This is without doubt the children's favorite. Here are is a list of the best playgroups who are at your disposal.
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For Mums who like reading this is your window to share your reviews for books and to swap books with other mummies
Save more money and join our Book Club for mums and kids books
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A very nice collection of recipes - from pasta, to Sandwiches, to all possible types of purees - is presented here by mums and for mums. Buon Appetito!
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Mums in Bahrain forum is moved to Facebook, please feel free to join our forum at Mums in Bahrain Forum.
SHOPPING
Map of main shopping area can be found here: www.newarabia.net/manama_map.htm
Something from the UK? If there is anything that you have not been able to find here then this is the site for you: www.britishcornershop.co.uk
Just Kidding
This kids shop has been recommended by a number of mummies and although their closest outlet is in Dubai they are now offering an online delivery service!
Please send me your reviews if you order
Smallprint personalised jewllery
Beautiful pieces of handcrafted jewellery that captures your child's fingerprint in polished silver. We also have a new range which includes precious hand prints, foot prints, replicas of your child's work of art and also cherished writing and little messages of love.... all on pendants, charms, cufflinks and keyrings - all beautifully packaged for the perfect gift.
Contact: 39953054
Check out the beautiful jewllery and gifts: www.smallp.com
Malls
There are lots of impressive malls and here I include those that have child friendly facilities.
Al Aali Complex
Location: Seef
Link: http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=189433
Comments: Clean, baby changing, geared toward kids shops, yummies and pregnant mummies (mommy2be, Oilily & Kiddiewinks etc...)
* Great educational toy shop - Creations - Tel: Aref Hassan 39819292
The Bahrain Mall
Location: Seef
Link: http://www.thebahrainmall.com/index.asp
Comments: Mothercare and Adams make this a good place to picks things up for your little ones. Look out for the Mall Talk leaflets as they have seller discounts available.
*Post office also worth noting.
Dana Mall
Location: Seef
Link: http://www.danamall.net
Comments: Quirky place! The sort of shops you would expect here along with a wealth of ethnic arts and souvenirs. Chakazoolu indoor theme park on two levels (yet to try myself) and a cinema.
Lulu Centre
Location: Manama
Link: http://bahrain.luluhypermarket.com/store.php?src=store
Comments: A bit grey inside but much cheaper than many of the other malls, Buggy carts for hire and a large Mega Mart were you can also pick up cheap clothes (for all ages) no sign of a coffee shop but worth a trip just to save some pennies!
Seef Mall
Location: Seef
Link: http://www.seef.net/
Comments: Currently most popular mall in Bahrain (may change with City Centre opening?) Large entertainment zone for children and food court (No washing up hurrah!) plenty of parking and all the kiddie shops you may need inc Mothercare.
City Centre Mall
Location: Manama
Link: http://www.majidalfuttaim.com/maf.php?id_l2=12&id_l3=14
Comments: OK, so I spend quite a long time here. Top floor is pretty much all kids shops along with entertainment zone and little ones soft play (rumours of Creche but I haven't seen one yet) food court next to kids ent area. Taxi rank outside is great as you will not have to pre-book a car or navigate the rather tricky carpark.
Bookshops
Jashanmal Bookshop
Location: Seef Mall
Link: http://www.seef.net/Seef/Shops.php?ID=16
Comments: Loads of great titles, lots in english and kids area with seating to try books out with little ones.
Sooks
The Souks are great for a more authentic taste of Bahraini life but a little too narrow and smokey to take young kids, a must to visit but hire a babysitter!
*Also, beware of fake toys as they will not adhere to safety standards.
Local Shops
Link: http://www.bahraintourism.com/default.asp?action=category&id=89
Comments: Some local craft shops info to be found here.