Operation Present and Accounted For is in full effect. Please proceed accordingly.

Marching Orders
Report immediately to Shrimp Shop (8038 West Third Street; 323-653-6153) for made-in-the-USA wooden toys, animal mobiles, one-of-a-kind painted wool blankets, bloomers sewn from vintage fabric, and pint-size down vests.

Distraction Tactics
Soften the blow of a long plane ride (or nap time) with a cute-as-can-be toddler travel pillow made from antibacterial bamboo. Or keep restless precious cargo occupied with a mystery grab bag from Spitfire Girl (2203 West Sunset Boulevard; 213-989-1977). To wind back down, David Tobocman’s Very Helpful Songs (Tales & Toys, 1140 Abbot Kinney Boulevard; 310-396-6909) puts the troops at ease.

Keep Calm and Carry On
You’ve earned a reward, Soldier. Put in a request for a calfskin leather diaper valet that goes from daycare to night out (Planet Blue Kids, 3939 Cross Creek Road, suite d120; 310-317-6157).

Mission accomplished.

MAKE
Gingerbread Cottages
What: Kids (18 months-6 years) build and decorate candy dream houses.
Why: Run, run, as fast as you can.
When: Tues. & Wed., 3:30-5 p.m.
Where: Innovative Baby, 114 Washington Blvd., Marina Del Rey. To make a reservation (required), call 310-338-9908.

SHOP
Weego Baby and Muddy Cloud Holiday Event
What: Support Share Our Strength by donating canned goods, entering a raffle, and buying cuddly critters. Papabubble caramels sweeten the deal.
Why: It’s a strong choice.
When: Sun., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Weego Baby, 2447 Main St., b/t Ocean Park Blvd. & Hollister Ave., Santa Monica (310-452-7999).

The Mini Social Holiday Shopping Party
What: Score deeply discounted designer kiddie gear, sip vino, and let a balloon artist entertain the tots. A portion of proceeds goes to Baby2Baby.
Why: Sample sale away.
When: Sat., 2-5 p.m.
Where: The Coop, 11118 Ventura Blvd., at Vineland Ave., Studio City (818-760-9613). To make a reservation (required), e-mail melissa@d2publicity.com or call 310-234-8888.

Photo: Courtesy of Nola Noodle