Introducing the charming, whimsical world of Maluco
October 17, 2016
Sometimes a store comes along and you just want to get lost in it – whether it’s bricks and mortar or a little slice of online shopping heaven. I first saw Maluco on Instagram (you can start swooning here) and was instantly enchanted, from the doll houses of my childhood dreams to quirky, timeless gifts, I was hooked.
Started by two mums, this cosy corner of the internet offers an online boutique where you can find beautiful, high quality toys and gifts, all loving sourced and safe for children. Often European brands, the products are chosen for being inspiring, handcrafted and made with love.
They say “We have a similar background to many other mums in Dubai; working in a corporation or other business, having kids, and making the difficult decision to stop working in order to take care of them, of a household and your family. By providing maximum love and attention in a city of lights and sand. After getting teepees for our daughters, and seeing how much fun small children can have with them, we decided to create this unique place, with toys and accessories that you fall in love with instantly when you see or touch them. We have put a lot of efforts and all our hearts into it; the road to this moment was bumpy, but we hope that people will love it as much as we do”.
I urge you to have an explore here, but I also wanted to bring you my edit of the virtual shelves…
How beautiful is this wooden doll house? It can, of course, be used as a garage for cars, too, as well as a bookshelf. Measuring 120cm by 80cm, it makes a gorgeous focal point for a nursery or playroom, and comes fully assembled.
Can’t you just imagine Mary Poppins and the children putting away the toys in this gorgeous wooden crate? It can be wheeled from room to room as they (okay, probably you!) tidy up and looks just adorable. The family-owned brand behind the box is Wooden Story, and they have been crafting toys out of wood from Polish forests for generations. All materials are sourced from FSC-certified suppliers, and finished with eco-friendly paints, beeswax and botanical oils.
Do you think this comes in an adult size?! Husband-and-wife team Northome is behind this beautiful doll’s bed, and they make everything from wood. She designs the products, and he turns her ideas into a reality. It’s a fab addition to any little one’s room, and the simple design will inspire hours of creative play. Matching bed linen is also available.
Any child would want to spend more time cooking up a storm if this was in the playroom. Complete with stainless steel sink, porcelain handles, cotton fabrics and finished with eco-friendly, child-safe paint, this adorable kitchen will stay in the family for years. It is even delivered fully assembled, so playtime can start straight away.
Inspired by contemporary architecture, these durable doll houses (made from recycled cardboard) will fit right in with your modern décor. Available in yellow and pink, they’re open from both sides, so there’s no limit to playing. Best of all? They’re easy to assemble, and disassemble for storage or putting away when space is tight.
There are some lovely jigsaws on Maluco, but this one is my favourite. Measuring 70cm and reversible to reveal a tree in Autumm and springtime, as your children complete this charming puzzle they’ll meet the wolf and Little Red Riding Hood, squirrels, a bear and bees, and all sorts of new friends. Made by Londji, who makes ‘original toys for kids from 3 to 103’, this jigsaw will be a hit with the whole family.
Watch the video here.
Picture perfect posters for cool kids
Designed in Sweden, posters by WIHO are all kinds of cool, adorned with sweet characters, typography and charming illustrations to give life to nursery walls. They’re printed on environmentally-friendly, uncoated paper using vegetable colours, and available in various sizes to suit.
Handmade from cotton, Maluco’s cushions add a homespun touch to your little one’s room, and I especially like the grey star, with crochet detail. Also available are clouds and hearts in pinks, blues and neutrals, with lovely designs. They’re perfect for piling up in a teepee for a snuggle.
The ultimate hideaway, a teepee provides hours, if not days, of entertainment. Maluco’s range comes in every fabric imaginable, from florals to nautical stripes, plus plenty of neutrals like this grey with stars. From a secret place for an afternoon nap to their very own reading corner, these teepees can be used indoor and out, coming in a canvas cover, and made from 100% washable cotton with solid beech poles.
Your little one may well take their first steps with the help of this lovely pram, and later will no spent countless hours transporting toys around in it. Made from certified European wood from sustainable forests, the timeless design makes it a stylish addition to any home.
Have an explore of this beautiful website and you’ll come away with plenty of ideas and inspiration for your little one’s room. And a shopping list as long as your arm!
For 20% discount on all purchases on Maluco until the end of 2016, use the code MOTHER20 at the checkout.
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