Awesome Picks for Kids: Cool Cameras for Little Papparazzi

The Oscars are over and the red carpet is already old news, but your little one can still join the action, papparazzi style, and go click,click!! with these awesome finds...

Cool and cute, cameras have become a trendy theme for kids lately, and we are loving these original designs. Onesies, tees, wooden toys, wall art and, even a lovely DIY craft- we picked them all.

So, go ahead... lights, action, and "click" on the links to choose your favorite one.

::Above::

:: Organic Wooden Pretend Play Camera by Rewood Toys, available here::

:: Holga Camera Baby Onesie by Little Lee Studios, available here::

:: Pig with a 35mm Camera by Barking Bird Art, available here::

:: MG Camera, Ciak!! by Mastro Geppetto, available here::


:: DIY Cardboard Insta Camera by Estefi Machado, available here::
:: Future Photographer T-shirt by Once Upon a Story, available here::

Lovely!!... Aren't they?? ...Which one would you pick??

Kukkia Toys: Bringing Kids' Playtime Back To Basics

I've always believed that simple and basic toys bring children's imagination a lot further than those equipped with batteries and sounds... Isn't it puzzling how little ones open a box with a toy inside, and immediately start playing with the box, rather than with the toy? It seems like a cardboard box has more power to challenge a child's creativity- maybe because they can manipulate it and make anything they want out of it.  

Japanese designed Kukkia Toys brought that idea back to my mind. Basic shapes made of natural materials with a combination of subtle and vibrant colors, surely do the trick in kids' busy hands- it's a silent invitation to touch and build, touch and play.

All made of sustainable beech wood, the collection goes from black and white polka dots cars to a mini City of London with its traditional Big Ben and a doubled-decker bus, from a sushi set with denim velcro seawed to star dominoes with a hundred stars to count and count all the way to the moon.

Adorable!!... Definitely, it's all in the details!!

Kukkia Toys are available at their website, here. (Use Google translator)
For list of stores and worldwide shipping, I suggest visiting their Facebook Page, here. 

Awesome Picks for Kids: Bobo Choses' NEW Spring-Summer Collection

How fun are these designs from hip Spanish brand Bobo Choses? ...I am fascinated with the whole collection full of trendy colors, bold graphics and comfortable styles- a smart interpretation of children's casual fashion, playful and easy-to-wear, perfect for those days  when the temperature starts to go up. 

"Petit Grocery Jean Gustav" is the theme for the entire line inspired by Jean Gustav, a cute little elephant with a grocer's soul. Jean Gustav invites everyone to visit his grocery shop to enjoy the flavors of his gigantic pears, tomatoes, lemons, and everything else he has to offer.... What a cute idea!!

Onesies, diaper covers, tank tops, graphic tees, long dresses, and more... the collection is large with a nice variety of pieces to mix and match, and just to make it even better, everything is made of 100% organic cotton... Que maravilla!!

Two thumbs up to the creative team of Bobo Choses, art directors Laia Aguilar and Adriana Esperalba!! ... Una coleccion muy maja!!

Bobo Choses collection available here. 

All pictures provided by Bobo Choses.

Awesome Picks for Kids: Sweet Baby's First Valentine's Day

Today, I am inspired by all things sweet and cute to celebrate "love" and baby's first Valentine's Day. It doesn't have to be anything too elaborated. When it comes to this kind of celebration, the detail that I keep in mind is the opportunity to take a beautiful picture of my baby, and create a memory that could last forever, especially considering that babies are babies only for one year. Ahhh!! ...the baby stage goes away so fast!!

I like to keep it simple, but still original, unique!! ...So, how about a personalized onesie with matching booties, a delicate headband, and a small wooden rattle or a soft owl, as something to grab?? ...Wouldn't this combo make the case for seriously gorgeous pictures?? I think it would!!... Don't you agree??

1:: Cocolo Heart Shaped First Toy by Mastro Geppetto, available here.

2:: Baby's Felt Shoes by From Anna with Love, available here.

3:: Henry the Owl Musical Box by Esthex available here.

4:: Little Love Onesie, organic and personalized, by Morado Designs, available here.

5:: Valentine's Baby Girl Headband by Little Pearl Boutique, available here.

Awesome Picks for Kids: Handmade Wooden Puzzles by Manzanita Kids

Today is National Puzzle Day in the US, a celebration meant to be enjoyed by anyone who feels like giving his or her brain a little extra exercise. Any kind of puzzle is included in the category, from jigsaw puzzles, wooden puzzles, crossword puzzles to sudoku, and even the Rubik's cube. It doesn't matter what kind your favorite is, the important element here is that you challenge yourself or your kids, to do something different and entertaining, while thinking and having fun.

My favorite puzzles for young children are the wooden ones, especially those that are ecofriendly and handmade. I recently discovered Manzanita Kids, a really nice and original collection of wooden toys that includes several sets of blocks, stacking toys and puzzles.

Manzanita Kids toys are made by a Seattle family that truly believes in sustainability, making a safe product that will enrich children's life and add to the beauty of their homes. Their puzzles are made of a gorgeous combination of  top quality American maple, cherry and walnut wood. Each piece is satin smooth sanded and polished by hand, using a blend of beeswax and organic jojoba oil. Definitely, an original work of art created to last and pass to the next generation... I'm loving them all!!

Are you ready to give National Puzzle Day a try and play for a little while? Which one is your favorite type of puzzle? ... Well, whichever you choose, get it done and have fun!!

Manzanita Kids available here.

All pictures provided by Manzanita Kids. 

Wave Chair by Utzon Kids: A Design So Cool That Gets Parents Jealous

Love at first sight!! That was my connection with these chairs the moment I saw them... Scandinavian style at its best, modern, creative, yet so simple, perfect for children. Utzon Kids, an innovative Danish design studio, is the progenitor of the Wave Chair, a lounge seat for little ones, ages two and up, that also makes a fantastic piece of decoration for their room. 

The Wave Chair is delicately crafted using high quality wood, either maple or walnut for the frame, and upholstered with exclusive textiles designed by well known names in the market. 

Favorite in this collection, the Hygge, a Danish term that means getting cozy and spending a nice time with friends and family. Definitely, a chair with a top made of soft Tybetan lamb wool and a vibrant red frame has to be cozy and snuggly.

The Sigge also made it to the top of my favorite list. The stunning black and white fabric, replicates a floral motif hand-drawing with a sophisticated touch of street art... Lovely!!

Good news, Utzon Kids Wave Chairs are available and free delivered all over the world.

Wave Chair by Utzon Kids available here.

Trendy Nursery: Kids' Bedrooms Among the Stars by Colette Bream

The new year brings a strong desire for renovation to many of us, an impulse to change our surroundings, even if it is just a little bit... Kids' bedrooms are always included in my list. Little ones grow up so fast and  switch their preference for themes and colors so often, that also their bedrooms need to be transformed at the same pace... Don't you agree?

Thinking about those changes, the whimsical creations of Colette Bream came to my mind... What a perfect time to share her designs!! Like many creators of wonderful things for children, Colette Bream, an artist born and raised in Europe, now living in the US, found her inspiration through her daughter. An urge to build a nest for her baby, free of plastics and polyester, filled instead with simplicity, innocence and colorful accessories, motivated the birth of her line of bedding sets, pillows, blankets, and fanciful characters that look like they just jumped out of a children's book.

Adding more goodness to these beauties, it is nice to know that all Colette Bream's designs are hand made in the USA with natural materials, 100%  organic cotton is used for the bedding sets, as well as 100%  lambswool for blankets and pillows. 

I am particularly in love with the idea of creating a bedroom among the stars, with  good-night kissing clouds and windy-wind pillows. Pinocchio, Harry the Heart and the Little Horse could also join the sky scene to complete a magical touch... Imagine how creative a child can get in a room like that!!

Colette Bream's designs available here.

All pictures provided by Collete Bream's website.

Awesome Gifts for Kids: Baby's Favorite Toys (0-12 Months)

Entering the world of toys can be a little overwhelming... The variety of designs, styles and functions is endless. Trends are constantly changing, and unless you are taking frequent trips to the toy store, you might end up lost in a ocean of useless, mass produced items, not knowing what is best.

Don't let that happen!! ...We have gathered a list of gorgeous toys appropriate for babies from their newborn stage through the first year. Safe toys made out of natural, raw materials, free of toxic elements, and ...oohh, yeahhh!! noiseless. We have picked toys that promote observation with contrasting colors and diverse textures for baby's first three months, as well as toys that engage other senses and stimulate motor skills for later months. Softies, rattles, teethers, blocks, nesting dolls, pull-alongs, and even a ride-on sheep made it to our list. Eighteen toys to keep baby company during her fascinating journey discovering the world in twelve months...

      Our Favorite Toys in Black and White (above)

1:: Reflex No. 2 Crochet Camera by Single Hook available here.  

2:: Nesting Dolls - Set of Three by Wee Gallery available here.

3:: Pull-Along Zebra by Plan Toys available here.

4:: Rocking Sheep Black/White by Danish Crafts available here.

5:: Hug the Panda by Crowded Teeth available here.

6:: Pablo the Pigeon by Oeuf NY available here.

      Our Favorite Toys in Neutral Colors (above)
1:: Harry Hedgehog Cushion by Cardigan LTD available here.
2::Cuddly Doll Esquimaud by Phildar available here.
3:: Felt Food Chocolate Pie by Creation ByM available here.
4:: Little Lark Teething Toy by Little Alouette available here.
5:: Waldorf Soft Bunny Doll by Woolies available here.
6:: Rattle Peter by Esthex available here.

      Our Favorite Toys in Many Colors (above)
1:: Tattoo Baby Walker by Janod available here.
2:: Go Car Blue by Kid O available here.
3:: Pastel Blocks by Tree by Kerri Lee available here.
4:: Swedish Nesting Dolls by Angela Arrhenius available here. 
5:: Wobble Towers at Romp available here.
6:: Baby Car by Plan Toys available here.

...Need more toy inspiration? Head over to our "toys, toys...Toys" board at Pinterest. We are pinning daily our favorite toys for kids of all ages. Follow us!!

Awesome Gifts for Kids: Christmas Ornaments from Tree by Kerri Lee

With a delicate fusion of vintage and modern, these Christmas inspired ornaments, music boxes, and stuffed friends make a great holiday present for babies and kids... Don't you agree?

Tree by Kerri Lee, the name behind these beauties, is a studio dedicated to create thoughtful gifts and accessories for little ones, meticulously handmade using responsibly harvested wood.

Their Christmas/ Holiday collection includes personalized keepsakes like these cute snowmen with  the year handwritten at the top, and wooden musical boxes with the baby's name and year stamped on the sides to commemorate a child's first Christmas. If looking for original, creative stocking stuffers, Tree by Kerri Lee has also come up with a line of super sweet stuffed puffs, wool felt sleep-awake signs, doorknob hangers, and magnets... Really tasteful!

Tree by Kerri Lee, Christmas/Holiday collection available here.     

Awesome Gifts for Babies: Our Eight Favorite Picks for the Littlest Ones

Baby's First Christmas is a special occasion for the baby, the parents, the grandparents and everyone around. The fact that a new little person has been added to the family, and is already there to join the celebration, makes it completely different, sweet and unforgettable. 

Choosing the right gift for that precious angel also becomes special, kind of a friendly competition among relatives to see who gets the cutest, funniest, chicest or trendiest present of all, something so beautiful that parents could even save it forever. A unique pair of booties, the softest blanket, a squishy rattle,  the first dinnerware set, it's a lottery to guess what will turn into the parents' favorite and baby's BFF.

Don't fall behind and keep up with the latest. We have picked eight fabulous gifts for the new people in your family, based on the most popular trends in color combination, preferred brands, and the use of natural and ecofriendly materials in the manufacturing process. So, go ahead, select your favorite and show off your good taste when it come to the youngest ones.

1::Tiger Cushion by Ferm-Living available here.
2:: Mushroom Rattle Gray by Tane Organics available here. 
3:: Gigoteuse Starprint Cloudy by April Showers available here.
4:: Raindrop Shapes Swaddling Blanket by Petunia Pickle Bottom available here.
5:: Personalized Cup & Bowl Set - Elephant by Giggle available here.
6:: Rocks Chickadee Booties by Blabla Kids available here.
7:: Bunny Romper by Stella McCartney available here.
8:: Alpaca Mittens by Egg by Susan Lazar available here.

Awesome Gifts for Kids: Wooden Totems by NY Designer Dino Sanchez

Children reach a certain age in which picking a present for them becomes cumbersome. It seems like there is so much and such a variety of styles for the littlest ones, but once they turn into tweens, guessing what they like, becomes complicated, especially if you want to step out of the common trend of electronics and video games.

Here is something cool for kids over ten, something decorative that could keep their hands and minds busy for a while... "Totems" is a set of stackable wooden blocks designed by New York based artist and designer Dino Sanchez. Four different faces in a set, each block is handmade in the USA from solid oak and walnut with non-toxic finishes.

By the way, I wouldn't mind keeping one of those on my desk...  I'm definitely including Totems in my list of favorites, also for grown-ups!!

Totems by Dino Sanchez available here.

All pictures courtesy of Dino Sanchez' website.   

Awesome Picks for Kids: Are We All Loving a Moustache?

Just when we thought that the hairy style over the upper lip was relegated to old pictures of Charles Chaplin and Burt Reynolds, fashion makes a statement and brings the moustache back, now trendier than ever... Have you noticed that?? Good thing, at least for me- I'm not really a fan of facial hair- the moustache comeback is not happening on boys' faces, but instead, showing as a theme on  clothing, home accessories, and in a very cute way, on children stuff.

Thin, thick, curly or straight, many designers included a moustache in their children collections this fall and created adorable onesies, tees, pillows, stuffed creatures, and even rubber stamps for little ones to pretend-play with finger moustaches. Thinking of the proximity of the holidays and all of the gift shopping that goes with it, we gathered our favorite moustaches and links... So, take a look and start building your wish list!!

1:: Moustache Kids' T-Shirt by Once Upon a Story available here.

2:: Knitted Moustache Pillow by Bla Bla Kids available here.

3:: Organic Girls' Moustache Dress by Sewn Natural available here.

4:: Balthazar by Lucky Boy Sunday available here.

5:: Hat and Moustache Sweater by Emile et Ida available here.

6:: Khaki Moustache Jumper by Beau Loves available here.

7:: Secret Man Pillow by Lucky Boy Sunday available here.

8:: Balthazar The Magician by Bla Bla Kids available here.

9:: Ricetache Plush Toy by Noodoll available here.

Awesome Picks for Kids: 6 "Not So Scary" Animal Masks for Halloween

A masquerade for Halloween? Ummm!.. why not?? Masks are an ancient tradition turned into art through history. These days, a lot of children find them quite comfortable for "trick-or-treating" and prefer to wear them paired with a regular outfit, rather than walking around with complicated costumes.

Animal masks go back to primitive times, when hunting was such an important aspect of life... This year I've found a revival of the animal mask with handmade designs in modern styles, representing friendly creatures in trendy colors, made out of ecofriendly materials. Definitely, an option for many kids who refuse to put a costume on.

Six masks made it to my list of favorite ones, some are custom made, some are ready to ship, and one of them, even available as a PDF for immediate downloading. One thing I love about masks, is the fact that they may be worn by anyone in the family regardless of size, and they may also be passed along from one year to the next.

From top to bottom, clockwise:

1:: Wolf Mask by Mahalo available here.

2:: DIY Printable Peacock Mask by Shades of Every Color available here.

3:: Leather Lion Mask by The Artificer available here.

4:: Wolf Mask by Her Flying Horses available here.

5:: Owl Felt Mask by Frida's Tierchen available here.

6:: Fox Mask and Tail by BHB Kidstyle available here.

Awesome Picks for Kids: Top Five Cool Outfits for Halloween Day

Halloween is fast approaching and while costumes for the occasion take all of our attention, it frequently happens that we forget what the kiddos will wear for Halloween Day. How about the school party or baby running errands with mom?

Many times, we've ended up picking whatever is left at the stores the day before Halloween, but this year we are determined to change that trend. We have already done some virtual shopping and here we are sharing these cute, cool picks that will put your little one on the right path to celebrate Halloween in style. 

At the top::  Mouse Girl Halloween Dress by Wild Things available here.

In the middle:: Orange Spotty and Black Superhero Suit by Beau Loves available here.

At the bottom:: Skeleton Long Sleeve Organic Tee by Mimosa available here. (left)

                              Pirate Skull T-Shirt by Internaht available here. (right)

Election Day is Coming Soon: Rock the Vote, Topozoo Style!!

Aren't these two hilarious? What would you call this double headed creature? An elephonkey or a donkephant? Is it a Republican or a Democrat? Whether it is an election predictor or a way to show your political preference with fun and civility, this Topozoos collection could also be a nice tool to introduce little ones into the meaning and importance of elections.

A blue donkey and a red elephant, the "election edition" is part of a much bigger family of Topozoos. Dinosaurs, zoo, mythical and aquatic animals  complete the line of  ecofriendly wooden puzzles that easily turn into a craft, a room decor or a "mix and match" zoo of hybrid creations. 

Topozoos' pieces are all made in the USA from formaldehyde-free recycled wood, using child-safe color stains. Each animal or  set is packed in a recycled cage box and their pieces can be mixed with all other Topozoo animals. Definitely, a nice gift for children three to eight years old.

Topozoos available here.

Awesome Picks for Kids: Bold Prints from Winter Water Factory

Patterns, I love patterns, a repetition of color and shapes in a harmonic way can totally take my heart away. But, when it comes to kids' clothing, I prefer to steer away from the typical children themes and arrangements, and many times end up choosing outfits just in solid blocks, to avoid frustration. 

However, here and there I get surprised with the work of designers who may get inspired by the same well known motifs, boats, trucks, birds and dots... The difference is how they put them together, transforming a simple onesie into a piece of art, something that you could even imagine framed and hung on a wall... that artistic!!

Winter Water Factory and its creative prints is one of those names that always pleases my eyes- a combination of modern design with trendy colors and  a touch of vintage. Based in Brooklyn, NY, this design and manufacturing company specializes in screen printed textiles and organic kids' clothes. Every single item is made in the USA, printed on 100% organic cotton and comfortable, basic styles.

Winter Water Factory's Fall-Winter collection is out and we are liking everything. The tunic dresses and hoodies for girls are adorable, as well as the long sleeve tees for boys and the rompers for the littlest ones. I particularly heart the "High Seas" print in gray and the " Bridge and Tunnel" in red or blue. They remind me of beautiful patterns on vintage wall paper... So unique!!

Winter Water Factory available here.

All pictures courtesy of Winter Water Factory.

Wee Gallery: 32 Ways to Dress a Fox or Raise a Fashion Designer

Kids getting loud in a restaurant while waiting for food... Little ones acting up while sitting at the doctor's office... Children throwing toys at each other in the backseat while you are driving from point A to point B, hoping that a disaster doesn't happen... Sure, as a parent, you have been a victim of any of these scenarios, once too many times.

But, soon enough we are forced to learn that the unmistakable trick to combat those outbursts is to provide a source of entertaintment. Ideally, something that challenges their creativity keeping their hands busy for a substantial period of time.

Here is something new that matches to perfection as an antidote for those desperate situations, something to keep handy in your purse at all times. Wee Gallery has come up with these Mini Activity Books featuring three different characters, a piggy, a fox, and a bunny. All three need to be dressed and their outfits are up to your child's imagination. Each book comes with 32 pages and each page presents the main character's head, hands and feet a little different, ready for your emergent fashion designer to dress them up. Use crayons, colored pencils or markers, add googly eyes, glitter, feathers, there is no limit to their fun possibilities, and the price is so reasonable that you might want to get all three of them.

In case you are not familiar with Wee Gallery, it is a husband and wife studio creating beautiful graphics and toys for babies and older kids. Their Art Cards or Flash Cards in black and white are gorgeous, as well as their Rubber Stamp Sets. To make it even better, every single product is ecofriendly, non toxic, printed with soy inks on recycled paper and cardboard.

Wee Gallery available here.  

Shusha Toys: Something New To Build with Wooden Blocks

Creativity never stops... That's right!! And while us, parents, have been fascinated with the return of wooden toys and noiseless building blocks, some parents-to-be in a far corner of this world, were taking a step forward and coming up with something new- wooden blocks to build people and face expressions, instead of houses and castles... How fun is that?

Shusha Toys is the brainchild of two young parents with background in graphic design and architecture, who in anticipation to their first child, decided to experiment and make toys that could be not only fun, but also help kids develop creativity, imagination and motor skills. Moustaches, smiles, eyebrows, noses, beards, the combinations with these blocks are endless, and sooo funny.

All Shusha Toys are made in-house in Russia from natural materials, such as wood and non-toxic paints.

Susha Toys available here. More information also on their Facebook page.

Oeuf Fall-Winter Collection: Fabulous Knits with a Surreal Twist

Kids went back to school this morning and surely the temperature indicated that the warm weather in New York is over. The brisk air, the whiter sunlight and a couple of leaves falling, were enough to make us think of long sleeves, pants and hats for the little ones.

We are fascinated with Oeuf's new fall-winter collection, so much that we even had a hard time narrowing down our picks for this post. We love everything about it and like every single style.

Abundance of goodness!! That's what we are finding in this line with its gorgeous knits, handcrafted by Bolivian artisans using 100% super-soft, hypoallergenic baby alpaca wool. 

Comfy designs, the collection includes many pullovers, tunic dresses, leggings, hoodies and cool accessories in classic neutral colors, perfect to mix and match endlessly.

Saving the best for last, the one thing that really gets us giggly about this collection is the whimsical, mix of funny and spooky theme. "Keep it Surreal" is the name of this line and without a doubt, Oeuf's creators totally  did. Gloves with open eyes, sweaters with glasses and moustaches, hoodies with bunny ears, attachables tails, and a bunch of playful accessories complete a stylish halloween look that no one would mind wearing through the rest of fall and winter... After all, wouldn't you like your little one to have an extra pair of eyes or ears to see youuuuu better, or to hear youuuuu better?? 

Oeuf Fall-Winter Collection available here.