Baby book comes out on top

she could be interviewed by Stuff, and it’s the sort of event she will put into her own baby book.

The pair trade through a website under the name Marlee and Jo, an anagram of their names.

De Jong also runs a wedding events business, while Scheepers performs with her guitar at cafes, weddings and corporate events.

Scheepers said they were already developing new products.

‘‘We’ve got a pregnancy version of the photo diary ready for printing, and cards where people can place photographs of baby’s benchmarks – speaking a first word, first steps and the like.’’

‘‘We’ve got a grandparents book coming out as well, which is like having an interview with them for their grandchildren.

‘‘They write about where they grew up, what they like doing together, and they can put in photos about their lives,’’ de Jong said.

Ballantynes chief executive Maria O’Halloran said the pair’s beautiful coffee table book resonated with customers who were mothers and grandmothers.

‘‘It’s so on-trend in its design and innovation.’’

O’Halloran said other competitors presented food products, hand crafts, fashion, porcelain dolls, greenstone jewellery, hats, cushions and other goods.

The standard was so high she is considering making Bring it to the Boardroom an annual event.

‘‘The buyers had a fantastic day. They are looking at new products all the time but to see the creative ability in Canterbury and further afield all in one day was amazing,’’ O’Halloran said.