(Projektityyny Stocking, Mini Tiles Pack, The Looking Book, PJs, Marmello Crocodile & September Child cardigan)
*post contains affiliate links and press samples
It’s day 4 of Giftmas and today it’s all about your mini me…
I get it, I know what they like. 500 small pieces. Primary coloured plastic. LIFE SIZE. Where’s that part gone? What do you mean it needs 5 AAA batteries? And that is fine, of course it is! But you’re also at capacity on space. Have about thirty boxes of mis-matched toys in every corner and as much as you’d welcome a 4ft Bluey that will only need 12 hours of charging a week into your home, you’re hoping to add in some… other options too.
And I know! I know- not every gift can be an heirloom. Crafted from B Corp certified oak by small woodland pixies especially for your first born (with a guaranteed play-with-me certificate to boot). Not everything will be played with for forever, and the heart wants what the heart wants- especially when it’s four.
But! There are some things I know I can lean on. That will generate excitement almost on par with a new Lego gift set (even, if, ahem, that’s from the parent). So I’ll start with these- the toy that’s about as obvious as saying The Beatles are your favourite band- but find me a parent who doesn’t welcome some more magnetic tiles into their home, I dare you! Not only are they endlessly entertaining for little hands- but this small set I picked up after seeing Alice share them earlier this year has been an actual godsend for on the go. They’ve saved dinners, train journeys and quiet moments and whether you look at the mini or full size; I love that they can be added to which makes them even more of a favourite for us (see also: Brio train sets).
In terms of something a little more sentimental; I do think the gift of a beautiful stocking for a little one is a really gorgeous gift (especially if you’re buying for a child that isn’t your own and you don’t know where to begin). Projektityyny have the most gorgeous harlequin numbers, and their baby quilts are truly keep-forever and then pass down pieces.
And speaking of keep forever gifts (which, obviously, should be everything!) but shopping vintage for small people is arguably one of my favourite things to do. So much of little A’s baby wear was sourced secondhand (I’ve linked a post with some of my favourite kiddies vintage brands below and here too) but recently I’ve loved the selection at September Child (Kate has the most enormous selection of hand knits) and the newly launched Marmello, who are sharing beautiful curated vintage interiors and gifts for children (the ladies are hosting a pop up next weekend too, with all details here)! The toys they have been sharing are so incredibly nostalgic, and would look beyond beautiful in a nursery.
Finally, I’ve included a beautiful book (and some trusty jammies) that was kindly gifted to little A by our neighbours last year, and has been one of the best activity-style books he has (so much so I kind of want a copy myself)! It’s called The Looking Book, and would be amazing for young children who are either just starting to get into their crayons, or have a keen love of drawing. There are so many prompts of things to observe and draw, and we’ve had lots of fun taking it out and paying attention to the world around us- what a special pressie it’s been!
But that’s only the tip of the toy iceberg…
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One of my favourite Substack reads this week was Frankie from Mumish’s ‘The most played with kids’ gifts as voted for by the mums of Substack’ post, which was filled with excellent ideas (and reiterates my deep love of magna-tiles too) from babies to small children- I have taken note!
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Earlier this year, we were kindly sent a set of the Stapelstein blocks which I was very excited about. I’d heard a lot about these rainbow stepping stones- so I was intrigued to see how we’d get on. Admittedly, they’re certainly an investment, and I wanted to see how much they were used before I spoke about them properly- but they have been a hit. Used for building, towers, carrying things, pretend Bertie Bassett hats and miniature islands; they’ve been a total pillar for creative and imaginary play in our house- and if you were pondering a present (or something multiple people could club together on) these would be a great suggestion.
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For beautiful prints and art for nurseries and children’s bedrooms, my friend Isobel’s brand, Greta’s Gallery has the most beautiful selection of graphic, retro and artwork prints that ooze, in her own words, ‘warmth, life and timeless charm’. I would happily adorn all walls with these!
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I think any book is a wonderful present for little ones, but the yellow clothbound Puffin 85th Anniversary Editions are truly gorgeous. With Charlotte’s Web, Matilda, The Story of a Wimpy Kid and The Story of Tracey Beaker amongst the selection- I think these are gorgeous for older readers.
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Finally, one place I’ve been spotting really brilliant gift ideas for kids are in gallery shops. Whether that’s the V&A, National Portrait Gallery or Southbank Centre (all of which have great websites too)- it’s so worth having a nosey for small brands you may not have stumbled across or some slightly more imaginative suggestions too!
I’ve also added previous links to guides for children if you need further reading too (as well as some extra picks below)!
2021 / Favourite Kids Brands / 2023
Come back tomorrow for day 5!
x
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