2008 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL GIFT IDEAS GUIDE - RECOMMENDATIONS BY LONDON MUMS (NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2008)

FOR THE BABY

LEMON STAR WRAP (by Tippitoes): incredibly cosy blanket which makes swaddling quick and simple. Once a baby starts kicking and moving around traditional swaddling can lose its effect; however, when wrapped loosely in the Star Wrap a baby can move easily but still feel secure and comfortable. The unique shape provides a modern twist to the classic blanket, making it more practical and less cumbersome, so that it is easy to use in pushchairs and car seats. Made from fleece with a soft cotton lining, it is specially designed without a hood so that overheating is avoided).

www.tippitoes.com

WELEDA BABY VISAGE CREAM (by www.BigGreenSmile.com): Online eco-friendly retailer www.BigGreenSmile.com has launched its new eco-beauty product range. This visage cream based on Calendula is fantastic both for baby and mummy. Check on www.BigGreenSmile.com

BABY EINSTEIN 'BABY SANTA'S - MUSIC BOX' DVD: This video has been created by a mum from a baby's perspective to captivate and stimulate babies and toddlers with bright lights, ornaments, sleigh bells, toys, winter scenes, happy children and jolly Santas - all accompanied by traditional melodies from around the world, plus classical favourites by Tchaikovsky, Mozart and Handel. Check on www.babyeinstein.co.uk

ORGANIC BABY PRODUCTS - Baby Care Gift Pack: Cute gift box - a gorgeous gift for a new mum and baby. The pack includes Baby Salve, Mum & Baby Moisturiser, Baby Wash Lavender & Baby Wash Chamomile. These tubes are the ideal size to keep in your nappy bag. The products are all organic cleansing wash for both babies and toddlers and I like them because they don't have Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Parabens and other unnecessary synthetic ingredients. Also all the products are not tested on animals and donate 10 per cent of their annual profit to charity. Check this gift online on www.greenpeople.co.uk

SILVER BALOON PERSONALISED CDS: Silver Baloon has produced 2 CDs with original music written and performed by industry professionals who previously performed with artists such as Will Young, Robbie Williams, Catatonia, Unkle and the founder of ex-90s band Dodgy! Each disk is personalised with the child's name which is then sung throughout each song. This is a great alternative to conventional nursery rhyme CDs and children love hearing their name. Plus, there's a bonus bedtime story narrated by the respected broadcaster Jon Snow. A songsheet is available as a free download to enable you to singalong with your child – and is a valuable reading aid as they get older. Silver Balloon supports the important work on infant safety carried out by The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths and New Horizon, the charity of which Jon Snow is patron and which offers fantastic support to vulnerable youngsters. These CDs are best for 0-7 year olds. Great alternative newborn gifts, birthday or Christmas gifts. Order online at www.silverballoon.com

WEE GALLERY: Brainchild of a (teacher) and (graphic designer) wife team, Wee Gallery creates art which claims to helps babies' brains and eyesight develop in the crucial early stages of life. The couple drew black and white animal designs to assist the development of their newborn son. Amazed at their child's response to their design, the couple grew the product range which now encompasses art cards, removable wall graphics and wrapped canvasses. Wee Gallery Art Cards are ideal to provide high contrast patterns recognised by babies from the very first day they are born. London Mums tested the cards and highly recommend these products for babies from 1 day to 6 months, when the attention of the babies is captured almost immediately and a greater sense of calm in their behaviour seems to occur. When the cards were removed in the testing, the infants seemed to become more restless. Wee Gallery has also amazing stickers with farm animals which toddlers also seem to enjoy a lot. Order them online www.weegallery.com

RHODES TO HEAVEN NATURAL BABY GIFT BAG - Excellent gift including Natural Baby Lotionenriched with organic plant oils and extracts, pure Shea butter and Vitamin E and delicately fragranced with essential oils; Natural Baby Botti Balm and Natural Baby Top-To-Toe, an ultra mild instant foamer to cleanse baby from head to toe. Check online www.rhodestoheaven.com

FOR THE TODDLER

MOONSAND Adventure Island: Even at Christmas you can get beach fun without the mess with this moldable sand that never dries out so you can use it again and again! This play kit opens to reveal Adventure Island with two sides to play. Use the included 3 colors of sand and molds to make huts, animals and boats to create your own island-themed adventure. When you are done playing, close up your island and take your adventure with you in the hard plastic carrying case. The kit includes a plastic carry case with handle. Ideal gift to buy at Christmas to bring back some nice seaside memories and cheer up the winter gloomy weather. Age Range: From 3 years. Check online www.argos.co.uk

TRUNKI - Voted product of the month in November 2008 by London Mums: Wave good bye to tiring travel, tears and tantrums with a boredom busting Trunki, the world's first ride-on kid's suitcase! Amazing fun luggage for toddlers, which you can easily pull along at the airport, whilst you carry hand luggage and handbag. Despite being rejected by the Dragon's Den, this product is safe, robust and it saves your trip! Trunki is designed for family holidays, and children can pack their toys and snacks for the journey, they can sit-on and ride their own luggage, whilst parents can keep them in tow. Trunki's light weight and durable design is hand luggage approved, with generous space inside for toys, games, books and spare clothes. You'll love to see the face of your toddlers when they open this fantastic Christmas present... www.trunki.co.uk

WHEELYBUG TIGER Small (by HIPPYCHICK): Wheely Bugs offer hours of robust fun. They help to promote self-confidence, spatial awareness and gross motor skills. Wheelybugs go backwards, forwards, sideways & round & round. They can be pushed & pulled to aid with walking, sat on to whizz around or just kissed and cuddled. This is one of those few toys that you will want to keep as a memoir for the years to come - it looks good and is of high quality (Handmade & beautifully crafted). You can buy it on Amazon www.amazon.co.uk. Check out the Hippychick website for more gift ideas www.hippychick.com

CIRCUS TENT (BY KIDDIROO): This is a very unique gift which helps kids sparkle creativity around the circus theme. It reminded me of those simple toys I had as a girl. I think we should all go back to this type of toys. Interesting enough it was 2 mumpreneurs from Lancashire who set up this nice business after spotting a gap in the market for high quality, unusual items available online, rather than from high-street boutiques. Check all the gifts for children 0-5 year old for real inspiration www.kiddiroo.co.uk.

iTEDDY: Lovely idea as it provides music and videos like a proper MP3 player, whilst still looking like a toy. You can also add content to the iTeddy to make it more fun. It's a good way to keep kids busy during car or air journeys. Check out the iTeddy features on the official website www.iteddy.com

TATTY BUMPKIN INTERACTIVE T-SHIRTS: There are T-shirts and t-shirts. Tatty Bumpkin makes some of the funkiest ones, interactive animal song t-shirts for children aged 1-11 years. Every T-shirt includes a free song download and instructions on how to follow your chosen animal sequence. There are 11 different animals to choose from, which include a Lion, Spider, Peacock, Lotus, Bee, Cockerel, Cat, Mouse, Dolphin, Butterfly and Crocodile. Prices range from 11.50 pounds. The music and movement download is based on the award winning Tatty Bumpkin, yoga inspired music and movement classes which run around the UK. The quality is excellent as the t-shirts are made of Organic and Bamboo textile. For further information, please visit www.tattybumpkin.com

MOCCIS (SWEDISH MOCASSINS): Moccis has created cosy Moccasins which means no more slipping and sliding, no more cold feet and missing single socks and no more dirty shoes indoor. They are perfect at home, at the nursery and at the playgroup and the best part: they are machine washable! Moccis is made in Sweden of natural ecotex certified materials. The leather sole is durable and flexible, allowing the foot to move freely and muscles to develop. The moccasin has sewed in double elastic at the ankle which will prevent it from falling off and the characteristic zigzag seam is even sewed by hand. Moccis is currently available in shops in the UK, Ireland, Germany and Sweden. You can view the entire collection of Moccis at www.moccis.co.uk

PLAYSKOOL Wheel Pals Mini 5 packs: Perfectly squeezable and sized just right for toddler's hands, WHEEL PALS toys encourage on-the-floor fun. Give each vehicle a little squeeze and push it across the floor. Each roll-along friend greets baby with an adorable expression. Each pack includes 5 individual 6cm long squishy cars. Check them online at www.hasbro.com.

PERSONALISED TOODLER PHOTO-BOOKS: Itsyourstory specialises in photo-personalised books. The new Christmas book is aimed at children aged 3 to 7 and really is very special. It's about your child's adventures at the North Pole and features his/her face in each illustration and information about them woven into the story. It's also affordable and is a unique Christmas gift. You can find out more about this book on the website www.itsyourstory.co.uk.

HAPPY MAIS FOX BOX: This eco-toy lets kids get creative while helping to save rainforest. The Happy Mais pieces are made from natural, GM free corn starch coloured with non-toxic food dyes. So they are totally biodegradable and compostable. Once moistened the pieces stick together; no glue and no mess! The manufacturer makes a donation to the Earth Fund Association for every box sold, which protects and conserves large areas of tropical rain forest. Fairwind has a great range of fair trade and eco friendly home products and gifts. To see it and obtain a catalogue or further information, visit www.fairwindonline.com.

LEAPFROG TAG BOOK: A unique touch and talk device that brings stories to life, the Tag Reading System works with a library of books and games from LeapFrog. Funny voice-overs and cool sound effects add to the fun of discovery, helping ensure that children four to eight love the way this interactive, educational system boosts their confidence and their reading level.The tag reader is designed to fit comfortably in small hands. Ages: 4 to 8. London Mums have reviewed the book Ozzie and Mack which features the rhyming adventures of Ozzie Otter and his playful animal friends. A little camera in the tip of the reader identifies words and symbols on the specially printed pages, giving kids lots of options. They can pick between starting a story at the beginning and having it read all the way through, playing a page at a time, or reading themselves and using the Tag reader to hear single, tricky words spoken aloud. This last option inspires kids to try reading books they might otherwise avoid, since the Tag reader is always there to help them out. You can get it from Amazon www.amazon.co.uk.

LITTLE PRINCESS new Christmas books: The Little Princess Christmas special will be airing on Five's Milkshake! over the Christmas period. And there is also a new Little Princess book by Tony Ross, 'I Want my Sledge' including a DVD of the episode coming out in time for Christmas. For fans of Little Princess this book is a must-have. Check online for other interesting winter-themed books and other merchandising at www.littleprincesskingdom.com.

FOR MUMMY

NELSONS RESCUE REMEDY TRANQUILITY KIT gift set: The Rescue Tranquility At Home set box helps to restore your inner calm at home. The practical keep-sake box means that tranquility is always close at hand. In the box set you will find: Rescue Pastilles (Rescue Pastilles are the latest edition to the Rescue range. Naturally flavoured with elderflower and orange, they are alcohol and sugar-free and safe for all the falmily. Take time out to chew a soothing Pastille, to produce a calmer, more relaxed you.), Rescue Cream 30g (a general skin salve that moisturises skin affected by daily stresses to restore it to its natural good condition. A combination of six of the Bach Original Flower Remedies: Cherry Plum, Clematis, Crab Apple, Impatiens, Rock Rose and Star of Betlehem. Use Rescue Cream in combination with the wooden masager ont he neck & shoulder area to gently ease tension away.), Tranquility at Home in five easy steps booklet (reference guide to help you restore your calm and focus when the demands of the day are getting on top of you.), Wooden Massager (made from sustainable forest wood, the massager is really easy to use in combination with the Rescue Cream to help loosen strain in the neck & shoulder area). www.rescueremedy.co.uk.

Mum & Baby TLC Gift Set (by BURTSBEES): Both mum's and baby's skin get the attention they need with these natural skin care products. Ingredients like buttermilk and royal jelly soothe and cleanse baby, while they help mum relax and look her best. As always, they are SLS-, phthalate- and paraben-free. Contains: www.burtsbees.com.

Annabel Karmel FAMILY COOKBOOK Winter & Christmas edition 2008: 80 winter recipes ideas in a 160-page bookazine format. The new magazine format carries inspiring recipe ideas to see mum, dad and the kids through the winter months - from meals to tempt a fussy eater and inspiration for lunchboxes, Back to School, Halloween, Bonfire night ideas to festive treats for Christmas. As well as the recipes, Annabel provides essential tips on nutrition, advice on food allergies, great ideas for lunchboxes and fun recipes for children to make. Highlights include Teriyaki Salmon & Chinese Rice and Annabel's Paella. There's aselection of new Christmas recipes including 'Stained Glass Window Cookies' and 'Father Christmas Carrot Cupcakes'. The magazine will be available to purchase for 7.99 pounds on the magazine racks at many retail outlets including Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury, ASDA, Tesco, Boots and the Co-operative and as well as online at Amazon.co.uk. www.annabelkarmel.com

THE JAPANESE SHOP has a wide range of wondeful and unique gifts. Highly recommended are all Greetings Cards, the bonsai books and the kimonos which are amazing. Actually this shop has true Japanese gifts and products for all the family. The Japanese Shop was established in 1998 to supply the rapidly growing interest in, and knowledge of, Japan and Japanese lifestyle. The stylish range of products includes also contemporary and traditional tableware, kimono style house robes, jewellery, pictures, kokeshi dolls and ornaments which have a universal appeal due to their vibrant colours and designs. Other more specialist items include beautiful origami (washi) paper, bonsai kits, Ikebana (flower arranging) pots and Japanese incense. You can shop online at www.thejapaneseshop.co.uk.

BOOK 'What to Buy for Your Baby' published by White Ladder and available to buy for 9.99 pounds from www.whiteladderpress.com. Ideal gift for a new PARENTS-TO-BE who WASTE HUNDREDS ON SUPPOSEDLY ESSENTIAL BABY PRODUCTS. Given the current economic climate with gas bills soaring, petrol price increases, and the general cost of living on the rise, this new book helps expectant parents to spend their money wisely and avoid being overwhelmed by the wealth of products now available, all boasting 'must-have' status! The book is written by parenting journalist Liat Hughes Joshi and baby product guru Caroline Cosgrove, founder of nursery advisory service Baby Concierge and co-founder of the baby product information website babyfy.com. They calculate that if you shop wisely, even if you buy everything brand new from mid-market stores like John Lewis and Mothercare, you could get everything you 'need' for a new baby for 1,148 pounds - that's a saving of 1,266 pounds.

CHOCOLATE HAND and FOOT CREAM: Cocoa and Pomegranate Delight Hand Cream - This velvety soft hand treatment cream with cocoa butter, squalan, bamboo and pomegranate extract is quickly absorbed and is suitable for very dry and sensitive skin. The ingredients have a tightening, protecting and soothing effect. Apply to finish every manicure treatment or use for home care as required.www.beautyconcepts.co.uk

BODY SCRUB RANGE (by Malki Dead Sea): Malki has brought out a range of bathtime products, free of detergents and animal fat, yet packed with Dead Sea minerals and herbal oils that have finally provided relief to many eczema and psoriasis sufferers. The Dead Sea is renowned worldwide as a leading centre for the treatment of skin disorders. The waters are uniquely rich in health-giving minerals such as sulphur, iodine, magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium and many others. www.deadseabathcare.co.uk

FOR DADDY

THE PERFECT GIFTS FOR DADDY (but also grandpa and grandma) Check on http://www.gonedigging.co.uk/ This website is addictive and has the most incredible personalised gifts. If you think the man in your life would love to have his own personalised record of his football team's major milestones beautifully bound in a book, or maybe a history of cricket, golf, Formula 1 or Wimbledon captured in the same way, then Gone Digging is the place to go. Alternatively you can buy a calendar that is themed and personalised so the recipient's name appears on every page and 20 dates included that are relevant to them. And ever wondered what it would be like to have a member of your family famous and appear on the front of a newspaper? It's all possible thanks to Gone Digging.

Bosch Cordless Woodworking Universal Cutting Tool: The Bosch XEO is the latest 'must have' gadget for Dad - a quick and easy way to cut through fabric, cardboard or plastic. If Dad has 'gone green' it's perfect for cutting cardboard boxes down to recycling size in no time at all and powering through plastic - ideal for easy re-cycling of all that Christmas packaging! It will also zip through carpet and even cuts through sheet metal (up to 6mm thick). The ultra sharp blade of this DIY electric cutter actually sharpens itself and the advanced Lithium-Ion, longer-lasting battery technology means the Bosch XEO will always be ready to go. It's light as a feather to use, too. Available from: www.tooled-up.com Price: 29.95 pounds.

GREEN&BLACK Chocolate Lovers Collection Small: A classic selection of Green & Black's intense organic chocolate. The small chocolate lovers gift hamper contains The Miniature Bar Collection giving you a taste of the intensely flavoured bars, the After Dinner Squares - 45 individually wrapped dark 70%, milk and white chocolate squares, and finally there are four chocolate bars to keep hidden and savour at a special moment. www.greenandblacksdirect.com.

CHRISTMAS MUSIC: New Orleans Christmas CD (by Putumayo sold via Eco & Fair Trade): For music lovers, this CD captures the unique and vibrant voice of this city with a collection of festive favourites decked in the blues, jazz and swing flavours for which the Crescent City is famous. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this CD is donated to New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity in support of their Musicians' Village Project. It's a fantastic CD (as always with Putumayo collection) and it's for a good cause as well. It costs 12.95 pounds and you can buy it from www.fairwindonline.com.

MOOSEHEAD GIFT PACKS: Moosehead is a male grooming range from Australia, with a core range of hair waxes. They have put together some great gift packs for Christmas, there are four packs in the range, each including a hair wax and deo spray and also offering a different 'bonus gift'. They make great gifts and stocking fillers and will have the men looking and smelling great! They are great value for money too, ranging from 5 - 10 pounds and are available exclusively in Sainsbury's stores. Check more details online www.moosehead.com.au

BUDGET GIFTS

MIFFY products at POUNDLAND - As we are heading towards recession, Miffy has brought a range of 'value for money' gifts for babies and toddlers. You can get them at Poundland or online at http://www.miffyshop.co.uk/acatalog/index.html?gclid=CI-G2oLg1pYCFQL91AodCU_J1Q

FAMILY CARD GAME 'FINK CARDS': a brand new card game that could see more families sitting around the dinner table together and chatting at Christmas – from when children are able to say their first words. Questions on the cards are triggers to start interesting conversations this Christmas. Check more details online www.finkcards.com

BRONNLEY SEASONAL GIFTS: Bronnley, makers of the finest British soaps and toiletries, has created a stunning range of classic Christmas gifts to pamper and indulge. Beautifully packaged in presentation gift boxes this collection offers a budget solution for luxuryfragrance gifts. Bronnley Christmas Gift Sets are available from leading department stores and independent chemists nationwide. To purchase the standard product range on-line, visit the website www.bronnley.co.uk. The Holly Berries Soap collection costs only 3.50 pounds.

COMFEET: Comfeet range of foot care products are your foot care natural solutions. Detoxing Foot Patches are one of the best Herbal Detox Foot Care products available. With bamboo extract the patches work overnight to draw toxins from the body. Check the website www.comfeet.co.uk.