to arguing with teens trying to dodge sunscreen and cramming half the house into the car, the exhaustion can kick in before we’ve even set foot on the sand!
But there are some very clever tips that will make even the most stressful summer days smooth sailing – and the Mouths of Mums community know them all! Which is why we asked our mums for their hints, hacks and tips – from sand removal to stress-free sunscreen application (we’re going to introduce you to the fabulous new Banana Boat SmartMist Sunscreen Sprays that will make your life so much easier).
You’ll want to take note before you next hit the beach or pool!
Pack Smart, Not Big
Do you feel like you take waaayyy too much when you head to the beach or pool, and then you seem to forget a couple of key things that would have made life so much easier?
Our Mouths of Mums community swear by this fab list of essentials which should be in every mum’s beach kit, and
A plastic bag for wet towels and bathers
A dry bag for clothes
A bucket or basin to wash off sandy toys
A ‘clean zone’, sand-free blanket or mat for eating and changing
A pop-up tent for changing
Waterproof phone case
Talcum powder to get sticky, wet sand off little feet. Just pop it on and brush it off – it’s magic!
A hand-held car vac for quick sand cleanups!
“The amount of times my kids have gone home in wet chafing swimming costumes because they didn’t want anyone to see them changing is unbelievable! Our pop up tent has been life changing! We all drive home comfy and cosy! Lastly, a sand proof picnic blanket is so perfect for a sand reprieve! The sand literally falls right through them!” – MoM Member
Get Safety Sorted Before The Fun Starts
It’s pretty hard to get the kids’ attention once you’re at the beach or pool, so the safety talk should really start at home. Our mums recommend chatting to the kids about:
Swimming between the flags at the beach
Setting a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated
Sunscreen: Always apply sunscreen 20 minutes before heading outdoors. And set alarms to reapply every two hours throughout the day. Reapply immediately after swimming or using a towel.
Applying sunscreen at the start of the day and regularly throughout is so important, but it usually causes the most arguments. Kids don’t want to stop, teens assure you they ‘did it already’.
That’s where Banana Boat’s new SmartMist™ Sunscreen Spray SPF50+ actually makes a difference. The iconic sunscreen brand has just launched its newest product, which turns sunscreen time into something simple and fun. It’s an easy and convenient way to tick off sun safety – which isn’t always easy when it comes to kids!
Why Banana Boat SmartMist Sunscreen Spray makes sunscreen easier
The Smart Control Spray gives you the choice of a short spray for tricky spots or a long spray for larger areas like those wiggly little legs, making application simple and convenient. It also sprays from any angle – just spray, rub in and you’re ready for playtime.
Clear, lightweight formula that absorbs fast and with no greasy feel.
SPF50+ broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection and 4-hour water resistant.
Kids SmartMist™ is mild and gentle for kid’s sensitive skin, fragrance free and contains Aloe and Vitamin E.
Sport SmartMist™ features high-performance Powerstay Technology™, designed to stay on through sweat and water.
Banana Boat SmartMist makes those important sunscreen stops much easier and effective and is perfect for active Aussie families this summer.
Prep & Time It Perfectly
There’s nothing worse than kids itching to get to the beach while you’re trying to remember everything you need to pack – it makes everyone frazzled. So get prepped early – even the night before. And time your departure to minimise the amount of time in the car (and the amount of times the kids ask ‘are we there yet?!’.
“Packing the car the night before, always a huge help getting the bucket, cabana, and bag of spare clothes/towels in the boot. We usually leave straight after breakfast to avoid heavy traffic as the beach is an hour away.” – MoM Member
Pack Smart Snacks
Snacks are a must, but it can be tricky to know what’s going to survive a hot, Aussie summer day – and what’s good for hungry tummies. Here’s what our mums recommend:
Chopped fruit
Crackers
Boiled eggs
Drink bottles that have been frozen overnight
“We have a few allergies/intolerances, so being prepared with food is helpful and saves us the search and some money. I pre-chop carrots, cucumber, apples, boiled egg, in a handy separating container, a packet of chips, dip, and bring water bottles. If it’s a longer day planned at the beach I’ll bring lunch too.” – MoM Member
A chaos-free beach day. Yes please!
You don’t need a military-style plan to enjoy a sunny day out. A beach trolley, some prep, and an easy sunscreen like SmartMist™ are enough to help things run calmly – or at least calm-ish!
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses in addition to sunscreen. Reapply frequently every 2 hours or more often when sweating and immediately after swimming or using a towel. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure.
Mouths of Mums is proudly working with Banana Boat to bring you this article.
LVR love this idea! BANANA BOAT SMARTMIST!
I love how it can use for a WIDE SPRAY or a SHORT SPRAY!
How handy and Quick! These innovative ideas are what Families need!
Love Love Love this & Easily Accessible from lots of places to purchase it from!
Thanks Banana Boat and Mouths of Mums for putting it out there
Planning for a trip to the beach can be a lot of effort and quite a drive for me as i am at least 30 minutes away from the local beach. I find I have to pack a lot of things but this article was a fantastic read as i never thought that Talcum powder could help remove sand. I am going to try this, i love the idea. I also like the idea of packing bento boxes for each person rather than taking lots of different containers with food in it.
Along with strategic planning for a trip to the beach it is also very important to plan the time of day for a trip to the beach. We always check the UV index and we also make a trip to the beach when it is cooler and avoid the hottest part of the day.
A great article with loads of useful tips! I find that to enjoy one day at the beach needs a week of preparation. It’s a real chore to make sure you’ve got everything… and then you need 2 dozen hands to carry everything. We actually bought a beach trolley on wheels which helps to transport all our stuff from the car to the beach. So much easier!
I agree with the less is more approach when going to the beach. We plan and get organised early and pack and then stand back and take a good look and then repack. It is surprising what is actually needed and used at the beach. An approach that is organised is the key to a great time at the beach.
So happy to share the magic of baby powder after a messy day at the beach or park! It’s been a game changer for us.
Not quite as elaborate as the pop up tent, but a large towel with a hood has been great to discretely change out of bathers! It’s my husband’s go to now haha
My biggest tip is to be very clear who’s watching the kids, especially when they’re in the water. Like, actually verbally hand over and make sure it’s acknowledged if you’re going somewhere (like to the bathroom). That can definitely save lives, but also save panics about lost kids in crowded spaces.
Some really good tips here! I had no idea about the talcum powder hack – who would have known! That is amazing and I will definitely try it next time we go to the beach! It is definitely worthwhile getting things ready the night before though, especially if you want to leave before midnight lol.
6:28 am
IGA at Christmas
11:08 pm
Thank the lord for IGA
9:02 pm
I love iga!
12:57 pm
Convenience at the busiest time of year 🎅🎄
11:55 am
Grabbing those essentials
11:09 am
Ready to go!
5:44 am
Great haul for my christmas
9:04 pm
Support local
8:13 pm
Get Ahead This Xmas
2:39 pm
Best ingredients from IGA
12:19 am
Gingerbread house fun
6:28 am
IGA at Christmas
9:29 am
So good!
11:08 pm
Thank the lord for IGA
10:39 pm
Not bad but a bit chaotic
10:31 pm
Something special
10:08 pm
Easy and convenient for Christmas
9:58 pm
Got prepped for an early Christmas party at IGA!
9:56 pm
Pleasantly surprised
9:50 pm
Christmas made easy thanks to IGA
9:02 pm
I love iga!
6:21 pm
Great variety of products and so easy!
4:14 pm
Great range & Value
3:15 pm
Quality Ingredients and Friendly Staff
2:34 pm
Christmas shortbread
1:12 pm
Budget friendly rocky road
12:57 pm
Convenience at the busiest time of year 🎅🎄
11:55 am
Grabbing those essentials
11:19 am
Super easy for all my Christmas essentials
11:09 am
Ready to go!
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