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This week, we’re focusing on the littlest people on our gift-giving lists. There are Arkansas-made items here to appeal to the tiniest of elves this Christmas, as well as the older kids who no longer believe in the guy in the suit. Because even if we don’t believe anymore, we still love to open a pretty package stashed under the tree for us on Christmas Day.
The mom and maker behind Bellabloom Kids has a different story than many other artists do – she was not always a crafty lady, but found that part of herself after she had her first baby. It seems to work for her, because she now makes some of the loveliest items for babies I have seen. In fact, I think the custom-designable mini-mobiles could easily become a part of a grown-up gallery wall if you don’t have a baby to buy for.
The hand-painted toy sets and book ends created by Best Loved Child’s artist, Cathryn Lane, are the kinds of items that will be passed down for generations to come. Cathryn signs and numbers each set in her studio in Little Rock, so they are truly special one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Be sure to look at all the images on her listings to see close-up details of her whimsical style.
Big Bot Design is much like the website Think Geek, except it’s better because the prints and shirts and action figures here are all created by Fayetteville artist, Chad Maupin. Chad is a self-proclaimed Star Wars fanatic (he bought his tickets to the new film weeks ago), but he also sells prints and shirts featuring old-school thriller monsters, aliens, and legends like Mothman and Bigfoot. His shop is a great place to look around if you’re buying for older kids and teens.
I spotted Darwin & Delilah of Fayetteville for the first time last year, and fell in love with the coats and clothes they make for little ones that are based on vintage patterns and styles. You won’t find any spandex or glitter here – it’s all simple and beautiful and heirloom-quality. If you appreciate the idea of your grandbabies wearing the same coat their mama and daddy wore, take a look. Note: most of the items in their shop are one-of-a-kind, so if you see something you like you’d better grab it quick.
Every Good Thing is a tag-team operation, also based out of Fayetteville, with two friends behind the brand. They specialize in making baby clothing and accessories using organic and eco-friendly materials. Their little baby leggings make me wish I had a baby around to dress up (and that they made them in adult sizes!), but my favorite thing in their line is the “bibdana.” Why buy cheesy little bibs made overseas when you can catch the drool and make a fashion statement at the same time?
Rachel and Chris Roberts run Mod Fox from their home in Beebe. Their colorful line of children’s clothes, nursery décor and accessories is made from natural cotton fabrics and printed with all-natural dyes. In addition to clothing, they also design fitted crib sheets, changing pad covers, boppy covers, bumpers and blankets. Basically, everything you need to outfit a nursery for a little one.
Trout Fishing in America is not a “thing,” and they technically began in Texas, but the singing and songwriting duo have lived in Prairie Grove (west of Fayetteville) for over 20 years, so I think we can claim them now. There is a great selection of their cds for kids listed for sale on their website. If you haven’t had the pleasure of hearing this Grammy-award nominated band, you’re in for a treat. I personally recommend My Best Day and Big Round World. They still tour, so take a look at their schedule and be sure to catch them when they’re in your neighborhood.
Terra Wood began Wild Creek Co. soon after she became pregnant with her first child. Terra had a certain style she was looking for as she browsed for items for her nursery and layette, and wasn’t finding it in stores. She didn’t want to buy just anything for her son, but wanted to give him safe things to play with and learn from that also had a style that meshed with her minimalist aesthetic. As so many artists do, she decided she had to fill the need herself, and Wild Creek was born. Baby and company are both doing well.
Big Country Toys, located in Springdale, designs and manufactures 1:20 scale farm and ranch animals, accessories, figurines and vehicles. They pride themselves on creating hand-painted toys that are not going to be put up on a shelf, but actually played with. They focus on the most popular breeds of cattle and horses and even partner with the Professional Bull Riders association to highlight prize-winning rodeo bulls each year. If you have a little cowboy or cowgirl in your family, they would love to have a set from Big Country Toys to let them put together their very own farm or rodeo.
This post is #3 in a series of gift ideas that are made right here in Arkansas. Follow along if you want to knock the socks off your favorite people and show some love to local folks who are renting studio space or making messes in their garages and spare bedrooms so you don’t have to.
Header graphic courtesy of Graphics Fairy.
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