The Best Of Playtime Paris January 2017
Playtime Paris is a pretty cool trade show of kid’s and maternity brands. There are fashion companies, illustrators, local magazines, deco, and children’s gear. It is probably 10 times bigger than the Kid Show, which I visited as well on the same weekend at the end of January. There was a lot of ground to cover, but I am getting pretty good and speedy at spotting stand-outs.
Of course I swung by the current stars of the children’s market and all the brands I love such as Blune Paris, Bobo Choses, Tiny Cottons, and Wolf & Rita, but for this round-up I decided to focus on deco, gear, and a little fashion. Here are my favs and links for where you can buy them.
Photos copyright by Valérie Nagant
Bonjour
Bonjour launched Fall 2014, but this was the first time for me when I discovered their jam-packed booth. What makes this brand interesting is the way designer Anne Millet brings together her love of art and cinema history with her interest in textiles from Morocco and India, as well as techniques like embroidery and block printing. The result is a signature style collection that translates perfectly across clothes and linens and has a vintage and antique feel. The linens include tablecloths, tea towels, table mats, quilts, and this Spring they will launch kid’s sleeping bags, cot bumpers, and diaper bags. For the children’s clothes (6 months to 12 years) the same textile story is applied from the home linens to vintage-inspired dresses like the apron dress, embroidered collars, and night dresses. There is also a darling line of floral panties with the day of the week printed on them in French. Très mignon! We can’t wait to share their latest collection here on MANNA so stay tuned.
Learn more about Bonjour: www.bonjour-e-shop.com
Dumyé
There is so much I love about Dumyé Dolls but I will hold back from going into detail because I will be sharing more about them soon. But let me just say this is the perfect gift: stylish, unique, customizable, and responsibly created. And what’s more, for every doll that is purchased another doll is given to an orphan in need. They also sell DIY doll kits. Check back for more on MANNA or subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss this one!
Where to buy: www.dumye.com
Grace Baby & Child
Grace Baby & Child was created in 2013 by Ana Peixoto Almeida, a mother of two living in Portugal. I am having a knit obsession moment so I was very pleased to see sweet knit jumpers, pants, and rompers for kids nicely mixed with Liberty fabrics for blankets and bedding.
Where to buy: www.gracebabyandchild.com
Jaq Jaq Bird
Grace Paik, the founder of Jaq Jaq Bird, has three kids so she knows good and well how to keep little minds busy. She created reusable coloring books that come with zero-dust chalks called Butter Stix. After lots of research and testing, she developed these chalks that don’t get your hands dusty or leave stains and mess everywhere. Thank you Grace!! We will be getting a few of these for restaurant visits and road trips.
Where to buy: www.jaqjaqbird.com
WayToPlay
We are all about #travelwithkids over here so WayToPlay’s flexible motorway is perfect, with pieces that the kids can put together easily. You can take the WayToPlay on the go or set up chez vous. That is a great way to play indeed.
Where to buy: Milky Bunnies
Play & Go Bags
I have always thought that Play & Go bags are pretty genius. You can just scoop all the toy mess in and pull the drawstring. But I was excited to see the launch of a collaboration with OMY this month of a line of bags that the kids can color in as well. An activity and storage solution. Parents always love a two-for-one.
Where to buy: Play & Go Online
Olliella
Olliella’s baskets started off as a brand for adults but as kids love imitating mamma, the brand has evolved to include small picnic baskets and toddler trolleys for the little ones. I have my eye on that picnic basket come Spring. So cute, non?
Where to buy: www.olliella.com
Minois
I admit that I was lured over to check out Minois because of their insanely beautiful packaging. But past the chic exterior, this line of skincare products for babies and children are created without parabens, sulfates, phénoxyéthanol, silicones, or dyes. We plan on trying out their product and sharing more here on MANNA but we are already impressed.
Where to buy: Smallable
Whisbear
The Whisbear was created by a mom who knows that white noise is key to helping babies sleep. I can swear by white noise with both of my babies. In addition to a white noise bear you can attach to a crib or moses basket, the Whisbear doubles as a toy. Each of its legs have different colors and textures to stimulate and entertain a baby. We are sold!
Where to buy: Whisbear.fr
Also be sure to check out our round-up from the Kid Show January 2017.
