Optimist

New products at Twig

I have posted about Twig before. Today I want to let you know that you will find new products from some of my favorites: Esthex from Holland and Noonoo  from the UK. Do not forget to take a look at the clothing section: many designer items are for sale now. Just simply shop online at Twig.

Felt in office and kids' room

Ylva-Theresa from IdeeSalon in Germany wants to give daily products a new face by using felt out of 100% sheep wool. Her funny motto: wellness for your Apple Powerbook™; bringing nature in office and kids’ room. You can buy her products in her online shop, though I am not sure if she ships worldwide.

Barefoot Berlin

I bought my first German parents’ magazine ‘Eltern’ and found some great German products. Barefoot Berlin is the first one to be featured. The funny thing is that I bought one of the mice (bottom right picture) years ago as a small present for my parents. I do not know the occasion anymore but I do know it is still sitting in my parents’ kitchen.

Barefoot was founded in 1958 by Barbara Sansoni and is a company of rural hand-weavers from Sri Lanka. All yarn has been dyed and woven by hand and one person makes a piece from start to finish. Barefoot ships around the world but you need to understand some German…though I am sure that a comment in English via the 'Kontakt' button will work as well.

Rice from Denmark

When I was pregnant more than 2 years ago, I bought a very nice melamine children's dinner set. Recently I had a look underneath and saw it was labeled Rice. When browsing their website, I was amazed by the great collection they have for both grown-ups and kids. In the Rice kids' selection you will find a wide assortment from bedding, wall decorations to photo frames and storage boxes. Rice was founded late 1998 by a French-Danish couple. After living for 15 years in Paris, they felt the need to slow down. Now 9 years later they have their headoffice in Denmark in an old shipyard building and they sell across Europe. Have a look at the retail page for locations.

Dwellbaby and Dwellkids

Dwellbaby is probably known by most of you. Unfortunately it is hard to find Dwell in Europe and Asia. Dwellbaby was launched as a separate brand in 2002. It started with crib bedding  and the line now includes stuffed animals, bibs, towels, and stroller accessories.

Of course I admire the patterns and colors but what mostly impressed me is the softness of the material. When I first felt the hooded towels, I could not believe how soft it was. You can shop online or go to the store locator.

Doomoo: truly multifunctional

Doomoo from Belgium offers multi functional pillows and cushions for parents and babies.  For example, the Doomoo Buddy (picture left) can be used for sleeping during pregnancy, breast or bottle feeding and for the baby to lie on. On the other hand, the Doomoo seat (right picture) is for babies until older children. It comes with 2 upper layers, one for babies with a harness and a normal layer for the older ones. Soft, squishy and incredibly comfortable these cushions will quickly become a household favorite! The website only shows retail stores in the Benelux but I know it is available in more countries. Just send an email.

Eeboo toys

I recently gave friends a puzzle and a matching game from Eeboo because I like the illustrations and the playful educational aspect. I just found out on their website that they are only using the original art of well-known and well-loved children's book illustrators. They have a wide variety of toys which makes it difficult to choose...You will find an extensive list of shops and online shops on their website, so you can shop immediately. For example at Genius Baby or at Oliebollen.

MissNL: how Dutch can it be?

Today again some Dutch design: MissNl.  How Dutch can it be...traditional Dutch colors and a hint of Delft Blue. MissNl started in 2002 out of disappointment of the current offer in baby and toddler products. They currently have a wonderful range of bed linens, toys and other nursery items. 

Another great invention by MissNl is Belle’s rooms. Belle is a two-dimensional dress-up doll. Belle has several rooms in which she can play: clothes can be stored in the closet; the dog can have a bath and Belle can go shopping. After playing, the rooms can be folded and stored away like a book.

MissNl items can be bought in a few countries which are listed on the website. For visitors from Australia go to MiniDecor to find the complete Belle range.

Thilde labels and pockets

Irene from Bloesem posted about Pia Eriksson in one of her first posts and finally I write about this great company as well. It is about labels and pockets, the simple little things that babies love to play with. A totally different design then other 'label concepts' like for example Label-label about which I posted before. Thilde items have a 'stylish label look'. I recently gave the Thilde blanket to friends, so I hope their baby will enjoy it. Thilde products can be bought in many countries, just look at her website.

Funny Australian Anamalz

I first saw Anamalz when I visited the Toy & Hobby Fair in Toronto. Somehow I forgot about it and luckily I found them again when browsing the web. Anamalz are a range of 12 natural wooden pose-able animals. It is recommended for ages 3 and up.

Unfortunately the Anamalz site is still under construction but you can contact them or go for more information to Hape. I have found these online shops where you can buy Anamalz: Ekidnakids in Australia and Hottoads in Canada.