Kids Haus

Smallabe Holiday Gift Guide

I feel fortunate to have been asked to participate in creating a holiday gift guide for one of my favorite online shops, Smallable. The challenge was to narrow down their incredible selection to only 8 gifts that would be fun for the little ones. I gravitated toward activity-driven gifts mostly because I really enjoyed watching my girls immerse themselves in their new projects or activities for several days or weeks after everything has wound down. Now for the best part: from December 7-21,  Smallable is offering 20% off of Kids Haus gift guide items using the code NOELKIDSHAUS at checkout. So, go ahead and take a closer look at a few of my favorite things and I hope you're enjoying the holiday season so far...

mimishop rattles and musicbaby

This week has been a whirlwind of activity but I see the light at the end of the tunnel - which is encouraging when the days blur into the night and the to-do lists seem practically endless. We're in the midst of building out a restaurant (actually my husband and his partner) and I've been working on the website in the evenings after the girls' are fast asleep - so any hopes of writing a blog post, even a brief one, fell quickly to the wayside. I took a break tonight and decided I would check out Etsy since it's been almost a week since I said "hi". As I was perusing, I randomly decided to type the word "rattle" into the search field just to see what results would come back and to say that I was pleasantly surprised to bump into mimishop is an understatement. Her rattles and pacifier clips are so refreshing and fun! Adorable! Then, to top it all off, the Owl Musicbaby is a modern twist on the traditional musical toy with a mechanical music box sewn inside. No need to change batteries, it plays Brahms Lullaby for approximately 2.5 minutes each time you pull from the string. Fancy that!

Somethings Hiding In Here

I came across Something's Hiding In Here via Etsy about a month ago and added them to my favorites because I loved their You're home to me Gocco printed poplar house. Since I look at what seems like a million blogs and shops daily, they got lost in my shuffle but I was quickly reminded how much I loved their quirky, creative things when I peeked inside their Etsy shop today and adore everything they're producing -- like their Heart yo-yo and Faux bois blocks. For fun, you should also check out their video for their "You're home to me" wooden house -- it's bubbling with creativity too (of course).

Oeuf Classic Toy Store Shelf

I stumbled upon the Oeuf Classic Toy Store shelf today and it's simplicity is what struck my fancy. Of course, any well-seasoned parent knows that organized compartmentalization is what saves us, right? And when you've got compartments that are open, it makes it that much easier for your child to see their toys and ultimately easier to clean up afterward. What makes the Toy Store even more functional is that the shelves can be tilted (as shown) or laying flat and each compartment comes with dividers so you can customize! The sophisticated design makes it so it can be used for more than toys -- I'm thinking for a craft room, garage or kitchen. Love it...

 

Hacienda El Indio

Happy Monday! I've been meaning to redesign my blog's banner for months and finally did it! Bye-bye to the house & clouds and hello to my Roar Growl guys since they seem to represent my illustration style and I just personally love those little fellas. So, without further adieu, let's dive into some cuteness today...

Hacienda El Indio has some of the cutest bibs/napkins that I've ever seen -- not our traditional American-styled bibs. They're extra large and tie around the neck, designed to practically shield the entire front of your child from anything that might fly off the fork (spaghetti sauce comes to mind!). Their illustrations are utterly adorable and have been applied to bags, wall art, jewelry and dolls too.

 

Cameras for Kids

I have to type fast because our internet connection has been so intermittent that it makes it nearly impossible to write anything. Since Bean is 6 (almost 7!) you can imagine that she's grown up dramatically from those toddler days -- so toy choices need to be thought through to ensure that she'll be engaged for more than a week and it won't be something that's tossed to the side. These cameras would allow her the freedom to be creative and now we'll be able to take pictures together and I won't feel nervous every time I let her use my 5 pound digital SLR...

Top: The Pinhole Camera Kit by Yutaka Ohashi
Bottom Right: Lomographic Action Sampler 35mm Camera takes 4 photos in 1 frame (fun! fun!)
Bottom Left: Hello Kitty VGA Digital Camera

Hanno the Gorilla

I have such a soft spot for gorillas -- they may be my favorite animal next to the elephant. Hanno the Gorilla is the first of a series of wooden animals by David Weeks. He is similar to the pose-able wooden figures used for drawing but he's bigger, sturdy-er and much cuter (if you don't mind me saying). His powerful hardwood frame can hold many poses (look at him below!). He's made from sustainably harvested new-growth beech wood and his elastic-band muscles and durable wood limbs make him almost impervious to breakage.

A Few of My Favorite Things

Whenever the holidays are upon us, like clockwork, the song "These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things" pops into my head and is nearly impossible to shake (I'm not kidding!). So, instead of muffling that catchy tune, I've decided to embrace it and select a handful of my favorite things that I've found on my searches. These "things" will be unique and special and will hopefully help you in your quest for holiday gift giving. Enjoy...

1. Felted Woolen Booties
2. Wooden Rabbit Puzzle
3. Gustave, a pocket fairy tale. Book no.
4. Creature Mask - Little Fox
5. The Wooden Spool Doll Kit

Romp Store

Are you ready for a feast for the eyes? Romp Store, a new online shop to me, has got an incredible selection of toys, games, decor...etc. As they say, "...everything we bring you will have a magical combination of good design, respect for materials and craft, and of course a serious dose of fun." (Well said). They've even got things that are fresh to my eyes and I feel like I've seen nearly everything. It's a delightful shop to peruse and will be one my destinations this holiday season. All Kids Haus readers can get free shipping on all orders by simply entering "Haus" in the discount code box.

Plan Toys Wooden Appliances

Spending money on a few good wooden appliances for pretend-play is almost as good as spending good money on the real thing. I think we've gotten our monies worth for purchasing a solid, wooden oven for the girls. I love these vibrantly colored Plan Toys wooden dishwasher and washing machine -- made with non-toxic color dyes.

Play Top

How fun does this Play Top look? It's designed to encourage creativity and imagination, so you can rock it, spin it, hide in it...get dizzy in it! It even has a raised, rounded edge to protect children's fingers from getting rolled over. Smart!

via bambinogoodies

Little Love Blue

Little Love Blue makes beautifully crafted felted wool creatures. One is cuter than the next. Cary makes everything with the utmost quality and strives to make every toy heirloom quality. She does this by using the best materials possible, including wool fabric that she felts herself which makes for much softer and yet more durable material than commercially produced felt. You can see by looking at her pieces that there is so much attention detail...

LeiLiLaLoo

LeiLiLaLoo is spilling over with creativity. She's doing what I aspire to do...making artful things, constantly. I adore the whimsical approach to all of her pieces. LeiLiLaLoo makes everything from paintings, to home decoration, to clothing. She's not afraid to layer, add new textures and use a wide range of mediums. Very inspiring...

Felicitate Illustration

I'm so in love with Felicitate Illustration! Each one is cuter than the next. The way she puts her little creatures in such an imaginative setting, like the big strawberry snack bar, just tells me how much she must be having drawing and painting each piece. Almost all of her illustrations are originals -- not prints! She's a busy girl. I'll have to consider buying one...

And if that wasn't enough, her Flickr album is loaded with photos of her adorable, handmade stuffed animals and more illustrations. Now we'll just need to wait for her to start selling those irresistable stuffies on Etsy...(please)...

Knit Craft Art

I can't decide what's cuter...the baby or the knit hat? Knit Craft Art is the work of Shira Adriance, an avid knitter and fiber artist (this term is new to me but I like it). Each of Shira's pieces is designed through a series of sketches, rather than a pattern, therefore making each piece one of a kind. Everything in her shop just pops and is so fun. The monster inspiration began with "J'élève mon monstre" by Elise Gravel.

Kistner Supplies

Kistner Supply was born from one of those beautifully unique stories that you rarely read about. In 2004, Elizabeth Brantley stumbled upon her grandmother's baby book that was filled in by her great grandmother's 19th century hand. Elizabeth set out to reproduce the 1904 version of the Mother Stork's Baby Book. It was an instant success and now Elizabeth has expanded her product line including these gorgeous, recycled 2-ply cashmere chime balls. In the center of each ball is a soothing Chinese meditation chime. Then there is the recycled 2-ply cashmere blankets that are true works of art! You can imagine snuggling your little one up in one of these luxurious blankets -- mmmm, cashmere. Each blanket has a small pocket for babies hand and a loop to attach a pacifier or small toy. Each of Kistner Supply's products have that heirloom quality and would be an ideal gift.

Wooden Mice on Wheels

I'm a sucker for well made wooden toys and these sweet little Wooden Mice on Wheels, handmade in the Czech Republic, are the perfect substitute for zippy race cars...

 

Pretend Play

What child doesn't love to pretend play? Honestly, the best thing I ever did was move my girls' wooden toy oven in the room right next to our kitchen. It's loaded with wooden fruits and veggie, utensils, pots & pans and mini oven mitts (of course). It has saved many of my dinners from becoming disasters by being the best distraction for Clara. Plan Toys has got to have the best array of wooden toys and that little grocery cart might be coming home with me.

Schnurpfel Pony

I was determined to get Ms. Bean into a "sewing camp" this summer because I watched her sit for hours last winter as she laced two pieces of felt together. When her project was complete, it was such an accomplishment that she insisted she had mastered the art of sewing. Now every time I mention this proposed sewing camp to her, she tells me it's not necessary (oh, wise one). It's not quite the level of sewing I had in mind but I thought this beautiful Schnurpfel Pony was such a nice design...

Haba Sulky Rickshaw

I took a teeny break from posting last week because I was a bit exhausted from a teething child and was also directing my focus into illustrating some things that have been on my mind. I will be happy to share what I've come up with in a few weeks.

Anyhow, a toy rickshaw for kids wouldn't exactly be something I would expect; however, much to my surprise, one actually exists and it's rather brilliant. Haba's Rickshaw Sulky has already won two design awards -- so there must be something to it.

Sok-O 100% Handmade

My friend, Heather, scouted these fun Sock-O toys from our local toy store, Clover. They're too cute not to mention. 100% Handmade Sock-O toys were born from the imagination and inspiration of 4 designers who had a deep-seeded passion for toys. Each Sock-O is carefully handmade with a pair of socks (occasionally an individual sock) and come with a unique birth certificate -- no two are identical.

   
 

Spring Giveaway! Quiet Hours Toys

Spring is on the heels of winter and I'm already feeling a little bounce in my step. In honor of spring and the impending sunshine, Carey from Quiet Hours Toys has graciously opened her doors to a special KidsHaus spring giveaway. If you've never peeked into Quiet Hours Toys, it's definitely worth a visit. It is a mother-owned and operated business that offers a continuously changing array of hand-crafted toys and wares from artisans around the world (remember the crocheted crowns by Jess Nicole?). Quiet Hours Toys consists of a community of creative people from around the world and each of them does the work he or she loves in home studios or shops. I'm a huge fan and am always peeking in to see what Carey has added to her collection of unique goods. Quiet Hours Toys has put together two wonderful packages geared towards spring...

Spring 1 includes:
1 cotton girl bunny by Maileg (designed in Denmark)
2 felt hair clips by One Girlie Girl (USA)
1 set of bunny paper dolls
1 sparrow bag kit by Sparrowkids (London)

Spring 2 includes:
1 cotton boy bunny by Maileg (designed by Denmark)
1 set of bath fizzies by Daisycakes Soap (USA)
1 wooden red sports car by Spiel & Holz (Germany)
1 container of rainbow soft dough by Mary's Soft Dough (USA)

How this works: We'll select 1 winner for each package. Please mention if you would prefer a specific package. All you need to do is leave a comment, no anonymous comments please, from now until midnight PST on Monday, March 24th. I will announce the winners on Tuesday morning, March 25th. One entry per person please! Thanks to Quiet Hours Toys!

 

The Gnome Shop

I'm completely enthralled with these felted wool eggs from The Gnome Shop. The most creative alternative to plastic Easter eggs, you can stuff them with sweet treasures and will be fun to use all year round. Heather is a stay-at-home mom of two children and has been crafting these eggs for her kids for the last few years. She also makes darling forest fairies, mushroom houses and furniture. Really...have you seen anything cuter?

Onegirl: Fleur

How precious is Onegirl's Fleur? Calla and Indigo are handmade from a collection of bright and beautiful vintage, designer, hand printed and hand dyed fabrics. Anyone with a baby knows that this is perfect for baby to chew on or cuddle up with. Each fleur is stuffed with wool. So sweet...

Music Orb

This classically beautiful oak Music Orb crafted by village craftsman on the edge of Germany's Black Forest plays the "Voi Che Sapete" from Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro (I only need to figure out which song that is). It has 18 chimes and I'd imagine makes a soothing lullaby for a baby to drift off to sleep.

Wool Comes Alive

There's something about this squirrel's big eyes staring back at me! These unique, little wooly creations by Wool Comes Alive are handmade with care and they're all beautiful. Squirrel or bunny would fit nicely into a little pocket too.

Bilibo Mini

The little sibling of the Bilibo, this is the Bilibo Mini that would make the perfect bathtub toy, sand scooper, snow ball maker and generally a cool little toy.

Apple Blossom Baby

Kwan from Apple Blossom Baby sent me a link to her Etsy shop. She's a mother, physician and makes these beautifully handmade balls and crayon caddies in her free time. They would also make great gifts.

Nurseryworks - Loom Storage Trolley

Nurseryworks Loom Storage Trolley is a toy box/storage unit on wheels that also has a removable cushion on top! I'm a sucker for anything versatile and practical. It can also be tucked nicely under the Loom Storage System.

 

Anne-Claire Petit Dachshunds

I grew up with dachshunds and have this secret infinity for the short-legged little buggers. Anne-Claire Petit Dachshunds are all hand-crocheted and very, very sweet.

Momoll Architect House

I have to say that I've been pleased with a lot of the wooden (doll) houses that have emerged in recent years. The plain wooden structure makes it feel like a blank canvas just waiting for a child to add her own design touches. This beautiful yet simple plexiglass & wooden house by Momoll would be my favorite toy if I were 7 again. The house comes in modules, so the child can move the structure around to their liking (young architects in the making).

Playsam Wooden Toys

Swedish toy Company, Playsam, arguably makes the sleekest little wooden toys on the market! Sophisticated enough for big kids too.

dwellbaby Hand Puppets

Most recently, dwellbaby has been churning out a vast array of baby goods and they didn't stop short of making a set of whimsical hand puppets. These are made from left-over fabric scraps so the patterns will vary -- what a terrific way to minimize waste and create something useful!

10 Grain Log Rocker

10 grain is on a roll with a series of simply designed, bent plywood toys and functional decor pieces. The Log Rocker is one of those toys that struck me as a very obvious concept yet I was surprised that no one had thought of it before. I love that it can accommodate a solo kid or two rambunctious ones at the same time.

Netto Polar Bear Rocker

While on the subject of rockers, I couldn't resist mentioning the elegant and eco-friendly Polar Bear Rocker from Netto. Rufus came all the way from the Arctic Circle! What a beautiful gift this would make.