Gifts For Children

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN WRITTEN BY SANDRA ISAKSSON, HEAD DESIGNER AT ISAK.

 The attic was hidden above squeaking stairs, high up in my grandparents
red-timbered farmhouse. The attic was only opened on special occasions,
letting ripe wood smells permeate the house. The first occasion was
Christmas, when regular access to the freezer was required. The second was
in the summer and the third was in the winter.
 
In summer and winter you needed blankets. There were stacks of them. The
white and yellow ones were for summer and the dark grey ones for winter. The
summer blankets had belonged to great grandma Svea and the dark ones had
come from Norway, where great granddad David had fought in the war. They
were heavy and warm and spoke of memories.
 
They saved us from frostbites when our fingers had turned to icicles after
long afternoons of snowball-fighting. They provided a soft padding from
pebbles and twigs when we were sun bating. It was always an adventure when
we were sent up into the attic to fetch the blankets. Each time we would
find and open yet another dusty box and let out its forgotten memories. The
Isak Penguin blanket has been made in honour to Inger & Olle and in memory
of Svea & David.
 
Product Information

We are very proud of our blankets, a traditional Scandinavian product to
shield out the cold, or just to snuggle under on a rainy day. Our blankets
are made from 100% pure new Norwegian wool that comes from sheep on fresh
Norwegian mountain pastures. This means that you get a soft, comfortable and
airy blanket ­ that is robust enough to last and remain comfy and functional
for many years. Wool is a natural product with unique properties; it
insulates well, it is environmentally friendly, it can absorb moisture
without loosing its ability to insulate, it is naturally flame retardant ­
and it is dirt repellent. These blankets are made in perfect harmony with
nature. Enjoy!
 
Size: 135cm x 100cm.

Price: small blanket £110 (approx A$185), large blanket £180 (approx A$300)

Go to the Isak website for details of how you can get these blankets delivered to Australia.

ECO-FRIENDLY GIFTS FOR KIDS

I recently discovered an Australian gift and clothing website for babies and kids that I thought was worth a mention.

Modern Little Munchkins has loads of eco-friendly and organic clothing, gifts and accessories for babies and young children. If you are looking for a gift for a new mum... or for the new baby, there's plenty to choose from. And they've got an end of year sale on at the moment (June 2009) so there are bargains to be had.

These BabyJo Bamboo blankets are a great gift and look really snuggly.

They are made from 70% organically grown bamboo fibre and 30% organic cotton. They're soft, luxurious and can be used as either a wrap for newborns, a cot blanket/throw or as a pram blanket. 

Great for warm weather in summer, as you can still wrap baby, yet know that the blanket is breathable and thermo regulating - keeping baby cooler, or use it in winter to keep the heat in and bub warm and snuggly.  There are three colours to choose from and they are a generous 90cm x 85cm.

Modern Little Munchkins also also have a great range of organic t-shirts for babies and kids, bamboo nappies, natural skincare for bub and cute swimwear.

There are loads of gift options there... especially for new parents who are keen to keep the environmental impact of their new baby to a minimum.

ORIGINAL BABY AND MATERNITY GIFTS

If you don't have time to run around finding original baby gifts or a present for the new parents, then Sprogbox may be the answer.

This UK gift company has a great selection of original and very funky baby gifts, pampering new mum gifts, treats and ideas for new dads, fabulous maternity gifts and baby shower ideas, not to mention lots of toys for toddlers, siblings and first birthday presents.

You can buy individual items or choose gifts to make up your very own personal gift box, or you can find a range of pre-packed baby gift boxes. This is VERY helpful if you are in a hurry, or if you're not sure what to buy. The huge range of contemporary and very funky baby gifts includes baby books, baby cds, designer baby clothes, baby shoes, nursery gifts, changing mats, baby blankets, bibs, baby toiletries and lots of gorgeous cuddly toys, bright rattles, baby activity toys and teethers. Their range of new baby gifts changes all the time and they regularly add original new gift ideas to their collection.

Go Belly Go maternity necklaces

GIFT IDEAS FOR GIRLS UNDER 2 Years OLD

Are you searching for an unusual or original gift for a new baby girl? Or perhaps your little princess is about to have her first birthday?  If so, you're in luck!

I've been searching for new and funky gift ideas for girls under 2 years old and here's the shortlist.

1. The Monogrammed Linen Shop do a great range of clothing and gifts for girls under 2. You can either choose one of their linen sets, which can be individually monogrammed with the baby's name or birth date. Or how about these beautiful porcelain tooth mugs. They've been hand painted in silver and would look very sweet in a baby girl's nursery.

2.  Dragons of Walton Street in the UK specialises in hand-painted wooden toys and gifts. This beech wood baby's hairbrush is a great alternative to the plastic baby brushes that you see everywhere. This original gift will be really cherished by the new parents and could even be handed down through the generations.

3. Tree House Blue has some of the cutest gifts around for girls under 2. Their soft toys are so cute, you'll want some for yourself.

Check out this Lila Mouse - a fantastic gift idea for girls under 2 year old.

And this small girl mouse is adorable as well.

There are plenty of other gift options on the website including organic baby clothing and accessories. The only dilemma you'll face is which gift to choose!

4. If you want to give clothing as a gift and are looking for something original, you can't go past Sue Hill Hand Knits. They have a great range of beautiful clothing and cashmere accessories. This jacket and hat gift set will make any little girl look like a princess.

There are lots of gorgeous gift ideas on this website, so have a good look around.

5. Cath Kidston has beautiful gifts for baby girls, such as bibs, romper suits and blankets. Her style and colour palettes are very distinctive and you can find her products in select gift shops around Australia.  Her bibs, in particular, are very hardwearing and the designs are bright and original, which will make mealtimes more enjoyable for both baby and parents.

Happy gift hunting