HAPPY SEPTEMBER! With summer on the cusp of Autumn, the days are getting shorter and here in Vancouver, we are breathing in every last breath of warm sunshine that we can. I spend so much time through a month looking at different items that I thought it would make sense to share my finds with you all! So scroll down for my picks of the month, from furniture to toys, eco-friendly finds to clothing and much more.
WINTER DAISY PICKS: 12 LAMPS FOR KIDS' ROOMS!
When it comes to lighting in a kids room, table and task lamps are one of the most functional solutions. Of course it doesn’t eliminate the need for a ceiling light, or a night light, or even a wall sconce in some spaces, but a table lamp can be useful for giving off the perfect glow on a side table or dresser. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites below; many you’ve seen used in rooms we’ve already shared and a few in rooms to come!
Photo: Shared Girls Room Project…coming Spring 2020
SHOP THE LOOK…
When thinking about lamps for kids rooms, consider the direction of light. You wouldn’t want a bright light shining straight into your child’s face, so think of lighting that directs downwards (like the one above) or is filtered with a shade (like the one below).
Photo: from Xavier’s Neutral Bunk Room Project
A larger more substantial lamp can be used in a kids room, playroom or even a living room if you are looking for lighting that will last you through the years. While I always suggest using wood or metal lamps on side tables in kids’ spaces (to avoid breakage), a ceramic lamp on a dresser seems to stay intact if it is solid enough not to be tipped over.
Photo: from Ella’s Toddler Room Project
Photo: from The Baker Boys Bunk Room Project…coming 2020
Here are 12 of our favourite lamps that will grow with your child; some perfect on bedside tables, others ideal on top of the dresser.
GIFT GUIDE: TOYS FOR KIDS
I’m a little late to the party this year, but first on the list in our Holiday Gift Guides is toys for the kids. This Christmas guide includes mainly items that our kids own and love, a couple that are on the list this year and the Milton and Goose play kitchen that I can’t get enough of!
Last year, the wooden dollhouse was a huge hit as a main gift for one of our twins, and it amazes me to watch toddlers as well as older friends come for play dates and spend hours playing with it. It was a Christmas gift that will last for years. For kids over 5, the Instax camera is a fun toy that will surely be a hit on Christmas Day and the little Jacob’s ladder toy reminds me of my own childhood (and will be making itself into at least one stocking this year).
While Keva looks like such a basic toy, it (along with Magnatiles) are two firm faves that will continue to last throughout the years.
I hope you find a little something that inspires your little one to play, which is exactly what this holiday guide is for.
01.// Smart Game; 02.// Solid Wood Kitchen; 03.// Superhero Mouse; 04.// Ice Magnatiles; 05.// Instax Camera; 06.// KROM Kendama; 07.// Jacob’s Ladder; 08.// Micro Scooter; 09.// Fresh Mart Store; 10.// Victorian Doll House; 11.// Metal Slinky; 12.// Maple Keva Planks.
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WINTER DAISY PICKS: 8 OF THE BEST HOLIDAY PAJAMAS FOR KIDS
It’s that time of the year again and we are all ready to cozy up on the couch at home with the kids in a good pair of pajamas. I have shared my favourite pajamas for kids in the past and this time, I’m ready to share the best HOLIDAY pjs! With Black Friday coming next week, this is the perfect time to grab a pair of high quality, comfy pajamas that will last through the winter months.
As always, the materials I choose for my own kiddos are all natural with our favourite material for jammies being 100% cotton, for breathability (and I find they fit & wear so well!). These ones are all adorable to boot.
1. J Crew
This company has a few sweet designs, but these prancing reindeers (below) are my faves with the repetitive little print.
Fabric: 100% cotton
Sizes: 2 years - 14 years
2. Hannah Anderson
These come highly recommended from a friend who only buys pjs from this store. With high quality fabrics, these jammies are thicker than some and the tree pattern is perfect for this time of year. Check out the sizes they come in…perfect for a family with lots of kids of different ages.
Fabric: Organic cotton
Sizes: 2 years - 16 years!
3. Burt’s Bees Baby
These are outstanding value! 100% organic cotton for less than $20??! Amazing. The gingerbread pattern is super cute but there are other nice options too.
Fabric: GOTS certified 100% organic cotton
Sizes: 12 months - 7 years
4. Lake Pajamas
These pajamas are new to me and they look glorious! The quality is evidently tied to the price point (a little more than the others!) but the patterns and longevity are perhaps worth it. These would make luxurious gifts from the grandparents and I love the fact that they have family pjs that pair beautifully.
Fabric: 100% pima cotton
Sizes: 2 years - 10 years
5. Parade
A local favourite, designed right here in Vancouver, Canada. The materials are thick and last a long time, even when you put them in the dryer. I love the fit (see the photo below) and the starry night pattern is my seasonal favourite.
Fabric: 100% GOTS certified organic cotton
Sizes: 2 years - 10 years
6. The Little White Company
I can remember the first time I walked into this store when I lived in London, UK long before I had my own children! I fell in love immediately. When I found out the store is now available in North America, I had to include one of the cutest sets of the bunch. I can just imagine our girls squealing with excitement on seeing the reindeer face.
Fabric: 100% cotton
Sizes: 12 months - 12 years
7. Skylar Luna
This brand was included in my original post about pjs, and I seem to always find a nice pair for any season, including holiday. If kids aren’t as keen on cutesy patterns, a good stripe can go a long way to appeasing little ones while still feeling festive. I love this green set.
Fabric: 100% GOTS certified organic cotton
Sizes: 12 months - 8 years
8. Gap
While I try hard to shop locally first, the Gap is a mainstay when it comes to pjs. While I wished they continued their organic cotton pajamas past the baby age, I must admit these festive cozy and snug red stripe henley pjs are pretty cute.
Fabric: 100% cotton
Sizes: 4 years - 14 years
I hope at least one of these pairs of holiday jammies becomes a loved favourite. Come December 1st, we’ll be wearing ours with festive excitement. Remember to save the graphic below to Pinterest so you can access it later. Do you have other faves that I’ve missed? Let me know which ones you love in the comments below.
01. Prancing pjs; 02. Gingerbread pjs; 03. Tree pjs; 04. Snowflake pjs; 05. Starry pjs; 06. Reindeer pjs; 07. Stripe pjs; 08. Henley pjs.
THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO DRESSERS FOR KIDS
Today we’re talking dressers; the one piece of storage that you buy once and keep from baby room to first apartment and beyond. Important, right?! While other pieces of furniture come and go, the right dresser will literally last a lifetime!
From Ella's Room
Consider the following tips to help assess which dresser best fits the need for your child’s room.
TIP #1: SIZE AND SCALE
How much space do you have to work with? Too small of a dresser can leave a room looking empty and sparse, and too large can make the room feel cluttered and small.
A pro tip is to use painter’s tape and measure the dresser base size on the floor, and height against the wall to visualize how the piece will fit into the room. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 40 cms on either side of the dresser to allow for a diaper pail or storage basket. The height of the dresser you choose can make a big difference if you’re starting off by using it as a change table. Choose one that is comfortable to stand up beside so you won’t need to bend down too far for diaper changes.
TIP #2: FUNCTIONALITY
Think about what purpose the dresser will serve and how much storage you will need. In the early years, a dresser can begin as a change table by adding a simple change table topper. The top drawer can hold lotions, wipes, diapers and washcloths. The middle drawer(s) can hold clothing, and the bottom is the perfect place for extra crib linens, swaddle blankets and even soft baby carriers.
Instead of going out to buy a whole new dresser when your baby no longer needs diapers, simply remove the change table topper and reorganize the top drawer with socks, under layers and pjs, and the bottom drawer as toy storage. It’s a nice spot to keep favourite play items that can be easily accessed by independent little hands.
TIP #3: MATERIAL
When you are choosing your dresser it’s a good idea to first research what type of material will work best for your space and budget. Learn about what material options are available to you. Here are the main ones, each with their own pros and cons:
Solid Wood: It has the highest durability and will last many years. This comes usually at a higher price point. A dresser made of solid wood will be heaviest one to transport. Solid wood requires the least amount of chemical components for construction.
MDF (medium density fibreboard): Is less durable than solid wood, and usually in the mid-range price point. It’s lighter and easier to transport. MDF is created by compressing wood fibers with resin at high temperatures, which include more chemical components than solid wood.
Particle Board: Is similar durability to MDF, and is the lower price point option. It is lighter and easier to transport. Particle board is created by compressing sawdust and resin at high temperatures and includes more chemical components compared to solid wood.
TIP #4: STYLE
Next, ask yourself - does the aesthetic of the dresser match the rest of your room? Will it visually fit in with other furniture pieces you already have? Often new parents purchase crib and change table sets together, so another important economical consideration is if the dresser can stand alone as a piece within a room. As your child matures and you remove a crib or purchase the next size bed, will the dresser still look appropriate for their age and room aesthetic?
There are three basic types of dressers and once you’ve taken in to consideration your room space and storage needs, choose your aesthetic and size. Whether it’s mid century, traditional, modern, or playful – you can select the combination that works best for your space and desired look:
The tall dresser will offer one row of 4+ drawers high. It’s good to look for a tall dresser if your room space is limited or if you don’t have a closet and need to maximize storage. Depending on the height of the dresser you may be limited in wall space for art, or hanging a mirror above this style.
The double wide dresser has a wider base with two rows of 3-4 drawers. This is a great way to maximize storage if you have a lot of square footage in the room and want a larger furniture piece to help fill space. As the double wide isn’t typically very tall it works well to hang art or a mirror above it when decorating.
The classic 3 drawer is a great option for a room with a closet or minimal storage requirements. It’s best suited for small to mid sized rooms as it can look smaller in large rooms with less furniture. It can also serve as a bedside table depending on the dimensions of the one you choose and works as a great piece to position under artwork or a beautiful mirror.
If you think about it, it’s pretty incredible that one piece can hold everything from diapers and wipes, to clothing, linens, toys, and secret journals. One of the most important things to be sure of when choosing your dresser, or any large piece of furniture for that matter, is that it is well made. Choose a dresser that is able hold piles of clothing and can withstand the wear and tear of childhood years, and many repeated pressures of clean laundry refills. Pull the drawers out and look at the sturdiness of the drawer base, and check if the hardware is well attached. If you’re shopping online make sure to read reviews from other parents to see if the piece is really as great as the description may suggest.
A dresser is a “home base”. It’s a place you will come to, time and time again as a parent to change a diaper, tuck away a toy, and fill up with fresh clean laundry. It will display a family photo, a favourite stuffed animal, or a treasure box of keepsakes your child has collected. A dresser is the one piece, which if chosen with thought and intention, will offer years of helpful storage and organization and bring aesthetic joy to your home.
01. // Mid-century white; 02. // Eclectic white; 03. // Modern white; 04. // Streamlined white; 05. // Campaign white; 06. // Basic white; 07. // Trad white; 08. // Dwell white; 09. // Timeless white; 10. // Radiant Dresser; 11. // White trim; 12. // Classic natural; 13. // Lovely natural; 14. // Modern natural; 15. // Oak dresser; 16. // Trad natural; 17. // Sleek natural; 18. // Kalon dresser; 19. //Sleek black; 20. // Eclectic black; 21. // Basic black; 22. // Modern black; 23. // Mid-century black; 24. // Tall black; 25. // Happy black; 26. // Block black; 27. // Darkest black.