March 23, 2019

French Toys For The Cool Kids- What’s New for 2019 at Little Citizens Boutique, Holywood

March 23, 2019/ Claire Spence

Little Citizens Boutique in Holywood, Northern Ireland is a repeat feature here on The World of Kitsch. Their online store has some new toys and gifts for spring, from their selection of stylish French brands such as Vilac and Djeco.

I love the toys because of their retro design, being made from wood mostly, with bright colours and 60s’-esque illustrations.

They are a breath of fresh air from all the flashing, beeping toys that try to out do each other to be the loudest and shiniest these days, and are reminiscent of a time where play was simpler.

You can order from all over the world, so have a little browse yourself on the Little Citizens site. Click any of the images below for a closer look.

September 26, 2018

A Look at What’s New for Autumn 2018 in Holywood’s Magical Toy Shop, Little Citizens Boutique - With an Exclusive Offer for World of Kitsch Readers

September 26, 2018/ Claire Spence

I’ve blogged about my favourite, local, independent toy store a few times before, but I was in Little Citizens Boutique in Holywood again last week, so I thought it was time for an update.

I just became an auntie for the second time, very exciting, and was buying a present. I always turn to Little Citizens first if I have a baby present or a gift for a child under the age of ten to buy, but more often than not I end up distracted by all the vintage and kitsch things I want to buy for myself. When I say vintage, everything is brand new, nothing is second hand, the selection of beautiful retro stylised gifts include Scandinavian inspired doll houses, kaleidoscopes and baby toys.

So what’s new for autumn 2018? There’s the Moulin Roty range of dolls, jigsaws and play sets. The French brand, founded in 1972 is right at home in Little Citizens Boutique. There’s a teepee, a friendly lion plush, gorgeous baby toys, but these are my favourites from the range.

Moulin Roty Constance Party Tea Set £50

Moulin Roty Constance Puzzle £20

Moulin Roty Large Tool Set £55

Moulin Roty Wooden Garage £100

Also new for Autumn 2018 is Fair Trade brand Tegu Toys. They work with developing communities in Peru making these magnetic toys which are relaxing and fun to play with. You can make different shapes and models, allowing open-ended play.

If you love what you see, the online store is packed with all the Holywood shop has, and even more. Little Citizens Boutique have very kindly given World of Kitsch readers 20% off purchases using the code KITSCHY20 to use online until the 1st Nov 2018 at midnight - click through to the Little Citizens Boutique Online Store here. Happy shopping!

March 02, 2017

A Quick Kitsch Stop Off at Little Citizens Boutique

March 02, 2017/ Claire Spence

Schools were closed today in Northern Ireland, as they were used for polling stations in our elections. Smix & I took a trip to Ikea, and then stopped off in Holywood town centre to visit Little Citizens Boutique.

They have a really great online store, but I like to call in to the physical shop just to see the quirky & unusual toys and gifts in real life. There are so many items I want for myself!

My favourite designer that they stock is Meri Meri.

I suppose technically the cute hair clips, brooches and necklaces are for little girls, but with cats & cacti- they are hard to resist for me too!

I already have a set of three felt brooches in the cacti design, and today I bought the matching necklace.

The store is just packed to the brim with cute & curious gifts, from newborn baby items right up to Michael's age range.

We saw a really cool watch that you can program via an app to flash different colour combinations- a good starting point for coding skills later on. Definitely one for the birthday wish list!

August 31, 2016

Ever Wonder Where Those Effortlessly Cool Hipster Parents Shop? Not Only Can I Tell You, But I've a 15% Off Code For You To Use: Little Citizens Boutique.

August 31, 2016/ Claire Spence

There's very little I don't like amongst the inventory on the Little Citizens Boutique website, so choosing images to share with you was tricky to narrow down. The Holywood based retailer knows good design, and have just won a silver award for best toy & gift retailer in design. They also stock children's clothing and home wares, so here are some of my favourite items from their site.

Should you love what you see too, you can use the code KITSCH15 to get 15% off orders until midnight 30th September. (The quick buy links aren't active- sorry! It's just how I saved the photos of the products!)

December 09, 2015

Enchantingly retro Toys at the Winter Pop Up, Bangor.

December 09, 2015/ Claire Spence

At lunch time I scooted down to Bangor to grab a 24" slice of pizza from Little Wing.

Bangor was busy so after a lap with no parking spaces I finally found somewhere in Dufferin Avenue (the steep hill road beside the train station).

I just so happened to get a space outside a curiously lovely little shop- Winter Pop Up.

The store is here only for the Christmas season and stocks European toys with a classic, retro flair. Francesca who was in charge today is absolutely lovely and chatted to me while I snapped the toys that took my fancy. The mid-century dolls' house was very hard to not want to just but for myself.

I spotted dozens of gifts that I would be buying for Baby Spence if it was next year. I think while the Winter Pop Up is there, I'll buy some stuff in advance for my brother & his wife's baby arriving in Spring.