Self confessed catalogue queen Rebecca Honey shares some home shopping gems!
Rarely a day goes by in most households without a cellophane wrapped catalogue falling onto the doormat. But let's be honest, much of the time they are chucked into a pile to gather dust with numerous others or thrown out before we even have a few minutes spare to open them. Stop! It's time to think again about shopping from home.
New companies are starting up all the time selling new and innovative products for the whole family that you will struggle to find in the shops. Big brands too are constantly refreshing their ranges and many companies now offer both online and printed catalogues. With a young family or bored teenager in tow, who wants to be spending time trudging round the shops trying to find that special something anyway?
With Christmas fast approaching, it is the time to start actually opening some of these catalogues, flicking through them on the sofa when the kids are in bed with a glass of wine in your hand and then placing an order online or over the phone at your leisure. Stress free shopping at its best!
Our Top Ten family-oriented catalogue companies you might not have heard of but should definitely try....
1. Urchin
A great selection of children's products, split into 2 broad categories. Firstly ‘rooms & places' which has a fantastic range of equipment for the home, beach and outdoors. Secondly, ‘activities & occasions' covering parties, baking and sleepovers. Some of the best buys we found include a unique Tipi American Indian play tent, and a quick fold out crash bed for friends staying the night! A bargain at £22.99. Relevant and useful articles sit alongside certain products for example ‘Golden Rules for Kids Sleepovers'. Highly recommended.
www.urchin.co.uk
2. Mulberry Bush
Mulberry Bush is an established specialist mail order company which sells traditional and innovative toys, plus gifts for babies and young children up to the age of around 12 years old. Their guiding principle is to select the type of toy and gift that parents remember with fondness from their own childhood, and that grandparents will want to buy for their grandchildren. Top sellers include a beautiful wooden dolls house at £99.99 and a wooden balance bike at £49.99. Classic and timeless.
www.mulberrybush.co.uk
3. Muddy Puddles
Muddy Puddles was started twelve years ago by a farmers wife and mum of three. Her own kids loved being out in all weathers, but would end the day wet, cold and covered in mud. Unable to find durable child sized waterproofs she made her own, and Muddy Puddles today stands for high quality waterproofs, as well as down to earth clothing and protective gear for children. Muddy Puddles clothes are comfy and practical, and give your child the chance to enjoy playtime for longer - come wind, rain, snow or shine. The range offered is astonishing and includes ski wear, rain coats, UV protective clothing and even camouflage kits, pirate wear and farm outfits! Great supporting website too.
www.muddypuddles.com
4. Little Trekkers
Little Trekkers offers everything you need for your child for the great outdoors including cool hats, baby carriers, sailing gear and biking accessories. Sailing wear is currently offered in the sale and includes life jackets at around £40-£60, also great value are the first aid kits priced at £9.95 and BabaBing snugs for babies on the go.
www.littletrekkers.co.uk
5. IzziWizzi Kids
An inspiring product range and easy to navigate website, IzziWizzi is a modern gift company for children and most recently featured as the online gift store of choice on GMTV. The website offers a gift picker facility, enabling friends and relatives to pick the perfect gift for an individual child based on their budget and child's age and interests. For grandparents there is a unique service enabling tips and ideas for playing with grandchildren to be emailed on a regular basis. Gifts can be handwrapped and personalised. Contemporary and fun.
www.izziwizzikids.co.uk
6. Cox & Cox
Lifestyle company Cox & Cox prides itself on offering beautiful, unusual and sometimes slightly quirky items for the home and they now feature an extensive Children's Corner that is fun, creative and with a retro twist. Items we love include the paint a plate set for just £8.00 and dinosaur origami for only £6.00. Brilliant stocking fillers!
www.coxandcox.co.uk
7. Igloo Kids
Igloo offers an eclectic range of products and services which appeal to both children and parents alike - the type of goods that you can't buy in the high street. Igloo believes that as a child passes through each stage of development, whether it is being fitted for their first shoe or learning to swim, they can provide a product or service that reflects each stage of growth - but with a bit of style and individuality! Ranges include luxury toiletries for new mums, parenting books and extensive baby-wear.
www.iglookids.co.uk
8. Aspace
Aspace offers well designed, well made furniture and accessories for children's bedrooms. Launched only a few years ago, Aspace has grown quickly, largely on word of mouth recommendations and repeat business. It has plugged a very real gap in the market between cheap and cheerful and jaw droppingly expensive! Bedroom ranges are simple, well constructed and will not date and include coordinated ranges of bedding, cushions, pictures and rugs to compliment the furniture itself.
www.aspaceuk.com
9. Great Little Trading Co
The winner of the Best Children's Retailer award for 2007 and 2008 by the European Catalogue and Mail Order Association, the Great Little Trading Co has a vast range of products and terrific customer service. In addition to year round toys and games, no-one does Christmas quite like them! Their user friendly website features a Christmas planner to help you get everything ready, stunning Christmas decorations, wooden nativity sets, personalised baubles, festive arts and crafts including make your own stocking and gingerbread houses. Best selling presents include wooden castles, science games, play kitchens and dolls houses. A must see for Christmas 2008!
www.gltc.co.uk
10. Red House Books
A wonderful treasure trove of children's books from the classics to modern favourites, Red House really does offer something for everyone. There are some cracking discounts to be had that you simply cannot find elsewhere (we've looked!) and free delivery on all orders. Beat that! Bestsellers include the Stick Man for £5.99 (saving £5.00 RRP) and The Tiger Who Came to Tea for £2.99 (saving £3.00). Bargains for all ages.
www.redhouse.co.uk
Written for Winter 2008 issue by Rebecca Honey
