My Journey from the UK to Australia
Moving halfway across the world was never on my original life plan, but sometimes life takes you in unexpected and wonderful directions. I’m Kirsty, born and raised in the UK, where I studied Social Work and imagined a career dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives. Then in 2011, I was offered a job in Australia—specifically in Mildura, a small city at the very top of Victoria. I packed my bags, said my goodbyes, and embarked on a journey that would forever change my life.
Settling into Life Down Under
Landing in Mildura was a bit of a culture shock, but it was also the perfect place to ease into my new life down under. Mildura is known for its warm climate, beautiful vineyards, and friendly community. It wasn’t the bustling metropolis of Melbourne or Sydney, but that was part of its charm. It offered me the opportunity to focus on my work, get to know the local culture, and make new friends. Those first few years were all about discovering what it meant to live in Australia—kangaroos everywhere, having to survive without knowing what spider might kill me or not, and learning to say “thongs” instead of “flip-flops!” (Which is still weird!)
From Expat to Family Life
Fast forward to now, and life looks quite different. I’m married to Brad (better known as “Mr. Kid Cave”), a true-blue Aussie, and we have two wonderful children who keep us on our toes. My career in Social Work took me to the frontline of Child Protection for 15 years, a challenging and deeply rewarding path. But as anyone in the field will tell you, it can be emotionally draining. When I had my children, everything changed. I started to question what I wanted for my family, and whether I was giving them the best opportunities in life.
The Expat Mum Dilemma: Torn Between Two Worlds
It was during this time that I experienced a whole new level of self-discovery as an expat. Becoming a mother brought with it a wave of emotions and challenges that I never expected. The “mum guilt” set in—I felt torn between two worlds. On one hand, I wanted to stay in Australia, where my kids could grow up in the sunny outdoors, enjoy a laid-back lifestyle, and have access to incredible opportunities. On the other, I felt the pull of my roots in the UK, where their grandparents, aunts, and cousins were missing out on so many precious moments.
This inner conflict led to some serious soul-searching. I wanted to find a way to balance these two worlds, to feel closer to my family overseas, and to make sure my children felt connected to their heritage.
The Birth of The Kid Cave
That’s when The Kid Cave was born. I realised that there must be so many families like mine—living far from loved ones, feeling the tug of distance, especially during special occasions. I wanted to create a business that could help bridge that gap, making it easier for families to send gifts that felt truly special and personal.
The Kid Cave is first and foremost a gift store, with a particular focus on gifts for children under the age of 10. But more than that, we specialise in making those gifts feel like they’ve been hand-delivered with love. We help families celebrate birthdays, holidays, and other milestones in a way that feels intimate, rather than being a reminder of how far apart they are. Whether it’s a beautifully wrapped present for a niece’s first birthday or a surprise gift for a grandchild’s school achievement, we make sure it arrives looking like it was sent with all the love in the world.
Finding Connection Across the Miles
Moving to Australia was the best decision I ever made, but it came with its own set of challenges—especially once I became a mum. Creating The Kid Cave has been my way of finding a balance between two worlds. It allows me to help other families feel closer, even when they’re oceans apart.
If you're an expat like me, or you have loved ones living far away, I hope you find joy in the gifts we’ve curated at The Kid Cave. Because no matter the distance, we’re here to help you celebrate, stay connected, and keep the love flowing.
Thank you for being part of my journey! You can explore our special gifts and more at The Kid Cave.
Until next time,
Kirsty
