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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.
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
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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, [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
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.
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
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Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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
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
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.
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,
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!
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.
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.
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
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!
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
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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
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
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Car washRILEY: Santorini shirt, $46.70, Wonderboy, ittybittyyuppy.com.au Denim short, $59.95, Mill & Mia, My Messy Room, 02 9798 3233.
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
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
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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.
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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
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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.
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,
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
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a vintage christmas storyphotographed by Monika Elena
Visit monikaelenaphoto.com to see more of Monika’s photography.
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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
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
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.
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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