gives you daily information on unique and fabulous childrens products from around the globe. We also provide a place for you to discuss kids gear with other parents and help you choose and compare major products.
You could possibly be looking at the most original way to secure a
highly desired object, and it could well be your own creation!
Ponoko opens up a whole world of design possibilities - it's a creative hub where you can design your own piece, or have a professional designer make your idea a reality, and have it made and shipped anywhere in the world.
Free design software is available, or you can send a photo of your
hand- or digitally-drawn idea and receive an instant quote for production costs. There are free designs which you can alter to make your own, or simply buy a product you love from a designer who will have
Ponoko make it for you.
There is an incredible number of options, and I feel just so inspired by this amazing concept. It truly puts design into the hands of the people - where ideas, designs and products are shared in an open-ended community. Those who want to browse and buy can do so, and those who want to design a little or a lot are given the tools to do it.
There is a small number of child-centred products, which I'm sure will expand rapidly as Ponoko becomes more well-known. The
'On Show' section unearths some gorgeous objects such as the
Modular Wall Shelf Array and Two-Way Toy Piano. I would have these in
my home in a heartbeat! It's design 'by the people, for the
people' - I wonder how many of our future design powerhouses will
spring from this bubbling brook of creativity.
You can buy those modular shelves for US$85, the horse $175, and Spelling 101 $38.95. Sadly that toy piano is not for sale.
Prices do not include shipping. Peruse Ponoko's aisles for a good dose of weird, wonderful and unabashed geekery.
I’ve always had Ikea pegged as a place for penniless uni students who need to furnish their pads on a budget. And to some extent it is. But since becoming a mum, I’ve discovered the iconic Swedish superstore is also the place to find fabulous children’s textiles, furniture and toys. And all as ridiculously cheap as the meatballs served up in the on-site cafe.
Right now, I’m loving Ikea’s new Duktig range of pretend play kitchen toys. And come Christmas day, so will my cafe-obsessed preschooler. The toys are perfectly proportioned miniature versions of grown-up pots and pans, crockery or glassware so they’re just the thing for kids who love to mimic the adults in their lives, or who enjoy a bit of reality with their role play.
I can’t stop oohing and aahing over the itsy-bitsy tea and coffee set, with its tiny pastel-coloured tea cups and saucers, mini latte cups, and adorable little sugar bowl and milk jug. And the little water glasses and faux-crystal goblets have me squealing louder than a schoolgirl at a Jonas Brothers concert.
The range also includes a stainless steel cooking set for pint-sized chefs, matching mini utensils and a set of small stoneware plates and bowls. Because it’s Ikea, the prices won’t break the bank and you won’t cry if your little darlings break a piece or two.
So how cheap is cheap? You may want to take a seat for this bit. The faux-glassware is only $4.95, the coffee set will set you back a mere $16.95, the plates are $18.95, the cookware is only $19.95 and the utensils are $6.95. At those prices, we suggest buying one of everything for your own kids and quite a bit more for every other kid on your Christmas list. Last-minute gifts that are stylish AND affordable? Christmas shopping doesn’t get any better than that.
I'm not sure I need a cushion that lasts years and years, but it would be nice if it lasted longer than four months. My feeding pillow was
shelved after this long - it was invaluable for that time, but it would have been nice to continue its life a little longer considering how much it cost.
Here's a locally produced cushion that will go the distance - the
Skinky Tortellini Cushion will see you through breasfeeding then off to
the park, where baby can be propped up to see the world. When she's sitting, do the button up and pop that nappied bottom into
the middle of the Tortellini, and she'll be supported and steady.
Undo the button if baby falls unpredictably when learning to sit, and
you can relax a little more while she plays on the floor.
What I'd now be using mine for is a laptop cushion. As you can imagine, I spend many hours on my computer, and sometimes my neck and back feel the strain.
Available in ten attractive striped designs, the fabric used is
100% cotton which is handwoven and hand-coloured using non-toxic dyes.
The Skinky Tortellini Cushion is $90 plus post, which is a steal
considering I paid the same for one I used for just four months! It is designed and made right here in Sydney.
How ridiculously cool is this? Yes, it’s an original 1950s vintage Harry Bertoia Wire children’s chair, complete with original yellow pad, and is just one of the many amazing pieces in the vintage-modern kids’ chair collection from Three Potato Four.
Northern Virginia-based Stu Eli and Janet Morales started their online shop and blog because of their love for collecting. Their passion is evident in the range of products they sell – a mix of vintage and modern goodies for the home including paper goods, prints, accessories and children’s toys. The pair came up with the great name for the store after teaching their 2 year old the rhyme 'One Potato Two Potato'.
Other kids’ collectables on sale include Thonet’s famous Bentwood chairs, framed Children’s Record Guild album covers, and vintage gameboards which look great as artwork in the kids’ bedrooms or nursery. I also really like the Apple Coathangers by Dutch designer Pakhuis Oost, and for my car-loving toddler I can’t go past the Money Box Van.
But if it’s vintage you’re after, it’s best to get in quick. According to the Washington Post, who flagged up this happening online shop earlier this year, they sold more than sixty items in the first week of going live. So if you see something, don’t hang around as it might be gone next time you log on. And hands off those Bertoia Wire chairs!
