Reviews by Matthew Bullock, Saffia Farr and Jess Hazel
Foot Massager
We have found it very therapeutic and soothing to run our feet backwards and forwards over this simple wooden massager. The textured balls spin fluidly under pressure, and there are soft pads on the base so that it doesn’t move around when you use it. The massager is made from sustainable beechwood by small family co-operatives across the EU and is small enough to be carried in a handbag. SF
£16.95
4-Season Sleep Bag, Mookie Merino
This soft and cosy sleep bag is an all-in-one option, meaning that you will only need to buy one bag for your child. It’s suitable for children between the ages of 2 and 24 months and for use across all four seasons. The two layers of certified extra-fine merino wool make it warm but light. It is well made, with useful details such as poppers to adjust the length, a two-way nickel-free zipper to enable you to check or change a nappy without removing your child from the bag, and a travel slot to fasten your child into a car seat or pram. It comes in a gift box, making it a luxurious Christmas gift. SF
£99.99
Sensory Tumbling Set, PlanToys
This is a simple and fun play set in beautiful pastel colours. The three balls are made from sustainably sourced wood and eco dyes and are very tactile. Each appeals to a different sense: hearing, sight, touch. One has smaller coloured balls inside that roll around when it is moved, one contains a mirror, and one is filled with soft wool. Each measures 6cm x 6cm x 5.2cm. The balls also roll around, creating lots of fun play and exploration opportunities for young children. SF
£22.95
Che V Boots, Po-Zu
These vegan Chelsea boots are made using Eco Microfibre (OEKO-TEX Certified), with a cork and latex midsole and an elastic side gusset. They are very light and soft and extremely comfortable, hugging feet and ankles. I have worn them in all weathers and they are hard-wearing and water-resistant. They are smart enough for work but casual enough for other occasions. Available in black and brown and in sizes 7–13 UK (41–47 EU). MB
£125
Dominika Bag, The Berry Berry
I’m really enjoying using this excellent bag. It’s strong and well made, with neat stitching, and has worked well for carrying folders and files. We loved the surprise of finding that it has a striking patterned lining. The Berry Berry Bags are made in the UK using fabric offcuts, reclaimed clothes, upcycled magazines and even sweet wrappers! With every two handbags made, 1kg of textile waste is saved from landfill, and for every five bags sold, The Berry Berry donates a bag filled with female essentials to Project Purse, an NGO that distributes them to homeless women, women in refuges and other women who need assistance. Each bag has an internal pocket and comes with a useful matching mini bag.
£22
Willow & Wild Subscription Box
Inspired by nature and the seasons, this monthly subscription box provides a good mix of craft, growing and information. It arrives personalised with your child’s name on the box and includes all the materials and instructions you need for at least two craft projects, vegetable and flower seeds, step-by-step planting and growing instruction cards, outdoor activity and inspiration guides, and a healthy eating recipe card to inspire you to cook what you have grown. The range of projects in the box we reviewed was fun, and we liked the inclusion of upcycling ideas such as using a jam jar for a lantern – ideas children could extend themselves. SF
From £7.25 per month
Plush Lion Wheelybug
This Lion Wheelybug is gorgeous! It has a sumptuous, squidgy mane that you just want to cuddle. The seat is made from very soft, tactile fabric and the wheels have a smooth, fluid multi-directional motion, so a young child can easily ride around on it. The body has a padded layer of sponge covered with a tough layer of polyurethane letheroid that can be wiped clean, and the plush cover is interchangeable with a variety of others that are available. For each Lion Wheelybug sold before 25 December 2018, Hippychick will donate £1 to the Born Free Foundation to support their work to ensure that all wild animals, including those in captivity, are treated with compassion and respect. SF
£69.95
Leatherback Turtle Gift Box
This would make an inspiring gift for anyone who loves turtles or has a passion for marine conservation. The gift box includes a T-shirt, notebook and art print featuring beautiful Leatherback Turtle-inspired artwork by Ian Hughes. The T-shirt is made from 100% organic cotton and is Fair Wear certified. It’s soft and comfortable, and has the Lifeforms Art logo stitched at the bottom. The recycled notebook has 38 blank pages, and is the perfect size for a pocket or to tuck inside a small bag. The A4 art print is printed on premium 350gsm matte recycled paper. Everything is carefully wrapped in tissue paper and arrives in a cardboard box with no plastic. Other designs and options are available, including Shore Crabs, Sea Cows and Octopuses. JH
£32.00
Children’s Animal Slippers
These attractive slippers are made by hand in Nepal, and there is a variety of colourful animal styles to choose from. The animals are very sweet and characterful, with little details such as tiny whiskers on the mice. The thick felt and the stitched-on suede leather soles make these slippers very durable. Sizes 5–1 UK (2–34 EU). A percentage of profits will be donated to support the Grace Orphanage in Kathmandu. SF
£9.95
First published in Issue 58 (Winter 2018) of JUNO:
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