Magnetic creativity to share with your kids

I must admit this is probably more something for big kids and most likely for creative moms. A few weeks ago I was shopping with my sister (mother of 2 little boys) and she pointed out to me that very often we like design type toys and kids prefer the most bold colors, cheapest plastic material and ugliest design. Never the less. I would feel it is my obligation to at least try to introduce them to well shaped toys that help them develop and that are a lust of my eye! Such as these TATLIN cardboard magnetics by Kidsonroof from the Netherlands. There are three different type of sets: Tatlin Big, Archetype cars & boats and Archetype buildings.

Say 'cheese' for these Torafu architect building blocks

Via the blog of an Australian designer I came across these building block beauties by Torafu Architect in Japan. You can make the most amazing figures and they've used great colors. I've found an online shop where you can buy them but must admit my Japanese is not very good. So not sure if they'll do international shipping.

Where will I find the patience to wait for all THIS?

Can I please get a big CHEER for the new Littlephant collection. I discovered them when they just sold Swedish books and cute posters. Their website had an announcement for Interior and more kids stuff to come and I just couldn't wait. This is their second seasons of those products and my o my they just keep getting more cute, more desirable and more a neccassity. Still need a bit of patience for these goodies to hit the stores but I love looking through their new catalogue.

Increadably adorable and very desirable

I don't know how to crochet. This was fine cause I did know how to knit, embroider and sew and where would I find the time to also crochet. But now that I see this little serie of images on House of Pictures I wish I did know how to crochet. This must be so nice for a little girl to play with. Change clothes, play with doll and bear or take a little nap on the sofa. I think I must meet up with crochet queen Yvonne for a little workshop.

You should really check this one out!

 

New discovery. I love Instragram as you get to peak into other peoples life and inspiration. That's also how I learned about Corby Tindersticks. Love their shirts with great detailed illustrations and applications of buttons and emboidery. And their felt little posters. Unfortunately this grey one is sold out otherwise it would be on our walls I can asure you! And the quircky dolls are also Corby Tindersticks designs. And the good news is that Rotterdam based webshop Shak-Shuka (my IG source) will stock some of their collection in the near future. 

Keep all your cardboard boxes!

Don't throw out your cardboard boxes after buying something. There are little ones that with a little help from mom or dad can play with them for hours and hours. How cute are these to examples of a car at a gas station and this cute little kitchen complete with little stove and fridge. These images are found on Pinterest and there are many more suggestions of cute things you can do with cardboard. But originally they come from the blog Declutterorganizerepurpose.

Wooden perfection

These wooden toys will not only appeal to kids but I'm sure also to grown ups. Such detail and perfection and what cute little creatures! The site of Take-G Toys is in Japanese. A language I don't have in my vocabularies, so I let my eyes take in the information. This is only a selection. To see more just click away on the Take-G Toys website. And if you've figured out the Japanese language and know an easily accessed retail address just let me know!

Painted blocks

Of course, a young child can play hours and hours with the natural wood colour blocks. But what an addition are these little faces and other painted decorations as spotted on the Lisen Adbåge blog. Easy to make yourself, just add different style eyes, mouths and other funny faces. If you need further inspirations you can also turn to the collection of the wooden blocks by Ingela P Arrhenius.  

Some Pinterest favourites

Here are some of my Pinterest baby wishlist board favourites. From left to right the Alexander Girard ABC blocks, a bright onesie from Lindex (Sweden) and a new poster by Ingela P Arrhenius (all profits will go to WWF.
On Pinterest I collect my favourite inspirations. Love this site as all the links are saved with the photo. This brings me to new sites and blogs that I otherwise would not have found. 

Where shall I go to today...?

Another great Bigcartel find is this playmat by our new sponsor RK shop. You may know the owner from her amazing blog Weekday Carnival. Great for your kids, grand kids, or when someone with kids comes over to roll out for them to play with. There's a train track, a hospital, a bus station and you can even go to the circus. This will be good for many hours of playtime. The size of the mat is 90 x 135 cm and they ship it to you in a cardboard tube. The price of the mat is € 65,-.

We're happy to say that RK shop has sponsored a FREE Automatto to give away to one of our readers. How can you participate?

• follow our blog (via blogger) and our tweets (for more great give aways)
• leave a comment 
• add to your comment your favourite RK shop item other than the Automatto
• double your chances by adding this button to your own blog
• closing date for this give away is the 19th of February, we announce a winner on the 20th.

Colorful, cuddly cat cosy

Isn't this the cutest cat you've ever seen. It's made by Jane Foster. She combines her own printed fabrics with pretty and colorful retro fabrics with the sweetest little creatures as a result. Nice to cuddle with when your little one goes to sleep. And since it doesn't have those bead eyes it's suitable from a very young age. You can shop these at Nils & Olle, a Dutch webshop with a collection from and inspired by Scandinavia.


To make the fun complete make sure you also pay a visit to the Jane Foster blog. In one of her recent posts you can see her studio and inspiration boards. 

Meet Chester and his family and friends

Acne is a brand we all know for it's great clothing for grown ups. Now they also have the cutest toys. Chester is a Swedish teddy bear by Acne Jr. He loves to cuddle but he is also a great travel companion as he can store your favorite items plus he has an address label. And if you love Chester (in all his different colour combinations) you'll also fall in love with Bell. His very cute long eared puppy lady friend.