Bambino Goodies » Pretend and Imaginative Play http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk The shopping guide for baby clothing, toys, products, furniture, gear etc Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:07:08 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Habitat cardboard fire station and doll’s house http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/habitat-cardboard-fire-station-and-dolls-house/ http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/habitat-cardboard-fire-station-and-dolls-house/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0000 Lucy http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/?p=44392

Just as I’m coming to end of my period of mourning for the Habitat Brighton store, they go and appoint Polly Dickens (ex Conran Shop and Anthropologie) as creative director and get me all excited about the spring/summer collection.

The full range of goodies will appear online at the end of the month, but to keep you going until then, here is a rather fabulous cardboard fire station, £15, and doll’s house, £22, I spotted on the website.

 

 

 

 

 

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]]> http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/habitat-cardboard-fire-station-and-dolls-house/feed/ 0 Little Red Stuga special-edition Bu! play blanket http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/little-red-stuga-special-edition-bu-play-blanket/ http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/little-red-stuga-special-edition-bu-play-blanket/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0000 Lucy http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/?p=44301

I’ve long been a fan of Little Red Stuga‘s fabulous play blanket, Bu!, and now there’s even more reason to love it. LRS has collaborated with another one of our favourites, Fine Little Day, to produce this special edition, featuring an American Indian design, created by FLD’s Elisabeth Dunker. Great for imaginative play, as a comforter, or just a simple game of peekaboo, the blankie comes in six colourways and costs €29, plus €5 p&p to Europe. Definitely going on the list for Alfie’s birthday.

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]]> http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/little-red-stuga-special-edition-bu-play-blanket/feed/ 0 Donna Wilson House Throw Play Den Set http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/donna-wilson-house-throw-play-den-set/ http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/donna-wilson-house-throw-play-den-set/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000 Kat http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/?p=43950

It’s been a couple of years since Donna Wilson first released her House Blanket. This season she has taken the concept one step further and you can now buy a House Throw Play Den Set.

Comprised of a luxurious 100% lambswool woven throw and a handmade wooden frame you can create a den with all the charm of a blanket over a clothes airer but with a little more structure.I’m in love with this, a stylish throw for the sofa or a cosy den for the children with Donna’s gorgeous textile design.

The throw comes in Pink & Grey, Green or Mustard and the set is £255.

Via DecoPeques

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]]> http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/donna-wilson-house-throw-play-den-set/feed/ 1 Kid O A Night at the Opera wooden play set http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/kid-o-a-night-at-the-opera-wooden-play-set/ http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/kid-o-a-night-at-the-opera-wooden-play-set/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0000 Lucy http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/?p=43799

If your house is anything like ours, it’s swamped with toys post-Christmas, but I must admit I’m sorely tempted by this little beauty from the ever-fabulous Kid O. The opera-themed play set comprises 16 wooden play pieces (singers – love the large pink-haired soprano – and props), a wooden base tray, a double-sided backdrop and 12 card scenes to recreate, all tucked up in a cotton bag. Not the cheapest at £39, from Bebe Moda, but sure to provide hours of imaginative play.

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]]> http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/kid-o-a-night-at-the-opera-wooden-play-set/feed/ 1 Christmas Gift Guide: Dressing Up http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/christmas-gift-guide-dressing-up/ http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/christmas-gift-guide-dressing-up/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000 Kat http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/?p=41784

Welcome to the BG Christmas Gift Guide 2011. We love nothing more than a well stocked dressing up box. From princesses, knights and dragons to doctors and astronauts we have something to ignite the imagination for everyone.



KIGU are exclusive to Selfridges this season and they have a range of animal dressing up suits. Our favourite is the penguin – so very Frozen Planet. £39.

I think this Djeco Superhero Kit, complete with its own carry case, looks like it is right out of a cartoon action film. Loving the bright colours and ability to turn it into whatever hero you choose to be. £16.95 from Born To…

Pirates are not going anywhere and are sailing strong in children’s fashion. This Savo and Pomelina Pirate Costume is swashbuckling at its finest and will last many years of adventuring. £44.99 from Toyella.

Never mind the children, I want a Tutu du Monde dress in my wardrobe. Made from the dreams of children who love to dance these tutus are handmade. They really do know the socks off the cheap princess dresses which seem ubiquitous these days. My favourite is the delicate blue Posy Tutu £125 from Olive Loves Alfie.

Through the tears at the latest John Lewis advert I spied this Gruffalo Dress Up which looks far cuter on the child than it does in this picture! If your house is as Gruffalo obsessed as our you know this is going to create screams and excitement of epic proportions come Christmas morning. Just don’t expect them to take it off any time soon… £20 from John Lewis.

Proving that a little accessorising can create an entire costume I love these Wovenplay Button Socks £19 from Orfeo. More open-ended play from Fafu in the form of Handy and Cony which can be adapted in as many ways as you can think of. £11 and £13.50 from Toyella.

Need a kitchen helper to cook the turkey? This apron and hat set from John Lewis is a snip at just £5.

Reversible costumes double up the fun and the Travis astronaut / racing driver combo is a little more unusual than most. £29.99 from Nubie.

Be a mysterious sword fighting hero with Zid Zid’s Zorro Costume £30 from Sisters Guild.

I wished and wished for a doctor’s kit as a child so I didn’t have to be the patient every time. This set from Haba has everything a competent medic needs to administer some healing. £20.86 from Ptolemy Toys.

Again, proving all you need is a little something to transform yourself we have the Oskar and Ellen elephant hat and tail £9.99 from a range at The Beanstalk (I happen to know the crocodile version is headed to one of our stockings). The wildly hilarious Pippi Longstocking Wig £13.99 from Kidsen. I am loving the simplicity of this princess crown and veil from Le Pingouin de L’espace for €24. And a cross between an art deco debutante and something from Flash Gordon this princess crown is wonderfully non-typical. £12 from Few and Far.

For some medieval glamour this reversible cape turns you into a knight or a dragon. You can accessorise it with a velvet crown or shield both in a range of colours all available at The Beanstalk.

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]]> http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/christmas-gift-guide-dressing-up/feed/ 0 LEGO Light Torches http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/lego-light-torches/ http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/lego-light-torches/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0000 Kat http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/?p=42907

I’m sure at some point my love of LEGO products will wane but right now the fire burns strong. When out after dark with some friends recently their sons whipped out these wicked LEGO figure shaped torches.

You can buy either battery operated or dynamo (wind up) versions. They not only come in standard LEGO figures but also as a firefighter, construction worker and police officer.

RRP is £15.99 but you can get them from £9.99 on Amazon depending on the style and I found the standard figure battery version for £9 MenKind.

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]]> http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/lego-light-torches/feed/ 2 BG Christmas gift guide 2011: stocking filler ideas under £1 http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/bg-christmas-gift-guide-2011-stocking-filler-ideas-under-1/ http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/bg-christmas-gift-guide-2011-stocking-filler-ideas-under-1/#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0000 Lucy http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/?p=40826 Welcome to the BG Christmas Gift Guide 2011. Austerity measures may be in place for Christmas this year, but that doesn’t mean you need to forgo the traditional stocking. And cheap needn’t mean nasty. We’ve trawled the web to find a myriad of mini treasures for less than a pound. Bookmark and refer back when you’ve got party bags to fill

 

These wooden twist and lock blocks are definitely going in Alfie’s stocking this year. £1, Looty Bag.

As are these. Lego + crayon = genius. 69p, Colour Me Fun.

I’ve raved about Tinti’s fun products before – what small child wouldn’t love their bath water turning a glorious shade of green? 95p, Myriad.

Tickseed is a favourite destination for party bag fillers. My pick is this miniature matchbox wooden set, based on a design from the 1940s, 60p.

I’m not entirely sure why, but small boys seem to love these metal clicker things (warning: quite annoying after a while!). 50p, Little Giggles.

I can’t imagine any little girl not being delighted with one of these bejewelled wooden rings. 95p, The Little Things.

Six fun colours of modelling clay – just keep it away from the carpet. 99p, After Noah.

Mmm, insects, got to love them. Take a closer look with this mini bug viewer. 75p, Toyday.

A puzzle is great in a stocking – love these little wooden animals. 50p, Hawkin’s Bazaar.

Another gorgeous bit of girliness in the form of these cute floral wooden bracelets. 79p, The Curious Caterpillar.

A classic trick to play on Dad on Boxing Day – the wooden finger trap. 30p, Jelly & Blancmange.

Ooh, a pencil. With a springy vehicle on top. Cool. £1, Little Cherry.

Most children will get a book or two on Christmas Day, so a bookmark is practical and pretty. 80p, Eco Party Bags.

I remember getting one of these wheel whizzers in my stocking as a child. Sometimes the old ones are the best. 60p, Eco Mojo.

And a funky wooden spinning top. These are one of my go to buys for party bags as they never fail to entertain. 75p, Party Ark.

Ikea does it again with these cheery little circus characters, 99p each.

Stickers always popular and Paperchase has a fantastic range. I particularly like this shopping-themed sheet, £1.

There’s so much goodness at Muji for Christmas – this origami paper makes a bright buy for craft projects at 95p.

Alfie is mad on snap at the moment and these traditional card games are an absolute bargain. 35p, Woolgar’s Toys.

Give a gift and save the planet – what’s not to love about seed stick matchbooks? I had them as wedding favours. 85p, Party Delights.

Sadly not online (why oh why?) but Danish Tiger Stores has lots of treats for minimum cash. Loving the juggling balls, £1.

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]]> http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/bg-christmas-gift-guide-2011-stocking-filler-ideas-under-1/feed/ 4 Miniio dolls houses http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/miniio-dollhouses/ http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/miniio-dollhouses/#comments Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0000 Lucy http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/?p=41768

I have to admit an irrational dislike of most modern dollhouses. I don’t know whether it’s because most of them are so twee or whether it’s because I’ve got the best one ever at my mum’s, handmade for me by my aunt and uncle, oh, aeons ago. But I have to say my opinion is definitely being swayed by this sleek piece of gorgeousness I spotted over on Inhabitat. Created by Polish company Miniio (the brainchild of  mums of boys living out their girlie fantasies) , the Miniko house is handmade from sustainable materials and it’s modular.

So, you can buy the basic one-storey house for €99 and pimp it over time, adding extensions, a bamboo terrace and ultra-cool designer furniture. Alternatively, if you’re splashing out, opt for the fully equipped Miniko with coffee table, soft, pendant light, lamp, sink, terrace and dining table and chairs for €199. You can also add a personalised plaque for gifts. Everything about Miniio’s houses are painfully stylish and minimalist and forget the dolls, I’d happily live in a scaled-up version – it’s a thing of beauty.

 

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]]> http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/miniio-dollhouses/feed/ 3 Finger Puppets from Ikea http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/finger-puppets-from-ikea/ http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/finger-puppets-from-ikea/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:00:22 +0000 Kat http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/?p=41505

I’m not a big one for party bags as so often they either cost a fortune, are filled with rubbish… or both.

When Monty had a woodland party for his birthday earlier this year I picked up one of these finger puppets to send away with each of the guests. Far more substantial than the usual plastic party bag fillers and at 99p each a complete snip. From where else, Ikea.

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]]> http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/finger-puppets-from-ikea/feed/ 1 Hot Shop: Mes Habits Chéris http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/hot-shop-mes-habits-cheris/ http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/hot-shop-mes-habits-cheris/#comments Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:00:00 +0000 Lucy http://www.bambinogoodies.co.uk/?p=39962

Happy to bring you another shopping opportunity from across the Channel. Mes Habits Chéris is an emporium of delights stocked with familiar French brands Le Toy Van, Lalé and Mimilou, plus BG Euro faves Kidsonroof, Bakker Made with Love, Isak and Sukie. There is a lot of extremely covetable stuff on this site – I’d recommend setting aside a couple of hours to browse – but here are my top picks. I’m always excited when I uncover brands I don’t really know, so was delighted to find the super-quirky My Name is Simone. How amazing is this superhero doll? I adore him. He’s €34.

ChaCha produces the most exquisite prints and Mes Habits Chéris stocks a wide selection, including a couple by the wonderful Alain Gree. ‘Les Oiseaux’ (The Birds) by Tinou le Joly Sénoville is so beautiful I’m tempted to order it for my room. And it’s only €14.

 

Finally, there are these cool Twice for a Wish friendship bracelets by Inspirations de la Girafe. I can’t think of any little girl who wouldn’t be thrilled with one of these under the Christmas tree. Again, very keenly priced at €16.25.

 

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