There was so much I didn’t know about bamboo, but thanks to Ezy Peazy babywear I’m now ready for any dinner party challenge. Ezy Peazy has the sweetest, softest looking clothing to snuggle your little one in.

The range of five unisex garments is a blend of 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton. Marketa and Joel Edwards of Ezy Peazy ensure the factory they use is both environmentally and ethically responsible.

My favourite piece would have to be the sleepwrap in natural white with chocolate trim (above, centre), providing quick and simple nappy changes. With easy fold-over cuffs to prevent scratching, it’s available in size 0-3 months for $34.95.

The ezy neck tank top (above, left) at $24.95 is so cute in natural white with its ‘It’s easy being green’ statement. In sizes 0-3 months or 3-6 months, even the print dye is non-plasticised. It would look great teamed with their simple natural white straight leg pants, which is available in either 0-3 months or 3-6 months at only $22.95.

There is also a tank top and short-sleeve boysuit with nickel free press studs in the collection.

This wonderful organic range would make a perfect gift for a brand new baby. Now all I have to do is wish for an adult sleep range.

I want this! My children were immediately drawn to this Lull lamp with it’s innovative natural flower simulation.

Designed by Lull (based in Norway), this very cool looking light works likes this: as a bud during sunrise it stretches it’s petals to bloom – it opens carefully and dims up to give a powerful morning light. In the evening Lull acts the opposite: when it’s time for bed, the flower slowly closes while the light is dimming down and turns into a bud again.

Shaped like a flower, Lull offers a calm and soothing experience for what should be our most relaxing room in the house. Lull lamp has a time-adjustable dimmer to be set individually for each user’s recommended cycle of sleep.

Wonderful for small children who need a visual reminder when bed time calls, the lamp has been designed in consultation with psychologists and specialists on sleeping problems. And if you ask me, this is a much nicer way to wake up than my annoying beeping alarm clock!

Visit Lull to find out more about the release of this blooming beauty, and watch the great video of this lamp in action below:

How clever is this? It’s so simple, and so smart – I can’t believe no one thought of it before. The Greenaid by lovegrove & repucci is a reusable shopping bag made to remember.

Featuring a neoprene outer shell, the reusable polyester shopping bag within this is the perfect size and shape to clip onto almost anything, even the car keys. Solving the problem of forgetfulness, this handy little ‘war on plastic’ is right at your fingertips.

This would be perfect for me, with one on my bag, one for the pram, one in the glovebox… the uses are endless.

The bag isn’t available for sale just yet, but you can leave your email on their site to be notified as soon as its ready to be shipped.

Back to basics with a modern twist, these cute little pull-along toys by Cookie Dough are wheely good fun and available at the wonderful Etsy.

Each toy is hand-made, papered, painted and sealed with non-toxic glaze. Side edges and wheels are painted in co-ordinating colours, and the lovely curved design makes these safe for the littlest ones. And how cute would they look up on the bookshelf when resting!

Cookie Dough assure us these gems use only lead-free and non-toxic materials. With multiple layers of glaze, they’ll withstand all the adventures your little one can dish out.

Measuring 6 inches wide and 4.75 inches tall, I have to confess my favourite to be the glorious chocolate brown with deep red full bloom duck, although the pink paisley punch print would really cheer up my desk. My children would go for the whole set – featuring elephants, giraffes and rhinos too.

You can check them all out at Cookie Dough through Etsy. The toys sell for US$20.00 each and they are happy to ship internationally for $10.30 or $3.00 if shipped with another item.

We are in the process of having a new home built and I am always on the lookout for things to make my children’s lives easier (read my life easier…) and I love the Faucet Fountain from Tiny Living.

Styled on a killer whale and looking a little like Bill the Steam Shovel this groovy little whale attaches to bathroom and kitchen taps and turns them into a drinking fountain.

Easy to install and measuring 1.5" wide x 2.5" deep and 1.5" high, leave the mouth open for tap function, or close for fountain. This would also suit anyone with a neck problem as you don’t need to bend down as far when brushing your teeth.Also eliminating the problem my children seem to have with spreading water from the toothpaste covered plastic cup all over the bathroom bench and beyond. I need this little gadget asap!

Available from Tiny Living at only US$3.95 these make great little gifts for any child. Tiny living is a New York based store specialising in furnishings for small spaces so have a look around and see what else you never knew you needed. The over tank 3 toilet roll holder is ingenious as is the shower curtain with pockets. Tiny Living handles international orders on a  case-by-case basis. If you are interested in placing an international order, send them an email indicating which items you would like to purchase along with your city, country and postal code and they  will provide you with shipping rates for your location within one business day.

Invoking images of a bygone era when we all had more time to spare, in a world where children could be children, New Zealand based Nurtured By Nature have released the Cocoon Cotton and Bud Cotton range which are destined to become favourite family heirlooms.

The Cocoon Cotton range is a Summery 100% pure natural cotton based on the success of their Merino range. The Cocoon Cotton mini romper in Calico comes in sizes from 3 months to 12 months and retails for NZ$48.71 – perfect for warm days. The Cocoon Cotton Snugglesuit in delicious shellpink or duckegg with calico stripes at NZ$60.19 are the perfect litle pyjamas for bub.

The Bud Cotton collection featuring pure cotton garments knitted individually on hand knitting machines has the most gorgeous Tie Dress Set for toddlers at NZ$99.00 for up to 18months. This cute little knitted cardigan and dress set with striped bodice in 100% naturally grown cotton is simply adorable and so nice for a little lady. The Bud Cotton Slippers with gorgeous button strap are  also hand knitted. At NZ$34.00 they come in Tea Rose, Ocean and Ecru, I only wish they came in size 8 too…

Orders can be placed online  at Nurtured By Nature and will be shipped within 3 business days and best of all they deliver internationally. Have a look at all the Nurture By Nature range and try to limit yourself to just a few if you can.

How cute is this skirt! Finnish Design Shop features this little wonder made by Kakara and designed by Merja Lamberg. This is so clever and unique. Each skirt comes with three textile markers so you can really bring out the artist within. Now you can’t scold "stop drawing on your clothes!"

Little girls will love colouring in the funny little people and maybe adding some of their own. Then they can add their own circles, stripes, some writing or how about family and friend’s autographs – it’s completely up to them.

Made from 100% cotton and in sizes from 4 to 7 years old this is truly a unique gift. Now when will they make one for Mums I wonder…

Check out this material marvel at Finnish Design Shop and follow their prompts for price and delivery costs to Australia.

Have you noticed the shift back to wooden toys?  And why not when they are as cool and durable as Bajo.  Take just one – the Bajo Pentomino Shape Puzzle , which has 12 pieces to keep your little one entertained for hours. There is no wrong way to put these pieces together, just use your imagination to create letters, animals, shapes and more!  Go on Mum and Dad see what you can come up with!  At $65.95 this puzzle has endless possibilities.

Bajo wooden toys and furniture are hand-finished in a small village near the Carpathian mountains – how  mysterious. These beautiful European toys are made of alder, maple, beech, firch, walnut, apple and cherry, and are finished with child-safe, non-toxic lacquers. They are designed by architect Wotjek Bajor, and made in the village by people who love what they do. Bajo encourages creative expression, cognitive skills, fine motor skills and independent play – just what we all need really.

I love the Josephine Stacker at $59.95. Apart from promoting sorting skills it is so stylish and would be perfect on my desk. Or how about the cute as a button Rolling Hedgehog, so charming and delightful with his red button nose. At $38.95 you child will enjoy this hedgehog for hours and hours.

These Bajo toys are available from Bebe online now with shipping Australia-wide and Internationally.

Function meets fabulous is the catch phrase of Chicago’s Mia Bossi and one look at these exquisite diaper bags confirms this. Mia Bossi specialises in combining fashion with motherhood creating the ultimate adorable accessory for your baby. These designers have incorporated a purse, computer case and all -round carrier for everything a modern mother needs to take with her. These sophisticated premium leather bags will look equally at home at your favourite coffee shop or a quick trip to the office and being made from the finest quality Italian leathers and fabrics with exotic metal hardware these will carry you through as many little bundles of joy as you can handle.

My favourite would have to be the Caryn at $570.00 in the striking lipstick red. This bag would would never go out of style and after using the faux fur changing pad, zip-in and out lining, phone holder, two exterior bottle holders, two interior bottle holders, two front pockets, a private zippered pocket, keychain holder, diaper holder, baby wipe holder and private personal belongings sections I can think of plenty of things to put in this carrier once my daughter has her own little hand bag. For the hands-free mummy the Jamie in black cherry, at $350.00 is so stylish you would never guess it holds everything a bub could need. Adjustable straps for stroller handles as well as a separate computer case insert means the Jamie is ready for business.

Best of all, almost the entire range of bags are available in Australia from Metro Mums. Have a look at the many options and picture yourself with one of these lovelies over your shoulder.

Do you have a little bundle of Brangelinas?  If so, then the Kettler Trike is for you. Owned by famous parents such as Julie Roberts these sturdy German made wheels are available here in Australia at Think Twins.

These terrific trikes are designed to be upgraded from a single trike to a tandem trike for families with twins or two children close in age. Designed with 1-5 year-olds in mind, these primary coloured zoomers can be used for one, two , three or even four children by inserting segments. Imagine this little beauty under the Christmas Tree and the best thing is the colour is gender-neutral so add some pink ribbons for the girls and they are ready to motor.

Kettler have thoughtfully added a range of add-ons from baskets, bells and footrests from only $9.95. This tricycle will grow with your children and the long lasting high carbon steel frame with fade-resistant polyester powder coat finish means it will look good for many years to come. Weight capacity on the Jumbo trike is a whopping 180kg so that should be plenty we think!  They are available from Think Twins  from late July so preorder now to avoid any disappointment. The Kettler Kettrike Jumbo starts at $239.95 for a single seat and each tandem insert is $89.95.

Oh what an adorable little boutique this is. Full of gorgeous hand crafted designs from a wide range of designers Canadian store enfant terrible has strong eco principles as well. Even their packaging is reused and recycled. 

The le train fantome lumi dolls are from another world of old with their lovely little outfits featuring soothing subdued colours these little ladies are cool and collectible. Made from 100% cotton, linen, wool and vintage fabric with a polyester filling Lumi can be handed down for generations. At a sizeable 45cm high she is ready to join your family for lots of adventures.

The Birdhouse Lamp by Inke at C$296.00 is so unique and perfect for any bedroom. Made from recycled wood by a dutch carpenter, the lamps are fitted with woven electrical cord and switch. The front of the lamp can easily be removed to change the bulb and creates the perfect atmosphere to curl up and read under.

Have a look around the store at the cashmere baby cardigans and clothing range as well as the flaunt homemade cards at only C$6.50 each.

Have a read about their great community work and green practices and best of all enfant terrible will ship those recycled packages internationally.

I don’t know about you but I absolutely love pink and red together on a little girl (and big girl too) and the new range from Australian based The Hip Infant Basics collection covers this perfectly with their cute as a button stripey baby basic collection. The super sweet baby grows are perfect for everyday wear, ensuring a stylish look while providing the confort little babies require. Featuring an evelope neck for slipping over heads and easy access crotch poppers these funky baby grows are an essential addition to the wardrobe.

I love the handy Nighties at $29.95 in a range of colours these stylish nighties make nighttime nappy changing a breeze. They have super long cuffed sleeves that can be adjusted as baby grows or folded over to keep little mitts warm. The essential buggy blanket is a stripey statement featuring double thickness cotton jersy with contrast trim. Cool enough to throw over bubs in warmer months and warm enough to wrap babes in the cold these 90cm x 90cm blankets would make a perfect new bub gift.

The Hip Infant Basics range includes nappy covers, singlets, t-shirts and easy pants all co-ordinated in these striking stripes. The Hip Infant has a gift registry to pop these on for a new bub and are offering free delivery for forwarding two new friends to the store.

I don’t often have any good ideas while folding my laundry but this clever Sydney Mum has and the result is Tat Your Tot. Based on removable character tattoos these little personalised lovelies help ensure your child has their details on them at all times when out and about and unlike the identity braclets they can’t take them off.

The Identatats come in a wide range of designs and can contain name, phone number and any relevant medical information. At $15.00 for 8 or $30.00 for 20 this is a small cost to put your mind at ease.

The Allergy Tattoos are a lifesaver at only $9.60 for 10 – perfect for outings in large gatherings or children’s parties to remind the host and other adults to be aware of your childs needs. They come in a range of allergies including wheat, eggs, nuts, bees and even cats.

The Party Time tattoos would be a perfect loot bag filler or why not have the birthday child place one on each guest as they arrive. For $1.25 each these can be personalised with your child’s name and the special birthday number. There are plenty of designs to choose from and they make a great keepsake of the day.

Tat Your Tot also offers a fundraising service to support your local community. Take a look around their website today at Tat Your Tot and place your order now.

My children would love a pet bird but I can’t bring myself to cage one of these gorgeous creatures. Well now I don’t need to as I have discovered Kindergallery artist Tamar Mogendorff.

Born and raised in Israel, Tamar is a stitch extraordinaire!  Inspired by the advice of her grandmother Annie to pursue her artistic dreams, she moved to New York City, where she has lived and worked since 2001 creating amazing fabric fantasies.

Tamar’s range includes these cute as a button bird and dovecages, which would make a fantastic and unique mobile in baby’s room, and I just love the hand stitched detail of the peacock. Incorporating antique and vintage buttons, beads, silver thread and old ribbons these one of a kind creations are sure to cause delight at any baby shower. I adore the muted and understated colours of the Dove Cage with Two Birds at $350.00. The range also features dolls and fairytale mushrooms with the entire collection available online at kindergallery and it can be dispatched in 3 days. While there why not checkout the other great artists featured and try to resist thawing out your credit card!

 

With celeb mums like Jennifer Beals-Dixon and Sarah McLachlan extolling the virtues of kids clothing label Red Fish Clothing you know you’re onto something. With an Asian funky fashion influence, this Canadian-designed clothing is built for versatility.

Redfish Clothing has the most gorgeous little girs dresses I have seen in a long time. I especially love the New Year’s Floral Party Dress at US$58.00. The Mandarin Swing Dress in Old World is a striking combination in red and black with mandarin-style collar at US$60.00. Dresses come in sizes 2 – 6 and I want to order right now. These would look adorable with a long sleeve tee and tights in winter and on their own for warmer days. I love the fitted style of the Utility Vest as well – great for a sportier look.

Babies are not left out either with the Red Ribbon Sets – Onesies or T-Shirts paired with black karate pants. With 27 designs to choose from try to pick just one!  I love the Sushi, Sock Monkey, Buddha Clouds and Black & White Flowers. They come in sizes from 3 months to 24 months and are great value at US$38.00.

They also have a great range of skirts, t-shirts and skater shorts to choose from. Check out Red Fish Clothing.

Oh, why did I not know about these when my children were born?  I am always looking for new gift ideas to give to the lucky parents of a wee little one. It’s hard to find something that is a little different and not the ususal bodysuits, socks, bibs etc.

I came across these gorgeous Wee Gallery Flash Cards and love them. Wee Gallery prints come from hand-painted originals that take advantage of the visual strengths of your baby. Whimsical animals made up of black and white repeating shapes entertain and engage your little one while adding a stylish element to any nursery.

Each 5×7" card is beautifully finished with matte lamination and rounded corners ready to stand up to baby and toddler exploration. My favourites are the Garden animals and the new Dino range.

Wee Gallery also have a fantastic range of canvases, wall graphics and mobiles. Clip your flash cards to the cool urban stainless steel Kikkerland mobile kit and interchange with cute photos or pictures as baby gets older.

Wee Gallery Flash Cards come in a set of 6 different animals and best of all are available in Australia online from Urban Baby for only $22.95. Get Flashing!

I love everything about the simplicity of great Dutch design — Lego, Dick Bruna of Miffy fame and Poffertjes pancakes to name a few. Now I have another favourite Dutch designer in the gorgeously cute Bieq hand knitted baby hats and beanies. Made from 100% Merino wool which offers unique characteristics ideal for babies and small children, these lovely soft fashion statements keep little ears warm while creating a fashion statement around town.

In true European style they’ve used a palette of bold colours such as aubergine, lolly pink and sunshine yellow. The Bieq range is available in sizes 6-12mth (with some designs also available in 0-6mths), this would be a perfect new baby gift.

Best of all these winter warmers are available in Australia only from Minifashionista ranging in price from $49.98 for the Luut beanie to $59.95 for the adorable Mia hat. Not only do you receive free gift wrapping from Minifashionista, but express delivery is standard.

You will get so much wear out of these timeless little hats  which are sure to be handed down from child to child over time.