Welcome

© 2008 LMNOP ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN

WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED.

Simple ways to spread

cheer during the holidays.

pg 41

As I was leaving the house the other day my 4-year-old son

pressed a picture of a billiard table in to my hand, exclaiming

“Can we ask Santa to buy that Mum?” He’s recently taken to

neatly cutting pictures out of toy catalogues of things that take

his fancy. There are little piles of paper everywhere! We barely

have room in our house for a picture of a billiard table let alone

a real one. I on the other hand, have something else in mind for

Santa to deliver on Christmas Eve ...

Our 2008 Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide is a unique collection of

some of the world’s most superlative toys, books, stationery,

crafts, childrenswear and accessories you have ever seen. You’ll

find them on page 1 1. We’ve also uploaded the Gift Guide on to

our website, lmnop.com.au, so you can quickly access the items

you just have to have, by clicking on the links provided in the

source guide. And don’t forget to click on the ads in this issue to

see some of the great products our advertisers have to offer you.

We’ve also asked some of LMNOP’s favourite stores in Sydney

to recommend some fresh gift ideas. They tell us what’s going

to sell like hotcakes this season, as well as what they’ll be buying

this year and for whom.

We know many of you will be travelling with your kids over the

holidays. So we’ve assembled a handy list of 20 things to pack.

I’ve personally highlighted my picks for must-pack items. I never

get on a plane without them.

And lastly, we have launched our official LMNOP blog. Go to

lmnop.com.au/blog/for a daily dose of fun. You’ll find lots more

ways to Laugh, Make, Nurture, Organise and Play when you get

there. Happy holidays everyone.

Jenny Lacey

Editor

lmnopLAUGH • MAKE • NURTURE • ORGANISE • PLAY

Riley & Amber Photographed by Ian MacPherson lmnop.com.au

ISS

UE

5

We asked some of LMNOP’s

favourite stores for some fresh

gift ideas. pg 19

LMNOP’s 2008 Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide. pg 1 1

20 things to pack for

holiday travel with kids.

pg 36

GIFT GUIDE

LEFTOVERS

mumandbabe.com.au

baby & kids

handmade accessories

essentials for mum

unique toys

ON THE COVER Amber wears red bow dress, Baobab, $45.95, baobab.com.au

Riley wears basket case long sleeve shirt, Wonderboy, $43.53.

White denim short, model’s own, ittybittyyuppy.com.au

Wrapping paper, Lotta Bruhn, EUR16.5 for 4 sheets,

lottabruhn.typepad.com/lotta_bruhn_illustration/shop

Photographed by Ian MacPherson.

LMNOP CONTRIBUTORS

DAVE BURGESS PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSISTANT

Your favourite letter of the alphabet and why? W. It’s this big fancy looking letter way up the back of the alphabet, hanging out with all the weird letters like u, x, and z. Name a favourite childhood game. Hide and seek. I always had the best hiding spots. Were you a tree climber or a reader? Tree climber. A childhood activity you wish you could still do? Being able to walk under my father’s legs! How would your parents describe you as a child? Active and curious. When I asked a question about something, my dad would always explain it to me. Favourite childhood toy? And do you still have it? I had a blue bear for years. I was playing doctors one day and unfortunately he never recovered from the surgery. Favourite book growing up? The Cat in The Hat Comes Back by Dr Suess.

MONIKA ELENA PHOTOGRAPHER

Your favourite letter of the alphabet and why? J ... my daughter’s name is Juliette. Name a favourite childhood game. Hide and go seek. Were you a tree climber or a reader? Both. Adventurous and introverted. Mostly a colour with crayons girl. How would your parents describe you as a child? Sweet and creative. And independent — as most only children are. Favourite childhood toy? My drawing and crafting supplies. Favourite book growing up? The Big Friendly Giant by Roald Dahl.

PEARL FAY STYLIST

Your favourite letter of the alphabet and why? My favourite letter is Q, as it stands for question and life is full of questions. Name a favourite childhood game. Barrel of Monkeys. Were you a tree climber or a reader? I was a climber, I had 5 brothers to keep up with. A childhood activity you wish you could still do? Draw like a child. How would your parents describe you as a child? My father called me his spring blossom. Favourite childhood toy? And do you still have it? My pink teddy. The local bus driver used to let teddy drive the bus to Hurstville. Favourite book growing up? The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle and Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

IAN MACPHERSON PHOTOGRAPHER

Your favourite letter of the alphabet and why? D — because d is for doughnut! Name a favourite childhood game. Bike riding. Were you a tree climber or a reader? Tree climber. I did like books but only to look at the pictures. A childhood activity you wish you could still do? Afternoon naps. How would your parents describe you as a child? Quiet and shy. Favorite childhood toy? And do you still have it? My bike. The best bike I had as a child was a three speed dragster. It had a three speed shifter on the top tube and a massive sissy bar at the back. Sadly I don’t have it anymore. Favourite book growing up? Cat in the Hat was pretty cool.

© 2008 LMNOP ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN

WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED.

sookie babysookie babysookie baby

Gifts and essentials for mother and baby

Don’t cry, baby! We have $7 flat rate shipping Austrailia-wide!

www.sookiebaby.com

bib byBaskHome

ODDS AND ENDS

Festive tablewareDon’t save all the stocking fillers for the stockings this year. Why not keep a few aside for your Christmas

table setting? Pop those trinkets and treats into some festive melamine cups to add some colour to your

table. Available in 13 spectacular colours including pistachio, candy pink, aqua and raspberry. Watch the

kids delight when you call out ‘It’s time for dinner!’

Melamine cups, $5.95 each, mypoppet.com.au

candy landIf you’re lucky enough to find yourself in San Francisco anytime soon, make sure you stop by Miette Confiserie. Located in the Hayes Valley district, Miette is a magical candy store filled with a grand assortment of chocolates and candies from all over the world. The perfect place to find a gift for the sweet-tooth in your life.

Miette Confiserie 449 Octavia Boulevard, San Francisco CA 415 626 6221, miette.com

Text by JENNY LACEY

lmnop 3 lmnop.com.au

Imag

es b

y Fr

anki

e Fr

anke

ny

Robots RuleSkippy, Eddy, George, and Jimmy all sound like old mates, and they are … only from another planet. Dave Plunkert’s Japanese–inspired robot prints are limited editions, printed with archival inks, on 100% cotton paper, signed and numbered. Available framed or unframed, these space-age stars are art to treasure to infinity and beyond. A great range of Animal or Alien prints are also available if Robots aren’t your thing.

Normally US$35 each, now on sale with 10% off until 30 November, 2008. To snap up this deal, enter the coupon code ‘Holiday’ when you place your order.

Robot Prints, by Dave Plunkert Presto Bingo, prestobingo.com

Fill your cups with some of these trinkets and treats: Circle Tags, US$2.99 for 12, Elles, elles.etsy.com Gingerbread bird, BiscArt, $7.99 for 3, biscart@gmail.com Mobile phone toy, $9.95, mymessyroom.com.au Button paper clip, $4.95, and 6 in one crayon, $2.50, My Messy Room. Bambi heart bracelet, $25.95, kidostore.com Pencils, top and laces, stylist’s own. Gingerbread angel, BiscArt, $9.95 for 2, as before. Apple top, stylist’s own. Pencils, top and laces, stylist’s own. Squirrel, $4.95, My Messy Room. Bee camera, $34.95, Kido Store. Gingerbread shooting star, BiscArt, $7.99 for 2, as before. Tape, 80c, My Messy Room. Snowman peg, stylist’s own. Watch, $30, lolaetmoi.com.au

Text by Kate Fenwick

Bedroom style for modern kids.

A RECYCLABLE CITYIn October this year, a construction extravaganza took place in Sydney, Australia. Across four days, the folks from Polyglot Puppet Theatre helped pint-sized, budding builders to unleash their creativity when they took over the Sydney Opera House Forecourt for ‘We Built This City’.

Thousands of cardboard boxes were placed on the forecourt twice daily, in two-and-a-half hour sessions. Families from everywhere came to help build a collaborative, recyclable city at one of Australia’s most popular landmarks.

Cardboard buildings went up, were pulled down, walked through, jumped on and reconstructed to some funky tunes provided by the resident DJ. And Polyglot’s construction experts wandered through the city helping frustrated junior architects with building challenges. The fun was endless at this picturesque construction zone.

Polyglot Puppet Theatre is one of Australia’s leading children’s performance companies, creating original theatrical adventures for kids of all ages. For more information on upcoming Polyglot performances, installations and workshops, visit polyglotpuppets.com.au or sydneyoperahouse.com

ODDS AND ENDS

Signature StationeryThese personalised alphabet notecards are a playful alternative to traditional monogram styles. Shim + Sons will colour print the letter of your choice.

Shim + Sons, shimandsons.etsy.com

Is your Christmas stocking collection looking a little tired this year? Brighten up your mantle or staircase with one of Jen Hopwood’s modern felt stockings. Her vibrant, quirky designs have been impeccably handcrafted in Hungary using lusciously soft wool along with the finest of crafting felts. Each stocking measures 8” wide by 18” from bell to big toe for generous gift giving. Here are three of her merry designs. Reindeer and Bunny, Love Birds and Penguins.

Christmas stockings, US$58 each My Perennial, myperennial.com

Stacks of Stocking

lmnop 5

Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON

lmnop.com.au

Stocking fillers from left to right: Popje-rabbit doll. NZD$39, sip.sinot.co.nz Highlighter. $11, and Mechanical Pencils. $29, both Spoilt Rotten, 02 9958 8888. Small fleece robot. $29.95,Kido Store, 02 9314 7010.

TINY AND SMALL Stock up on gifts at Magnolia Square’s Christmas fairs in Melbourne this month. This year’s fairs will feature over 20 new designers, artists, jewellers and food purveyors, all showcasing beautiful things you won’t find anywhere else.

Be sure to visit ‘Tiny and Small’ — an area within the fair where selected vendors will come together to present the most heavenly range of children’s clothing, toys, homewares and accessories. From the magical fairy frocks of Milliemelisse to the irresistible winged singlets of Heavenly Creatures, you’ll be sure to find something unique and handmade for all the little ones on your list.

Magnolia Square: Brighton Town Hall, Melbourne 27 — 29 November, 2008

Magnolia Square: Malvern Town Hall, Melbourne 4 — 6 December, 2008

For more information visit magnoliasquare.com.au

ODDS AND ENDS

MAKE A DATEOur friends at Egg Press have made sure you’ll be able to keep track of important dates, with this stylish offset printed 2009 calendar. Each month features a new graphic and on the reverse is a place to record dates to remember. The cards are printed on recycled content paper with soy inks and easily displayed on your desk in a fold-back case.

Offset Printed 2009 Calendar, Egg Press US$16, eggpress.com

Quite possibly the merriest place to shop for everything

fun for kids this season and into the new year. If you’ve

never been to the Land Of Nod, you’ve been asleep for

a very long time. International shipping available.

www.landofnod.com

Frames Wallpaper, page 37

Item SKU 410091, US$40CHECK OUT:

AIR MAIL TOYS

lmnop 7 lmnop.com.au

Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON

Crazy clubhouse Never before has building a place of your own been this much fun. The folks at Crazy Forts have cleverly taken cubby house building to a whole new level, making it easy to build a rocket to the moon, a playhouse for two, a castle and even an igloo. All this can be built with one Crazy Forts kit. This construction toy encourages little ones to build their own structures by simply connecting the balls and sticks provided in the kit. Crazy Forts lights are now available too. The lights feature automatic shut-off after 20 minutes of use and stay cool to touch for safe play. Simply add your favourite bedsheet and climb in.

Crazy Forts, US$48, crazyforts.com Available in Australia at intelliplay.com.au

Marianna presents some must-have classics in her charming boutique, named simply, Arabella.

lmnop 8

A deep passion for beautiful

clothing inspired this busy

mum to open an ethereal

childrenswear boutique,

in one of Sydney’s

prettiest neighbourhoods.

PHOTOGR APHED BY Ian MacPherson

MeetMarianna O’Sullivan

SOPHIA AND LEONARDO’S MUM

LMNOP: How were you inspired to start your business?

MO: Since I was very young, I had a deep passion for beautiful clothes of a very high

quality. As a little girl growing up in Northern Italy, my mother always ensured that I

looked very smart.

LMNOP: What’s your biggest seller?

MO: Bonpoint a beautiful French label. Equally Il Gufo, Caramel Baby and Child are

very good sellers.

LMNOP: What advice would you give to other mums trying to start a business?

MO: Don’t try and be the perfect mother and run a business at the same time.

You can be a very good mother and run a successful business if you are highly

organised, but it’s not easy!

LMNOP: How do you juggle your business with motherhood?

MO: I am at the boutique whilst my eldest child is at school. My son is looked after

by a nanny until lunch time each day. I ensure that each minute I spend with my

children in the afternoon is well spent, given how precious time is.

LMNOP: What’s your biggest challenge as a mum?

MO: To keep everyone happy. This is called ‘The impossible deliverable.’

LMNOP: What do you, Sophia and Leonardo like to do together?

MO: We love to just stay at home and bake or cook something special.

LMNOP: The best piece of advice you’ll ever give to your children?

MO: Be honest and diligent.

Arabella Boutique, 117 Jersey Rd, Woollahra, Sydney NSW

(02) 9362 8155, arabellaboutique.com

I couldn’t live without

Access to the very best produce. I have a favourite

provider of most food items.

What we’re reading at the moment

The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton.

When I have 30 minutes to myselfI like to lay down and read

the newspapers.

JEANINE PAYERPhoto piece seriesThe collection by Jeanine Payer is a part of the ‘to wear’

collection at Enfant Terrible. It is composed of design

objects for the nursery and jewellry for babies, children

and grown-ups made by hand of 18k gold and sterling

silver, with poetic inscriptions engraved by hand.

The Tink necklace is part of the signature photo piece

series, a bespoke collection incorporating golden wings

painted by hand of 18k gold, personal photographs

and poetry.

My own Tink necklace holds a photograph taken of

my daughter last summer in Hong Kong. A precious

memory, now preserved in this beautiful piece.

‘At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet.’ — Plato

Jeanine Payer Tink necklace, C$391

enfantterribleshop.com

Text by SHANA DUFFY

OF ENFANT TERRIBLE

NO. 2:

Tink necklace with signature photo

IMAGINATION PLUSThere’s a new movement among young families today, to bring fun, new meaning, and above all, ingenuity into their homes through homemade crafts, and imagination-based activities. Encouraging family togetherness that does not include a weekend trip to the shopping mall.

These families are reusing, recycling, repurposing, and reinventing the DIY movement. And changing the way the next generation thinks about shopping, self-reliance, and the way we value the stuff that surrounds us.

Amanda Blake Soule, author of ‘The Creative Family – How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections’, shows us how to do just that. Her book is filled with projects, activities and ideas on how to have fun with fewer toys, share the tradition of handmade crafts, and how to connect as a family through everyday celebrations. It’s a truly meaningful book about how to become a more creative family.

Visit Amanda’s popular daily blog soulemama.com to purchase a copy.

ODDS AND ENDS

lmnop 10 lmnop.com.au

Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON

Elizabeth Soule’s “The Little Zoo” celebrates and cherishes our animal friends with a stackable photographic series of wooden box frames. This quirky, intimate collection of animal personalities, will leave you with a difficult decision — which pet do I take home?

Each portrait is created using a Polaroid SX-70 camera, then polaroids are scanned and matched to the original. Printed images are carefully mounted on wooden box frames, which have been stained dark walnut. UV protected and coated in a sealant, finished frames measure 5”x 5”x 2”, 6”x 6”x 2” and 8”x 8”x 2”. An enchanting series preserving some of life’s most precious creatures.

The Little Zoo collection by Elizabeth Soule, from $79 Kido Store, kidostore.com

Private menagerie

LMNOP’s2008 Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide

YOOZZOO PLUSH DOLLS. Oodle, Booh and Gooloop. Yoozzoo, US$29.95 each, yoozzoo.com

Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON

lmnop 12

Styling by JENNY LACEY

lmnop.com.au

Left to right: TOTEM BUILDING CARDS.

Kidsonroof, NZD$59, sip.sinot.co.nz FELT

PENCIL ROLL. Sparrowkids, $28.95,

kidsgiftlist.com.au AUTOMOBLOX MINI

3-PACK. Only one shown. Automoblox,

$49.95, Monkey Puzzle 02 9799 7101.

PIRATE FINGER PUPPETS. Papoose, $27.95,

Monkey Puzzle. TIMBER ANIMALS. Natural

Ark, $28.95 for set of 10, Monkey Puzzle.

FOOTBALL TAPE. Magis, C$18, modernkid.com

AMAZE WITH CUBES. Q-Ba-Maze, US$39.95,

fatbraintoys.com WOODEN MARBLE RUN.

Fagus, $160, Monkey Puzzle.

Left to right: PULL ALONG DOG. Kitsch Kitchen, $24.95, mypoppet.com.au WILLOW RATTLE. Nature Baby, $24.95, Kido Store, kidostore.com MADE BY ME, truck & tractor box set. Montgomery Schoolhouse, US$15.80, includes 4

vehicles, maplelandmark.net COLOURING CHALK. £6.50, presentandcorrect.com FACE PAINTS. Amos, $10.95, Monkey Puzzle, 02 9799 7101. Nathalie Lete MEMORY GAME. Vilac, $49.95, Kido Store. FORMULA 1 CAR. Bajo, $35.95,

Monkey Puzzle. FELT BLOCK RATTLES. My Poppet, $12.50 each, mypoppet.com.au HAND KNITTED STACKING CONE. I Golfini Della Nonna, C$68, enfantterribleshop.com ABC x 3. By Marthe Jocelyn & Tom Slaughter, $28, Spoilt

Rotten, 02 9958 8888. Hanging on peg board: SWALLOW CLOTHES PEGS. Pylones, US$3 each, pylones-usa.com LETTERPRESS SEAL PRINT. Ink + Wit, US$25, inkandwit.com AYE MATEY PRINT. Kids Haus, US$18, kidshaus.etsy.com

Left to right: JEWEL CRAYON SET. My Kangaroo, US$6.50, mykangaroo.etsy.com YELLOW FELT BALL.

Papoose, $15.95, Monkey Puzzle, 02 9799 7101. CERELLI COLOURED WAX CRAYONS. Seletti, $24.95,

Kido Store, kidostore.com CROCODILE ON WHEELS, $89.95, and AFRICAN WOVEN KIDS ARMCHAIR,

$129.95, Kido Store. DROLLI PUSH TOY. Schaaf, $49, tinypeople.com.au PAPER TOYS. H.F.Ullmann,

$39.95, Monkey Puzzle. Hanging on peg board: CHALK, TOTE & BOOK SET (some items not shown).

£17.50, presentandcorrect.com PRAM CHAIN, Kugelkette. Schaaf, $32, tinypeople.com.au OWL MOBILE.

Ige, $89, Kido Store. WOODLAND MOBILE. Cocoon Couture, $49.95, cocooncouture.com

lmnop 14

Left to right: FAIRYTALE SHAPE SORTER. Natural Ark, $62.95, Monkey Puzzle, 02 9799 7101. ALWAYS APPLE TOY. Flying Star Toys, $59.95, Spoilt Rotten, 02 9958 8888. GOAT’S HAIR BABY BRUSH. Heimisches Holz,

$17.95, Monkey Puzzle. RUFFLE BOTTOM ONESIE. Lilbird, $39.95, metromum.com.au INFLATABLE GLOBE. Seletti, $21.95, Kido Store, kidostore.com BLANK BOUND BOOKS. Bare books, US$3.50 each, sonsanddaughtersinc.

com MECHANICAL PENCILS. B-International, $29 for pack of 6, Spoilt Rotten, 02 9958 8888. COLLAGE AND COLOURING BOOKS — Magical animals. Mon Petit Art, $35, Lola et Moi, 02 9810 1391. JAPANESE PAPER

ANIMAL BALLOON. $3.50, mypoppet.com.au TIMBER ANIMALS. Natural Ark, $28.95 for set of 10, Monkey Puzzle. SEQUOIA TREE WILDLIFE PLAYSET. Folkmanis, $99.00, Monkey Puzzle. ACTION SAMPLER CAMERA.

Lomography, $80, Spoilt Rotten. Hanging on peg board: ANIMAL A-Z POSTER. Ink + Wit, US$60, inkandwit.com BIRD HOUSE. Tamar Mogendorff, $175, Kido Store. EMBROIDERED ARTWORK. ChiChi, POA, Spoilt Rotten.

lmnop.com.au

Left to right: PIGTAIL KIT. Dumpling Dynasty,

$29.95, larkmade.com.au PERSONALISED

WOODEN NAME PUZZLE. Mooo, $24.95,

mooo.com.au PURPLE FELT BALL. Papoose,

$15.95, Monkey Puzzle, 02 9799 7101.

WOODEN CASH REGISTER. Drewart, $99,

Monkey Puzzle. BOUNTY WOODEN TOY.

Schaaf, $23, and TELLY RATTLE, Schaaf,

$24, tinypeople.com.au MIDIAPPLE TEE in

red. Katvig, $49.95, babygoesretro.com.au

SEAL. Bajo, $44, Spoilt Rotten, 02 9958 8888.

2008 ENGINE with LEONARDO LION, HARRY

GORILLA, and JORDAN GIRAFFE. NameTrains,

US$4.90 each, maplelandmark.net LAMBIE,

vintage soft toy. Lark, $59.95, larkmade.com.au

Hanging on peg board: ABC POSTER. Lotta

Bruhn, Euro 27, lottabruhn.typepad.com/

lotta_bruhn_illustration/shop

lmnop 16 lmnop.com.au

Left to right: DINOSAUR SOUP RECIPE BOOK. Bob’s Your Uncle, US$20, bobsyouruncle.com TIFFIN FOOD BOX. Vivo, US$30, vivodirect.com DOLL. Paola Reina, $63.95, Monkey Puzzle, 02 9799 7101.

OVER THE RAINBOW BOOK. Hoon Kim, £17.50, presentandcorrect.com TIGER TODDLER HEADSET. Califone, US$15, califone.com HIGHLIGHTER. $11, Spoilt Rotten, 02 9958 8888. JET PLANE. Playmobil,

$140, Monkey Puzzle. JEWELERY KIT. $5, mypoppet.com.au Plus and Minus VISUAL GAME. Bruno Munari, C$67, enfantterribleshop.com Hanging on peg board: Schlep LUGGAGE TAG SET. Bob’s Your Uncle,

US$12 for 6, bobsyouruncle.com CAMERA TEE. Egg + Avocado, $39.95, ittybittyyuppy.com.au LITTLE KID BACKPACK — Yuka the Bee. Dante Beatrix, C$39.99, raspberrykids.com

lmnop 17 lmnop.com.au

Left to right: PLAYMOBIL FIGURES. Playmobil, from previous page, Monkey Puzzle, 02 9799 7101. HALL

OF FAME TOY PACK. Includes the Slinky, Butterfly Yo-Yo and Etch-A-Sketch. Duncan, $32.95, Monkey Puzzle.

A-Z ANIMAL FLASHCARD SET. Bob’s Your Uncle, US$35, bobsyouruncle.com Oldie PUSH TOY CAR. Schaaf,

$23, tinypeople.com.au MELAMINE CUPS. Rice, $5.95 each, mypoppet.com.au POPJE-RABBIT DOLL.

Kidsonroof, NZD$39, sip.sinot.co.nz The PRINCESS AND THE PEA DOLL. Maileg, $195, Spoilt Rotten,

02 9958 8888. PUSH N PULL TRUCK. Schoolhouse Naturals, US$17, maplelandmark.net Yeti and T-Rex

SHADOW PUPPETS. Owly Shadow Puppets, $15 each, monkeytailandwellington.com.au Hanging on peg

board: Rosie Flo’s COLOURING BOOK. Rosie Flo, $14.95, larkmade.com.au ANIMAL LACE-A-SHAPES.

Montgomery Schoolhouse, US$26 for set of 4, maplelandmark.net TREE POUCH. Giddy Giddy, $29.95,

cinnamonbear.com.au KNIT BIRD RATTLES. Blabla, $34.95 each, babysgotstyle.com.au

© 2008 LMNOP ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED.

Gift suggestions from the expertsNeed a little help with your Christmas shopping this year?

We asked some of our favourite stores to come forth with some fresh ideas.

SANDRINE GATE ALLENDER Arabella Boutique

117 Jersey Road Woollahra, Sydney NSW 02 9362 8155, arabellaboutique.com.au

How long have you worked here? Four months. What do you love most about working at Arabella Boutique? It is a boutique with a lot of cachet and unique. What’s going to sell like hotcakes this Christmas? The Atlanta Mocassins hand-made in Portugal. They are so comfy and colorful. Any tips for avoiding the Christmas rush? Be prepared and always smile. What’s your

favourite item in the store? A baby blouse from Bonpoint. What’s a great affordable gift — under $20? A great affordable gift would be a wooden tooth box. What gifts will you be buying from the store? I will buy a stunning dress from Il Gufo. Who is it for? My niece Louise. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? A fabulous silk top from Marianna, my boss.

KYLIE MONTAGUE Monkey Puzzle

13 Lackey Street, Summer Hill, Sydney NSW 02 9799 7101, monkeypuzzletoys.com.au

How long have you worked here? 2 years. What do you love most about working at Monkey Puzzle? Watching children making their choices when they come into the shop to spend their own pocket money. And of course all those new-born babies who come to visit. What’s going to sell like hotcakes this Christmas? Dejeco art kits, glitter balls, and Haba Ball Track. Any tips for avoiding the Christmas rush? Grab the perfect gift when you see it or

chances are it will be gone when you come back. What’s your favourite item in the store? The Djeco Creanimeaux building blocks are a fave. What’s a great affordable gift — under $20? A Brio wooden car with rubber wheels. What gifts will you be buying from the store? Sculpy and gauche paint sets. Board games and a Polka Reina Doll (for me!) What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? My three children of course. You can’t top that!

NATASHA SEETO Spoilt Rotten

147 Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge, Sydney NSW 02 9958 8888, spoiltrottenonline.com

JULIE WALL Shorties Children’s Wear

537 King Street, Newtown, Sydney NSW 02 9550 5003, shorties.com.au

RACHEL ROBSON Pages & Pages Booksellers

878 Military Road, Mosman Junction, Sydney NSW 02 9969 9736, pagesandpages.com.au

How long have you owned the store? Just over 3 years. What do you love most about owning Spoilt Rotten? Our supportive clientele and being surrounded by gorgeous things. What’s going to sell like hotcakes this Christmas? Beautiful personalised notecards. Children love it when they see their own name on the notecards ... they feel so grown up. Any tips for avoiding the Christmas rush? Plan ahead. Make a list and remember it’s really not about the gifts at the end of the day but about the sentiment behind it. What’s your favourite item in the store? Where do I start?

I love the personalised stitched artworks. The Princess and the Pea and the hand crafted Bi Planes. What’s a great affordable gift — under $20? Mix & Match Stationery Sets by illustrators Jill Bliss and Lotta Jansdotter. What gifts will you be buying from the store? Beautiful boxed Christmas decorations by Danish designer Jette Frolich. Who are they for? For all the special little godchildren in my life. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? A necklace hand made by my daughter Sophia when she was 3, and the smile that she gives me when she sees me wearing it!

How long have you worked here? Nearly two years. What do you love most about working at Shorties? I love being able to create my themed window displays (keep an eye out for my Christmas window) and working with a bunch of lovely girls. What’s going to sell like hotcakes this Christmas? Our cute tin tea sets. Any tips for avoiding the Christmas rush? Get in early. You can also look at our web site that is always updated with new things, order over the phone and get it posted to your door. What’s your favourite

item in the store? One off dresses designed by Chloe O’Reilly. Each one is made using a combination of fabulous retro fabrics. What’s a great affordable gift — under $20? Our hand made animal puppets by Wendy. What gifts will you be buying from the store? A shirt from Wellspotted — ‘The force is strong with this one’, and a great asian inspired hat by Chloe O’Reilly. Who are they for? My friend Cherri’s son Jonas, and my friend Jade’s daughter Audrey. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? The Black Prince (my car) from my dad.

LAUREN WALSH Kido Store

159 Clovelly Road, Clovelly, Sydney NSW 02 9314 7010, kidostore.com

How long have you worked here? 6 months. What do you love most about working at Pages & Pages? I love it when a child comes back excited from one of my recommendations wanting more. What’s going to sell like hotcakes this Christmas? Mem Fox’s new book ‘Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes’ is already a hot cake for Christmas. Any tips for avoiding the Christmas rush? Come to Pages and Pages and we’ll recommend something spectacular for every member of the family. What’s your favourite item in the store? A cross between Hunger

Games by Suzanne Collins or the Chimpanzee Puppet or The Foggy Foggy Forest or ... What’s a great affordable gift — under $20? The countless amounts of lovely paperback books we have in all different shapes and sizes, for all different age groups. What gifts will you be buying from the store? I will be getting all my gifts from the store. Who are they for? They are for everybody. Because you are never too old or young to enjoy children’s books. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? The parcel of kids books I wrap up for myself and put under the tree every year.

How long have you owned the store? 3 years. What do you love most about owning Kido Store? Being able to source so many beautiful things for the store (and occasionally sneaking them into my house). What’s going to sell like hotcakes this Christmas? Big ticket items like Momoll Playkitchen and the Like-A-Bike. And for stocking fillers our range of vintage style metal cars and French jewelry boxes. What’s your favourite item in the store? I love the Elizabeth Soule animal prints. They look amazing all clustered together, and the colours are stunning. What’s a great affordable

gift — under $20? Our tin buckets that feature illustrations by the French artist Nathalie Lete What gifts will you be buying from the store? For Gia — a Holga camera that looks like a cat (it meows!). She loves to take photos and it’s cool to see the world through her eyes. For Dillon — a woven chair. She climbs on them for hours in the store. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? A purple tee. Gia decided that my favourite colour was purple so last year all my presents were purple. Everytime I put it on now she always remembers that she gave it to me and gets really excited.

Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON

lmnop.com.au

Fun Monster tees from Nissalisa are colourfully boisterous and cheekily fun. Each monster face is created with light terry cloth and is super absorbent to catch any horrifying spills. Each monster comes with a name, but call him what you like. Remember to check out the handbags, hooded towels and onesies too.

Monster tees, Nissalisa, US$28.50, nissalisa.etsy.com

See behind-the-scenes from our Little Monsters photo shoot. Visit lmnop.com.au/blog/

Little Monsters

Fully loaded Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON

A perfect mix of style and utility, the 2008 Automoblox X9X defines off-road chic. Featuring running boards, front and rear skid plates, a roof rack and a spare tire, the X9X is equipped to tackle arm-chair mountains and floorboard highways.

The vechicle body is made of solid beech wood with a lacquer finish. Removable Automoblox connectors allow the wooden body parts to be exchanged using a shape and a colour system unique to each vehicle. So it’s fully interchangable with other Automoblox models. Loaded with features and a cabin capacity for 4 passengers, the X9X Sport Utility gets our vote for car of the year.

X9X Sport Utility, Automoblox, $49.95

Monkey Puzzle, 02 9799 7101

lmnop 23 lmnop.com.au

!

Designer Boutique Children’s Wear

GIRLSSIZE

NEWBORN TO 8

24hr online shopping at its best next day delivery* over 70 unique brands 30 days return or exchange

Walnut espadrilles, $26.95

Rock Your Baby bodysuit, $29.95

Babushka hat, $24.95

Little Horn quilt, $59.95

Owl purse, $33.95

Oobi dress/ knickerbocker

set, $49.95Corsage hairclip (2 pack), $19.95

www.babysgotstyle.com.au

BOYSSIZE

NEWBORN TO 8

PHO

TOG

RAP

HY:

SH

EEN

A CO

OK

E

shop online or phone 1300 468 789 (1300 GOT STYLE)

Dwell Studio

cushions, $64.95

Tiger Joe rashie, $39.95

Freshbaked hoody, $35.95

Fedora, $24.95Munster Louder tee, $39.95

Palm hoodie, $42.95Ouch check shorts, $35.95

Pure Baby knit bodysuit,

$44.95

Where’s mikey

boardies, $49.95

BIG by Fiona Scanlan lemon cream stripe tee tutu, $79.95

Mill and Mia yellow floral hair clips, $11.95 (set 2)

Toshi blue car print cap, $26.50

Pure Baby navy terry zip jacket, $39.95Ouch navy white

stripe romper, $23.95

Pink Theodore

bow, $7.95

Barnyard tee, $39.95

SMALLBusiness

lmnop.com.au

Photographed by Ian MacPherson

Styling by Pearl Fay & Jenny Lacey

Lemonade standSIENNA & TAHLIA: Frou Frou in Flight Party Dresses, $89.98, Polka, polkakids.com.au Sebright sandals, $48, Chook Leaf, chookleaf.com

Lemonade stand available for hire, $70, Munchkin Tables, munchkintables.com.au

lmnop 26

Lemonade standThis page. AMBER: Black Midi apple swimsuit, $45, Katvig, babygoesretro.com.au

Opposite page. RILEY: Citrus tee, US$28, Bunny & Bee, bunnyandbee.com Denim short, $59.95, Mill & Mia, My Messy Room, 02 9798 3233.

lmnop 27

Paper boyThis page. RILEY: Long Sleeve Button Down in blue, US$28, Woodgrain tie, US$15, Crumpet short in rust plaid, US$38, all Dandy Social Club, dandysocialclub.com

Dog walkerWILL: Dogs tee, Egg + Avocado, models own. Mob short, $49.95, Knuckleheads, ittybittyyuppy.com.au Leghorn Loafer, $69, Chook Leaf, chookleaf.com

Chocolate labrador puppet, $60, and Golden Retriever puppet, $145, Folkmanis, Monkey Puzzle, 02 9799 7101

lmnop 28

Car washRILEY: Santorini shirt, $46.70, Wonderboy, ittybittyyuppy.com.au Denim short, $59.95, Mill & Mia, My Messy Room, 02 9798 3233.

1938 Vintage Pedal Car, $250, Johnco, Monkey Puzzle, 02 9799 7101.

Bake saleAMBER: Mixed green top, $59.95, Rockerbaby, somethingniceforkids.com.au

Purple & white gingham tablecloth available for hire, $12.50, Munchkin Tables, munchkintables.com.au

All baked goods, POA, Cookie Couture, cookiecouture.com.au

min

or d

etai

ls

on gift giving by Jennifer Ward

newborn Candela Glow 2 Lights

These are perfect for any nursery. They are portable, rechargeable and give off just the right amount of soft light for a baby’s slumber.

US$39 vessel.com

I also suggest:Miracle Blanket US$29.95 miracleblanket.com

Wooden Rattle, Mossy Creek US$20 sagebabynyc.com

6 monthsPuppet Bib, Junki Kuze

This little number serves many functions. It’s a bib, washcloth, or puppet. A perfect gift for a messy eater.

US$28 momastore.org

I also suggest:Natural Rubber Teethers US$13.95 zoebonline.com

Tamako Wooden Balls, Waku Yozo, 4,724¥ chigo.co.jp

1 yearMate Plate, Skip Hop

Make veggies fun with this great new plate. It comes with a fork and spoon. And is near impossible to tip over.

US$20 skiphop.com

I also suggest:Dumbo Cup, Richard Hutton US$20 momastore.org

Portella Doll Pram, Selecta US$94.99 moolka.com

2 yearsFilzwagen, Ideesalon

I could not think of a better way to move and store toys. This little felt number also comes with the string colour of your choice.

EUR39.90 ideesalon.de

I also suggest:Muji Trike 7,900¥ muji.net

My French Kitchen, Educo US$99 oompa.com

3 yearsMagna-Tiles

Add a creative outlet for any child with these magnetic tiles. Great colours and possibilities.

US$49.94 amazon.com

I also suggest:Tea Set, Green Toys US$32 greentoys.com

Schoolhouse Chalkboard US$79 landofnod.com

4 yearsEtoile House, Carton Chic

Made of ecological cardboard from PEFC and FSC certified forest, you would be doing any child and the environment a favour. Hours of entertainment included.

EUR33.00 littlefashiongallery.com

I also suggest:Pencil Tree, Mon Petit Art US$38 rompbklyn.com

Cinderella jigsaw puppets US$135 fidoodle.com

5 yearsConstructible Drinking Straw

There are many things to get a 5-year-old, but nothing screams endless possibilities like these clever straws.

US$14 momastore.org

I also suggest:Super Sunprint Kit, Green Toys US$18 dwr.com

Blank Matryoshka Doll Set US$125 dwr.com

Buying gifts for children can be sometimes costly and cause head scratching. I have broken down my gift guide by age to help ease those holiday gift buying woes. Enjoy and have fun.

To read more from Minor Details, visit minordetails.typepad.com

Holiday Stationery

Left to right: DEER GIFT TAG. Small Square Design, US$10 for 6, smallsquaredesign.com FOREST, hand-printed card. Lisa Jones, $5.95, larkmade.com.au DEER SEASON’S GREETINGS, letterpress card. Egg Press, US$6, eggpress.com RUBY BOW PRESENT, letterpress notecard. Night Owl Paper Goods, US$14 for 6, nightowlpapergoods.com

Say it with words the old-fashioned way. We all love that feel-good factor of receiving a hand-written greeting card or note. Here are our favourite picks for the holiday season.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Ian MacPherson

STYLING BY Jenny Lacey

OUCHwww.ouchclothing.com.au

Help cure blank wall syndromeCustom made stretched canvas artwork.

View the full design collection and explore our range of affordable boutique

personalised products including puzzles, clothing, artwork, wall stickers & more. Just click on over to www.mooo.com.au

lmnop 3

Left to right: TREE, eco-friendly wooden gift card. Night Owl Paper Goods, US$2.50, nightowlpapergoods.com O TANNENBAUM. Sparrow + Belle, US$13 for 8, sparrowandbelle.com HOLIDAY GREETING circle tag. Elles, US$2.99 for 12, elles.etsy.com DROPLET STRIPE HOLIDAY, letterpress card. Egg Press, US$6, eggpress.com GINGERBREAD MAN, Holiday Gift tag. Small Square Design, US$10 for 6, smallsquaredesign.com DEAR LOVE. Sparrow + Belle, US$13 for 8, as above. LET IT SNOW, A Caroling We Will Go tag. Elles, US$3.75 for 8, as above. RIBBON PEACE, letterpress card. Egg Press, US$5, as above. ROBIN. Hand-printed card. Lisa Jones, $5.95, larkmade.com.au

lmnop.com.aulmnop 31

Left to right: HOUNDSTOOTH gift tag. Elles, US$3.95 for 4, elles.etsy.com These Moments at Christmas, EXTRA LARGE TAG. Elles, US$3.99 for 8, as above. These Moments at Christmas, FROM SANTA. Elles, US$3.99 for 8, as above. PARTRIDGE, hand-printed card. Lisa Jones, $5.95, larkmade.com.au TREE tag. Larue and Company, US$2.50, larueandco.com CREATURES PEACE ON EARTH, letterpress card, US$5, and GARLAND HAPPY HOLIDAYS, letterpress card. Egg Press, US$6, eggpress.com RED HOLIDAY ROSETTE, letterpress notecards. Night Owl Paper Goods, US$14 for 6, nightowlpapergoods.com BIRDBERRY & DEER, letterpress notecards. Ink + Wit, US$10 for 5, inkandwit.com A Caroling We Will Go ... AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR, tag. Elles, US$3.75 for 8, as above.

lmnop.com.aulmnop 32

Left to right: VINYL GOOD TIDINGS, letterpress card. Egg Press, US$5, eggpress.com DEER mini notes. Ink + Wit, US$12.50 for 8, inkandwit.com ANGEL CARD. Lotta Bruhn, EUR$10 for 6, lottabruhn.typepad.com/lotta_bruhn_illustration/shop CHORUS, hand-printed card. Lisa Jones, $5.95, larkmade.com.au Vintage Holiday Greeting SQUARE. Elles, US$3.99 for 12, elles.etsy.com SNOWMAN Holiday Card. Small Square Design, US$4, smallsquaredesign.com ORNAMENTS Holiday Greeting Cards. Larue and company, US$6 for 3, larueandco.com DECORATED TREE SEASONS GREETINGS, letterpress card. Egg Press, US$5, as above. NESTING BIRD, eco-friendly wooden gift card. Night Owl Paper Goods, US$2.50, nightowlpapergoods.com

lmnop.com.aulmnop 33

lmnop 34

Denise Ann Simon has been drawing since she was little. But it wasn’t until she found herself doodling at various desk jobs that she decided to return to her true passion for illustration. She is now a self employed artist and a want-to-be children’s book illustrator.

Animals, children and nature are some of Denise’s favourite subjects to draw. Her charming illustrations and sketchbooks are filled with playful images that are influenced by looking, remembering and imagining.

You can purchase some of Denise’s beautiful pieces from her Etsy store, denisesimon.etsy.com Check out her collection of little notes and greeting cards, pin sets and bookplates. Her illustrations will have you remembering your childhood with fond memories.

deniseannsimon.com

Denise Ann Simon — artist, illustrator,

doodler, bike rider, picture taker, book

reader and animal lover.

ORANGE

Reversible blanket, Kikebu, kikebu.com Knitted orange rattle, $8.95, Blabla, babysgotstyle.com.au Tights, $19.95, Katvig, babygoesretro com.au Sausage dog, $39, Bajo, Spoilt Rotten 02 9958 8888 Wooden car, Spiel & Holtz, stylists own.

RED

Bustle singlet, $69, Paperwings, Spoilt Rotten. Baby ballet slippers, $31.95, Cheeky Little Soles, cheekylittlesoles.com.au The Master Plan Diary, $34.95, Milestone Press, milestonepress.com.au Apple necklace, $25, Tamo, Spoilt Rotten. Velour suit, $55, Nanoou, mypoppet.com.au Plait belt, $36, Lucca.P, Spoilt Rotten. Cuski comforter, $39.95, Cuski, ittybittyyuppy.com.au Egg maracas, $7.50, Vilac, kidostore.com

PURPLE

Mocktail dress, $89.98, Polka, polkakids.com.au Jimi Hendrix tee, $39.95, kidostore.com Thongs, $22.95, Havaianas, My Messy Room, 02 9798 3233.Tuille skirt, $41.95, Baobab, fairykisses.com.au Tadpole iPod case, US$14.99, ifrogz, ifrogz.com

BLUE

Action utility bag, $44, kideko.com Wool rattle ball, $35, Maikke, kidostore.com Baby powder, $12.95, Little Innoscents, littleinnoscents.com.au Kick by Rufus Butler Seder, $19.95, mymessyroom.com.au Plimsoll Kids shoe, $59.95, Plimsoll, kidostore.com

GREEN

Peasant tee, $39.95, Heavenly Creatures, kidsgiftlist.com.au Qubies baby food store and freeze tray, $16.95, Miinki Moop, qubies.com.au Reading can be fun by Munro Leaf, $24.95, kidostore.com Mouse, $4.50, and pear necklace, $25, Tamo, and Lomolitos camera, $25, Lomography, all Spoilt Rotten. Yellow and green turtle legs, $44.95, Polka, polkakids.com.au

YELLOW

Manners can be fun by Munro Leaf, $24.95, kidostore.com Circus summer dress, $49, Plastisock, babygoesretro.com.au Mouse, $4.50, Spoilt Rotten. Singlet, $29.95, Little Horn, mymessyroom.com.au Nappy rash cream, $14.95, Little Innoscents, littleinnoscents.com.au Buddy sandal, $54.95, Scruffy Dog, kidostore.com

COLOURAre you fiery red? Envious green? Earthy orange? Or sunny yellow?

Use our colour wheel to set your mood to this season’s hottest hues.

Styling by JENNY LACEY

what does your favourite say about you?

lmnop.com.au

GAMES ON THE GO. With two over-scheduled kids, every day there is a little (or a lot) of waiting. In carpool pick-up lines, at the ice arena, pediatrician’s office, restaurants, airport, car wash … My new entertainment of choice: packable games. Chubby little hands are just able to hold cards (my four year old maxs out at 9) and little brains can finally follow easy rules (with only the occasional “that’s not fair” protest).

One of our favorite card games is ShaNuCo. Get it? Shapes, Numbers and Colors. This game is a version of Uno that adds a third element.

A little larger, but lots of fun, is travel-size Blokus. Each player takes turn placing as many of her pieces on the board as possible. Pieces can only “kiss corners” with the same colour.

When someone needs some solo time, I pull out Rush Hour or Hopper. Move little cars around a board to get out of Rush Hour gridlock. Leap over frog- shaped pegs to leave the last frog in the middle to “win” at Hopper.

And then there is always Go Fish — which my girls love! Added bonus: I get to show off my fancy shuffling and card dealing skills. Mom is still cool.

WORDfrom Chicago

Blokus blokus.com

ShaNuCo amazon.com

Text by SONYA CHOE MILLER

20 things to pack when travelling with kids

PROVEN TO KILL GERM SPRAY

Protect your family from airplane germs with this easy-to-spray hand sanitizer.

Clean Well. US$16.99 for 6 cleanwelltoday.com

TWICE THE ACTIVITY

Draw your own picture puzzle, then take your time putting

it back together.

Eckersleys. $3 eckersleys.com.au

PACK LITE

Six colours in one crayon.

$2.50 each, My Messy Room 02 9798 3233

soft soled leather footwear for infants and toddlers

www.cheekylittlesoles.com.au

Travelling during the holiday season with kids can be pretty stressful. But if you pack the right entertainment, and a few handy essentials, you

might just find you have a peaceful and enjoyable flight.

WISH YOU WERE HERE

Make your own postcards.

Marc Vidal. Stylist’s own. marcvidal.com

VELCRO BLOCKS

Sakol building blocks will grip aircraft carpet when they fall,

making them easy to find.

Sakol. 10 piece set. $29.92 Monkey Puzzle, 02 9799 7101

EDITOR’S

PICK

TAKE A GOOD BOOK

Wile away the flight time finding characters in this colourful book about travelling the world.

Around the World with Mouk — A Trail of Adventure. $35, Spoilt Rotten, 02 9958 8888

lmnop 37

STROLLER ID

Easily identify your stroller at the carousel. A bright travel bag to cover

and protect your toddler’s vehicle.

Gate Check Bag. jlchildress.com

HAVE A CHAT

Strike up a conversation with your travel partner by asking easy questions.

Ask Me. $26 Spoilt Rotten, 02 9958 8888

POPOUT MAP

Fold-out pocket maps are a great way to get around a city.

Compass Map Group. $6.95 dymocks.com.au

NON-ROLL CRAYONS

The triangular shape stops crayons from rolling off the tray table.

Crayola Triangular Crayons. $9.95 officeworks.com.au

PRE-LOVED BOOKS

Take a small selection with you.

Second-hand books. Yard sales & second-hand bookstores

BATHING SUIT

Be seen on the beach in this stripy swim trunk.

Claesens. $35 Spoilt Rotten, 02 9958 8888

CHILD FRIENDLY CITY WALKS

Cards have a child-friendly day all mapped out for you and your family.

City walks with Kids: New York. US$13.16 amazon.com

CARRY ON LUGGAGE

This backpack is the perfect size for under 5’s to carry.

Little Kid Backpack. C$39.99 raspberrykids.com

MINIATURE PUZZLES

Handy little matchbox puzzles.

Crocodile Creek. $2.50 urbanchild.com.au

BEAT AIRPORT BOREDOM

Create endless airpot scenes with vinyl sticker and board set.

Mudpuppy Play Scene. $25, Spoilt Rotten, 02 9958 8888

TAKE IPOD PROTECTION

A cover that protects your iPod from accidental falls and sticky fingers.

Tadpole iPod case. US$14.99, ifrogz.com

DRAWSTRING ALL IN ONE

Minimise how many times you have to reach up to the overhead locker. At the beginning of the

flight throw everything you need into a drawstring bag. Hangs easily off a tray table and gives you

easy access to the things you need during the flight.

Kinder bag. $29.95, cocooncouture.com

FIRST CLASS COMFORT

This friendly tortoise makes for a comfy travel companion. A pillow and a super-soft blanket all in one.

Zoobie Pet. $65.95, ittybittyyuppy.com.au

lmnop.com.au

EDITOR’S PICK

EDITOR’S PICK

EDITOR’S PICK

EDITOR’S PICK

EDITOR’S PICK

MAGNETIC DRESS-UP DOLLS

Explore the world in traditional outfits from around the globe.

Mudpuppy. $32.95 Monkey Puzzle, 02 9799 7101

online

lmnop 38 lmnop.com.au

Text by JENNY LACEY

www.presentandcorrect.com

Pick up unique paper goods, new and

old, from near and far at Present and

Correct. Letter sets, notebooks, card

wallets, books, coloured chalks, pretty

Christmas tags and cards can all be

found in this online writing desk drawer.

Chose from a selection of P&C branded

products, handmade goods, and vintage

one-off items — by designers from all

over the world. The passionate stationers

at P&C have sourced some of the most

fun and original objects that you could

possibly find to adorn your desk and

wall spaces at home or work.

www.raspberrykids.com

If you’re looking for some fresh ideas

this Christmas, head over to Raspberry

Kids. They offer a broad range of products

that embody their tagline — fresh, healthy

and fun. Browse from a hand-picked

selection of wearables, books, toys, travel

accessories and more. Handy ’Our

Criteria’ tabs will help you make an

informed decision about what you are

buying. You’ll find lots of award-winning

items, as well as environmentally friendly

and socially responsible products, and

unique pieces that are made for mums,

by mums. This Canadian purveyor of all

things good is a refreshingly different

place to shop online.

www.cookiecouture.com.au

Cookie Couture is the shop front for

baker Nadine Ingram’s ever popular,

gingerbread cookies. Nadine only uses

the finest natural ingredients to create

soft, perfectly spiced gingerbread that is

balanced with the delicate crunch of

beautifully applied icing. Her cookie

collection is themed and grouped on the

website, making it easy to select from her

handcrafted baked creations. The cookie

range includes numbers and letters,

Christmas angels, owls, and pretty

birthday cookie pops. To order, just send

Nadine an email and Cookie Couture will

start baking.

www.littlecircus-shop.com

Little Circus is a Belgium online boutique

catering to playful 0 — 6 year-olds.

Morgane offers many treasures under

her circus tent. There you can also meet

international artists like Uncle Goose,

Sophie Cuvelier, Modern-Twist, and Little

Red Stuga. What’s equally striking about

this site is the exquisite photography by

Mathieu Provansal of the store’s whimsical

offerings. Soon to be bilingual (French/

English) it’s definitely worth the visit.

Roll up, roll up!

FROM THE LIBRARY OF

LMNOP

RETURN DATE

THE FOGGY FOGGY FOREST

by Nick Sharratt

$24.95

Monkey Puzzle, 02 9799 7101

Step into The Foggy Foggy Forest where you’ll find silhouettes waiting amongst the trees. Turn the transparent pages and see the silhouettes transform into colourful characters. You might recognise some of them? Goldilocks, Little Red Riding Hood and an orge doing yoga are just some of the characters lurking.

This delightfully illustrated hardcover book by Nick Sharratt will delight the imagination of your little reader. They’ll question who’s hiding and try to guess what’s coming next. Simple rhyme makes every page fun, so they’ll yearn to return again and again. A perfect treat for 3 to 5-year-olds.

Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON

lmnop.com.aulmnop 39

a vintage christmas storyphotographed by Monika Elena

Visit monikaelenaphoto.com to see more of Monika’s photography.

lmnop 42

LEFTOVERS

Image by Ian MacPherson

delicious exchange

Traditional Czech honey bread was once

used as currency in the Czech Republic.

Exchange a precious holiday favourite this

year and give a tiny gingerbread house as

a gift. Made with exotic spices and honey,

measuring just 7.5cm tall, these delicately

decorated cookies by Czech baker and artist

Milena, are a special treat.

BiscArt, $30 each

Love to Celebrate, 02 9416 4868

PERSONALISED ARTPreserve your child’s drawings with an embroidered artwork keepsake. Designer ChiChi creates machine embroidered replicas of the drawings so you can cherish them forever. Simply take your little one’s masterpiece to Spoilt Rotten and they’ll organise the

rest for you.

ChiChi, POA, Spoilt Rotten, 02 9958 8888

Donate a cape to a little heroLast issue we introduced you to the colourful range of Little Hero

Super Capes. Superbly handcrafted capes in silky satins and

packed with lots of WOW!

Allison Faunce the maker of these fabulous costumes is offering

you the chance to donate a cape to a brave, hospitalized child who is

undergoing treatment for cancer or other serious blood disorders.

Donate a Courage Cape is a line especially made for the children

of the Discovery Arts Program in California. The program brings

art, music, and fun to hospitalised children undergoing treatment.

Each Courage Cape purchased will be delivered (free of charge)

directly to a child who participates in the Discovery Arts Program.

With your donation, brave children are given a little more courage

to face the day and to provide them with a Little Hero Cape they

so fully deserve.

Go to littleherocapes.com to donate a cape today. US$40 each

Gift storageBe imaginative with your gift wrapping this

Christmas and give a gift with a twist. Gewoon’s

HangBag is a felt pouch with layered pockets on

the front for tucking away small presents, books

and chocolates. The main compartment has a

polyester inner lining and will fit larger items such

as toys. Attach a felt rosette to embellish your

HangBag and away you go! The pouch measures

35 x 38cm and makes a smart hanging storage

bag afterwards.

Gewoon HangBag, NZD$99, and Rosette,

NZD$49, both sip.sinot.co.nz

Johnnie Joe’s & Rosie Flo’s colouring books. Rosie Flo’s, $14.95, larkmade.com.au Popje-rabbit doll. Kidsonroof, NZD$39, sip.sinot.co.nz Mechanical pencils. B-International, $29, Spoilt Rotten, 02 9958 8888. Felt necklace kit. Sparrowkids, $19.95, My Messy Room, 02 9798 3233.

lmnop.com.au

Meet Jo Morgan and Marika Hemer. This delightful duo is Polka — the talent behind a cheery, new fashion label creating wearables for small folk. Polka’s debut range of girlswear, sizes 2 – 8, hit stores in August this year. With Scandinavian-inspired designs and prints, Australian designed Polka prides itself on being kid friendly; easily dressible, washable, durable and breathable. It’s bright, quirky, mixy matchy, layering fun! To see their adorable current collection, and to view a complete list of stockists go to polkakids.com.au

LAUGH • MAKE • NURTURE • ORGANISE • PLAY

lmnop blog

Visit lmnop.com.au/blog/ for a daily dose of fun!

© 2008 LMNOP ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED.

WANT MORE?

TAKE A BEHIND-THE-SCENES PEEK AT LMNOP’S PHOTO SHOOTS

FUN IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Go to the official LMNOP blog to see more book reviews, craft ideas, the latest info on things to see and do. PLUS, extra ideas on how to have fun with your kids.

Everything we cover in our magazine — just more regularly.

lmnop 40

SEE HOW TO MAKE OUR HALLOWEEN

GOODY BOXES

FROM THE LIBRARY OF

LMNOP

RETURN DATE

Halloween in our streetHalloween night requires all the elements of a great street party. Lots of neighbours gathering curb side, excited children running around, a charged atmosphere and plenty of delicious treats to eat. We hosted a wonderful street party in our neighbourhood this Halloween. Visit our new blog, lmnop.com.au/blog/ to see

some photographs of our wicked evening.

Glitter Candelabra, and Jack-o-lantern piñata, both Love to Celebrate, 02 9416 4868

Gingerbread Witches, cookiecouture.com.au

For more resources visit lmnop.com.au/blog/

EDITOR’S NOTE