Barefoot Toys

MPVW's range of handmade Barefoot Toys are possibly the most colourful product that we stock.  They are visually stimulating for children who love their bright colours.   

Each is toy has been put together with different patterns and so each is unique.  And you can really feel the quality of the fabric – each is 100 per cent cotton that has been filled with kapok which gives them a unique, natural feel to touch. 

They are tough as well, and are sure to be with your child for many years as they grow older.  I am sure our daughters will be able to pass their Barefoot toys onto their kids – a rare thing to be able to do these days!

Barefoot was started in 1958 by Barbara Sansoni who developed the brand to create a rehabilitation program for young Sri Lankan women who had limited schooling and skills. 

Today Barefoot is a premier textile company who exports worldwide and one who continues to oppose exploitative practices. 

If you are after a cuddly friend for your kids, then you simply can’t go past the Barefoot toys for their unique quality and style.  

Esthex - forkidsandgrownups

If you have a moment check out this quirky Dutch brand Esthex.  They have some wonderful toys like this doll:

And this moneybox:

They have some other unique designs, and have products for both kids and adults like their slogan forkidsandgrownups suggests.  And they are affordable too.  The doll above is only €29.50.  

Fish Condo

Although I haven't had any for a while, I like keeping the odd fish. The Fish Condo has made me think that it might be time to start keeping them again.  

I think this would look pretty neat in a contemporary setting, and it is only about 20 cm square, so it would be suitable for the office.  It would also be a cute way to introduce the kids to goldfish.  

I found it on a UK site here, but they are available at Domayne for $59.95

Kristian Vedel Child's Chair

There is something about the fifties and sixties that is kinda....contemporary.  You know that retro stuff?  I love the fashion, and I love the furniture.  


So I was pleasantly surprised to come across Retro Sixty which is a UK store that carries "original 20th century design furniture, accessories and fine art from the 1940s to late 1980s".


I particularly like this child chair:

It was originally designed in Denmark in 1957 by Kristan Vedel.  Nothing like a bit of retro to contemporise a kids room with.  

Citiblocs

As a parent of four girls, people often ask me if I want have another so I can have a boy.  The answer is no of course, I am kind of over having small children.   However, when I find toys like Citiblocs, it makes me wonder about all the cool toys I am missing out on by not having a son.


The answer of course is just to buy them for myself, which I do occasionally.  Citiblocs look so neat that I may have to get some to play with!


These are blocks which are cut so precisely that they fit together very very well, which means you can build really tall, stable structures. 


You can see some examples of what can be built with them here


This boat is my favourite

This is the type of toy that will not only provide endless hours of fun for the kids, but it will keep the dads well and truly occupied as well.  


For only US$19.99 for a 100 piece set it looks like a bargain!

Maan Kidswear from Belgium

Now that we are into spring, it is time to look at the summer clothing options for the kids.

Maan kids are based in Belgium and they do a gorgeous range of kids clothing.  I really like the classy way in which they use some unusual colour combinations and also how they have cleverly incorporated some classic retro patterns into their designs. 

You can see their 2010 winter and summer range here.

Wall Stickers by Chocovenyl

I just came across this gorgeous range of wall stickers by UK firm Chocovenyl.

Wall stickers are a great way to brighten up a kids room.  They are easy to put up, and can be repositioned easily, so they are a great option for people who are renting or if you just like to change things around every now and then.  It also saves some trouble if any little ones attempt to pull them off the wall.

Chocovenyl's products are printed on highly innovative Fabric paper which has slight fabric texture which really adds to the quality of the product. 

They design some of their own stickers and also sell designs from top international brands and artists.  As a result they have such a diverse range of decals in so many different styles that it is hard to pick a favourite. 

If I had to choose one though, I would have to say that I like this selection of decals by Helen Dardik. The combination of colours would be just perfect for our kids room.  

If you like decals then you should check them out.  They have something for everyone.   

You can find them here on Facebook