Fiona Kate have just released these super-cute, super-handy removable chalk dots and chalk art panels. They have about a gazillion uses, from marking current heights of children, to sticking straight onto one of Fiona Kate's extremely sturdy boxes. Fill the boxes with activities to keep the kids entertained on long car trips - they can play Nought and Crosses while they wait for big sister to finish her Saturday hockey match!
Stick the dots to the wall and encourage your child to write the alphabet, label things around the house in an ever-changing display to teach your child common words. The chalkboard size is great for placemats and shopping lists. Use the labels for the pantry, laundry and workshop. Who knew labels could be so fun!
They're just $10.95 a pack, from Fiona Kate. The dots come in a pack of 12 and the labels in a pack of eight. Grab some of those fab string bags while you're at it.
These cute little critters are just my style and the ticket for adding that instant touch of fun and character to any kitchen or even the big kids' tea set collection.
I introduce you to Pepe and Friends. These creations from Vinila UK are designed by Camila Prada and though they are playful looking, they also have a certain posh flair. There are salt and pepper shakers, cookie jars, eggcups and honey pots to name just a few. They are made from porcelain and all have diverse personalities characterised by their decidedly groovy names and interesting faces. Let's see, we've got 'Big Daddy' the cookie jar who will look after your biscuits - no little fingers will get through this guy. Then there's 'Pablo' the honey pot ,who is mad over sweet jams and honey. I think 'Bonnie and Clyde,' the oil and vinegar decanters, are very funny too.
I have already singled out my favourites with my daughter perched on my lap pointing out the ones that take her fancy ('Momo' the butterdish and `Big Daddy') and have figured out where they will best sit in our kitchen. I already know that I'm going to have a tough time keeping them out of little hands in our house.
I can also imagine these pieces being a wonderful medium for engaging older kids in kitchen adventures - such as helping out with dinner preparation. "Pass me 'Rif & Raf' the salt and pepper shakers, please."
To add to your kitchen collection (or your child's), go to the Pepe and Friends website. Prices range from £10.00 to £25.00 plus £12.00 flat fee postage to Australia.
OK, first things first, I've never really been one for novely items. But I have to say I can see the fun factor in these Giant Plastic Cups. Initially designed as a stool for a modern art competition, I can see potential as toy storage, a dirty clothes hamper and even just a whole lot of fun. So if you know of a coffee-loving parent, this could be the perfect gift! I can see these little stackable gems having quite a lifespan - from early days as storage, then for hiding and playing in and eventually as a stool or waste paper basket.
You can get your stackable Giant Cup online at LimiTeds for £69.95. Contact the store for shipping details.
If you had a heavy wooden toy box when you were a child, chances are you'll remember getting your fingers trapped under a slamming lid. Even if you didn't have that fear (although you probably have it now - sorry), it is a real risk but there are other safer options for toy storage besides slow closing springs.
Wooli childrens storage is exactly what you expect from the name; a range of soft felt storage solutions for unsteady hands and feet which mean no bruises!
The range, priced from US$25, includes toy boxes, nappy caddies and storage boxes and bundles and if you feel that the standard designs of snow mountain or forest don't fit in with the look of your nursery, you can have one custom made to your specifications.
Gilliane Russell, designer and owner over at Wooli has also mentioned that Internationally shipping is included in all Wooli products. Now that's something to be excited about! Visit the etsy store to purchase from the Wooli range.
Once you become a parent, you can never have too many storage options. Just about everything needs storing: toys, books, shoes and in our house, little socks and hats require their own space as well.
I'm always on the lookout for clever and unique ways to organise all kid-related objects to counter the problem of toys slowly taking over. We've found some great storage buckets from Chicago-based Etsy shop How About Orange. They are the perfect size for on the floor or on the shelf, handmade to be extremely durable and strong, and made with original and fantastic modern fabrics.
You can keep the buckets fully upright or roll down the sides to fit them in a small space or for holding little objects while also revealing the contrasting fabric inside. Dual purpose!
All items from How About Orange are quality handmade by the designer, Jessica Jones, and she doesn't stop at just storage ideas. In addition to designing all the fabrics in her shop, she also stocks market bags perfect as a quick trip nappy bag and gorgeous birthday cards suitable for little ones.
You can snap up these storage buckets for US$25 each from How About Orange, with shipping available to Australia.
I love that there's no leaning over the table with the spinning organiser - kids can easily access the right tools for the task bytgiving it a gentle push. It's the same concept as the legendary Lazy Susan we see on dining tables. It has little drawers for those hard to contain little pieces used in art and craft, and comes with labels so everything goes back in the right place.
The buckets make a unique and functional feature on your child's bedroom wall and are handy for stashing bit and bobs when there's a rush to clean up.
Then there are galvanised steel locker-style wall organisers for school aged kids, and stationery holders. I would have loved these as a child - stationery was my number one obsession and I don't remember having anything as fancy as these to store it all in!
Great Little Trading Co. will ship to Australia. The Spinning Organiser is £42.00 and the Wall Buckets are £12.00 each.
