A post earlier this week over at Assemblage, a beautiful Melbourne blog, has reminded me how lovely it is to have a very special toy that goes with a book.

The very talented Kirsten has created a stunning blue kangaroo for her daughter, who loves the series of books of the same name. (She has hinted that there might be a giveaway too, so you should stop by!)

I love the feeling of finding the perfect present for someone – that’s one of my favourite things about Christmas. Whether it’s making something or thinking of the perfect little thing that someone will appreciate and perhaps hadn’t thought of for themselves… While I know that books don’t need to have something with them, sometimes a book and a little something with it just makes it sing.

Here are some of my favourite book and softie combinations over at our store:

1) Giggling Charlie and Lola softies with I Completely Know About Guinea Pigs

I just love the production of these softies – so faithful to Lauren Child’s illustration style – and the sideways glance is perfectly beguiling. The giggle when you press their tummies is a bonus! These look so cute on a bookshelf.

2) The Very Hungry Caterpillar Activity Toy and board book edition

I would have loved Rowan to have had one of these activity toys as a baby. Not only does it have all the little bits that babies love to finger and chew, but hung on his pram it would be the perfect accessory to shout to the world that I am a book-loving mum!

3) Miffy softie and Miffy books

Miffy is of course an oldie but a goodie – she exudes her special charm perhaps now more than ever. With the nostalgic feelings that she brings for parents, the book and softie would bring a smile to both a little one and mum or dad. Again, this softie looks so gorgeous on a bookshelf.

When I first met Lou, she and I were working in a big bookstore. She already had tonnes of experience working with kids’ books, and I was really only a beginner. I loved to see the books that she recommended to customers at Christmas time when they came in looking for gifts. Over the next few weeks she is going to share her amazing knowledge… as she recommends books as Christmas gifts for a variety of situations… (Thanks to Media Macaroni for the inspiration – make sure you check out Amy’s holiday gift ideas, especially for recommendations on software and video games.)

||More book and book-related gifts at the We Heart Books Store||

||Assemblage’s blue kangaroo||

||Media Macaroni’s holiday gift ideas||