Between nursery parties, church services, carol concerts and the big family lunch, December has a way of filling up with occasions. And somewhere in the middle of it all, you need to work out what the children are going to wear. This guide is a simple way through it, with outfit ideas for babies, girls and boys, from smart tartan to comfy and cheerful. Everything here is something we stock at Mini Moments Scotland in Bearsden, and we ship across the UK.
If you are also shopping for presents, our Christmas gift guide for kids covers toys, stocking fillers and more.
How to choose a Christmas outfit
Before the outfits, a few things that make the day easier.
- Think about the day, not just the photo. A child who is going to sit through a church service and then run around a party needs an outfit that looks smart and still lets them move. Soft fabrics, comfortable waistbands and tights or trousers that stay put make a big difference.
- Match the outfit to the occasion. A school or nursery party is a good home for a festive jumper. A church service or a family lunch is where tartan, waistcoats and party dresses come into their own.
- Layer for the cold. A Scottish December means cold church halls and chilly car parks. Plan for a warm top layer, and keep a cosy coat near the door.
- Check sizes on each product page. If you are not sure which size to pick, get in touch and we will happily help.
Party dresses for girls
For a proper Christmas party dress, the Emile et Rose Carlina red tartan dress with tights (£51) is the one we reach for first. It has a pleated cummerbund detail and comes with matching tights, so the whole look is sorted in one go.
If you would like something a little different, the Mayoral toddler plaid dress in raspberry (£51.45) is a smart, plaid alternative. And for a ready-made look at a friendlier price, the Mayoral dress with bag and headband (£26.99) comes with the extras included.
Browse more in Occasionwear and Dresses.
Finishing touches for girls
- Moccy Moo Mini Headband in tartan (£6.99), which goes neatly with a tartan dress.
- Rockahula Christmas Hair & Jewellery Set (£14.85) for something a little sparkly.
- Rockahula hair clips from £6.35, including the Gingerbread and Candy Cane clips and the Christmas Tree gold glitter clips.
Smart outfits for boys
Boys' Christmas outfits can be tricky to find, so these are some of the pieces we are proudest of.
- Emile et Rose Campbell navy outfit (£52): a shirt, trousers and a tartan waistcoat, with tartan trim. It is smart enough for church and comfortable enough for the party afterwards.
- Emile et Rose Kendrick traditional Christmas outfit (£65): a shirt, a fair isle tank top and trousers, for a cosy, traditional Christmas look.
- Patachou boy set in ivory with Balmoral tartan pants (£99.95): the occasion piece, for a christening, a wedding or the photo you will keep for years.
If you have a brother and sister going to the same event, tartan is an easy way to make them look like they belong together without dressing them identically. A Carlina dress and a Campbell outfit sit nicely side by side.
Baby Christmas outfits
Babies are the most fun to dress at Christmas, and the easiest to keep comfortable if you choose soft, simple pieces.
Babygrows and rompers
- Emile et Rose Kiki red tartan bow babygrow (£36.75) for girls.
- Emile et Rose Kenneth navy velour Christmas babygrow (£40) for boys.
- Patachou ivory velour and tartan carousel babygrow (£49.95) and the Patachou baby romper in navy and red Balmoral tartan (£59.95), for something to keep.
Dresses and sets
- Mayoral baby combined knit dress in red (£33.95) and the Mayoral cherry flower and knit dress set (£33.99).
- Mayoral newborn 3-piece shirt set in frappe (£51.45) and the jersey and long trousers set in red (£40.95).
Cosy and affordable
- Mayoral baby velour onesie in blueberry (£23.45) and the newborn 3-piece patterned tracksuit in red (£26.45).
- A bow turban headband such as the Heavenly Pink or Cream (£4.95) finishes a baby girl's outfit for very little.
For a baby's first Christmas, add a My First Christmas Reindeer Cotton Hat (£5) for the photos. See more in our Baby's First Christmas collection.
Relaxed outfits for nursery and school parties
Not every party calls for a waistcoat. For school and nursery parties, or an afternoon of games and snacks, comfy and festive is the way to go.
- Blade and Rose Festive Reindeer Sweater (£19.50), a unisex grey Christmas jumper.
- Christmas Pudding Top (£13.50) or I Believe Christmas Top (£13.50), with Christmas Pudding Leggings or Festive Leggings (£9.50 each).
- Festive socks from £3.50, such as Christmas Pudding, Snowman and Hamish Highland Cow.
These pieces also mean you have a spare festive outfit for the days in between.
A quick guide by occasion
- Church, carol service or christening: the Campbell or Kendrick outfit, the Carlina dress, or the Patachou set.
- Family Christmas lunch: the plaid dress or a waistcoat outfit, with room to move. A knitted layer helps.
- Nursery and school party: a festive jumper or top with leggings.
- Baby's first Christmas photos: a tartan babygrow or romper and a My First Christmas hat.
- Budget under £30: the Mayoral dress with bag and headband, a velour onesie, or a Christmas top and leggings.
Ordering from Mini Moments Scotland
We are an independent children's boutique in Bearsden, and we ship across the UK. Check the delivery options at checkout, and order early so you have time to choose your favourites. If you are local, you are very welcome to pop into the shop on Drymen Road to see the outfits in person, or get in touch if you would like help choosing.
Browse everything in Christmas Clothing, Occasionwear and Emile et Rose.
Happy Christmas from all of us at Mini Moments.
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