2009 CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS GUIDE - RECOMMENDATIONS BY LONDON MUMS

FOR THE BABY

FUNPOD: The innovative FunPod HighChair is new from Little Helper. The chair sits in the top of the FunPod unit for use as a highchair and can be removed to make a low level chair. Taking away the tray is easy and it gives you the extra benefits of a free standing high and low chair. Quick release screws convert the unit back into an original height-adjustable FunPod safety device for toddlers up to the age of 6 to help and interact in the kitchen. RRP £156.60.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Get £20 off with London Mums by entering the discount code LONMUM20 at www.littlehelper.co.uk

BABY AID: Baby Aid first aid kit contains first aid supplies and advice Baby Aid first aid kit contains first aid supplies and useful information. Wherever you go, Baby Aid can go too. The compact kit contains first aid supplies from plasters, Burnshield gel and thermometers to Brave Little Star stickers for cheering up and advice on items in the kit, as well as general first aid advice on CPR and much more. Baby Aid is a great new take-anywhere first aid kit for babies and children. It's perfect for those little emergencies whether you're at home or on the go, on holiday, or out in the park with friends. It's small enough to fit into your changing bag or even a handbag. It's ideal as well for keeping in the car. To buy kits, refill packs, or individual items that you may have run out of visit the Baby Aid website. RRP £14.00 www.babyaid.co.uk/

NEW Timmy Time: Timmy The Train DVD: The cutest sheep ever! Unmissable DVD (distributed by 2entertain) for our children this Christmas. London Mums and kids love it. You can win a copy of this DVD - check our December newsletter for more info on how to enter it.

IN THE NIGHT GARDEN DVD (BBC): What Fun! brings together five episodes of the pre-school favourites. Children will love to join in with the enchanting stories, as Igglepiggle and friends learn allsorts about the wonderful world around them. With the interactive special feature, Hide and Seek Game, parents and children will have fun searching for the Pontipine children in the Garden, and the 'nap time' feature should provide a welcome relief to every parent at Christmas.

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

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FOR THE TODDLER

MY PERFECT STORY PERSONALISED PHOTO-BOOK: MyPerfectStory.com is a groundbreaking specialist publisher of personalised children's books. Each book is created using state-of-the-art digital illustration techniques to make every child the star of their own story. This is a great way to spark toddlers' interest in reading from an early age. It's a great lasting gift that can be looked back on for years to come. Children are fascinated when they see their own faces smiling back at them from their book. My Perfect Christmas is now available online and is a great gift. Check . Each book incorporates your child's name, photo, street name and two friends' names. Check online www.MyPerfectStory.com

HEADPHONES FOR KIDS (MUST-HAVE GADGET FOR PARENTS): If you are travelling around during the festive season, kids can entertain themselves with the DVDs and can do so without damaging their and our ears by using a genius piece of technology by Griffin which has just launched MyPhones - Safety headphones for children. Honestly these are exceptionally good and as always with other Griffin products we have tested in the past. These headphones are designed for children aged 3-9 years old and will cap volume at 85db - the recommended limit for children. Also, to make this set fun as well as safe, Griffin have added a customising feature, which allows children to design their own shell cap. Griffin Technology has earned its reputation as the creative leader in ingenious peripherals and accessories for Mac, PC, iPod and gaming. Find out more about Griffin's entire range of consumer electronics products at www.griffintechnology.com.

CICCIOBELLO DOLL (CHECK THE NEWSLETTER FOR THE COMPETITION TO WIN A DOLL) As an Italian mum I am a bit biased but the Cicciobello doll is truly the most amazing baby doll ever made in Europe. The Cicciobello collection has been the doll of choice for many years in Italy where it was introduced by leading toy company Giochi Preziosi and absolutely every girl in Italy has or has had one. The Cicciobello brand has been established for 40 years and Cicciobello Love 'n' Care is Italy's No.1 single best-selling toy! Each has unique features and accessories and comes with beautifully tailored clothing, only the best is good enough for Cicciobello! Cicciobello Love 'n' Care is perfect for girls with a nurturing nature. This doll is fully interactive and responds to a little girl's caring touch. When Cicciobello cries and his cheeks go red it is up to his "mummy" to make him feel better. After taking his temperature with the ear thermometer, a girl has to decide what bottle will make Cicciobello feel better. By testing whether Cicciobello wants his bottle of juice, milk or medicine, girls will be able to determine if poor Cicciobello is in need extra attention in the form of an injection to make him well again. When Cicciobello is feeling better, his temperature will return to normal and he will stop crying and settle down into a restful sleep. The secret to making him better is different every time girls play with him. The girl will never know if it is one, two or three bottles, or the injection that makes him well again.

WALLACE AND GROMIT - THE COMPLETE COLLECTION DVD: The most loveable characters in British cartoon making and London Mums love them. Marking 20 years of 'Wallace and Gromit', 'The Complete Collection' brings together all four of the dynamic duo's television films - 'A Grand Day Out', 'The Wrong Trousers', 'A Close Shave' and 'A Matter of Loaf and Death' is glorious HD - for the very first time, in the case of the first three. There's little that can be said about the films themselves that hasn't been said already - they're all brilliant, and have all garnered a plethora of richly-deserved awards to reflect that.

CHUGGINGTON WHEELS TO THE RAILS DVD: A bumper collection featuring all your favourite Chuggington characters. Episodes include 'Bang Klang Wilson', 'Frostini's Fruit Fandango', 'Zephie's Zoomaround', 'Nurse Wilson', 'Wilson and The Paint Wagon', 'Brewster's Little Helper', 'Koko In Charge' and 'Wilson's Paper Trail'. London Kids abdsolutely adore Chuggington. The new DVD: Yes, please!

WAYBULOO ADVENTURES IN NARA DVD: Collection of episodes featuring all London Kids' favourite WAYBULOO characters. Included: 'Nok Tok Thinks Big', Nok Tok's Nara Car', 'Shy Flower', 'Trumpet' and 'Snuggly Nest'. We expect everyone doing yoga over Christmas!

LAZYTOWN CHRISTMAS COLLECTION DVD (BBC) includes two festive-themed DVDs, packed with fun and games! As always, the excitement never stops in LazyTown as Sportacus faces the challenges of Robbie Rotten, but will he be able to save the day when Robbie combines all of his most dastardly plans? The DVD includes the fantastic LazyTown karaoke, so your little ones can join in the Christmas celebrations. With seasonal episodes such as The Snow Monster and LazyTown's Surprise Santa this certainly is one collection full of festive fun!

For devoted CHARLIE & LOLA fans, 'Charlie and Lola: The absolutely complete series 3' DVD box (BBC) set contains twenty-seven stories, based on the books by Lauren Child, to captivate children and parents alike in their wonderful mix of reality and daydream.

WINNIE THE POOH AUDIOBOOKS (BBC): AA Milne's honey-loving bear, Winnie the Pooh, is back for a new adventure in the charming 'Return to Hundred Acre Wood', the first authorised sequel since the 1920s, written by David Benedictus. Return to the Hundred Acre Wood picks up from the emotional ending of Milne's last book, The House at Pooh Corner, where Christopher Robin is growing up and leaving for school. "Pooh, promise you won't forget about me, ever. Not even when I'm a hundred," he tells the bear, and they leave together. All Milne's charters return in this book including, the bouncy Tigger, grumpy Eeyore, jittery Piglet and faithful Pooh Bear. What's more, this time the classic buddies are also joined by new character Lottie, a mouth-organ playing Otter who is forward with her opinions. The Sequel features 10 stories and about 150 illustrations from Mark Burgess, based on the work of E H Shepard.

3RD AND BIRD DVD: Join in the festive feathered fun with Muffin and friends in 3rd & Bird: A Very Squooky Christmas! This charming Christmas release sees the friends find themselves in more fun-filled adventures; from learning to ice-skate to their first expedition out of the tree to the ground. Priced at £12.71, the DVD has some special extras that will get children dancing along with their favourite characters. And for any parents seeking a slightly more restful Christmas, the double length Christmas-themed episode will help keep the little ones quiet.

The first ever 'BOOKABOO' DVD from hit CiTV show is now available: Bookaboo is the rock drumming puppy with celebrity friends like Alesha Dixon, Meat Loaf, Ben Shephard and more who share a story with Bookaboo! This entertaining DVD, with 7 fun filled episodes is great for getting kids to read as this rock puppy "just can't play without a story a day". It's a great way to get kids into fun storytelling. On a mission to get everyone around the country enjoying a story a day, Bookaboo has donated 13,000 books to children under the age of 6 in care through partnership with Booktrust. With his cool canine antics, rocking drum solos, celeb chums and even his love for onion gravy, this first Bookaboo DVD appeals to boys and girls (not to mention the grown ups!). It will fire up your child's appetite for books and even give you some handy hints on sharing them yourselves. Available to buy at www.bookaboo.co.uk and all good stockists.

MAGIKUS LEGO: A spooky fun game for all the family! Be the first to cast a magic spell in the cauldron! Collect all of the special ingrediants from the shelves with the help of the owl. Be cunning and steal ingrediants from your opponents to slow them down. Fantastic fun for 2 to 4 players and includes 1 buildable Lego Dice, 1 rule booklet and 1 building instruction booklet. Lego Games are a fantastic new collection of games which you can build, play and then change! With a unique buildable Lego Dice and even changeable rules. Great fun for all your family and friends. (RRP £7.99 ages 6+)

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GIFTS FOR GIRLS

Moxie Girlz: Forget Barbie this Christmas. Moxie Girl is now the trendy doll... Santa will need to work extra hard this year to ensure girls everywhere have a 'Moxie' good Christmas, as leading toy manufacturer MGA Entertainment launches a brand new chic doll range in the UK - Moxie Girlz. With the brand motto 'Be True! Be You!', the new range aims to help girls stand up for what they believe in and be courageous.There is so much pressure on girls to conform to the crowd rather than standing out and be different. The new Moxie Girlz range stands for 'girl power' and empowers girls and tweens to free their creative energy. We tried the Lexa which has Magic Hair, a hair styling-based theme, where girls can curl, twist and colour unique hair styles on their doll's hair and their own and Art-titude RC Vehicle. The doll is very inexpensive considering the fun we had with it. Moxie Girlz are available at all good toy stores nationwide, with doll prices starting from around £9.99 to £29.99. For more information visit www.moxiegirlz.com.

HARUMIKA: You can actually teach your girls to design their own fashion creations or for their Barbie/Moxie dolls with Harumika! No need for scissors, thread or a sewing machine, all you need is a piece of fabric and imagination. The Starter Set includes 2 mannequins, a variety of fabric pieces and accessories. Customise the design with the included stickers of buttons, flowers, bows and many more. Everything is reusable so you can design as many outfits as you like! Once you're ready to show off your designs, upload them onto the dedicated Harumika website www.harumika.eu

CARING CORNERS - DOLL PACKS & DOLLHOUSE: Learning Curve has created these wonderful dolls to live in Mrs. Goodbee's dollhouse. Using helpful hints, playful prompts, silly songs, and sound, Mrs. Goodbee Interactive Dollhouse nurtures and inspires positive behaviour every day. With twelve adorable rooms to explore and plenty of interactive surprises, there are endless opportunities to practice caring, sharing, and preparing for important, age-appropriate responsibilities. Two children can play together, as the house unfolds to six rooms on each side - and then folds back for easy storage! Over 400 activities, songs, words, and sounds! Includes girl, baby and doggy. Visit the website to get a picture of this traditional playing. www.learningcurve.com

PICCALILLY GIRLS' FANCY DRESS (in light pink and rainbow purple for 3-8 yrs old) by Mothers of Innovation. This is the most amazing fancy dress for girls London Mums have ever got hold on. For its £18 price tag, this is definitely the most impressive and very inexpensive considering the quality and the love it has been made with. Features include fairy bells attached to the ends of skirt panels, attached fairy wings, hand-sewn sequin detailing on bodice and wings. Read also the mumpreneurs' testimonial in our 'Business Mums' section. Mothers of Innovation is a real family business inspired by the founder's daughter; it didn't start as part of a grand commercial plan but in response to a parenting need. www.kid-shops.com

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FOR MUMMY

IDEAL FOR A MUM-TO-BE OR A NEW MUM: Lifft Slings (www.lifftslings.com): this is a new sling which first of all is proven to be the only sling scientifically proven to improve the wearer's posture, and part of the design that enables this, is the fact that the slings come in different sizes. Secondly it looks amazing and the fabric is probably the most luxurious you can find on the market for a sling. The slings come in 3 colours - cocoa and coral/ khaki and black/ vanilla and stone - they all look gorgeous. This is a perfect gift for mums-to-be or new mums. The sling is easy to put on with no buckles clips or straps to do up, meaning the sling can be used without help and can be put on with just one hand - also allowing for fuss-free and discreet breastfeeding. Two padded rails makes it easy to put on either shoulder and allows a range of positions to be used according to the size of your baby. Finally if you are a fan of UK made products this sling is designed and made in the UK, thus reducing carbon emissions, and folds down to the size of a nappy - perfect for squeezing into your bag when you're on the run.

TIPPITOES 'LIFESTYLE' BABY CHANGE BAG: When is a changing bag not a changing bag? When it's the new Tippitoes Girl about Town changing bag. Some may see it as an utilitarian item, but that doesn't mean it cant be fun and fashionable at the same time. Once Baby has gown we are sure you will still want to carry it around for the day at the beach or trips to the shops. The great thing about this bag is that it lasts forever and always looks perfect. Unbreakable - we have tested it for 6 months and it looks like new!!! Available in three colour options and including all the useful features of our other bags such as handy pockets, bottle holder and integral changing mat. www.tippitoes.com

Strictly Come Dancing Live At The O2 DVD: Full of sparkle, drama, thrills and laughs, this magnificent stage show features some of all London Mums' favourite dancers from TV's sensational Strictly Come Dancing, performing in front of an enthralled live audience. In London's spectacular O2 Arena, some of the series best-loved celebrity dancers - including Tom Chambers, Rachel Stevens, Jill Halfpenny and Julian Clary - partner the regular professional dancers such as Darren Bennett, Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone before the hilarious, bickering and exacting judges Craig Revel Horwood, Arlene Phillips, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli.

FUNKYWELLINGTONBOOTS.CO.UK has really cool wellies, a must have for London Mums and toddlers. Women's cool pink wellies are superb, solid, smart and good value too. And the kids' wellies are also much better quality than the ones you can find in the supermarkets. The price is about the same but the quality is premium. Highly recommended for credit-crunchily prized fun while keeping fit during the winter months by walking in the parks. www.funky-wellington-boots.co.uk

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. www.rescueremedy.co.uk.

JOYFUL INDULGENCE Pampering set: The most amazing creams and facial set you don't need to go for a facial during the winter season. We tested these luxurious cosmetics and the skin gets as smooth as the baby's skin. Recommended to all mums and mums-to-be to save on time and money to visit beauty salons. The website is www.sbcgels.co.uk.

THE CELTIC HERBAL COMPANY Christmas gifts sets: These are some of London Mums' favourite cosmetics. We have featured over and over again because they are very special and the presentation of each gift is absolutely amazing. Every year, four in five disappointed Brits receive Christmas presents they do not want. Stop history repeating itself and spoil friends and family with gifts that they will truly treasure. This year treat your nearest and dearest to relaxing and rejuvenating pampering products from The Celtic Herbal Company. Created with ingredients sourced from nature's own store, these nourishing and revitalising Christmas delights will leave your loved ones feeling refreshed, reinvigorated and ready to sparkle. Our recommendations for this Christmas are: Angel's Delight and the Christmas Spice Box. The Angel's Delight gift set (RRP £24.95) is the ultimate therapeutic collection of natural, relaxing treats, and also includes a beautiful woven heart keepsake. Friends and family will be delighted with the revitalising and refreshing experience of the purifying and soothing Bath Oil with Rose Grapefruit and Lavender (100ml) complimented by the moisturising handmade Angel Soap (140g). Nourish tired hands and nails with Frankincense and Orange Hand Balm (25ml) and apply Lip Balm with Honey and Lemon (8ml) to soothe lips, leaving them soft and supple, ready for a kiss under the mistletoe. Give the gift of warming herbal spice with the aromatic Christmas Spice Box (RRP £12.95). Complete with a handmade Christmas Spice soap bar (140g), aromatic cinnamon candle and festive pot pourri this is an ideal present that will burn long after the festive glow has gone. Fore more info visit www.celtic-herbal.co.uk.

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FOR DADDY

MOTORMOUSE: Patti & David Bailey presented motormouse to the Dragons in the final episode of the 2009 series of Dragons Den. Although all the Dragons loved motormouse, a nail-biting close to the series saw James Caan invest in the couple. The latest range 'motor mouse' is an exciting range of executive gadgets, launching with the first model based on an iconic sports car. The next model will be the Mini Cooper S to be launched in February 2010. The model London Mums tested is a classic sports car with exquisite detail, slim design with superior comfort and high quality paint finish with chrome alloy wheels. This mouse is not just a good looking car but has the worlds' smallest 2.4 GHz USB receiver and works perfectly as an optical mouse. RRP £29.99. For more info visit www.motor-mouse.net

RICHARD HAMMOND'S TOP GEAR UNVOVERED: THE DVD SPECIAL - In Richard's own words: "Being a Top Gear presenter is often described as being the best job in the world, espcially if you work in a factory gutting chickens, (which I used to do). So in this DVD, featuring stunts and tomfoolery never seen on TV, I show you how to master the dark art of being a Top Gear host, and how to make your own Top gear show. This DVd will change your life forever. Probably. HOW TO MAKE A TOP GEAR FILM IN YOUR OWN HOME - Haven't got access to the Swiss Alps or the salt flats of Utah? No probs. All you need is for your parents to be out of the house for the day, and a mental stunt biker friend to drop round. ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE - Demonstrating engineering excellence is something that should come naturally to a Top Gear presenter. Converting an ice-cream van into a fully-fledged hovercraft should be no problem for Richard then. HOW TO MAKE A TOP GEAR ROAD TEST - The art of the powerslide, talking nonsense whilst not crashing, drag racing the stupidest thing with a jet engine you can find... The secret world of how to make Top Gear road test is all here. THE TOP GEAR WORK ETHIC - Even on holiday, a Top Gear presenter must be able to knock up a quick action film. Cue a picturesque beach and a Dakar-ready Bowler Nemesis... racing its own 12-tonne support truck. Richard selflessly ventures to Italy, driving the Lamborghini Gallardo Balboni, Ferrari Scuderia and Pagani Zonda Cinque to prove, er... something very important about passion and stuff like that. With an exclusive look at the world of Top Gear Scientific Research, the Top Gear Diet, the Top Gear Presenter's Wardrobe and the Top Gear complaints procedure, this DVD is the ultimate insight into the Top Gear world.

RUBIK CUBE: The Rubik's 360 - everybody's 'must-have' Check what our London Mums testers think of this smart rubik - visit http://www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/tested.htmlThe new Rubik's 360 from Drumond Park (rrp £14.99) is the puzzle that everyone is clamouring for. You flip, whirl and twirl it to navigate the six coloured balls through two transparent spheres... and into their matching coloured domes on the outside, locking them into place. Like the Cube, the 360 is irresistible playing - http://uk.shopping.com/xPO-iRobot-Roomba-560but this time, when you rock 'n' roll the puzzle in your hands, you're harnessing centrifugal force. There is a knack to solving the Rubik's 360 - but it could take any number of tries - and a lot of perseverance - to get you there! Can't wait to win?! For stockists, call 01506 855577 or visit www.drumondpark.com

GORDON BROWN SOCKS: Jermyn Street tailor Charles Tyrwhitt - Apparently Gordon Brown buys Charles Tyrwhitt socks by the bucketload, although I'm not sure if that's a recommendation or not. All the items are available in our 11 UK stores - four of which are in London - or online at www.ctshirts.co.uk. The Sea Island socks are from £12.95.

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CREDIT-CRUNCHILY PRIZED GIFTS

Simon & Schuster UK Children's Publishing has an extensive list of great gifts ideas for Christmas across all age groups which will inspire even the most reluctant of readers. Since then it has published numerous popular and bestselling titles and series, including The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black, work by multi-award winning author Sophie McKenzie, Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort, Little Red to the rescue by Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York and Dora the Explorer. For more information visit www.simonandschuster.co.uk

CUSTARD & CRAYONS (BOOK): In times of credit crunch it is great to learn how to recycle and re-utilise things in a creative way. This book adds fun and originality to timeless art&craft activities. It contains all sorts of traditional recipes, original craft activities and interesting facts on festivities and seasonal traditions. The activities are easy to do and the authors encourage to use basic materials that you can find at home. RRP £12.99 - a real bargain!! Highly recommended purchase by London Mums. www.pollyandjago.com

RADOX: The new Tea Infusions pampering pack and the Radox relax pampering pack are the perfect way to wind down and relax this Christmas. The sets are on sale nationwide for a pocket pleasing £8 and £6. Two luxurious Tea Infusions shower creams from the Radox Wellbeing collection. Tea contains natural powerful antioxidants, which are renowned for helping to revive your body and mind. White and Green Tea Infusions come complete with a luxury floral body puff, so you have everything you need to enjoy a moment all to yourself. Relax Pamper Pack from Radox: This gorgeous pamper pack is the perfect restoration kit for any body. The products ensure that you will get that little bit of me time you deserve this Christmas. With ingredients of lavender and water lily you are sure to relax you. The pampering eye mask means you will drift off into that deep sleep you have always wanted. RRP £6 - Register online to get your free book to read while you take your bath. http://be-selfish.co.uk/#/how-to-be-selfish

MODELS OWN: Christmas Gifts Under £10: Models Own Brush Set £7 contains an angled, blending and shading brush. Excellent quality at credit-crunchily pricetag. www.modelsownit.com/

PHIL SMITH BE GORGEOUS GIFT SETS £10 each - available in blonde and brunette - contains shampoo, conditioner, vent brush and glitter spray: Phil Smith salon quality at low pricetag. www.philsmithhair.com/

COLIN THE COASTGUARD:Our book of the month for November 2009 'Frisky falls overboard', the second book in the series for children. Our book club absolutely adores this character. We hope the Cbeebies will produce it as a TV programme one day. The first two books in the series have very colourful central characters and action packed stories: real life heroes and heroines combining to create worlds of adventure and challenges overcome. Colin and his friends deliver that rare mix of enchantment, adventure and a positive 'can-do' attitude to life but it is all imbued with a caring, sharing attitude and the exercise of responsible behaviour. www.colinthecoastguard.com

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LUXURY GIFTS

ROOMBA iROBOT: The future is here for all desperate London Mums housewives... Do not despair any more. We have tested this robot and it is amazing. It is luxury but actually if you think how much you will save on household cleaners you would be amazed. Check out how it works www.irobot.com. The product is excellent especially because it goes where your cleaner would not necessarily clean every week (under beds and sofas etc). Really a must-have purchase for all London Mums who want to remain mentally sane in 2010 and save their marriage...

Affordable Costume jewels: Cose Belle did a presentation at our Italian Carnival event this year (www.londonmums.org.uk/events/events.html)and has not just have an amazing collection but actually sells some selected pieces. Check this out www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTD-vMpZrMA