Happy Friday! I’ve definitely got that Friday feeling today. It’s been a long week and I’m so looking forward to the weekend and some fun family outings, weather permitting of course (I do live in London after all). Hope you all have a wonderful weekend full of smiles, laughter and lots of silly fun! I couldn’t resist sharing this delightful picture by Franky Grow, a very quirky, creative and fun kids clothing line from Japan. And besides, that kid on the right – that’s exactly how I’m feeling.
Japan has held a fascination for me for as long as I can remember. Right from the days of my early childhood when my father would travel to Japan on work and bring back all kinds of cute little stationery, toys and even some delicious Japanese snacks. Even at that young age I felt there was something so special about everything my father brought back. I couldn’t understand why I was so drawn to these Japanese things but I always knew they were different. I remember that I would sometimes carefully stash these toys away as they were just too precious to play with in case they broke.
Over the years this fascination never waned and I finally visited Japan in 2007. It was one of my best holidays ever for so many reasons (amazing food, architecture, people, street fashion) and of course shopping. It wasn’t about buying but just seeing beautiful things and exquisite packaging at every turn. Of course I had to indulge in some shopping (cue extra suitcase back!) but I so enjoyed the window shopping too because Japanese design is such a treat for the eyes. The design style is often very simple, very minimal which is what makes it so stunning just like these wooden toys. The toys have been stripped down to basics and then designed from there and the result is quite beautiful. The little train set is just wonderful and perfect for little hands too. I love the use of natural wood that has been enhanced with just a hint of soft colour. Buchi toys don’t have a big range; just 5 toys but each one is a piece that I would happily have on show in my home and I think any little kid would delight in playing with.
We’re big fans of kids stamp kits in this house especially since my 3 year old daughter can entertain herself for ages with her stamps. We’ve got a couple of lovely sets so I thought we were all kitted out but now I’ve seen this new Japanese stamp kit and it’s love. It’s unlike any other stamp set I’ve seen before and the possibilities of creating beautiful designs with this set look endless.
The stamp kit includes everything you need to make hand stamps or roller stamps and also includes 35 pattern ideas to start you off and then you can go on to create your own original patterns. The stamps would be great for making your own wrapping paper and cards and even artworks for your kids rooms but best of all, it’s just great for letting kids express their own creativity.
This kit is the creation of Torafu Architects of Tokyo but you can buy it over at Upon a Fold (one of my favourite paper boutiques) where I found them. It’s out of stock at the moment but more are coming soon. I am a huge fan of Japanese designed goodies because just like this kit, you always get something unique, beautiful and very desirable.
Update August 2014: Very sadly, Upon a Fold no longer exists.
If you visit me regularly, you’ll know that I love all things Japanese. Be it Japanese toys, or books or homewares, the Japanese are able to create such simple yet stunning objects of extreme desire. In my quest for finding more Japanese goodies, I stumbled across D-Bros that make little objects and stationery for the home and for kids. Some of their offerings are so beautiful in a minimalist kind of way, which is exactly the kind of style that the Japanese excel in.
I love these notebooks with their red ribbon detail and the sweetest illustrations. I think any little girl will be pleased to own one of these but I’m also thinking big girls will want one too. I know I do!
These little match-box style cards are so unusual and so pretty. On offer are birthday cards, new baby cards, wedding cards and more. Just lovely!
These fairytale drinking glasses are just so cool. I’m loving the illustrations and the way they’re reflected around the entire glass. It almost looks like the wolf and the wicked witch are floating through the glass.
To see more of D-Bros‘ lovely products visit them. You’ll find goodies not just for the kids but for the home too. Unfortunately you can’t buy unless you’re in Japan but you can check out Rakuten, Japan’s global market that ship’s internationally and has a selection of D-Bros stuff.
I have a huge soft spot for polka dots especially for children, so when I saw these polka dot shoes it was instant love. Made in Japan by Sayang Design, these shoes are handcrafted in soft leather and they’re designed by parents who have paid attention to every single detail from style to comfort. The lace-up ones would look cool on boy or girl and no little girl could go wrong wearing any of the gorgeous ballet pumps.
These polka dot shoes come in a range of colours including some plain ones that are extremely wantable too. You can visit Sayang Design to see the collection. Unfortunately they don’t ship internationally but Rakuten (Japan’s global marketplace) have a selection and they ship to several countries.
Japanese paper balloons seem to be quite the rage. I’ve never written about them before because I’d only come across the animal ones and to be honest they really weren’t for me (except the fish one which is cute). But today I found simple round patterned ones and I loved them. No animal faces, just brightly coloured paper balls, some with prints on them, others just in a single bold colour. These ones would be a wonderful way to add a splash of colour to a toddler room, a play space or a birthday party celebration especially if you hang many together. Being made of paper you can inflate, deflate, re-inflate, deflate again… you get the idea. I found these Japanese paper balloons over at Mimi’s Circus, a lovely store started by 2 mama’s who are also sisters. Today I’ve picked these balloons to bring you from their store but there are lots of other goodies there too.
When I visited Japan a few years ago I was like a kid in a candy store. At every turn I saw unusual fashion, beautiful design, stunning packaging; such a feast for the eyes. Yesterday I came across Cokitica, a Japanese clothing brand for kids and I couldn’t wait to share. It’s up there with the best of what Japan has to offer in the design stakes. Think Nordic influences married with Japanese style, chunky knits with delicate details, and an adventurous spirit brought together to create kiddy clothes so subtly dramatic. My favourite piece is the ‘brave wool’ mantle/poncho pictured above right but I’m also drawn to all their other poncho type tops, maybe because I’m a big fan of kids in ponchos. Cokitica hasn’t yet made it to Europe but fingers crossed it heads westwards soon. In the meantime Rakuten, the International market for Japanese goodies does sell a few of their pieces.
I recently discovered Kiko, a new range of Japanese wooden toys for kids. I say they’re wooden toys since they are but they’re not your everyday wooden toys. For starters they’re beautifully designed with simplicity at their core. Beyond that, the toys are made to encourage creativity and imagination in kids.
The first is a set of 100 star shaped wooden dominoes called Tanabata. They’re numbered and can be used in many ways including learning to count. Next you’ve got 2 magnetic chalk boards with a car, traffic signals, trees and mountains. Use the chalk to create your own world and place the little wooden pieces to complete your world. Last is the tree canvas. Draw and paint on it to customise it as you wish. It’s also magnetic so you can stick photo’s, pictures and notes to create a unique work of art that can be displayed in your kiddies play space.
Created by Kaz Shiomi, Kiko toys are cool, they’re good looking and they’re great for creative and imaginative play. And to add to their list of glowing points, they’re reasonably priced too. To get these Japanese toys head to Little Fashion Gallery where they cost from €19 with delivery from €9.
About
Ebabee Likes is a style guide for babies, kids, teens and their mamas. It’s all about inspiration, ideas and indulging yourself and your brood. It’s written by me ~ Nomita ~ a style loving girl from Mumbai who now live’s in London. Read More...
