Instagram Worthy Toys
It was 27th December 2015. Our first Christmas as a family of five.
Archie was buried in a pile of colourful plastic. You know the sort, Nerf Guns, Action Figures, Lego etc..
Ollie bounced frantically in his loud, flashing Jumperoo, that maddening jingle on repeat.
Our living room looked like it had been sponsored both by Fisher Price and Star Wars.
I shook my head, despairing.
What would the 29 year old version of me say about this?
Surely I’m not the only parent who has stood over a pile of generic plastic nonsense post Christmas, reminiscing about the kind of mother/father they thought they’d be. The kind who’s children play only with handmade, heirloom-worthy toys, the ones pretty enough the grace the pages of Mini Vouge.
It’s not that there’s anything wrong with standard FisherPrice gear. Our children are very lucky to have what they have, of course, I’m not disputing that.
Kids love mass produced colourful plastic crap. Perhaps part of me does too? In fact, if someone threatened to take away our beloved Jumperoo right now I might have to fight them off with one of Archies many plastic lightsabres.
But where are the cool toys?
The ones that provoke imaginative play?
While the junk might occupy them for a few minutes, I would prefer they were playing with toys made sustainably, organically, with design and quality in mind.
Toys so beautiful you can leave them out rather than tidy them away? Toys worthy of your Instagram feed….
Well…I’ve found them!!
In pulling together this post I have met some of the loveliest, kindest and most talented ladies. It’s been a pleasure to find out the inspiration behind their shops or brands. Many are mothers too, and have carefully selected brands and materials with their own children in mind.
First, it’s my ‘Top 7 Independent Retailers’ selling the loveliest of all things mini.
This has to be one of the most beautiful and unique boutiques for modern children’s furniture, toys and accessories. The shop is still quite new. Launching in June 2015, just one week after owner Dawn gave birth to her second son. Clearly this lady is superwoman!
MeeMee’s philosophy is that design isn’t just for grown ups. Dawn has sourced the most incredible selection of children’s toys and furniture. Ride on cars, dolls houses that resemble villas off the coast of Miami…They’re handcrafted creations that are made to reflect modern design aesthetics, providing safe, creative and inspiring play for little ones – whilst also pleasing design conscious adults.
Ollie is still too little for a lot of these beautiful toys like the ride-on-car but I’ve added some really stunning Ferm Living (beautiful Danish interior brand) pieces to Ollies nursery. This gorgeous organic cotton ‘Mr Teddy’ cushion is super soft, and filled with feather and down. The Mountain Tops Cushion has cosied up his rocking chair, and the sweetest little birdhouse wall lamp makes a perfect reading light in the evening.
Also check out the weening set, such a gorgeous keepsake.Everything comes beautifully wrapped, with real attention to detail.My wish list from this store is HUGE. I think this will be at the top of our list to visit for Ollie's first birthday gifts.
MeeMee London will give you 10% off all orders with code:
HUNTERSANDHEELS
I asked lovely Cheshire Lass, Claire (now residing in London) what inspired her to launch Muna....With a fabulous career in buying under her belt, Claire felt there was a bit of a gap in the children's market for products that appealed aesthetically to the parents, as well as being functional and practical for the child.
..."We believe strongly that just because you are having a baby, doesn’t mean your style choices should be limited to Pink Princess Castles, and Blue Rocket Ships (not that there is anything wrong with pink and blue!) We take a lot of inspiration from mid-century and Scandinavian design, with it’s clean lines and timeless style. Our products are sourced from Sweden, Denmark, France, Spain, Australia and of course the UK, and we work with some small and boutique manufacturers to allow us to offer a hand-picked and curated selection of products".....
Their philosophy and Claire's exceptional taste shine through in everything on their website..Ollie absolutely loves this pull-along crochet deer. It's soft and tactile with an animated face. He roars with laughter when I pull him across the floor. I never tidy it away, it's far too pretty. We've also got a beautiful wooden 'shape sorter'. Right now, Ollie just enjoys watching me sort them, but give him a couple of months and I know he'll love this as much as his brother did.
Get a generous 20% off everything Muna London with code:
HUNTERSANDHEELS
Lovely mum to Theo, Sonali launched Little Goldie in spring 2015.
..."While looking for inspiration to decorate my baby’s bedroom, I discovered so many high-quality, beautiful pieces made by independent craftspeople and designers. I wanted to bring all these gorgeous finds together into one store"...
A lot of the items you’ll find in her shop have been handmade and most have been chosen because of their minimal environmental impact, too.These are true heirloom-worthy toys, the kind that can be passed on through generations.Two of my favourite brands stocked at Little Goldie are 'Fanny and Alexander' who make this BEAUTIFUL wooden camera. Even the lens turns so it looks and feels like the real thing, only way way cooler. We went for tan, but there are now loads of gorgeous new shades in stock.Little Goldie is also the only place in the UK to stock the iconic LexyPexy wooden teethers. They're made of natural wood and come loads of cool designs. We have the car and the Croissant (which looks particularly cute when Ollie is chomping away on it). Without a doubt the best teether we've tried.
Sonali said
..."I believe in every single piece that I sell – you won’t find anything in store that I wouldn’t be delighted to have in my own house"
…
Monika, mum of four year old Nel started the business over 2 years ago. Specialising in kids fashion and accessories, Emi and Nell stock a small number of exclusive designers.If you like WOW factor you need look no further than Emi & Nell.We got this beautiful Tipi for Ollie's bedroom. It's the perfect size for a nursery, and tucks away easily. I love the little wooden feather and pom pom that come with it.
Emi and Nel stock 'Play and Go' bags, which are amazing for keeping toys tidy. It's a large play mat that turns into a drawstring sack so all those annoying little lego pieces can be scooped up and kept today ready for the next time they're needed.
I also love the cutest Upwarsaw Wooden shelves. We have the little circus that comes complete with bunting and a little flag for the top.The TV is next on my list, a perfect little home for these wooden toys.
Emi and Nel will offer free shipping with code:
HUNTERSANDHEELS
I call myself a 'Cheshire Mama' because that's where I live, but my heart is very much in Wales. Lowri Harris, owner of wonderful 'Little Maldod' is one of the loveliest Welsh mama's you will ever meet!As a Mum of two herself, much of Lowri's inspiration for the products she both makes and sources comes from things she's enjoyed having or found useful with her young son and daughter.We just love these beautiful knitted veggie rattles. They're made of soft cotton and are super tactile. Lovely to chew, tug or throw across the room (without doing any damage!).
Oh! And in case you're wondering where the name Little Maldod came from? It's what us Welshies call a bit of 'love, cosy time, TLC'. We'd say "Let's cwtch up and have some Maldod!"... What better name for a shop stocked with all things lovely!
Little Maldod will give you 10% off all 'playtime' until 29th Feb with code:
HUNTERSANDHEELS
If, like me, you're a big fan of wooden toys, then you'll be in heaven in this family run, online store. Jessica, lovely mother of two has very recently taken over her family business.Cottage Toys originally started as a craft business creating handmade wooden dolls’ houses. It has since evolved into a successful online boutique selling stylish, high quality children’s toys, baby accessories and nursery furniture.We got these gorgeous wooden building blocks. Right now, Ollies favourite thing is for me to build a tower so he can knock it down, but I know he'll have years of fun with these. And, like everything by 'Sebra', they sure do look lovely!
Get 10% off everything at Cottage Toys with code:
HUNTERSANDHEELS
Owner Kinga, lovely mum of 7 year old Kayla, launched Four Monkeys in 2012. With an emphasis on design, sustainability and comfort. She runs their online business from Vienna, Austria.I could not resist this knitted microphone rattle. It's soft, tactile and still sturdy enough to keep it's shape. Although it's perfect for Ollie right now, It will also last through the years.
Isabel, mum of beautiful toddler twins, is the founder of Roar Quack Quack, a brand new online boutique selling toys designed to last generations. Isabel is a designer by trade, but now a full time mummy. She wanted to create a space dedicated to toys that are built to last, well designed, modern heirlooms.We got these lovely blocks. All the letters of the alphabet and numbers 0-9 in their very own pure linen sack.Stack them, count them, learn letters and spell words.They are made of solid wood and not treated with anything.
Oh and did I mention how beautifully packaged our parcel was?!? Such a treat receiving post like this…
You can get 10% off everything on the brand new 'Roar Quack Quack' website with code: modern heirloom. Offer only valid 16th - 19th February.
If there are any mums out there that are yet to discover 'My 1st Years', Pleeeeease take a look at their website.Founded 5 years ago by Bestfriends, Jonny and Dan, 'My 1st Years' is now one of the number 1 personalised baby brands in the world!!There are so many lovely ideas on their, perfect for gifts. I love their signature luxury gift boxes which arrive with every order.If you're looking for the perfect place to store all your little ones toys I really love these soft personalised sacks. They hold so much, are soft and lightweight. They even have handles so you can move about the house as needed.
There are however, some truly gorgeous brands that I couldn't find in any of the UK stores. See below my 'Top Five Independent Toy Labels'
Angela and Justin, a travel loving husband and wife from NYC are the founders of this awesome little brand.Inspired by their daughter, and the lack of fun, educational and organic toys on the market. They designed a collection of 'city blocks', made only with organic fabrics and fillings.The beautiful copy-written artwork on each block was designed by Angela herself. It's a simple idea, Globetotters are two characters who "Globe Tot" around the world.From New York to Paris, Tokyo to LA. Featured on the blocks are famous landmarks, traditional food and culture.They're extremely lightweight and tactile with little tags to pull on an chew. The sewn-in bell always attracts Ollies attention and this is, without doubt, one of his favourite toys right now.NEWS FLASH!! Globetottersare now available in UK retailer
!! :-)
The original TeePee. I am blown away by the quality and beauty of this giant tent that keeps the boys cosy in our living room.Gorgeous mum of two girls, Kate runs the Moozle business from her home in Pembrokshire.Before becoming a mum, ex fashion designer Kate owned a London based womenswear label for several years. She worked relentlessly, selling the label to boutiques across the world. The time came for a big change...Kate and her husband sold up and moved to the Pembrokeshire countryside for 'the good life', this is where her first daughter Dolly was born. Kate wanted to make a kind of magical, enchanting space for her, so after testing out many designs, she decided on a basic 4sided tent with a little 'cottage window'. This was way back in 2006 before TeePee's were as popular as they are now.We've got a plain Midi Size TeePee in the living room. I wanted something that worked with our interior but gave the boys their own cosy corner to chill out and play. Everyone comments on it's beautiful quality and design and the boys absolutely love it.The poles are thick and sturdy and the padded base is something you would usually pay extra for.Moozle also a huge selection of customisable designs and decorated tents. We just popped a banner from
over the poles.
Kate says .
.."I've had a lot of problems with people copying my designs which can be frustrating. I just try to keep coming up with new designs, that's what inspires and motivates me. I love interior design and styling so I'm in my element coming up with new shoot ideas and new colourways for my applique work"....
Get 15% off all Moozle Plain TeePee's with code:
MOOZLEHUNTERS
Offer excludes custom designs and expires on 29th Feb 2016.available via the Etsy shop (HERE)
EVERYONE goes crazy for the swing in Ollie's nursery but nobody more than him! It's been made to fit over the beams in his nursery but you can also attach to bolts in the ceiling or over a tree. It's been an absolute winner from day one.Talented Ebony had always been creative, and when helping her sister in law design the nursery for her nephew Taj, Ebony began making a lot of the items by hand. She had a lot of interest in his blocks, prints, mobile etc so decided to open a little Facebook store. Ebony had no idea it would take off like it has, although really, it's not surprising. In 2014 PeachyBaby.com was founded and she's never looked back!
We decorated our swing simply with string lights and a felt star garland by
Get 15% off storewide with code:
HUNTERSANDHEELS
I couldn't resist this mini teepee, all the way from Tasmania, Austalia. It's got that whole "Indian in the Cupboard" vibe about it, a flash back to my childhood.Super sweet Angie, mum of two (under 3) and pre-school teacher is clearly so talented but very very modest. I had to drag this story out of her...Angie began by making her sons, Leo and Harry a child's sized teepee to play in. Then, using the leftover calico scraps, she created a mini teepee for his little animals and dolls to 'play' in.It was only November last year that a good friend suggested she sew some more mini teepees and sell them at local markets.The response was so great..."Henry and Arlo" was born!
Angie lovingly makes each teepee herself, and while they look so delicate, the seams are double hemmed to ensure long lasting durability. These little cuties are designed to be used by children for imaginative play and also look adorable on a nursery shelf!
For international sales email henryandarlo@hotmail.com
Still one of my very favourites! Veronika, gorgeous mama to 7 year old Anya, started the company as a hobby from home 6 years ago.Sarah and Bendrix is now made up of a team of 7. They design and make the most beautiful gifts.Their Wooden toys are utterly adorable, each coming in its own little canvas bag with a note. Heirloom worthy toys at their best!
Sarah and Bendrix will give you 15% off everything on their website with code:
HUNTERSANDHEELS
Other details:
Blue Lasso Kimono -
Grey bonnet -
Personalised white letter t-shirt -
Knitted Trousers -
I need to thank my wonderful little models Ollie and Archie who had so much fun making this post. And thank you so much to all the gorgeous stores and brands for sharing your story and beautiful products with us. We've got years of fun and memory making ahead of us!