Two by Two

One of our favourite gifts for Mr. Cheeks this year (and especially apt now that half of England is submerged by Biblical style flooding!) was a traditional Noah's Ark from the East of India company. This beautifully crafted wooden ark features a noble Noah and 13 pairs of animals, each with a distinctive character, as well as a ladder so they can climb onto the ship. The set is packaged in a handsome box engraved with the saying Two by Two. All East of India products are handmade or hand-finished by skilled artisans using natural materials and they're made to last a lifetime.

This gift is so special that it's on display in our living room, high above Mr. Cheek's reach. Even when he gets to hold it, he already knows to handle with care. Luckily he also owns a plastic Little People Noah's Ark by Fisher Price which includes a range of creatures from toucans to zebras that are built to withstand his toddler grasp.

Technorati tags baby toys gifts

Sitting for SATees

Maybe you’ve spent your baby’s formative years playing Mozart to him in the womb, speaking Mandarin to her in the crib and singing the Periodic table as a nightly lullaby. Maybe you’ve just passed on brilliant genes. Either way, it’s clear you’ve got an egghead on your hands. So articulate his genius with one or more of SATees witty t-shirts for babes with brains. Design duo Debbie and Scott have got every little learner covered with slogans like Pulchritudinous (beautiful), Loquacious (talkative), Indefatigable (tireless), Itinerant (wandering) and our favourite, Extemporaneous (made without much preparation).

And if it’s been a while (ahem) since you passed your English exams, explanations in brackets are provided (in case anyone actually asks you what that word your baby’s wearing means)! SATees now come in larger kid sizes S, M and L (6-14) and through August 31 you can get $10 off any order of $50 or more with coupon code COUPONTEE.

Technorati tags baby fashion shopping

Groovy baby

Is it a dog, is it a bird? Who knows. But Hype Baby digs this cuddly psychedelic toy by Swedish design label Ingeborg. Another highly original find from hip online retailers Nordic Kids this plaything is sure to give your youngster the edge at playgroup. The standout toy comes in a swirly navy and white design and is entirely handmade out of repurposed vintage fabric by young Swedish designer Maria Andersson. It’s limited edition so snap one up at Nordic Kids before it runs, or flies, out of stock.

Technorati tags baby toys shopping