Elvang, a small Danish importer of Peruvian alpaca wool make the loveliest throws, pillows and scarves. And apparently also the sweetest little stuffed alpacas I have ever seen.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE ELVANG AS WEBSHOP
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FAMILY WEEKEND READS
This weekend, with all its Halloween gore and its Allhelgona grave visits, we'll make sure to have a few real conversations about death and dying. Three Swedish books that are a great, age appropriate, introduction to the topic of death and dying:
All the dear little animals, by Ulf Nilsson and Eva Eriksson is about a small band of children who decide to become undertakers for animals. Available in English, read the excerpt here.
Farewell, Mister Muffin, also by Ulf Nilsson and illustrated by Anna-Clara Tidholm is by now a Swedish children's classic. The family guinea pig is ageing and one day he gets a stomach ache. Available in English, and Norwegian. Read an excerpt here.
One of Astrid Lindgrens finest pieces, The dragon with red eyes, is our family favourite for fall. In the most gentle of ways it tells the story of a small family member born different from the others, and eventually fly alone into the sunset. It is sadly out of print in English, but available in Norwegian, German. Read an excerpt (in Swedish) here.
IMAGES: PRODUCT IMAGE BONNIER CARLSEN, RABÈN & SJÖGREN
GAME ON
I love gifting Scandinavian Memo games, especially during Christmas. It's a subtle introduction to Scandinavia through characters, objects and colour, and at the same time its an invitation to engage with other family members, rather than watch a screen during down time. The brilliance of games where you have to find matching pairs is that all ages, and languages, can play together.
There is an amazing range of memo games available in most book stores and online in Sweden. Barnbokhandeln.com is one of my favourites and dangerously wonderful to browse.
IMAGES: PRODUCT IMAGES BARNBOKHANDELN
ROCK ON
Aksel L. Hansson has been producing his signature chairs since 1938 in Hjelmeland, Norway. The rocking chair Aksel is a children's classic. Made to last generations it is bound to be a family heirloom. Available at the Purnorsk webshop or from AKSEL.NO among others.
PS. Annasjul, this is a great item for your shop ;)
PS. Annasjul, this is a great item for your shop ;)
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE PURNORSK WEBSHOP
OCTOBER READS FOR CHILDREN
The unlikely pairing of a patient but curious cow and a scurrying pessimistic crow have resulted in a dear series of books. Here they build a tree house, and ponder whether its the journey or the destination that is worth while. Available in Swedish, Norwegian, Polish, Arabic.
It can be quite daunting to perform on a stage, and how do you conquer your nerves and deliver a line in the school play? A younger brother comes to the rescue in The world's best singer, available in Swedish, English, French, and German. Read an excerpt here.
A lively cat tries to cheer a grumpy old man. A not entirely trivial task. Available in Swedish, Norwegian, French, German. Read an excerpt here.
IMAGES: ADLIBRIS, SMAKPROV.SE
SEE THE LIGHT
I bought a simple plastic green battery powered version last year just to be well stocked this December. I regret that when I see this fancy version available at Åhléns (among others).
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE ÅHLENS
DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS, AND KIDS WHO DEFEAT THEM
Is there anything more intriguing and wonderful than the world of princesses for little girls? Or as fascinating as dragon slaying for little boys? Even the most politically-correct-gender-aware parents have to surrender to the knights and princesses phase at one point or another. Which is why I want to recommend this awesome reinterpretation of the dated medival theme by Christina Björk and Eva Eriksson. Seven fun stories about knights or princesses that don't bear any resemblance to the traditional narrative of young maidens rescued by princes who live happily ever after. The characters are children, not sexualized tweenies, have spunk and attitude, aren't well behaved at all times, and handle dragon encounters themselves. Read an excerpt about the princesses, or an excerpt from the book about knights (in Swedish).
IMAGES: PRESS IMAGES RABÈN & SJÖGREN FÖRLAG
PICK ME UP
This basket looks like its waiting for Little Red Riding Hood's walk to grandma, and I think it might be the perfectly sized picnic basket for children who want to venture out in the backyard or nearby woods. Basket for mushroom picking from Åhléns.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE ÅHLÉNS
A FUN WAY TO LEARN
Perhaps it requires the sensibility of a carpenter to notice details of beauty in nature that the rest of us easily overlook. Lars Klinting is a talented, self taught illustrator whose depictions of Scandinavian nature are as educational as they are inviting. In his rendition, nature is kind, interesting and full of life. A good selection of his memorygames are available in the Swedish webshop Naturbarn.
IMAGES: PRODUCT IMAGES FROM NATURBARN
IMAGES: PRODUCT IMAGES FROM NATURBARN
OH LITTLE TOWN OF GINGERBREAD
This is a great alternative for those who feel that the making of a gingerbread house requires too much parental supervision. Bake cookies and let the kiddies loose with bags of frosting, candy and streusel. Lay flat on a big platter or make a little cottage by attaching to gingerbread bases with melted sugar after kids have gone to bed. Pepparkaksformar City from ICA MAXI.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE ICA MAXI WEB SHOP
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL
The gingerbread dough is in the fridge, a big pile of candy chosen by the 4 year old in the cupboard. His participation would certainly be enhanced if he didn't have to wrestle with his mom's rolling pin every time he bakes. This one is from Leilas general store.
IMAGE: LEILAS GENERAL STORE, WEBSHOP
OH TANNENBAUM!
IMAGE: IKEA.SE
PRIMARY COLOURS
Scandi baby gifts that can stand a good beating (and biting) and will last for generations. Streamliner Rally from Playsam, Stacking clown from BRIO, Worm rattle from Kalikå, 3D Puzzle from Micki, MULA from IKEA.
MORE ELIAS
THE KITSCHEN DEPT.
I do love the illustrations of Björn Berg and how he's brought to life the rambunctious but sweet Emil of Lönneberga by Astrid Lindgren. Åry trays has licensed a collection of illustrations that make me long for bare feet in green grass, kanelbullar and saft (cinnamon rolls and lemonade).
IMAGE: ÅRY TRAYS, USED WITH PERMISSION
MEET A NEW FRIEND
Elias - den lille redningsskøyta is a Norwegian book character that captured our hearts the moment we met him. Since we live in the same region as Elias and his friends, the visuals and stories echo our surroundings (boats, snow capped mountains and cheeky sea gulls), which of course add to its appeal. As a result we've accumulated quite the collection of toys, plates, puzzles, lunchbox etc.
Elias was 3D-animated into a 39-episode TV series in 2005-2007. Two films have also been released (watch trailer 1 or trailer 2), along with soundtracks that became instant favourites with our son. If you're looking for a Norway-related gift for a child, anything with Elias is what you are looking for. Merchandise is available in most DVD and toy stores in Norway and Sweden.
IMAGE: 3TIL7.KLIKK.NO
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
(They have a Playoseum in Osby, Sweden, were visitors can play with toys and enjoy historic displays.) The trainsets and their add ons are constantly on this family's wishlist.
IMAGES: BRIO.SE
EN SOCKERBAGARE...
I'm the kind of mother who would love to make cute soft play foods, but end up never taking the time to do it. And since I don't have a stash of fabrics I doubt it'd be cheaper. In other words, I'm the kind of mother who would run to Bombadill Design's OUTLET SALE on the 6th of December 10.00-18.00, at Bäckvägen 90, Hägerstensåsen. Aren't these just fantastic? They look like so much fun!
SONS'N'ROSES
Lillemor Kax started design company Emy Little and transported a folk costume from 19th century Dalarna to childrens' wear of the 21st century. A more comfortable, washable, version of traditional wear will get my vote any day. I think they are simply adorable. Their range of products also sport babyblankets, bonnets, bowties and items for the home. Visit the international webshop here.
IMAGES: COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER LILLEMOR KAX AND EMY LITTLE, USED WITH PERMISSION
PINING AWAY
Before the actual tree enters the home, I love to buy tiny greenery. No decoration needed, just place in white or gray pots, perhaps with a few pinecones to cover the soil. It's just enough of an aperitif as we approach advent season. A prelude.
If they are superfluous when the tree has arrived their snippets spruce up gifts, the christmas buffet, or they can be placed in the children's room. (It's great fun for the kids to craft decorations for their own tiny tree.)
IMAGE: IKEA.COM
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