What better backdrop for those young Monets and Rembrandts than the
EcoTots Art Time Easel.
Made from only three pieces of enviro-friendly 'Smartwood' and done in
non-toxic finishes, the easel has beautiful A-frame form to do
your interiors proud.
Who knows, you could have the next Jackson Pollock on your
hands - with a wide shelf for paints, and a solid footprint, the only spills and splatters will be deliberate!
Toddlers love easels. Ours sure has been a hit. Something that is their size is endlessly
appealing - with pencils, textas and paints at hand, and free reign on the paper, they're in heaven.
I haven't seen an easel like this in these parts - it's available in fire, leaf, cocoa or natural.
Get one for US$160 from
VitaminD(esign).
Contact them for shipping rates - it's flatpacked and requires no tools for assembly. That's my kind of product!
Who could imagine a sock could be converted into such an environmentally-friendly and cute stuffed toy?
Sok-O, founded by three Los Angeles-based designers and one Taiwan-based designer makes use of perfectly placed accessories such as a button for an eye or the opening of an elephant trunk as well as using the existing textiles and specific characteristics of the socks to give birth to a lovable, snugly character.
Being handmade and produced in limited runs, no two Sok-O toys are the same. Du-Lee the cat is pretty and perky and believes in the power of love. She loves surprises, gifts, parties and shopping. Good times only get better when Mrs Du-Lee in around – happier than a Cheshire Cat. Dazzze, the pig, is always slipping over and getting down and dirty when it comes to eating; she loves food and especially snacks and goodies. Choose whichever friend relates best to you! Who could resist these cuddly creatures?
Hippity hop to it with one of these
bunny scooters
by Roebuck Studio. Kids can scoot to their heart's content atop a big rabbit on
wheels - perfect for floorboards or tiled floors, especially on those long wet days indoors.
A couple of designer/landscape architects are behind this less than
usual scooter and as we are seeing increasingly, it's made with
ethical principles in mind. There's a large range of colors - all
coated with non-toxic water based paint, or if you choose, just
shellac so you can see the beautiful baltic birch plywood underneath.
In December last year we featured the
chick chair, which is by the same people and I just love it. Birds seem to be taking the world of
interior decorating by storm so your children can get in on the act too
with this gorgeous little number. You'll be well on your way to having
a wooden menagerie in your home
with both of these animal-themed pieces!
The bunny scooter is flatpacked and US$180 at
Mahar Drygoods
who ship internationally.
Oh my. It appears one of the crème de la crème of designer strollers has gone miniature! The
Maxi Cosi Combi doll's travel system, enables children from age 3 to transport a little
(toy) bub just like mum and dad.
This is just perfect
for the age gap we have between our two children. Baby is effortlessly
pushed around in his Quinny Zapp/Maxi Cosi combo,
while young Master aged three pushes around a version sized just for
him. I have no qualms about giving boys toy prams.
Indeed one of his most used toys is a stroller given to him on his
first birthday.
Besides, with my extreme pram obsession,
he's used to having the latest and greatest in pramage. Toy prams are
simply an extension of this! And just between you and me...it
keeps him occupied at the shops. He can help with the groceries and is
not inclined to run off with me madly chasing him.
The Quinny range of prams are an engineering marvel in themselves.
Proud creators of the smallest full-size pram when folded (Zapp),
and gas spring technology so the Buzz model practically unfolds itself,
there's no doubt this Dutch brand has revolutionised baby and toddler
transport. Add to that the stunning Maxi Cosi Cabrio capsule - which is
not yet approved for use in cars here - and you have a system
made in pram heaven!
For those anxiously awaiting the Maxi Cosi's release in Australia
(no word on when as yet), and not wanting to fork
out for one just to use on the pram, you can now live vicariously
through your children with this toy system. Including not only the
pram and Maxi Cosi, the set comes complete with the 'Dreami' bassinette
attachment for when 'baby' is really little. Now dolly's ride
can be as eye-catching as baby's!
True pram fanatics like me will be immediately seeking a reshipper from the UK. £55 from
Littlewood's Direct.
Byron Bay sure has evolved as a leading creative hub in Australia!
Straight from that balmy haven come these adorable
Babooshka dolls,
made by three Byron mums with a love of retro colours and prints and
'Scandinavian finishes'. Each of them grew up steeped in the
creative flair of their families, who would make toys from found
fabrics.
The philosophy of valuing toys handmade with love is carried
on through Meemoh products. The hand-sewn faces on the dolls are
all unique - no two Meemoh dolls are the same, and different fabrics
are being sourced constantly to keep them changing and ever-fresh.
These cuddle toys will provide comfort to children and babies
from 3 months up. They're safe for tiny voracious mouths and
inquisitive hands,
as the faces are firmly attached with stitching. It's great to see both
a
girl version, and a
boy version and big enough (35 x 25cm)
to wrap a small pair of arms around!
Get your sweet rosy-cheeked Babooshka from
Mellimoomoo for $44.95.
