Posted: Saturday 21st March, 2020

Anyone else feel like their toy ‘corner’ is growing uncontrollably and filled with stuff their kids don’t even use much?! 🙋🏽‍♀️.... Yes us too. What with huge numbers of birthday and Christmas presents, sporadic gifts from family members throughout the year, and then, of course, the random trips to Kmart with the kids where you just can't resist adding to the ever-growing toy collection! Toys then get played with for two seconds before getting dumped somewhere, piling up, creating mess and then often breaking (thanks Kmart!). Sound about right?!

This isn't a post preaching to you to never buy plastic, we are parents too, and realists and we love the odd trip to Kmart as much as the rest of you! But isn't it time we get a little more clever about the toys we buy and keep at home? 

Given the current climate with COVID-19, a lot of us are going to be spending A LOT of time at home and also won't be traveling for quite a while. So what better time for a #declutter of the toy pile!? 

We'd love to see people buying and keeping toys that aid their little ones into the realm of make-believe worlds, toys that stimulate creative play and help grow little minds!

We’ve put together a wee checklist of things to think about before you buy a toy (or things to consider during a cleanout). Check it out and let's all start buying smarter. It will be easier on the wallet and on the planet. 

🌿 Does the toy have just one use that will get 'old and boring' pretty soon?

🌿 Does it help spark little imaginations and aid creative play ie the wooden barn (pictured above) could be an ark, a carpark, a firehouse and a dollhouse - endless possibilities!

🌿 Is it well-made or is it going to break in T-minus 2 seconds?

🌿 Is it safe for little ones mouths and hands (ie non toxic paint or materials)? 

🌿 Does it look nice in their room and your home? (haha this one is for the mums!). But seriously who wants a room filled with plastic mess and conflicting loud colours!?

🌿 Will it last for years and can be passed on to other younger siblings/cousins/friends (or will it end up in the landfill in a few months?) 

🌿 Is it/was it made or bought locally? Supporting small businesses is always best, especially in these crazy times :) 

🌿 And get your little ones involved too! You could pour all toys out of the boxes into the middle and go through each item. Each one you could talk about and decide whether it goes into the 'keep' 'give away' or 'throw' pile! 

Do you have any others you could add? We'd love to hear from you. Check out our list of toys here that tick all the above boxes and would perfect gifts! 

#sustainablebuying #buysmarter #buylocal #declutter #creativeplay #sparkimaginations #choosebetter #buyingtoys #smartertoybuying #supportnz 

Posted: Sunday 15th March, 2020

If you've clicked to read this blog post we're going to assume that you are either completely and utterly obsessed with kids bedroom styling (like us!) OR maybe you have no idea where to start when it comes to creating an 'insta' style kids room and you need some inspiration? Don't worry, we're here to help! 

Here at Little Lights Co we're obsessed with following the latest and greatest trends in nurseries and kids rooms. We're always on Pinterest and Insta which helps us source the best products for your little ones so you can create magic in the places where they sleep, eat and play. 

We have put hundreds of kilometers of thumb scrolling to good use and have classified the hottest themes in kids room décor currently... 

#1 The Naturist 

This timeless trend is ideal for any home, whether you are going for a coastal, bohemian, hamptons, minimalist or luxe style. We love the natural contrasting textures to create cosy, calm and stylish spaces. Use beautiful natural colour palettes paired with light wood and rattan furniture. Soften the look with fluffy rugs, cushions and raw organic linen sheets/duvets, and then finish with lots of greenery, wicker baskets and neutral artwork. 

 

Shop the Look here

#2 Romantic & Whimsical 

This style embraces the softer side of design and alludes to fairytales, dreamy garden parties and even Romeo and Juliet. No two interpretations of romantic style are alike. You could start out with a bold feature wall to create a stunning and memorable statement in any little ones bedroom, nursery, or playroom. Gone are the days of everything needing to match, you can play with a variety of florals and mix and match to create textural layering and depth. Add a canopy, some of our Alimrose pom poms and bunting to complete the look. 

 

 

Shop the Look here

#3 Bold & Bright

Make a statement and make it 'memorable' with a bold and bright room ! There are no rules with this sort of theme you just have to embrace it and have lots of fun. You could try a bold feature wall, colour blocking or a piece of statement art that gives the room a huge lift. We love strong peach tonnes, terracotta hues, tropical blues or even a loud and dramatic wallpaper. Add a loud duvet colour and some funky art and you'll be away laughing.