Of course, we recognize the substantial difference between children and pets, but there’s something undeniably wondrous about items developed for youthful humans, canines, felines and more. Whimsy and imagination often teach or train. Function exists beneath or because of layers of beauty. Toys, tools, articles of distraction and instruments of creation all represent a part of the design world defined by access. Whether you’re shopping for a toddler, a chameleon or both, there’s plenty of carefully considered options here.
With over 700 stickers—including some that glow in the dark and others that sparkle—the Ultimate Sticker Book from Super Smalls features letters, shapes, gems, rainbows and more. Whether for crafting, decorating or just collecting, this booklet contains ample inspiration to spark creativity in young imaginations.
While attempting to put pups in a harness can result in fumbling and tricky maneuvering, Boo Oh’s Ray Harness makes it seamless and fluid. The handcrafted accessory—made from customized silk rayon rope and Italian Buttero leather—is an exclusive, patent-pending utilitarian design. Made to be easy to use for owners and comfortable for dogs, it’s an elegant take on a humble product.
A carefully connected portable speaker made for children, the Yoto Mini Player brings the power of audio and imagination on the road. With up to 20 hours of play per charge, a pixel display, parental controls via the Yoto app and sleep sound options, this device is specifically designed (by Pentagram) to inspire young ones. It can be paired with Yoto’s own audio cards—that range …
By British author and illustrator Marion Deuchars, Bob’s Blue Period may be short but it explores the complexities of friendships and expressing emotion in a touching and truthful manner. It’s an endearing story about how Bob the bird works through some dark emotions via artistic endeavors. While the artwork alone is charming, the story blends life lessons with a tear-jerking narrative. Recommended for kids aged …
Beckon to a black-capped chickadee, goldfinch and American robin with this trio of handmade bird call toys that aim to bring children closer to nature. Crafted in the South of France by the artisan toy brand Quelle Est Belle, the three wood-and-metal items arrive with thoughtful, easy-to-follow instructions inside a wooden storage box.
Part of the Welcome to the Museum series published by Big Picture Press, Fungarium is an imaginative foray into the world of fungi for middle grade readers. Written by Gaya Ester, with illustrations by Katie Scott, the hardcover book ventures from the humble mushroom’s place in the supermarket to the category’s role in the history of medicine. Sure to empower the next generation of mycologists, …
Flower-shaped and splash-proof, this daisy-shaped Bluetooth speaker livens up shower or bath time with music or podcasts. The speaker, made from 50% plastic and metal, is rechargeable thanks to a lithium-ion battery and cleans easily with a wipe. The suction-cup backing enables the three by two-inch frame to stick to a wall, fitting seamlessly into a bathroom.
From the heirloom-quality South German toy brand Gluckskafer, the Castle Block Set is a vertical puzzle produced with wood from the Linden tree. The bright primary colors (drawn from non-toxic, water-based paint) lend each block—and the non-traditional, but still fairytale-like castle as a whole—an even more imaginative presence.
Made in Hawaii by Ilio and Co for Portland-based Kiriko, these dog collars use traditional Japanese fabrics for an accessory that’s as sturdy as it is stylish. The brass hardware compliments the prints and this Seigaiha (or “sea and waves”) pattern is our favorite. Two sizes are available—15-inch medium or 19-inch large—along with matching (or mismatching) leashes.
From Ara Katz—co-founder of Seed, the company pioneering bacteria for human and planetary health—this children’s book is an enlightening and accessible look into the benefits of microbes. Beautifully designed in Portland, Oregon, A Kids Book About Your Microbiome will teach kids about what a microbiome is, what it does, how we can help them and why we can’t live without them.
These endearing, produce-shaped crayons make drawing and coloring even more fun, while also aiding children’s muscle development and motor skills. Made from wax and non-toxic color, this bundle of eight crayons come in the shapes and colors of a strawberry, carrot, banana, pea, cucumber, eggplant, chestnut and mushroom. In addition, the set comes with a coloring book and storage box for easy clean up.
From Marfa, Texas-based El Cosmico Provision Company (the design shop associated with the hotel of the same name) comes this subtly colorful, striped multi-purpose swaddle blanket. Intended to envelop children in gentle warmth, this item can also act as scarf for adults, a travel towel and more. Woven from soft, lightweight 100% cotton, the blanket measures roughly 30-32 by 34-36 inches and comes in three …
