Gift suggestions from the experts

lmnop
20 things to pack for
holiday travel with kids.
pg 36
Welcome
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 ...
LAUGH
•
MAKE • NURTURE • ORGANISE • PLAY
We asked some of LMNOP’s
favourite stores for some fresh
gift ideas. pg 19
GIFT GUIDE
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.
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.
LMNOP’s 2008 Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide. pg 1 1
LEFTOVERS
Simple ways to spread
cheer during the holidays.
pg 41
ISSUE 5
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.
Jenny Lacey
Editor
© 2008 LMNOP ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN
WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED.
Riley & Amber
Photographed by Ian MacPherson
lmnop.com.au
LMNOP CONTRIBUTORS
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.
ON THE COVER
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.
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.
© 2008 LMNOP ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN
WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED.
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.
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.
Don’t cry, baby!
We have $7
flat rate shipping
Austrailia-wide!
sookie baby
baby & kids
Gifts and essentials
for mother and baby
bib by
Bask
Home
www.sookiebaby.com
handmade
accessories
essentials
for mum
unique toys
mumandbabe.com.au
Text by JENNY LACEY
ODDS AND ENDS
Text by Kate Fenwick
Robots Rule
Images by Frankie Frankeny
candy land
If 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
Skippy, 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
Festive tableware
Don’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!’
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, [email protected] 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
Melamine cups, $5.95 each, mypoppet.com.au
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ODDS AND ENDS
A RECYCLABLE CITY
In 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
Bedroom style for modern kids.
Signature
Stationery
These 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
Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON
Stacks of
Stocking
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
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.
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AIR MAIL TOYS
ODDS AND ENDS
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
MAKE A DATE
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
CHECK OUT:
Frames Wallpaper, page 37
Item SKU 410091, US$40
Our 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
Crazy clubhouse
Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON
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
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Meet
Marianna O’Sullivan
I couldn’t
live without
SO P H I A AN D L EON A R DO’S MUM
Access to the very best
produce. I have a favourite
provider of most
food items.
A deep passion for beautiful
clothing inspired this busy
mum to open an ethereal
childrenswear boutique,
in one of Sydney’s
prettiest neighbourhoods.
Marianna presents some must-have classics in her
charming boutique, named simply, Arabella.
PHO T O GR AP HE D B Y Ian MacPherson
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?
What we’re reading
at the moment
The Magic Faraway Tree
by Enid Blyton.
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.
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Arabella Boutique, 117 Jersey Rd, Woollahra, Sydney NSW
(02) 9362 8155, arabellaboutique.com
When I have 30
minutes to myself
I like to lay down and read
the newspapers.
ODDS AND ENDS
IMAGINATION PLUS
There’s a new movement among young families today,
to bring fun, new meaning, and above all, ingenuity into
their homes through homemade crafts, and imaginationbased 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.
NO. 2:
Text by SHANA DUFFY
OF ENFANT TERRIBLE
JEANINE PAYER
Photo piece series
The 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
Tink necklace with signature photo
Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON
Private menagerie
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
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Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON
LMNOP’s
2008 Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
YOOZZOO PLUSH DOLLS. Oodle, Booh and Gooloop. Yoozzoo, US$29.95 each, yoozzoo.com
Styling by JENNY LACEY
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.
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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
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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
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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
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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 experts
Need 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
KYLIE MONTAGUE
Arabella Boutique
117 Jersey Road Woollahra, Sydney NSW
02 9362 8155, arabellaboutique.com.au
Monkey Puzzle
13 Lackey Street, Summer Hill, Sydney NSW
02 9799 7101, monkeypuzzletoys.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.
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
JULIE WALL
LAUREN WALSH
RACHEL ROBSON
Spoilt Rotten
147 Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge, Sydney NSW
02 9958 8888, spoiltrottenonline.com
Shorties Children’s Wear
537 King Street, Newtown, Sydney NSW
02 9550 5003, shorties.com.au
Kido Store
159 Clovelly Road, Clovelly, Sydney NSW
02 9314 7010, kidostore.com
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.
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 LikeA-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.
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.
Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON
Little Monsters
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/
lmnop.com.au
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
www.babysgotstyle.com.au
efghi
Rock Your Baby
bodysuit, $29.95
C8L>?›D8B<›ELIKLI<›FI>8E@J<›GC8P
Walnut espadrilles,
$26.95
Oobi dress/
knickerbocker
set, $49.95
Corsage hairclip
(2 pack), $19.95
Babushka hat,
$24.95
GIRLS
?`i`e^jXjjpj\Xkj#kXYc\jXe[kXYc\Zcfk_j
]fi^`icjYfpjX^\[)$/p\Xij
SIZE
NEWBORN
TO 8
Little Horn
quilt, $59.95
24hr o
nline
shopping
at its best
Owl purse,
$33.95
LN;L<KB;>
?K>>
BIG by Fiona Scanlan lemon
cream stripe tee tutu, $79.95
Mill and Mia yellow floral
hair clips, $11.95 (set 2)
Pink
Theodore
bow, $7.95
e
xchang
return or e
s
y
a
d
0
3
s
d
next day delivery* over 70 unique bran
dleZ_b`ekXYc\j%Zfd%Xl
Designer Boutique Children’s Wear
Toshi blue car print
cap, $26.50
Pure Baby navy terry
zip jacket, $39.95
Ouch navy white
stripe romper, $23.95
Fedora, $24.95
Munster Louder tee, $39.95
Palm hoodie, $42.95
Ouch check shorts, $35.95
Barnyard
tee, $39.95
BOYS
SIZE
NEWBORN
TO 8
Pure
Baby knit
bodysuit,
$44.95
!
PHOTOGRAPHY: SHEENA COOKE
Tiger Joe
rashie,
$39.95
Where’s
mikey
boardies,
$49.95
Dwell
Studio
cushions,
$64.95
Freshbaked
hoody,
$35.95
shop online or phone 1300 468 789 (1300 GOT STYLE)
efghi'\hf'Zn
Lemonade stand
SIENNA & 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
SMALL
Business
Photographed by Ian MacPherson
Styling by Pearl Fay & Jenny Lacey
lmnop.com.au
Lemonade stand
This 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 26
Dog walker
WILL: 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
Paper boy
This 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
lmnop 27
lmnop 28
Car wash
Bake sale
RILEY: 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.
AMBER: 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
minor details
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.
newborn
6 months
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
Candela Glow 2 Lights
Puppet Bib, Junki Kuze
Mate Plate, Skip Hop
Filzwagen, Ideesalon
Magna-Tiles
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.
This little number serves
many functions. It’s a
bib, washcloth, or puppet.
A perfect gift for a
messy eater.
Make veggies fun with
this great new plate. It
comes with a fork and
spoon. And is near
impossible to tip over.
Add a creative outlet
for any child with these
magnetic tiles. Great
colours and possibilities.
Etoile House,
Carton Chic
Constructible
Drinking Straw
US$28
momastore.org
US$20
skiphop.com
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.
There are many things
to get a 5-year-old, but
nothing screams endless
possibilities like these
clever straws.
I also suggest:
Natural Rubber Teethers
US$13.95
zoebonline.com
I also suggest:
Dumbo Cup,
Richard Hutton
US$20
momastore.org
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.
US$39
vessel.com
I also suggest:
Miracle Blanket
US$29.95
miracleblanket.com
Wooden Rattle,
Mossy Creek
US$20
sagebabynyc.com
Tamako Wooden
Balls, Waku Yozo,
4,724¥
chigo.co.jp
on gift giving by Jennifer Ward
Portella Doll Pram,
Selecta
US$94.99
moolka.com
EUR39.90
ideesalon.de
I also suggest:
Muji Trike
7,900¥
muji.net
My French Kitchen,
Educo
US$99
oompa.com
US$49.94
amazon.com
I also suggest:
Tea Set, Green Toys
US$32
greentoys.com
Schoolhouse Chalkboard
US$79
landofnod.com
EUR33.00
littlefashiongallery.com
I also suggest:
Pencil Tree,
Mon Petit Art
US$38
rompbklyn.com
Cinderella jigsaw
puppets
US$135
fidoodle.com
US$14
momastore.org
I also suggest:
Super Sunprint Kit,
Green Toys
US$18
dwr.com
Blank Matryoshka
Doll Set
US$125
dwr.com
To read more from Minor Details, visit minordetails.typepad.com
Holiday
Stationery
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
Help cure blank wall syndrome
STYLING BY Jenny Lacey
Custom 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
AVIdg^VcV#Xdb#Vj
OUCH
www.ouchclothing.com.au
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
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 313
lmnop.com.au
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 3 2
lmnop.com.au
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 33
lmnop.com.au
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.
Denise Ann Simon — artist, illustrator,
doodler, bike rider, picture taker, book
reader and animal lover.
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
lmnop 34
COLOUR
what does your favourite say about you?
Styling by JENNY LACEY
Are you fiery red? Envious green? Earthy orange? Or sunny yellow?
Use our colour wheel to set your mood to this season’s hottest hues.
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
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
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.
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
lmnop.com.au
Text by SONYA CHOE MILLER
WORD
from Chicago
20 things to pack
when travelling with kids
GAMES ON THE GO. With two overscheduled kids, every day there is a
little (or a lot) of waiting. In carpool pickup 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).
Blokus
blokus.com
ShaNuCo
amazon.com
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 travelsize 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.
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.
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 frogshaped 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.
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
EDITOR’S
PICK
www.cheekylittlesoles.com.au
soft soled leather footwear for infants and toddlers
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
WISH YOU WERE HERE
Make your own postcards.
Marc Vidal. Stylist’s own.
marcvidal.com
PACK LITE
Six colours in one crayon.
$2.50 each, My Messy Room
02 9798 3233
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
EDITOR’S
PICK
EDITOR’S
PICK
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
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
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
MINIATURE PUZZLES
Handy little matchbox puzzles.
Crocodile Creek. $2.50
urbanchild.com.au
EDITOR’S
PICK
EDITOR’S
PICK
TAKE IPOD PROTECTION
A cover that protects your iPod from
accidental falls and sticky fingers.
Tadpole iPod case. US$14.99, ifrogz.com
PRE-LOVED BOOKS
Take a small selection with you.
Second-hand books.
Yard sales & second-hand bookstores
HAVE A CHAT
Strike up a conversation with your travel
partner by asking easy questions.
Ask Me. $26
Spoilt Rotten, 02 9958 8888
NON-ROLL CRAYONS
The triangular shape stops crayons
from rolling off the tray table.
Crayola Triangular Crayons. $9.95
officeworks.com.au
EDITOR’S
PICK
BEAT AIRPORT BOREDOM
Create endless airpot scenes with vinyl sticker and board set.
Mudpuppy Play Scene. $25, Spoilt Rotten, 02 9958 8888
lmnop 37
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
POPOUT MAP
Fold-out pocket maps are a great
way to get around a city.
Compass Map Group. $6.95
dymocks.com.au
MAGNETIC DRESS-UP DOLLS
Explore the world in traditional outfits from around the globe.
Mudpuppy. $32.95
Monkey Puzzle, 02 9799 7101
lmnop.com.au
Text by JENNY LACEY
online
www.presentandcorrect.com
www.raspberrykids.com
www.cookiecouture.com.au
www.littlecircus-shop.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.
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.
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.
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!
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lmnop.com.au
Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON
R E T U R N D AT E
FR OM TH E LI BR AR Y OF
LMNOP
FOREST
THE FOGGY FOGGY
by Nick Sharratt
$24.95
99 7101
Monkey Puzzle, 02 97
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.
lmnop 39
lmnop.com.au
a vintage christmas story
photographed by Monika Elena
Visit monikaelenaphoto.com to see more of Monika’s photography.
lmnop 42
LEFTOVERS
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 ART
Preserve 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 hero
Last 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
Image by Ian MacPherson
Gift storage
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
Be 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
lmnop blog
EDITOR’S NOTE
Halloween
in our street
Halloween 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/
LAUGH • MAKE • NURTURE • ORGANISE • PLAY
WANT MORE?
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.
FUN IDEAS FOR
TAKE A BEHIND-THE-SCENES PEEK
AT LMNOP’S PHOTO SHOOTS
THE HOLIDAYS
R E T U R N D AT E
SEE HOW TO MAKE
OUR HALLOWEEN
GOODY BOXES
Visit
lmnop 40
FROM THE LIBRARY
OF
LMNOP
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.