Booboo Designs Blog

Noah’s Ark for a Gender Neutral Nursery

2012-01-25T07:36:00.000-08:00

If you haven’t wanted to find out whether you’re expecting a boy or girl, then choosing your nursery decor will be more complicated, as so many designs are engineered to include blue or pink colours. One nice idea is to give the room a Noah’s Ark theme, and include different pairs of animals across the walls, furniture, toys and accessories. As your baby grows into a young child, you can then use the room to teach them about the different animals and where they come from.

The Dandelion and Friends range includes wild animals such as a giraffe, lion and elephant and uses neutral pastel colours, so will fit in with any colour scheme. The animals on each product such as the money box, coat hooks and snowglobe, are all labelled, so will help with child’s development as they get older.

We also have a variety of hanging mobiles which will tie in nicely with the theme, such as the Elephant Mobile, featuring colourful wooden elephants, or the Jungle Mobile which has a variety of jungle animals. Specifically for a Noah’s Ark theme, we also have bookends, a music box and a snowglobe which each have many of the same animals incorporated into their design along with the Ark and Noah themselves.

At Boo Boo Designs, we specialise in quality products for nursery decor. Whether you’re looking for something for your own nursery or as a gift for a friend or family member who’s having a baby, we have something to suit.

Decorating a Pirate Themed Bedroom

2012-01-15T07:29:00.000-08:00

As your little boy grows older and starts to develop his own little personality and interests, you will probably want to consider redecorating his bedroom, as he’s probably grown out of what you initially chose for his nursery. Having a themed bedroom is so much fun for him, but it’s also fun for you when it comes to decorating and buying themed items for it. We have a wide range of lovely children’s bookends, music boxes, wooden money boxes and coat hooks, as well as many more items. You can even search for your items by theme to make it easier to find just what you need.

The pirate theme has never gone out of fashion, and is popular with older children now too thanks to films such as Pirates of the Caribbean. We have everything you might need to decorate a child’s bedroom with a pirate theme, including a fun Pirate Alarm clock with a nice clear face for young ones learning to tell the time. We also have numerous different designs of pirate coat hooks and bookends, which are another fun yet practical touch to the room.

If you’re so inspired by this theme that you want to decorate your little boy’s nursery with these designs, we also have pirate-themed baby mobiles, such as the Boat Mobile or Pirate Mobile. You can even buy a wooden Pirates Height Chart to hang on the back of a door or wall and measure his progress until he has to walk the plank!

Practical Nursery Decor Ideas

2012-01-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

If this is your first baby, you might find it a bit overwhelming trying to come up with a theme for the nursery decor. Once you’ve chosen one, however, putting it all together is so much fun! If you don’t know what sex your baby will be, then choose a gender neutral theme such as jungle or farm animals. Even if you do know what you’re having, you might want to go with a theme or colour scheme which can be adapted as your child gets older.

For little girls, fairies and princesses are always a popular choice and may last until quite an old age! Young babies love hanging mobiles to stare at and imagine a fairytale world that they become a part of, likewise with snow globes, and we have a large selection of both to choose from. If you have a little boy as well, or are having twins, then you might want to do a knights and dragons theme in the other room so that the two complement each other.

As children get older, they love to earn pocket money and to collect it in money boxes. Here at Boo Boo Designs, we have a huge selection of colourful and attractive money boxes to go with different themes, as well as others that will match any decor. A money box is a great way to get your child started early with the good habit of saving their money, and for them to see the rewards that this can bring.

Christmas Stocking Fillers that Keep Giving

2011-12-22T08:21:00.000-08:00

With Christmas fast approaching, you have probably started to think of gifts for your little ones. Father Christmas may come but once a year, but the preparation involved for his visit takes more than just one night! If you’re looking for some quality children’s gifts for stocking fillers this festive season, then you need look no further than BooBoo Designs!

Snow globes are a timeless classic that children and adults love to get out and display in the home every year. Children are fascinated by the magical scene that appears on shaking the globe, and we have many different designs available that will match any home decor. A snow globe is often kept long into adulthood as a keepsake and memory of one’s childhood. Because we know your children will love the Christmas-themed globes so much they won’t want to put them away, we also have several designs available that are suitable to have on display all year round, such as the Dandelion and Friends Musical Snowglobe, now available featuring a giraffe.

Another great gift idea is the money box, which helps to teach children about the rewards and importance of saving. We have a wide range of novelty money boxes in different attractive designs, suitable for all tastes and ages. Our designs include a number of different animals, such as sheep, owls, and cats, as well as princess or pirate designs. Our money boxes are also available made out of ceramic or wood, the latter being a safer option for very young children.

We’re All At Sea

2011-12-13T08:19:00.000-08:00

What could be a more exciting, vibrant and visually stimulating theme for a boy's bedroom than boats and pirates? The striking use of blues and reds ensures a colourful environment that your little boy will no doubt love and, with our large boats and pirates range at BooBoo Designs, this is one that you will find easy to create.

Keeping a nursery or bedroom tidy can sometimes be a mammoth task but with our many different designs of children’s coat hooks you’ll find that chore so much easier. In the boats and pirates range we have a wide variety of choices of coat hooks on offer, from those with sailing boats and steam boats to canons, treasure islands, treasure maps and a variety of pirates with telescopes and chests filled with treasure. Each metal coat hook has a wooden ball at the end to make it a safe addition to any bedroom.

Each week your little saver’s pocket money can be stored safely away in one of our children’s money boxes. If you have decided on a boats and pirates theme for your child’s nursery or bedroom then we have a money box to suit it. To make saving his pennies fun, our boat-shaped box is designed to rock from side to side when money is dropped in. Put it on a bedside table, a bedroom bookcase or an easy-to-reach shelf to help your little boy on his way to saving his first million, me hearties!

It’s All Good Red Riding Hood

2011-12-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

Little Red Riding Hood is one of the most beloved fairytales, especially amongst little girls. Her perennial appeal has not diminished with time, nor does it seem that it ever will. The love we have for the story of this inquisitive, red-hooded little girl can be reflected in your child’s nursery decor and BooBoo Designs is here to help with that.

Red’s Grandma would certainly approve of our novelty money boxes. In the Red Riding Hood range you can find beautiful boxes in the shape of a mushroom and a strawberry which is a favourite fruit of Red’s and picked by her on the way to Grandma’s cottage. Any little girl would delight in such an addition to her nursery or bedroom as somewhere safe and pretty to keep her pocket money.

For younger fans of Red Riding Hood, hanging mobiles are just the ticket to get them off to sleep after a bedtime fairytale. Apart from Red herself, the mobile also features several trees, strawberries, mushrooms, even a friendly deer. Don’t worry about the mean old Wolf. He does not make an appearance on our mobile. He’s too busy racing ahead to Grandma’s cottage!

These items of nursery decor can also be given as gifts to good little girls who take their Grandmas baskets of food. Think what delightful presents they would make to celebrate a birthday, a christening or any other special occasion. For more ideas, take a look at the other items we have in this range!

Struggling to Find a Greetings Card?

2011-11-22T04:35:00.000-08:00

Struggling to find a meaningful yet playful greetings card? Well you need to look no further. We have a huge range of greetings cards, suitable for any special occasion. Ranging from cards for christenings, to birthday cards, and seasonal cards, you really can find the perfect greetings card here. Yes it is true; we don’t only sell fantastic nursery decor and toys, but also the perfect card for any occasion.

We have designed our cards with two main principles in mind. Our cards set out to be meaningful, but also playful. It is often the case that cards for young ones are very generic, and to find something different, you have to spend extortionate amounts of money paying for some mediocre card. Well we believe this should change. Our ranges of cards are all very well priced, and it can be hard to find something more personal.

The range of new-born congratulation cards are the perfect example of how personal our cards are. With special and different designs on each card, you really can’t go wrong. Whether you are after an embossed card, a card with decorative buttons on it, or just a playful design, we have it all. Also in stock are cards for both boy and girl birthdays, wedding cards, seasonal cards and even get well soon cards. As we offer delivery on all of our products, it has never been made easier to find the perfect meaningful card for your needs.

The Perfect Nursery Decor

2011-11-17T04:32:00.000-08:00

Finding good nursery decor to be decorative but also fun for a young one is challenging. You can often find that pretty mobiles are expensive and break easily, which let’s face it, is just annoying. Well here at BooBoo-Designs, we know how merrily destructive babies can be! We understand that everything they see is just something to chew on, or something to throw on the floor. Because of this, we have designed a range of cot toys that are very durable, but also harbour great aesthetics.

Hanging mobiles above a cot is an old fashioned trick of keeping your baby entertained for hours on end. Some modern designs however tend to be flimsy, with individual items being suspended by what looks like thread! Well, our featured range of hanging mobiles are assured to be durable enough, no matter how destructive, or depending how you look at it; playful, your baby is!

For those with boyish tendencies, we have hanging mobiles that feature aeroplanes, and those with boats! These mobiles are great for any young boy, and will be sure to keep them entertained for hours on end. With these types of mobiles being coloured mainly in baby blues and whites, they are a lovely decoration to any nursery. We have a huge range of hanging mobiles however, ranging from items such as pirates, to safari animals, to little red riding hood mobiles. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just contact us and we’ll see what we can do.

Christmas Ideas for Your Young Ones

2011-11-08T04:24:00.000-08:00

With Christmas around the corner, the rush really is on to find the perfect Christmas gifts. Whether you are a new mum, or looking for gifts for a young one, here at BooBoo-Designs we are sure to stock the perfect gift. With many years of experience, we know the market well, and we know that that perfect gift is more than important. We have a massive range of items, ranging from children’s bookends, right through to musical mobiles. So, whatever you are looking for, feel free to browse our website and we are confident you will find exactly what you need.

All of our products are made to high standard, and are suitable for any young one. We have separate ranges for boys and for girls, but we also have a range of unisex gifts, perfect for any occasion.

For the boys, we have a select range of wooden vehicles. These vehicles come in many different shapes and sizes, and with such a huge variety in colour we are sure the young one will never get bored! The wooden vehicle range has items such as traditional small cars, yellow diggers, and even car transporters. Any young boy would be more than happy playing with these!

For the little madams, we have a special range of soft toys and dolls. Most of our soft dolls are made from 100% cotton, making them extra cuddly for her. These soft toys are perfect to be used as cot toys, or even as a Christmas present.

Animal Planet

2011-10-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

There are lots of things about childhood that are both informative and wonderfully interesting through the eyes of children, perhaps none more so than the natural world. Here in the Boo Boo Designs studio we’re self-confessed naturalists who love nothing more than a long Sunday stroll with the dogs and the kids through the wonderful wilds of Britain!

Nursery Decor
Introducing nature in all its cute and cuddly glory to teeny tiny babies and toddlers is a great idea! We carry lots of different animal–theme nursery decor bits and bobs, including cot mobiles, bunting and garlands, clocks and bookends.

Terrific Toys
Dinosaurs, cats, bears, lions, tigers – oh my! Using the side menu on our homepage you can choose between all our favourite nature themes, including Noah’s Ark, Dinosaurs, and Horses and Ponies. We stock hundreds of adorable toys and gifts that span the animal kingdom! How about a ferocious dinosaur money box? Or maybe a pair of brilliantly bright book ends featuring giraffes, elephants and crocodiles onboard Noah’s Ark?

Brilliant Gifts
The wonderful designers we work with are clearly just as nuts about nature as we are! Stone the Crows are absolute experts in kooky animal-themed bits and bobs, including the wonderful chicken shelf sitter with wibbly wobbly legs and cute tin rabbits (complete with sensible boots for walking in the countryside – it’s mucky work being a bunny!)

Whatever animals and elements of the natural world your little ones enjoy, there’s bound to be a few treats in our menagerie!

Get Ready for Festive Fun with Boo Boo Designs

2011-10-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

We’re fairly sure the likes of Delia Smith and Martha Stewart have their precision-planned festive schedule well under way. But for those who are a little less fanatical in their organisational habits (who remembers to stock pile felt off-cuts throughout the year to make holly Christmas tree decorations, after all!) here are a few early festive tips bright and fresh from the Boo Boo Designs studio!

• Lists may be the bane of husbands everywhere, but a good list for all decorations, food, presents, postage, cards and travel plans can save a lot of troublesome aggravation when the chilly yuletide finally arrives!
• Choosing gifts that are kooky and quaintly reminiscent of all things festive is a great way to add even more yuletide charm to gift giving. Christmas themed children’s music boxes, baby mobiles (particularly musical mobiles) and snow globes are popular.
• Gift wrapping services and mail order presents can also prevent hair from being torn out on Christmas Eve when it suddenly dawns on you that there’s not enough wrapping paper for every present. Our gift wrapping service covers everything from children’s music boxes to baby mobiles, so use it!
• Decorations that are made using natural materials like pine cones and wool are great for adding a nostalgic element of organics to home decoration. Mix and match salvaged craft decorations from the garden with ranges from our own cosy collaborations with the likes of Gisela Graham and Big Decs.

Put a Little Away For a Sunny Day

2011-10-03T06:58:00.000-07:00

Instilling a few sensible fiscal habits in our little ones is a great idea. And we love the idea of helping kids save for their first independent buy using novelty money boxes from Boo Boo Designs!
Never mind saving for a rainy day when you can save for a sunny day instead! The U.K summer may be waning, but there are plenty of autumn and winter sun-filled days to break open the money box and indulge in a little retail therapy. That said, the best things apparently come to those who wait, so why not save through the chilly months in time for some spring retail therapy!
We stock a bunch of adorable novelty money boxes for little racing car divers, princesses, farmers, naturalists, pirates, palaeontologists, fairies and even purrrfect cat lovers! All our money boxes are designed with safety, security and silliness in mind.
Have a hoot helping little animal lovers to save for their own binoculars using our owl money box. Or how about letting budding agricultural aficionados save the pennies for their very own toy farm in our tractor money boxes (they come in three superb colours!)
And once that little special fund is built up, we recommend spending a few precious pennies on some of our great kid’s products, like snow globes, bookends and maybe even another money box! After all, sensible financial goals and money management may be the bedrock of adult life… but spending savings on pogo sticks, snow globes and silly things can be fun too!

Decorating a Nursery with Zoo Animals

2011-09-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

Zoo animals make a fun and colourful theme for nurseries, and both girls and boys seem to love the bright colours and interesting animals. Here are some nursery decor products from Booboo Designs that will help you decorate in a zoo animal theme.

Baby mobiles are a great place to start. For zoo animals, you have a few choices. We have a jungle animal themed mobile and a safari animal mobile, both of which feature hand painted wooden animals like giraffes, zebras, lions, and elephants. Cot mobiles look nice hanging over a baby’s cot or in a window frame.

Alternatively, you could use hanging bouncy toys. We have several bouncy animals that would work with your zoo theme including a lion, tiger, zebra, monkey, hippo, and elephant.

Coat racks and hooks can also add to the zoo theme. They can also be used to hang up anything, including other nursery decor and hanging toys. Our Dandelion and Friends coat rack features a lion, giraffe, and elephant.

Add more fun touches by draping our jungle themed animal bunting over doorways, in windows, or across the headboard of a child’s bed. The bunting includes monkeys, elephants, and lions.

Finally, why not add some zoo animal plush toys? We have an elephant and a hippo, as well as an adorable blue Zebra cushion that becomes a plush toy using Velcro.

Birthday Gifts For Toddlers

2011-09-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

If you’re looking for a birthday gift for a toddler, you’re probably hoping to find something at least somewhat practical, or something that the child will enjoy for a long time. Here are some suggestions from Booboo Designs that we think most children will enjoy.

Children’s bookends are wonderful choice for birthday gifts. Not only will the colourful, fun designs and themes delight children, but having their own set of bookends may also encourage them in learning to read, and wanting to learn more from books.

Some bookends that toddler girls might like are our apple, cupcake, butterfly, fairy, or Little Red Riding Hood bookends. For boys, we have bookends with boats, cars, knights and dragons, pirates, and spacemen.

Our bookends are high quality and crafted from wood. They are hand painted in bright and fun colours, and many of them match designs of toys and gifts in some of our other ranges.

Another great choice for a toddler birthday gift are children’s money boxes. A money box is not only a gift that will be treasured for years to come, but can also encourage young ones to want to save money rather than spend it as soon as they get it. Include a few pound coins when you give the box as a gift, and you’re sure to delight and young child.

We have wooden money boxes and ceramic money boxes. You’ll find shapes like cupcakes, strawberries, tractors, buses, boats, castles, cats, and more.

Include a few pound coins when you give the box as a birthday gift, and you’re sure to delight and young child.

Colourful Baby Gifts

2011-09-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

Looking for a cute and fun gift for a new baby? Babies are full of curiosity, loving new colours and sounds. Why not encourage their curiosity and sense of wonder buy purchasing colourful cot toys, a music box, or musical mobiles?

Here at Booboo Designs, we have a wide range of colourful toys and decor for the cot, such as bouncy toys and mobiles.

A wonderful choice for baby girls is our bright pink bouncy horse toy to hang over the cot. Lightweight and soft, this horse is safe to hang from the ceiling or over a cot or bed. Fun for babies, toddlers, and young children. We also offer a brown bouncy horse suitable for girls or boys.

For mobiles, we have all kinds of choices including themes like jungle animals, knights and horses, Little Red Riding Hood, and a tea party. These wooden mobiles are hand painted in bright colours and work well in baby and toddler rooms, for either girls or boys.

Another great gift for a new baby is a children’s music box. This can be given as a keepsake either for the mother or for the baby to treasure when he or she is older. New parents will also enjoy playing the music for baby.

We have music boxes in themes like cats and mice, ducks, penguins, fairies, pirates, and more. They also make good christening gifts.

For more fun and colourful mobiles, toys, and music boxes, browse the appropriate categories on the tabs to the left hand side of the main web page.

Little Items to Create the Perfect Bedroom

2011-08-31T01:57:00.000-07:00

If you want to create the perfect bedroom for your son or daughter then not only will it have to contain beautiful nursery decor, but it will need to have personality that complement your child's tastes. Here at Boo Boo Designs we have a range of unique products which can help make your child's room fun and interesting.

Door Plaques
Door plaques are also a great way to make a child feel special, as you are showing them that their room is a retreat for them to enjoy at their leisure, as well as complementing the youthfulness of the child's bedroom. Here at Boo Boo Designs we have a range of door plaques for boys and girls that are extremely exciting and fun, so we are sure to stock a plaque that your child will love.

Children's Coat Hooks and Racks
We also have a range of interesting and brightly coloured coat racks and hooks which can help create an innocent and happy atmosphere. We can provide a variety of coat hooks and racks in various styles, such as cars, cupcakes, flowers, apples, dinosaurs, pirates, plus so much more.

Book Ends
If you want to encourage reading whilst making an enjoyable environment for your child, then you should be sure to browse our extensive collection of book ends. Our book ends can ultimately make a book shelf appear more inviting to the child and this could help them develop their literary skills.

These are just a few ways to create an interesting bedroom for your child. For more ideas, you should be sure to browse our variety of high quality products.

Buy Christmas Presents Now to Reduce Festive Stress

2011-08-17T01:55:00.000-07:00

Christmas is fast approaching, and while it may be a few months away, it never hurts to be prepared for the festive season. By purchasing your Christmas gifts and decorations now, you will ultimately reduce your stress closer to the time and it will allow you to just enjoy the festive holiday.

Here at Boo Boo Designs we can provide you with an extensive range of Christmas products and gifts for children, so you should be sure to thoroughly browse our wide array of items. All our products are extremely affordable and are made from the finest materials, so you can rest assured that your delivered item will look as good as it does on our website.

Christmas Decorations
We stock a broad range of some of the most stunning Christmas decorations on the market, so whether you are looking for tree decorations, Christmas snow globes, music boxes or tree toppers, you are sure to find the most festive products on our website which will only add to the magic of this wonderful seasonal holiday.

Gifts for Children
As we specialise in children's gifts, you can be sure that you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to our high quality products. We offer a range of fun items, such as baby shoes, soft toys, money boxes and children's music boxes. We can also provide you with small gifts, such as our push up toys, which are perfect as Christmas stocking presents.

So, for the perfect Christmas, be sure to browse our collection of children's gifts and Christmas decorations.

The Perfect 1st Birthday Gift

2011-08-03T01:51:00.000-07:00

A child's first birthday is incredibly important, as you be celebrating a whole year spent with the child. Therefore, it may best to purchase a gift that celebrates the occasion and will serve as a keepsake which the birthday boy or girl can treasure once they have grown into an adult.

Here at Boo Boo Designs we can provide our customers with the perfect 1st birthday gifts that are extremely fun and attractive.

Snow globes
Snow globes are fun decorative items that can capture a child's imagination and can complement any room's interior. We stock a stunning range of colourful and stunning, so you should be sure to browse our ranges of fairy snow globes, musical snow globes and animal snow globes. While children will throw their toys out as they grow older, you can rest assured that a snow globe will remain on their shelf for many years to come.

Soft Toys
Everyone loves soft toys, whether a person is 1 years old or 21 years old, so you can rest assured that they will be treasured by the birthday girl or boy throughout their life. We all have one toy that we have had since we were young, and there is no reason why your gift cannot be their treasured teddy. We have a diverse collection of teddies in a range of colours and types, so you are sure to find the perfect item for your loved one.

Looking for Nursery Decor?

2011-07-25T02:20:00.000-07:00

Part of the thrill of pregnancy, or being close to someone who is expecting, is decorating a nursery - or buying someone else nursery decor gifts.

All you really need is a little imagination!

The first decision is whether to have a unisex or gender-specific room. Even if you know whether you or your friend or relative are expecting a boy or girl, a neutral approach will mean any future children can also use the room.

You will want to choose a colour scheme - yellow, for example, makes a wonderful backdrop for your nursery; pick a sunny hue for your walls.

Next comes the baby furniture, bedding and wall coverings to complement your nursery's theme. Look online or in magazines for inspiration. Changing tables, cribs and rocking chairs are some of the items you may need.

When putting the room together, get the walls done first, then the furniture and then the bedding and accessories.

At BooBoo Designs, we offer everything you could want for the perfect room in which to nurture and enjoy your baby – right down to the details like children's coat hooks. We also have some lovely cot toys, and a great range of hanging mobiles, including musical mobiles.

Buying for someone else? Check out our gift wrapping service. Some of our items can also be personalised, making your gift even more special.

Get in touch by phone or email or check out our website today. All our secure payment and delivery options and special offers are online.

Why Money Boxes Make Great Kids’ Gifts

2011-07-15T02:15:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for the perfect gift for a young child - either your own or a nephew, niece, grandchild or godchild - children's money boxes are a great option whatever the occasion.

They come in a range of designs and colours, made from materials ranging from metal to wood and porcelain. They are also available at different prices, so you'll find something to suit your budget.

Money boxes are lasting gifts which show youngsters the value of money, and get them saving from an early age. They can also be used in teaching children about different coins and how much they are worth, and in counting games to make numbers fun.

What better way of making sure they don't spend all their pocket money at once, or helping them to save for something big? You can pop some coins inside to get them started.

The money box is a timeless classic of a gift which has been popular for generations. Whatever your favourite little person is into, you'll find a style they'll love.

Smart-looking and colourful, these presents are also cheerful addition to any child's bedroom on any shelf or window sill.

At Booboo Designs, we have a great range of saving up boxes. We've got them in all shapes and sizes from cupcakes design to spotty apples. We also supply many other gifts and a wide range of nursery decor products. See our latest offers online, and check out our convenient delivery options.

Choosing Children's Gifts: The Basics

2011-07-05T01:24:00.000-07:00

Whether you're looking for presents for your own child, or for a friend's, or perhaps a nephew, niece or grandchild, it can seem a challenge. That's especially true if you want to find something a little different, rather than just following the latest craze.

Trust your instincts when making your selection. While many doting parents and relatives can be tempted to buy presents which are too advanced for the child, that won't bring them much pleasure. Equally, a gift that it is not age appropriate can also be unsafe. Yet this basic principle is often overlooked.

If you can, speak to the parents first. A quick phone call or email can help you to find the perfect gift. Parents will let you know what the kids are into at that time, what the child has already, give you inspiration, and let you know if they have any objections to any particular items for any reason.

Go online. Many online retailers let you shop by age and price, and provide customer reviews of products.

Finally, children will always love gorgeous packaging, and, by adding a few sweets or lollies, you can guarantee your gift will be a huge hit!

At Booboo Designs, we can help whether you're looking for snow globes, cot toys like cot mobiles or anything else. We're leading suppliers of nursery decorations and beautiful gifts for young children.

We have various delivery options and a gift wrapping service. See our website for our latest offers.

A Gift with a Song in its Heart

2011-06-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

If you’re looking for an imaginative and beautiful gift for a young person, you need look no further than our lovely children’s music boxes.

At Booboo Designs, we know it's sometimes hard to find a present for a youngster that is original, but will be something that is treasured for many years. Our children's music boxes are sturdy and delightfully designed in styles to fit many kinds of nursery decor, and they are crafted to stand up to lots of punishment from enthusiastic young hands!

As a clever alternative, what about children's coat hooks as gifts? The children's coat hooks we create at Booboo Designs are not just ordinary ones - they really are something special.

Lovely coat hooks are a good way to encourage children to start hanging up their clothes from an early age.

Our coat hooks are created to appeal equally to boys and girls. We have ladybirds, cars and trucks, fairies, princesses and pirates, designed as both sturdy single hooks or multi-peg coat racks for the extra hanging space most children’s rooms need.

We know kids can be rough on things they use regularly, so we make all of our children's coat hooks in strong wood and metal with tough paint finishes in attractive colours. They should go on looking bright and appealing for many years.

Check out our ranges of children’s music boxes and children's coat hooks – your only difficulty is in choosing which one to send your lucky child!

Children's Bookends: Holding Up a World of Stories

2011-06-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

As many children find out at an early age, reading stories is one of the greatest pleasures in life.

Parents know it's a great idea to introduce children to the world of reading as soon as they are able to begin understanding the words. Story books always make superb presents for children, whether they are there for mums and dads to read to them, or for children with developing skills to read for themselves.

Children will treasure their favourite books, and want to keep them safe - and that means children's bookends can also make great gifts.

Parents will tell you that they can also be a highly attractive gift, adding to the decor of the room. At Booboo Designs, we are experts in providing the loveliest children's bookends, providing items of superb quality in a wide range of designs that will please any child and his or her parents.

Because children's bookends are a great addition to the nursery decor, children's bookends make a long-lasting christening or birth gift - and they will stay with the child as he or her grows older. At Booboo Designs, we can offer you a delightful selection of charming bookends to choose from.

Animal fans will enjoy storing their books in our Noah's Ark bookends, while young auto enthusiasts will be encouraged to keep their books tidy by our garage bookends. We've also got Little Red Riding Hood, fairies, pirates, aeroplanes and boats. Check out our children's coat hooks, too, for even tidier rooms!

Why We All Love Snow Globes – Even in Summer!

2011-06-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

No matter what the season, there's always something special about snow globes - giving them a shake and watching the snow settle is like looking through a tiny window into a special world.

At Booboo Designs we know snow globes make wonderful gifts, and we find our snow globes go down well with people who are buying gifts for children - and people of all ages!

Snow globes are designed to be shaken, so we make sure ours are both charming and sturdy. We use only the finest materials to make sure every globe will be robust enough to give plenty of enjoyment.

If you are looking for a christening or birthday gift, snow globes are ideal. We have styles that appeal to both boys and girls and are suitable for different ages.

You may be designing your nursery decor on the Tea Party range, and if so you’ll be delighted to hear that we have a matching snow globe. Or if fairy stories are what appeals to your children, they will love watching the snow settle on Little Red Riding Hood’s shoulders in the forest.

Our snow globes are all sent to you with a presentation box, which makes them perfect as christening or birthday gifts. And even better, if your recipient absolutely loves the themes, you can find further matching items on our site at Booboo Designs ranging from children's coat hooks to bookends, baby mobiles, cot toys and music boxes. So sweet!

Teaching Children to Save

2011-05-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

A child’s early years lay the foundations for everything that is to come. This time is so important, both for the parents (kids grow up and become independent so fast) and for the little ones themselves. The things they learn before starting school are just as important and reading, writing, and arithmetic. While maths and literacy skills are crucial to success and happiness in the modern world, so are fundamentals like creativity, personal responsibility, and the ability to plan. Children can begin to learn those things very early in life.

One way you can teach early lessons in planning and responsibility is to give a child a money box. Explain the concept as simply as possible. They don’t need to be able to count very high. Give them a 50p coin, and tell them that it takes five of those to buy a new toy car or a little toy pony. Five is a good number for little kids, because they can see it on the fingers of one hand.

Even little kids can earn money by being helpful and tidying up their own toys and nursery decor or through simple good behaviour. Five whole days of being good earns five whole coins and a small reward. As the child gets older they can choose their own saving goals and do small jobs around the house to earn a pound or two.

Children who save often pick up basic maths very fast. It won’t be long before they are calculating how many jobs they’ll have to do before they can buy what they want. They learn that work brings rewards and sometimes it takes time and persistence to get what you want. Those are all very valuable skills and we’ve got a good range of simple novelty money boxes to get you started.

Hanging Mobiles to Get Baby to Sleep

2011-05-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

At first, newborn babies can’t focus very well so they don’t see a great deal with those beautiful big baby eyes. If it’s more than ten inches away it’s probably a blur. Don’t worry though, making sure your baby gets plenty of kisses and cuddles will ensure that he or she gets to see your face early on. Over the first four or five months, babies learn to focus on more distant objects and co-ordinate their eyes to follow specific things and distinguish between them.

It’s no secret that babies and infants love to watch cot mobiles. It helps them get off to sleep. Much as an adult or an older child might relax and get ready for sleep by reading a book, lying back and watching gently moving colours is the perfect intermediate stage between waking an sleeping. Of course, it may also help them develop the vision skills they’ll need as they get older.

Hanging mobiles have been around for generations. The sculptor Alexander Calder is usually credited with creating the concept of hanging shapes that gently rotate and create slow, beautiful visual patterns. They began as art rather than toys, but because the idea was so beautifully simple it was easy for people all over the world to start making mobiles. It was instantly obvious that babies and little children love them.

Along with snow globes and teddy bears, the mobile is now a must in every nursery, and they aren’t just for babies. Parents can appreciate them too.

Musical Toys are Always a Hit

2011-05-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

Sound and colour are what small children like best. As they grow from newborns to toddlers to independent little kids, the world of light and noise only gets more exciting. At first it’s something that happens elsewhere, but before too long kids learn that they can make their own sounds, rearrange objects to make new patterns, and interact with the world. This early discovery is not just tremendously exciting to children, it’s essential to their development.

Musical toys are always favourites - at least with the kids, if not with the parents! Some of the earliest children’s toys were probably drums, jingling bells, and whistles, and while those are still popular, many more are available today. The children’s music box is a prime example. It plays a soft tune that won’t grate on older ears and there is both sound and movement involved. For an infant, that spells pure bliss!

Musical mobiles and toys of other kinds are also available. We even have snowglobes that play a little tune when shaken. At Booboo Designs we like traditional, durable toys in wood and fabric so you won’t find many of the electronic beeps and cheeps that drive mums and dads crazy here, but nonetheless we have an excellent range of musical toys.

You’ll find musical baby mobiles and other toys throughout our range. Each one is chosen to be as much fun as possible for the little ones, but also kind to other members of the family. Whatever toy you’re looking for, there will probably be a musical version available, and picking that one will make your gift extra special.

Nursery Decor 101

2011-04-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

It is important to create a soothing and restful environment for your baby, with the process of nursery decor constituting a very exciting step for new parents. Trying to decide on a theme for the room can be tricky, but at Booboo Designs, you may find that some of great items inspire you, with an enormous catalogue of themed products, including children’s music boxes and more.

You may already know the gender of your baby and have your heart set on a bedroom which is perfect for a princess or a race car driver, or you may wish to keep a more gender neutral room, for personal reasons or because you are waiting to find out whether you have a son or a daughter, but whatever kind of design you currently have in mind, a browse of our catalogue could spark some new ideas or provide the finishing touches for your existing nursery decor.

In addition to providing adorable motifs and items for the bedroom of your baby boy or baby girl, pieces such as our children’s music boxes can be invaluable once the baby has arrived. The twinkling sounds and mesmerising movements of these lovely devices have been helping parents put their babies to sleep for more than a century and our carefully crafted music boxes are adorned with colourful characters to help entrance baby before bedtime. Snow globes can also be used for a similar purpose and we have a range of adorable globes, each containing a mesmerising flurry.

Aesthetic Organisation: Children’s Bookends and Coat Hooks

2011-04-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

No matter how old they are, your child’s bedroom is a space which should reflect their personality, helping them to feel individual, special, and loved. Attention to detail with this decor and reasonably regular updates can help to encourage a child to feel comfortable playing in, sleeping in and taking care of their own environment.

When designed to the tastes of the child, their bedroom becomes a space in which it is safe to be themselves, and at Booboo Designs we have developed an expansive catalogue of wonderful items to assist in this department, including items which are both practical and attractive, such as children’s coat hooks, bookends and children's music boxes.

If you present a child with a fairly organised environment, providing a space for toys, a space for puzzles, a space for DVDs, etc., then the child may be more inclined to keep this order, learning that it helps them to know exactly which toy is where when they want to play with it.

In addition to this, you can provide items such as themed children’s bookends which may help your child to store their books and DVDs tidily, keeping their environment from becoming chaotic. Adding children’s coat hooks in a fitting theme can be a great idea if your child is starting school in September, adding to the new grown-up feel of their bedroom and helping them to ease into the routine a little easier: their designated peg at home echoing their designated peg at school.

Mesmerising Baby with Snow Globes and Music Boxes

2011-04-04T08:25:00.000-07:00

If you are about to become parents, every other parent you know may have suggested a technique for calming baby when he or she just doesn’t seem to want to settle. Whilst this advice is always appreciated, the truth is that every child is different. This in mind, certain techniques do seem to work consistently, in particular a children’s music box seems to be a great tool for helping quiet an infant who is proving difficult to send to the land of nod.

For over a century, children’s music boxes have been assisting parents in achieving this feat, which can some nights seem impossible. At Booboo Designs, we have a selection of beautiful music boxes, including styles adorned with princess figures to those portraying nautical scenes, these moving parts designed to fascinate your baby whilst a familiar, tried and tested lullaby chimes out soothingly.

Another item which is great for mesmerising your baby – in the daytime as well as before bed – are snow globes. If you tip a globe in front of baby’s face, you will most likely enjoy the amusement of watching as your son or daughter’s face lights up with bewilderment. Snow globes are still fascinating as your child gets older, and the one bought for your newborn’s nursery could turn into the beginning of a lifelong collection.

Soothing baby’s senses with the aural delights of music boxes and the visual oddity of snow globes can be a wonderful way to create and maintain that essential sense of serenity before bedtime.

Some Advice for a New Day Nursery

2011-03-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

If you are in the process of setting up a nursery business, you will probably have already gone through the many processes which will eventually allow you to open your doors to the children in your area. There is a lot of competition amongst nurseries, and parents will look at every aspect of the building.

With this in mind, you have to make your nursery decor warm and welcoming as this is the first thing parents will see when they enter your premises. The nursery decor is important for another reason, as it has to be attractive to the kids who will spend a lot of time here.

You will probably have your own ideas about how you want to decorate the various room within the nursery, so now it’s time to start thinking about the finishing touches which will make it the perfect environment for youngsters who are well aware of their surroundings.

There is likely to be a cloakroom on the premises, so why not think about buying children’s coat hooks? These are both functional and fun, and will help new children get used to their surroundings, especially if they have their name on the children’s coat hooks.

For the younger kids, why not invest in a children’s music box? These are generally made out of a robust material which means they will keep younger children entertained while avoiding being damaged by over zealous handling, and the occasional hurling across the room!

Cartoon Characters and the Nursery

2011-03-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

We all want the best for our children, and this applies to the very first room they will spend their time in. The way we decorate a nursery can be instrumental in helping a child develop mentally if the right finishing touches are chosen. These can include items such as snow globes and a children’s music box which can help with development even before your child is able to play with them themselves.

The nursery decor is also a major factor when it comes to mental stimulation for a child. If you want to help your new baby engage with the world one of the best ways to do this is to choose nursery decor which grabs their attention.

There are many ways in which you can do this, and one of the most popular is to choose wallpaper which has cartoon characters in the design. Even though your child will not be aware of these characters, you can be sure they will react to the images, and the same goes for other items in the nursery, such as snow globes.

A tiny baby won’t have a clue what they are, but the movement and colours will certainly grab their attention. The same is true of a children’s music box which can keep a baby entertained and focussed. If you want to find great ideas for finishing touches to the nursery decor, have a look at the rest of our website and you are sure to find what you are looking for.

Finishing Touches to your Nursery Decor

2011-03-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for ideas to make your children’s nursery a comfortable warm and welcoming place, you are certainly in the right place. You will find some great ideas for all the finishing touches for a nursery that will not only make the room look perfect, but will help with the development of your child. For example, a children’s music box is always a favourite, even before your child is able to activate it themselves.

A children’s music box is perfect for lulling a baby to sleep, and it will help with their audio development as well. When it comes to the nursery decor itself, it really is down to you which theme you go for. For an older child, why not think about decorating the room with their favourite cartoon characters?

You will find plenty of choice when it comes to cartoon favourites thanks to all the merchandising which follows every Disney film - in fact, every film which is made these days - and it’s possible to have duvets and pillows which match the wallpaper. The children’s music box may have been discarded by the time your child gets to the stage when they enjoy cartoons, but it will probably remain on the shelves of the nursery. And who knows? There may be another little one on the way soon who will be able to enjoy the children’s music box.

If you are still unsure about the nursery decor you want, have a look at magazines and websites to get some inspiration.

Fun Ways to Help your Child Develop

2011-03-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

We are all well aware these days of the importance of making sure a baby receives mental stimulation, and research has shown that even from a very early age, this can make a huge difference to the way a child develops.

There are many ways in which you can help your child develop, and some of them are so simple but so effective. During the early weeks and months of a child’s life visual stimulation is important, and you can achieve this by placing pictures of cartoon characters on the nursery decor walls, as well as soft lighting which changes colour.

Looking ahead to when your child begins to look at books, a great way to keep them tidy and in order is to use children’s book ends, which are fun and functional. You can find children’s book ends which feature cartoon characters and other visually stimulating ideas which are sure to entertain your child. Whatever you need for the nursery you will find it here, whether it is for the home or a commercial nursery. For example, if you are running a nursery where you have a lot of children in your care and you are looking for children’s coat hooks, we have a great range available and once again they are both fun and functional.

We may take children’s coat hooks for granted, but they can help a child new to a nursery feel a sense of belonging because every time they hang their coat up they become familiar with the characters on the children’s coat hooks.

Ideas for a First Nursery

2011-03-02T07:30:00.000-08:00

Decorating a nursery while you are waiting for the arrival of your baby can be one of the most exciting things you will ever do. If you are a first time parent, the chances are you may never have thought of decorating a room for a baby as ‘exciting’ but believe me, you will. If you know the sex of the baby, this will make it easier to produce a theme for the nursery but if you are still in the dark about the gender, it’s best to go for a neutral colour on the walls.

Once the room is decorated, it’s time to start looking at other things which will give the nursery a warm, homely and comfortable feeling. As well as soft toys and cartoon characters on the walls, one of the best ways to do this is to choose smaller items, such as a children’s music box and a snow globe, which can be placed on shelves around the room. Of course, your baby won’t be aware of a children’s music box for some time after he or she is born, but this, and the snow globe, will become sources of fascination for him or her when they are a little older.

And you’ll be amazed how fast time goes once your baby has arrived. It won’t be long before the tune from that children’s music box is being played constantly and the snow globe is being retrieved from across the room after your little one has thrown it!

The Finishing Touches to your Nursery Decor

2011-02-28T01:41:00.000-08:00

When a new baby is on the way, dreaming of the idea nursery decor is wonderful fun. Even if you don’t know whether the baby is going to be a boy or a girl, there are plenty of choices you can make about the lovely room where he or she is going to lay his or her little head.

You’ll spend a lot of time picking out the perfect cot, bedding and curtains, creating a nursery decor that will last until your little one is not quite so small. But the best nursery decor is enhanced by the finishing touches – and that’s where we at Booboo Designs come in.

We specialise in superb, high-quality items that make the perfect complement to any nursery decor or bedroom design for children.

For instance, we have a wide range of garlands and bunting with many themes including hearts, cars and stars, all made out of soft cloth to hang on the wall in boys’ and girls’ rooms.

Your nursery decor will also be complemented – as your youngster starts to grow – with one of our Booboo Designs height charts, which look great on the wall and provide an excellent record to look back on.

We also stock many items that can help you add to the nursery decor of a friend or relative. Our snow globes, children’s music boxes and children’s coat hooks make perfect christening and birthday gifts, because they are charmingly designed in sturdy materials.

Booboo Designs' Snow Globes

2011-02-21T01:38:00.000-08:00

There’s something truly magical about snow globes, no matter what the season – there’s a delightful pleasure in giving them a shake and seeing the snow settle.

That’s perhaps why snow globes make such great gifts – and at Booboo Designs we find our wide range of snow globes is extremely popular with people buying gifts for children of all ages.

We design our snow globes with both charm and sturdiness in mind, using fine materials that should ensure each globe will be robust enough to give years of enjoyment.

They can make a wonderful christening or birthday gift, and we have snow globes that appeal to both girls and boys and also cover a wide range of ages.

For instance, those who are theming their nursery decor on the Tea Party range will love our matching snow globe, while children who love fairy stories will adore seeing Little Red Riding smiling in the snow.

We have blissful bunnies and amusing ducks (mums will like these, too) and you may be surprised by the price – our snow globes start at just £12. For those seeking a really special gift, though, we have a number of musical globes which add a charming tune to the picture to truly enchant.

Our snow globes all come complete with a presentation box, which makes them idea christening or birthday gifts with a difference. If you like the themes, you can find matching items at Booboo Designs ranging from children’s coat hooks to bookends and music boxes.

Practical Nursery Decor: Coat Hooks

2011-02-14T01:36:00.000-08:00

Think about coat hooks for a moment. They are one of the least-regarded items in our homes, yet imagine the mess if they did not exist!

Children’s coat hooks are an even more important part of our homes, adding a real note of style and interest to any nursery decor. That’s because the children’s coat hooks we create at Booboo Designs are not just ordinary children’s coat hooks – they are something rather special.

As well as being handy for busy parents, lovely coat hooks in the nursery are a good way to encourage children to start hanging up their clothes – useful when they get to be teenagers! With our children’s coat hooks, if you have more than one child sharing a room or a coat area, they can have a personalised hook to save any arguing over who hangs what where.

Our hooks appeal equally to boys and girls – we have pirates, ladybirds, cars and trucks, fairies and princesses as themes. You can choose between sturdy single hooks or multi-peg coat racks for extra hanging space.

At Booboo Designs we know how tough children can be on the items they use regularly, so all of our children’s coat hooks are made in strong wood and metal with durable paint finishes in bright and attractive colours to keep them looking fresh and appealing for years.

For instance, you’ll love our tea party rack is part of the Gisela Graham Tea Party bedroom and nursery decor range, complete with the teapot fairy and her pot of tea. Irresistible!

Organise and Enjoy with Children's Bookends

2011-02-07T01:34:00.000-08:00

Reading is more than an essential skill – it’s one of the great pleasures of life, and it’s a good idea if children are introduced to its delights at as early an age as possible. Books are a wonderful gift, whether they are there for parents to read to their children, or for children with developing skills to read for themselves.

Because books are genuine treasures, it’s a good idea for children to learn to keep them safe – and children’s bookends can be a wonderful gift.

They can be a highly attractive gift, too. At Booboo Designs, we specialise in charming children’s bookends of wonderful quality in a range of designs to delight any child or parents.

Children’s bookends make a long-lasting and superb christening or birth gift because they are a great addition to the nursery decor that grows with the child. At Booboo Designs, we have some charming bookends to choose from, whether you are buying for girls or boys. Young car fans will adore our garage bookends and our tow truck bookends, while animal fans will love putting their books between Noah’s Ark bookends.

We also have a strong fairytale theme in our Little Red Riding Hood versions – but you can also choose fairies, pirates, aeroplanes and boats, among many, many more. You can go pink or blue if that’s what your nursery decor requires!

Our bookends are all carefully crafted from wood, and you may be surprised at the prices, which are set to suit any budget.

The Magic of Children's Music Boxes

2011-02-01T01:30:00.000-08:00

It can be difficult to find the perfect gift for a young child – something that will last a lifetime and be cherished as an heirloom, but also something that the little one will enjoy.

A children’s music box can provide the perfect solution (and also delight the parents!). If you take a look at the range of children’s music boxes we stock at Booboo Designs, you will be surprised and delighted at both the quality and the design on display.

There are a number of things you should look for when choosing a children’s music box. First it needs to be attractive to both child and parent – but that attractiveness should be backed up by robust construction, both of the outer part of the children’s music box and the mechanism within it. After all, a music box is wound again and again by little hands, so it needs to be durable!

You should go for high-quality construction, such as that which we insist upon at Booboo Designs, with a charming design backed up by top-notch paintwork. Moving parts are always appealing to children (particularly the youngest) and many of our music boxes and rotating figures that ‘dance’ to the music. We like to choose familiar and soothing tunes such as Swan Lake to accompany our figures – they are pleasant to listen to again and again.

We find many customers buy a children’s music box and a christening or birth gift, and they are ideal for that purpose in many ways – price, durability and, of course, timeless appeal.

Nursery Decor Selection

2011-01-31T06:18:00.000-08:00

At Booboo Designs we stock a supreme selection of nursery decor products which are decorative, fun and dynamic. From children's bookends to snow globes, we have products which will enhance and complement your existing nursery decor, or, alternatively, inspire you to redecorate the entire room in a fantastic new fashion.

We stock a wildly imaginative fourteen piece wooden tea set which will allow kids to recreate the tea party scenes from Alice in Wonderland, entertain their friends and participate in beneficial role-play. With a tea pot, cake, sugar bowl, cup and saucer, knife and spoon amongst other pieces, this is a great kid’s gift idea.

We have clever childrden's coat hooks in a range of designs and cupcake money boxes which are witty and wicked. Our height charts are other popular products which are very popular and allow children to enjoy their growing statures even more so than normal.

As well as children's zebra and hippo cushions, we stock fantastic fairy dolls, dizzy dolls and even clown dolls with sound effects.

Please do not forget that we also sell stunning handmade cards designed by our own talented artists, which we are absolutely delighted to personalise for you for any special occasion.

Our garlands and bunting for parties, special occasions and seasonal celebrations are also very popular and great value for money; perfect pieces of nursery decor which create a celebratory feel to any nursery.

Booboo Designs is proud purveyors of children's gifts which are lovingly created and should be treasured forever. We are sure that you are bound to fall completely in love with our entire selection.

Classic Clocks

2011-01-24T06:03:00.000-08:00

Classic clocks can be a great nursery decor gift idea as they look great, are fun for children and are also educational. At Booboo Designs we have a selection of children’s clocks which will perfectly complement your nursery decor.

Combined with children’s bookends, these allow you to create a themed bedroom for kids. In fact, some of our children’s bookends perfectly complement our kids' clocks.

Our pirate clock features a pugnacious pirate on each side of the face who cross cutlasses at the top. This clock is the perfect gift for the naughty nautical renegades in your life.

Our little red riding hood clock is beautifully decorated in pinks, reds and blues and captures the excitement of this famous tale. It also perfectly matches the other products which we stock for the Gisela Graham little red riding hood range.

Our boat clock will inspire tales of the deep blue sea with its tug boat, passenger ship and sailing boat all floating around the face and bobbing along the ocean waves.

Finally, our Pete the Pirate clock is fantastic fun for kids, with its clock face actually set within Pete’s ample belly! Pete the Pirate can also teach children to tell the time extremely accurately, as his clock contains ‘aaarrgghhh’ minute and second hands! Whether hung in kids bedrooms, play areas or nurseries, these clocks are fun, inexpensive gifts which kids will treasure for years to come.

Each clock runs on AA batteries which are extremely easy to install and is decorated with completely non-toxic paint.

Marvellous Music Boxes

2011-01-17T05:58:00.000-08:00

A children’s music box is a fantastic piece of nursery decor which will amaze, amuse and delight your kids. We have a children’s music box to suit every boy and girl in your life, each with its own unique theme and special tune. The perfect blend of visual art and music, these beautiful boxes heighten the senses and stimulate nascent creativity in kid’s minds.

Our football music box has two individual footballs which spin around on top of a green grass pitch with painted goals adorning the box walls. This item would make a treasured gift for any budding Beckhams or Messis.

Our pony music box has two happy horses which spin around in ecstasy as ‘wish upon a star’ provides the perfect musical accompaniment.

Our girl on a rocking horse music box is another great piece of nursery decor, which has a more traditional look and feel. The girl figurine sits atop a rocking horse, with building blocks by her side. The base of the box represents two luxuriously bound books and as the 'love story' tune plays, the girl rocks along delightfully.

Our boy and girl in an aeroplane music box looks simply superb and pays the ‘lullaby’ by Schubert as the piece spins around.

Alternatively, our pink mouse musical carousel features a lovely pink lady mouse sat atop a blue base covered in fantastic flowers, and she spins stylishly to the tune of Brahm’s ‘lullaby’.

It should be noted that all of our boxes are decorated with non-toxic paint and a number of then contain detachable parts which make them unsuitable for very young children.

Snow Globes

2011-01-10T04:53:00.000-08:00

Stylish nursery decor has become increasingly popular in recent years with trendy parents and children looking for unique and individual items which set their nurseries apart from the rest. Here at Booboo designs, some of our favourite products are snow globes. These premium products look beautiful all year round, simultaneously capturing magical moments in time in their bubbles as they capture children’s attention and fire their imagination. We offer amazing selection of classic children’s snow globes in a variety of stunning styles, some of which are based on popular children’s tales, fantasy figures, seasonal motifs or musical themes.

These dynamic nursery decor pieces are sure to be treasured for years to come and come to life as the snow whirls around inside their delightful domes. The Gisela Graham Rose Ballerina snow globe is a magnificent creation which features an angelic and graceful ballerina figurine and a glamorously decorated base, which is resplendent with ribbons and bows. Our Noah’s Ark snow globes humorously depict all of the animals squeezed ‘two by two’ into Noah’s nautical vessel and also play ‘you are my sunshine’. They definitely make great christening and birth gifts.

Our deer and snowdrop fairy snow domes depict classic winter scenes, whilst our Little Red Riding Hood snow globes bring the perennially popular tale to life in full living colour. The musical version of the Little Red Riding Hood globe even plays ‘wish upon a star’! Our range is further bolstered with woodland fairy and tea party globes.

These unique items are the ideal way to complement your child’s nursery decor.

Beautiful Booboo Designs

2011-01-03T04:48:00.000-08:00

Booboo Designs specialise in creating beautiful children’s bookends, children’s coat hooks and all manner of traditional children’s toys and decorative products with unique, quirky twists. We lovingly create magical designs which reflect the adventure of childhood, the security of family and friendships and stimulate the imaginations of children and parents alike.

No matter how sophisticated children’s films become, at Booboo Designs we know that nothing will ever replace the wonderful worlds which children find themselves immersed in as they develop a passion for books. From the time when they have stories read to them up until they can read tales of adventure, derring do and pure fantasy themselves, books and reading stimulate, educate, informs and inspire children and we believe that this will never change.

In order to keep children’s books tidy in their bedrooms and ensure that they can pick their favourite tomes from the shelf at any time, children’s bookends are a wonderful idea. Our wonderful wooden children’s bookends each tell their own tale- from the story of Noah’s Ark to Little Red Riding Hood, from Space age bookends to those featuring pirates, these cleverly crafted colourful creations are the perfect complement to your child’s burgeoning library.

Another great product range is found in our nursery decor children’s coat hooks, which are all individually painted with non-toxic paint and made completely of wood. We currently stock boat designs, Treasure Island designs, cakes, pirates, flowers, hearts, butterflies, cars, tractors, fire engines, dinosaurs and so much more in our coat hook range, all of which would look great at home, at school , in a playgroup or even a nursery coat room.

Be Safe and Practical When it Comes to Nursery Decor

2010-12-30T04:17:00.000-08:00

So it's time to start thinking about kitting out the nursery ready for your new arrival. It's one of the most exciting times in anyone's life, but it's also pretty stressful. There's just so much going on and on top of work and other commitments, there just don't seem to be enough days in the week to get everything done. Nursery decor is far more than just design and aesthetics. No matter what design and colours you go for, your aim is just more than just a nicely coordinated look and feel. You need to create a room that's warm, friendly, peaceful and inviting.

Once you bring your new baby home, you are going to spend a lot of time together in the nursery. You and your child need to feel relaxed and at home, so keep this in mind when choosing nursery decor. Start with some sort of plan, otherwise you get overwhelmed by all of the different options. You can find ideas and themes in magazines and online. Or you might take your inspiration from a theme that appealed to you when you were a child. Remember the most important thing when deciding on nursery decor is creating a room that is right for your child. Yes you can get creative, but remember the room needs to be practical and functional.

Anything that goes in needs to be safe - and durable too, otherwise it won't last long when baby is around. You can get almost anything specially designed for little children. Like children's coat hooks for example. Children's coat hooks are themed and fun, decorated with or in the shape of fun things and characters. Plus, they are safe - the last thing you want is an accident.

Nursey Decor - Getting it Right

2010-12-23T04:12:00.000-08:00

There's so much choice these days when it comes to nursery decor. It's hard to know where to start. You want something that looks great, but you also must not lose sight of practical considerations. After all, the health and well being of your child should come before design considerations! Maybe you want to base your ideas for nursery decor around what you liked when you were little. Or perhaps something more contemporary. Have a look at the styles and trends of today for some inspiration.

The nursery is an important place, where you bond with your new baby. Nursery decor needs to generate a warm, safe and special environment where you love spending time together. Ready to get creative!

The cot is the most important purchase and will be the focal point of the room. Once you've chosen one you like, you can base other purchases around the style you've selected for the cot.

Choose a colour scheme that matches and blends with the furniture. Make it bold, warm and inviting. If you're the creative type you could add some murals and artwork to the walls yourself. Then add in some accessories. Don't forget important things, like children's music boxes for example. You'll find this a life saver when it comes to bed time. The soothing and calming tunes will help your baby drift off when all else has failed.

As your baby starts to grow up, you make adjustments as their needs change. Toddlers are going to need different things to new borns, but luckily, we have all the children's coat hooks and bookends your child could need - whatever their age!

Childrens Bookends: Perfect for your Nursery

2010-12-16T04:07:00.000-08:00

When it comes to nursery decor and toys for little ones. Think tough and durable. After all, anything within grabbing distance is going to get gnawed by those little nashers. Babies and toddlers love wooden blocks and toys. When you start reading to them and they start getting interested in books, specially decorated children's bookends made from wood are great for the nursery. Fostering an interest in books and reading from a young age, will encourage your child to read independently as they get older.

Instilling a love of reading in your child is a wonderful thing to do, but it also means lots of books scattered about. You've taken so much time and trouble with the nursery decor, you want to keep the room tidy and looking nice. Children's bookends not only make a nice decorative feature in the bedroom, but will help encourage your little ones to tidy up their books after they are finished with them.

There are plenty of different designs to choose from. You can find designs that will appeal to your children. Like animals or vehicles. How about knights or astronauts? Or even the farmyard or the jungle? No matter what fires your little one's imagination, you can find some bookends they will love.

As soon as you start buying books, get some bookends to go with them. Children love the simplest things and decorative children's bookends are no exception.

Children's Music Box - a Great Collectable

2010-12-09T03:58:00.000-08:00

Children's music box collectors amass huge collections. Some of these music boxes are incredibly ornate and intricate and make for a fantastic display piece or heirloom to pass on. They can end up being very valuable. Did you have one as a child? Can you still remember what it looked like and what tunes it played? No wonder they continue to fascinate us long after we've grown up.

What would parents do with them? Every night little ones drift off to sleep thanks the calming sounds of a children's music box. Some wake up to them, too - beats an alarm clock any time! They're a total life saver. Anyone who has raised kids swears by them and knows how much extra sleep they've been able to have as a result - a very valuable piece of nursery decor.

Have you noticed how many kids, even when they grow up, retain a sentimental attachment to their musical box. Some children's music box designs are timeless. For girls, it's the ballerina musical box. For boys it's all about trains, planes and automobiles.

No wonder there are so many collectors out there. With so many memories associated with musical boxes and the variety of designs and tunes. You can pick up things like musical snow globes that are intended more as out and out collectables. They're a great way to remember a holiday or trip. You can find them in most souvenir and gift shops. If you're interested in starting collecting vintage children's music boxes, you can try sites like eBay and also local antique and curiosity shops. Who knows what you might find and what memories are bound up in that box.

Don't Forget a Music Box when Choosing Nursery Decor

2010-12-02T03:49:00.000-08:00

Is there a new addition to the family on the way? Congratulations! It's such an exciting time. And a busy one! While you're busy sorting out all the nursery decor, make sure you don't forget anything. Planning ahead can be a real life saver, so make sure you get a children's music box. If your baby turns out to be a bad sleeper, it could make all the difference.

The great thing about a children's music box is that is serves a dual purpose. Not only does it help your little one get off to sleep, but it's a lovely addition to the child's room and complements your nursery decor.

These music boxes have been specially designed to lull and soothe your baby. The music they play is gentle and calming; sending your baby to sleep as if by magic. In the early days you know son or daughter is bound to wake in the night for food and comfort. In those dark hours of the dead of night, your children's music boxes will become a must have for you to get them back off to sleep. Just make sure you don't drift off first!

There are several different types to choose from. You're best off with one that plays more than one tune, so little one won't get tired of hearing the same music over and over. Check there's nothing too lively and upbeat on there first though! Your child will respond to the look and feel of the box. Choose one with fun, bright vivid colours or perhaps with cartoon characters. After all, the box itself will intrigue and amuse them.

Snow Globes and More: Adding Magic to Your Child's Bedroom

2010-11-30T07:47:00.000-08:00

No matter how old you are: snow globes are always fun. Mesmerising and pretty, they are great for collecting all year round. They make perfect, memorable gifts, ideal for Christmas, birthdays, or other special occasions such as starting nursery or school, a Christening: any occasion worth marking with a special gift.

At Booboo Designs, we have an enormous range of globes for children, in a wide range of themes, suitable for both boys and girls, from toddlers to older children. These items can make lovely collectibles and be very soothing for children to play with and watch. Some of the globes in our collection also double up as a children’s music box, making them exceptionally delightful purchases which will amuse your child for hours.

Whether you are giving one of our beautiful snow globes as a gif t, or intending it to complement the existing decoration of your child’s bedroom, there is bound to be a suitable design in our range, with fairies, animals, and seasonal snow globes just as a few examples of the available themes.

Many of these themes have other matching items within our collections, with items such as children’s music boxes, money boxes, and coat hooks also available. By adding themed finishing touches such as this to your child’s bedroom, it can make it feel special and unique for them. The magic of such decor is in the details, and nobody notices small things like children do. Even at the youngest ages, they are bound to be delighted by princess paraphernalia or a Noah’s ark themed room.

Decorative Children's Bookends

2010-11-23T07:44:00.000-08:00

The best items for a child’s bedroom are both functional and decorative, especially in smaller spaces which can easily become disorganised such as children’s bedrooms. If you present your child with a space that is nicely decorated, personalised for them, they will feel special and be delighted to sleep and play in their bedroom. If you give older children the means to organise their belongings, the chances are they will. Items such as children’s bookends from us at Booboo Designs encourage your child to take pride in their specially decorated bedroom, keeping it a tidy, pleasant space.

In addition to these bookends, we also offer music boxes, money boxes, children's coat hooks, and more, all adorable embellishments which enable you to personalise your child’s bedroom and make it a fun place to play and learn. These items are available in an enormous range of themes, with designs appropriate for both boys and girls, for babies, toddlers, and more grown up children, too. Some examples of these themes include pirates, princesses, frogs, and vehicles.

These cute, themed children’s bookends can be used not only to stop books toppling over, but also to store DVDs, games, and CDs in a tidy but accessible way. Our other items, such as our coat hooks and money boxes can start good habits such as saving money and hanging up a rucksack after school, whilst still contributing to the uniqueness and personalisation of your child’s bedroom.

Whether you seek nursery decor for a newborn or a child starting school, we have items in our collection to add the perfect finishing touches to any bedroom.

Nursery Decor: Themed Items

2010-11-16T07:42:00.000-08:00

Children grow up so quickly and change their tastes so often that it is often futile to try and keep up by redecorating their bedroom to suit their latest fad. One week they may love tigers, and the next, pirates, then cartoon character the week after that. Instead of getting dizzy trying to keep up, why not use themed items to give your child’s room unity? This way, you won’t have to redecorate every time their tastes alter; you can simply change the embellishments you have previously made, swapping cars for pirates, or farmyard animals for fairies. With items from Boo Boo Designs, this can be easier than ever. Our wide range of nursery decor items is perfect for finding the finishing touches for your child’s bedroom, as well as making perfect gifts for nieces and nephews.

Simple touches such as themed children’s bookends can alter a room enough to keep your child feeling that his or her bedroom is personally tailored to their tastes. We have a huge variety of styles, carefully crafted wooden designs with a motif to suit every child. We have vibrant, primary coloured designs, shocking pink designs, more understated designs, each with a different theme such as animals, sports, princesses, and many more.

In addition to these children’s bookends we also offer other items – both functional and decorative – such as themed money boxes, music boxes, children's coat hooks, and snow globes. Simply by adding a few of these items to your child’s room, the impression of entirely new nursery decor can be given, but with much less stress.

Captivating Children's Music Boxes

2010-11-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

It is important to make your child’s bedroom a fun, colourful environment, whatever age they are currently at. Filling their bedroom with themed items helps to create a cohesive and comforting space, giving the room identity. At Booboo Designs, we sell a huge range of adorable adornments for the bedrooms of little ones, which can also make ideal gifts. Our nursery decor range contains toys, music boxes, money boxes, bookends, and more, all beautifully crafted to help create an environment which is perfect for both playing and learning.

Struggling for gift ideas? One of our children’s music boxes could be a great solution. With so many styles, there is sure to be one which the child in question would adore, and the benefits of a music box are praised by parents the world over, putting infants straight to sleep, or helping to calm anxious older children. Playing classic tunes such as Brahms Lullaby and the Blue Danube Waltz, your child can calm themselves after a bad dream, or simply relax to the music before bedtime. These songs will be familiar and soothing and the rotating figures atop will mesmerise younger eyes.

With matching items available, you can give your child’s room a quick and easy facelift, updating nursery decor which children tend to object to as they grow older. In addition to children’s music boxes, we also offer children's bookends – perfect for books, DVDs, games, and more – and money boxes from designers such as Nino & Ideas. These items can ensure a bedroom which feels coherent, and encourages restful nights

Children's Bookends and Music Boxes

2010-11-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

In a child’s bedroom it is a good idea to try and create a space which is organised and fluent. A tidy, themed bedroom can help to keep a child calm and make the space feel like their own. At Booboo Designs, we have a range of cute items perfect for children’s rooms in both functional and decorative capacities. With our items, such as children’s bookends, music and money boxes, you can create an environment which is colourful, a perfect place in which to play and to learn.

Encouraging children to read is important, because it helps to develop their minds not only where reading and writing are concerned, but also with the confidence of their speech. Our children’s bookends are available in a range of themes, from vibrant and youthful to more understated designs for older children, providing a style to suit each child. These bookends are ideal for storing not just your child’s library, but also to keep their DVDs, CDs, and games in order. Crafted from wood, designs from names like Gisela Graham, Orange Tree Toys and Nino & Ideas, these bookends and their matching items – such as children’s music boxes and money boxes – could make a perfect gift or add the finishing touches to a child’s bedroom.

These items are intricately designed and high quality, with the children’s music boxes playing famous, familiar tunes like the Blue Danube Waltz and Brahms Lullaby. These items can encourage children to be tidy and help them to get a good night’s sleep, whilst brightening up their bedrooms.

Contemporary Nursery Decor Ideas

2010-10-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

If you love contemporary living and have decorated the rest of your home in this style, there is no reason why you should not extend this into the nursery decor. A nursery should have a calming yet welcoming feel and this can certainly be achieved in a modern style by following a few hints and tips.

Contemporary nursery decor will be all about simplicity and comfort so there will be no room for clutter or mess (that is what children’s coat hooks can be used for). By keeping the colour of the walls very neutral by painting them in creams or caramels you will be able to add colourful accessories such as snow globes or a striped rug. In this type of decor you need to understand that less is more.

The theme may be carried on in to the type of furniture you choose for your baby’s nursery, such as children's bookends for when they grow older.. Smooth, geometric lined furniture works best in bright colours. Finish it off by leaving wooden floors exposed and buying cushions with quirky, modern prints. Who knows, your little boy or girl may get in to fashionable fabrics and prints from a very young age.

By keeping the room very minimalistic this will help you keep it clean and tidy as most toys and clothes may be stored away in cupboards or wardrobes. By having such a modern decor scheme, there is less need for you to redecorate as your child gets older because this style of room will suit a child of any age.

Nursery Decor For Twins

2010-10-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

Congratulations, you are expecting twins! From now on you will need to buy two of everything for your little angels. Although some people think this means two bedrooms to decorate, a lot of parents choose to let twins sleep in the same room. The nursery decor will reflect the fact they are twins and you can have a bit of fun thinking about what to do.

Some people think separating twins and letting them sleep in different rooms may help them sleep as if one of them wakes up, the other one may be woken too. However, the bond they have from birth may mean they cannot relax without each other as they have grown together in the womb. This unbreakable bond should be a major theme when thinking of the nursery decor.

If your twins are of the same sex, this is much easier for you as parents. For little girls you could have a princesses theme and for little boys you could have a pirate theme. The theme could be extended into the colour of the furniture and the type of children’s coat hooks you buy. But what if you are having a boy and a girl?

In this case you should try to keep things neutral and add colour with children’s coat hooks, rugs and cushions. By making the room as calming as possible, with little hints of colour thrown in here and there your twins will be kept stimulated but able to go to sleep in peace at the same time.

Why Should You Include Children's Coat Hooks in the Nursery Decor?

2010-10-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

Children’s coat hooks are different from those used by adults as they are shorter and can be reached better by little hands. They are also usually brighter and those offered by Booboo Designs have so many different patterns your child will automatically be drawn to them.

So what is the purpose in buying children’s coat hooks? You may actually ask yourself if there is any need to buy an additional set of hooks when you already have one situated near the front door. The truth of the matter is that incorporating hooks into the nursery decor or handing them elsewhere teaches your child to be responsible for their own coats and jackets. Your son or daughter does not have to rely on adults to hang up their belongings and will always know where to find his or her coat when going out with mum or dad. Using these hooks will also teach your child to have respect for his or her own belongings and stop them from throwing stuff around the floor.

Although you probably will not realise it now, by buying children’s coat racks now you may be helping shape how your child behaves in the future. By teaching him or her about the importance of cleaning up from an early age they are more likely to keep this routine into adult life. Good news for when you are invited around for dinner with the grandchildren in the future then.

Snow Globes and Children's Music Boxes Make Perfect Gifts

2010-10-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

You would need to search far and wide to find somebody who isn’t drawn to the lure of snow globes or children’s music boxes. Both have a sort of enchanting element to them which makes them appealing to both adults and children alike. They can be given as gifts to children of all ages as the appeal will transcend age. This also means they can be the excellent choice when thinking of what to buy as a Christening present for your friends’ new baby.

A music box is something that a child will be able to keep from a very young age until their adult life. The very best designs such as those for sale at Booboo Designs are so well made they could even be passed down through the generations making them a keepsake with true sentimental attachment. The wooden designs comes in many shapes and sizes and your children will adore spending time listening to the music they play. At a very young age this music may be such a comfort to them that it helps them get off to sleep.

Likewise snow globes will also look amazing in any room and can be incorporated into any type of nursery decor. These gifts do not have to be for newborns however as there is also a range of musical globes and Christmas themes globes making them a perfect gift for children (and maybe some adults) of all ages.

Exciting Nursery Decor Ideas

2010-10-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

Your baby’s first ever bedroom has to be made that extra bit special. Not only does the nursery decor need to look good, the best should aid your baby’s development and help stimulate him or her. Added features such as the children’s music box may add to the ambience and actually help your little one get off to sleep by making him or her feel safe and comfortable.

Of course a large part of the colour scheme and type of furniture you choose when decorating the nursery will be down to your own personal tastes. If you like a contemporary look then opt for less clutter and add a little colour by using striped rugs or patterned cushion. On the other hand you may be drawn towards traditional nursery decor and choose blue tones for your little boy and pinks for your little girl. Although you can choose whatever scheme you want and go as mad with the colour palette as you want, you may want to remember that you may have to change the decor within a few years time so best not to go too mad.

The finishing touches such as children’s coat hooks will add more detail to the room without making it too overwhelming. These will also teach your child about cleaning as your little one learns what they are used for.

Indeed you need to be sure the room you have chosen is right to be used for a nursery before spending money on new paint or wallpaper. If the room is too noisy or bright this may affect how your baby sleeps and will ultimately affect how you sleep.

Make Their Bedroom More Attractive

2010-09-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it may seem like your little boy or girl doesn't seem to spend that much time in their bedroom - the room designated purely for whatever activities they want to do.

Children tend to want to be in the most attractive and comfortable room in the house when it comes to play time, reading time or homework time, and this usually ends up being the living room.

A great way to offer your little ones the independence they need, as well as the drive to want to carry out activities more than just sleeping in their bedrooms, is by spending a little time and money on adding some little decorations to their bedrooms.

By taking note of their more active interests, whether they have shown an interest in the lives of pirates, nature's birds or even history, you can incorporate this to give them a room they'll barely want to be out of!

We stock a wide range of children's bookends, coat hooks and musical boxes to suit the preferences of any and all children, and by simply adding little nursery decor accompaniments such as these, you can give your children the desire to actually want to spend quality time in their bedroom.

Not only will this breed independence in your child, but it also means that you can get some time for yourself!

Plus, because our products are only of the highest quality and are sold at incredibly affordable prices, whether your child's interests are long-lasting or short-spanning, we will have children's coat hooks and other nursery decor accessories to suit.

Top Gifts for Little Girls

2010-09-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

There’s a certain nostalgia to giving wooden gifts. A great benefit is that usually they’re more environmentally-friendly than plastic or other synthetic toys, as glues tend to be free from harmful or unethical chemicals.

Here are our top picks for fantastic little toys for fantastic little girls!

Children’s Music Boxes

A great benefit of wooden toys and gifts is their potential for sentiment. Music boxes are synonymous with secret messages and wistful memories are often brought floating back along with the music. This makes them a thoughtful gift that could continue to provide musical waves of nostalgia for years and years.

Our “Boat Music Box” veers imaginatively away from the traditional children’s music box shape, and is a great choice for little girls with slightly more tom-boyish tendencies or aversions to pink! On the contrary, for the super-girly little girl, our “Dancing Ballerina Music Box” is a traditional, adorable choice.

Snow Globes

Similarly to children’s music boxes, snow globes make wonderfully sentimental gifts that can certainly last. Our “Water Nymph Musical Snow globe” is one of the most beautiful and popular designs we stock.

Bedroom Accessories

It’s not often that a child desires children's coat hooks for their bedroom, but a few unique, cute accessories can really make a room much more attractive places for your children to spend time in.

The “Cupcake Coat Rack” makes a great gift for any little girl, and may even inspire the messy ones to hang their coats up!

Like Christmas Come Early!

2010-09-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

So it’s not quite Christmas yet, but spreading a little Christmas spirit never did anyone any harm, so why not plan ahead a little and treat yourself to some early Christmas bits and bobs?

One of our most popular items are snow globes. We’ve created a great selection of Christmas-themed snow globes to make your Christmas even more musical. Oh, and we thought you might be relieved to know that not one of our snow globes plays the Slade Christmas song for a more modern and recognisable take on traditional Christmas tunes.

The “Toadstool Santa Musical Snow Globe” is a quirky and very sweet little Christmas keepsake. For the more traditional snow globe, the “Nativity Musical Snow Globes” are a lovely choice; playing Hush Little Baby over a manger scene.

Decking the halls with Christmas ornaments and trinkets that can be re-used is a great way to save money and build memories. Our range of wooden and tin items can last for years - far longer than the tinsel once the cat’s got hold of it!

For a further traditional twist, adding some of our (non-edible) Gingerbread decorations gives your tree that hint of old-world nostalgia.

Within our range of children’s music boxes, Santa is waiting! Our “Santa Wind Up Music Box” plays The First Noel, and will do so for many Christmases to come.

Top Gift Ideas for Little Boys

2010-09-09T08:06:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the first toy that pops into your head upon hearing the word “wooden toy” is that old mainstay of boy’s toys - the train! You never forget your first toy train.

Our wooden trains come in several colours, are painted with non-toxic paint and are suitable for little boys aged eighteen months and over (although we suspect that little boys up to age ninety-six years may also enjoy them!)

We stock a huge variety of other vehicle-themed toys that make great gifts, including “Fire Engine Children’s Bookends”, the “Aeroplane Mobile” and the traditional “Yellow Digger.”

Children’s music boxes may not appear to be the most suitable present for a little boy, but they can make a great nostalgic present that lasts forever. The “Circus Ringmaster Children’s Music Box” is an imaginative, gender-neutral and unique take on the traditional children’s music box.

Pirates! Has there ever been a little boy who did not, at one point, long to be a pirate? We think not! Whilst actual piracy may not be a sensible career choice, some of our pirate-themed wooden toys facilitate some very exciting playtimes!

Little boys always seem to be in a rush to grow up, so how about a “Pirate Height Chart” for them to keep tabs on their growing frame?

Encouraging messy little pirates to be tidy is pretty hard, so a “Treasure Island Pirate Children’s Coat Hook” could be just the ticket for getting your little boy to clean up after himself.

Encourage Learning: Your Kids' Bedroom or Nursery Decor

2010-09-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

With a little careful planning and some creative approaches to learning, encouraging your kids to read and learn through their bedroom or nursery decor is easy!

Step one is always the paint job. Creatively placed stencils can do the trick. Stencil-painting a nursery rhyme or poem onto the wall is a fantastic way to urge your inquisitive children to read. Since painting over a stencil doesn’t cost the earth, a change every few months can keep kids on their toes!

The probing minds of kids are your most powerful learning tool. Designing a fun, interesting, and thrifty reading area involves nothing more than some comfy cushions, good lighting, and perhaps some of our children's bookends to organise their little library.

Scavenger hunts are a brilliant way to mix games, active fun and learning. Traditional scavenger hunts are played out in the nature, but what about a “Find the Word” or “Find the Letter” scavenger hunt in your kids’ room? You could even hide notes behind curtains, children’s bookends, or anywhere!

Decorating your kids’ bedroom or nursery using the theme of “Alphabet and Words” is a subtle way of introducing the concept of learning, and by utilising Alphabet children's bookends you can reinforce a literacy theme whilst also having a nicely decorated children's nursery.

Also, remember that you should never use the kids’ designated reading area as any kind of punishment zone, otherwise your children could begin to associate reading with negativity.

Helping Your Child Start a Collection

2010-08-30T03:20:00.000-07:00

Collecting is a wonderful hobby for both children and adults, and helping your child start a collection can be a great bonding experience. There are many different things you can suggest your child might start collecting from the usual postage stamps and coins, to the slightly unusual like seashells and rocks, or simply fun and cute like children’s music boxes or snow globes.

Start by helping your child decide. Perhaps ask your child what his or her favourite animal is. Children’s music boxes often depict favourite animals in cute scenes or poses. Or maybe your son likes pirates and sailboats? You can find music boxes to suit his interests as well. Don’t assume music boxes are only for girls. Small boys will enjoy the bright colours, the motion of moving parts, and the music as much as small girls. Snow globes also come in girl and boy colours and themes.

Once your child has decided what he or she wants to collect, take your child shopping. Help your child choose the first item for their collection. Don’t pressure your child to buy what you like - allow them to express their personal tastes.

The beauty of collecting something like children’s music boxes or snow globes is that even after your child tires of the collection years later, you can still hang onto the collection as a keepsake, and perhaps give it to your grandchildren some day. Children’s music boxes and snow globes make wonderful keep sakes, especially if you choose ones that play your child’s favourite tune.

Children’s Coat Hooks in Nursery Decor

2010-08-23T03:17:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re putting the finishing touches on your nursery decor or you’re only getting started on the whole process, choosing some cute, colourful children’s coat hooks can really add some pizzazz to the whole theme of the room.

Coat hooks are great for hanging up coats, of course, but you can also use them to hang up baby burp cloths or children’s rucksacks, drape themed garlands, or even hang Christmas ornaments. It’s always a good idea to have several hooks on the wall. And you can get children’s coat hooks for just about any nursery decor theme, whether you’re decorating with fish, pirates, ladybirds, flowers, butterflies, hearts, cars, sailboats, or dinosaurs.

Why not see if you can find some children’s coat hooks that look similar to some of your baby or child’s favourite toys. If they have a favourite kind of car or animal that they collect, try to find hooks that look like them.

The coat hooks can also be matched to the colours in the wallpaper, curtains, rungs, quilts, and other decorations. Hang older children’s coat hooks low enough so they can learn to hang up their own coats, or hang baby’s coat hooks high so they won’t try to pull down items you want to stay out of reach.

Next time you decide to renovate your child’s room, or if you are building a new nursery for your first baby, think about how every item in the room contributes to the overall theme you have chosen, including the coat hooks.

Using Music Boxes in Nursery Decor

2010-08-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

For some mothers, choosing the right theme for nursery decor can be nearly as challenging as choosing the right name for her new baby. And for those mothers who want an unusual decorating scheme, it can be very hard to find nursery decor to their liking in the usual baby shops and department stores. After all, you don’t want your baby to have the same toys, quilts, and mobiles as her cousin, do you?

Whether you’re having a boy or girl, why not consider using music boxes as focal points in your nursery decor? Children’s music boxes are available in a wide range of themes and colours appropriate for both boys and girls. Whether you want to decorate with airplanes or rocking horses, giraffes or ballerinas, spacemen or pirates, mice or sheep, children’s music boxes are available in all of these themes and more.

Why not choose two or three different children’s music boxes to place in prominent, eye-level spots. Then match the rest of the nursery decor to the main colours of the music boxes. If the music boxes are mostly purple and pink, why not have pale pink walls, and a lavender quilt and curtains? Or, if the music boxes are mostly red and blue, why not a red carpet and blue walls or curtains? The choices are endless.

Another wonderful thing about using children’s music boxes in your decorating is that these are gifts your babies will appreciate more as they grow older, and keepsakes they will treasure for years to come.

Snow Globes as Nursery Decor

2010-08-09T03:07:00.000-07:00

Everything about having a new baby is exciting, from the thought of taking care of your new little bundle of joy, to the thought of choosing the nursery decor.

A lot of expectant mothers these days are choosing unusual themes for decorating, and one of the most popular trends seems to be nursery decor with a shabby chic, or vintage flare. With this theme, you’ll often see vintage linens and antique plush toys and picture books displayed on artfully distressed wooden shelves and decoupaged trunks. But perhaps you want to carry this theme a little further, with some more unusual items in your nursery decor?

Some fun, slightly unusual items you could use for a vintage decorating scheme include: carousel horses, music boxes, snow globes, mechanical toys, and china figurines. All of these can be found in antique shops, but you can also find brand new ones with an antique look.

Snow globes make fascinating, eye-catching pieces for the nursery that will capture the interest of both your baby, and all visitors to the baby’s room. And, surprisingly, you can find snow globes in just about every theme imaginable, such as fairies and nymphs, angels, tea parties, fairy tales, and animals like deer and ducks. You can also choose snow globes in colours that match your nursery decor - for instance, the colour of paint for the walls, or the curtain fabric.

You never know, a shelf lined with swirling snow globes might be as fun for baby to watch as a mobile over the crib.

Choosing Bookends for Your Child

2010-08-02T03:04:00.000-07:00

If your children are like most, they probably have a hard time keeping their rooms tidy. Toys, clothes, and books are more often strewn across the floor than put away properly. Purchasing some fun, colourful children’s bookends is a great way to encourage your children to keep their bookshelves tidily arranged, and you get to spice up the nursery decor at the same time.

When most people think of bookends, they probably think of those hard, brown and grey metal ones you generally see in libraries. But if you have a look around, you’ll soon realize there’s a lot more variety available for children’s bookends.

Children’s bookends often come in fun, cut-out wood shapes, bright colours, and favourite characters from storybooks. If your child’s nursery decor has a theme, why not match the bookends to the theme? You can get children’s bookends with pirates, ladybugs, fire engines, fairies, sailboats, and jungle animals. Try to choose some bookends that your child will love, and want to use.

If you’re redecorating the whole room, why not paint the walls to match the main colours in the bookends? Nursery decor doesn’t have to be expensive - you can purchase other decorative items and toys in the same colours and you’ll soon turn the room into a fun, vibrant place for your child to play.

Finding that perfect set of children’s bookends will definitely some colour to the room, and it may prove a great incentive for your child to keep the room more tidy.

Snow Globes Aren't Just for Christmas

2010-07-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

Snow Globes are one of the world’s most popular collectables. Once considered an essential Christmas decoration, they can now be enjoyed all year round. They can contain a variety of characters and scenes, even incorporating aspects of popular culture.

Although the history of Snow Globes is unclear, it is believed that they date back to the 1800s. The first Snow Globes are thought to originate from France. Notably, a snow globe containing the newly built Eiffel Tower was produced in 1889 to commemorate the International Exposition in Paris. The first Snow Globes were made as a successor to the traditional paperweight, although today they are mostly used for decorative purposes.

In the 1940s and 50s, Snow Globes were widely used for advertising purposes in the USA, and Snow Globes depicting religious scenes were produced as gifts for Catholic children. It was around this time that the Snow Globe began to creep into popular culture. The most famous example of this is probably in the film Citizen Kane. Drawing his final breath, Charles Foster Kane drops a Snow Globe containing a depiction of his childhood home. This is one of the first times the Snow Globe is associated with youthful innocence; a connection that they still have to this day.

Snow Globes have always been popular with children, likely due to their charm and simplicity. They are excellent ways to preserve memories, for example a child’s favourite storybook character. They can be a delightful accompaniment to nursery decor.

The Importance of Nursery Decor to a Childs Sleep

2010-07-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

In the lives of children, sleep is equally important as food and drink. It’s what allows the brain to remain alert and calm, and it is vital that a child has sufficient sleep to allow them to grow, develop and function. Therefore, it’s essential that a baby or child’s nursery decor is conducive to a peaceful and relaxing night’s sleep.

The sleep area of the nursery should be a place where a child feels calm. Painting the area a light, pastel colour, can help. Blue is can help us feel serene, green is used to feel harmony and peace and pink provides cosiness and warmth. Try to steer clear of bright reds and oranges as these can be over-stimulating, and keep children awake.

Music can be an excellent way of lulling a child into a comforting sleep. Playing a children’s music box at the same time every night will help a child into a regular sleep routine. The sounds from the children’s music box will also help the child focus on relaxation by diverting attention away from extraneous noise.

Introducing friendly characters into the nursery decor can also help, such as those found on the children’s music boxes or snow globes. These will help the nursery feel like a safe area for a child, and help to relax them after their parent’s have left the room. Introducing some of these small additions to your nursery decor could encourage calm and rested children, and therefore happy parents!

The Finishing Touches to Your Nursery Decor

2010-07-15T06:10:00.000-07:00

Decorating a nursery is an exciting time for any parent. It can bring home the thrill and anticipation of bringing a baby home for the first time. But although exciting, it can also be incredibly daunting. Nursery decor is entirely different to that of other rooms, and requires a huge amount of creativity.

When decorating a nursery, it’s important to assess the room prior to starting your project. Think about the essential items of furniture that’s needed, and how they will fit in the room. For example, the cot should not be placed too close to a window, as this could make the baby too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. You would then need to consider how this effects the placement of the other furniture in the room.

Once you have decided upon the basic layout of your nursery decor, it’s important to consider the finishing touches. These are the accessories that will inject life and personality into the room. Children’s bookends containing exciting and colourful characters are the perfect accompaniment to a child’s bedtime reading. Hang matching children’s coat hooks in preparation for when a child’s old enough to hang their own coat. Items like a children’s music box or snow globe add extra vivacity to a room and can stimulate a child’s mind. Adding these little extras to your nursery decor ensure that you will not only have a wonderful room, but an extremely happy child!

How Music Can Contribute to a Child's Development

2010-07-08T06:05:00.000-07:00

For a child, every event experienced, however mundane to an adult mind, is an opportunity for learning and growth. Listening to music can have one of the most stimulating effects on a child’s mind, which perhaps gives justification for the long-standing adoration of children's music boxes through time.

A baby in the womb is able to hear sounds around 20 weeks from conception. It is thought that playing music to a baby still in the womb can have a beneficial effect on brain development and can even lay the foundation for learning, musical and language ability later in life. From birth, babies can respond to sound and even be calmed by lower notes, and from 9 months will be able to recognise familiar songs.

Music doesn’t just aid in the development of newborns – the advantages can be seen throughout a child’s life. A child, especially one who has been stimulated musically from birth, can start to play a simple instrument from the age of 3. Research has shown that children who are encouraged to play a musical instrument, or are even simply exposed to toys such as a children's music box cooperate more effectively with other children, and even perform better at school.

So how can this affect your choice of nursery decor? Placing a children’s music box in a nursery will not only reap the benefits listed above, but can also soothe a baby into a restful sleep, which we know every parent yearns for! So, when considering your nursery decor, choose a children’s music box from BooBoo Designs, and take that step to an intelligent, responsive, musical child.

The Consistent Appeal of Old Fashioned Toys

2010-07-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

It seems like there is a new childrens toy released every day, each one more technologically advanced than the last. But while these modern toys often seem like a ‘flash in the pan’, frequently only interesting the child on the day they are purchased, the popularity of traditional, wooden toys has never waned. The excellent craftsmanship and durability ensure the longevity of wooden toys, allowing them to be passed on through generations.

Wooden toys are thought to date back as far as the ancient Greek and Roman empires, with children then playing with wooden dolls, horses and chariots. By the 1700s, salesmen would travel all around Europe selling elaborately crafted wooden dolls and animals. The next century saw toymakers becoming more adventurous with their creations, with wooden trains, doll’s houses and the Jack-In-The-Box becoming popular. These are still a staple part of a child’s toy box to this day.

Today, wooden toys are thought stimulate a child and encourage their imagination. They can become an essential part of nursery decor. Children’s bookends, with their brightly coloured characters, can cheer up a room and encourage a child to read. A children’s music box can help provide a soothing and restful environment. Children’s coat hooks, with their friendly and familiar characters decorating them, help children to learn how to tidy up. Beyond their uses and benefits, the charm and enduring appeal of wooden toys will ensure that they will remain popular for years to come.

Ideal Nursery Decor Gifts For Newborns

2010-06-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

Very young babies don’t have much of an appreciation for toys, books, or games, and in the first few weeks after the little one’s arrival home the new mum and dad will probably be inundated by a tide of baby toys and clothing. If you think outside the box your gift is sure to be appreciated all the more for being a little bit different.

Some of the best presents for families with a new baby are items of nursery decor. Things like a set of animal bookends, a photo frame, or any one of our range of beautiful snow globes are ideal. The latter are a classic gift, and the basic snow globe design hasn’t changed much for centuries. They look lovely on a nursery shelf, and will last in perfect condition until little hands get big enough to play with them safely.

Every nursery should have a mobile above the cot, and we’ve got a broad variety of those on sale as well so there is a theme and a style for everyone. They are much loved be young children when they’re awake, and will also help them relax into a peaceful sleep at naptime.

Your nursery decor gift could also be a little more practical. Quite often what new parents need most is a bit of help in the days immediately before and after the birth. Offering another pair of hands when it comes time to paint the nursery is a great idea, and a present that the new mum and dad won’t soon forget.

A History Of Children's Music Boxes

2010-06-23T06:37:00.000-07:00

The children’s music boxes we know today started out as very different and very adult-oriented items. They developed from the musical snuff-boxes of the 18th century. Snuff was a tobacco product popular with wealthier gentlemen before cigarette, pipe, and cigar smoking became the only accepted ways of taking tobacco in polite society. Snuff boxes are still collected today by antiques buffs around the world. At the height of their popularity, gold and silver were often used to make and decorate them, and the height of snuff box technology integrated a tiny cylinder that plucked metal keys, much like in a standard children’s music box from not so very long ago.

In the 19th century and after, adult and children’s music boxes were produced solely for the purposes of entertainment. In addition to the tinkling cylinder we all recognise the sound of, some clockwork children’s music boxes also used tiny bells and even drums to produce a richer variety of sounds. They were made by clock manufacturers and watchmakers, sometimes as an experiment of a statement of craft skills. Most of the time these children’s music boxes were high-status items given as gifts, and not intended to be played with much.

As time went on and children’s music boxes became more diverse and less expensive, they found wider appeal among children all around the world. They became a toy rather than a statement of wealth, and so they remain today. Some are still powered by clockwork, but other use electronics to produce a wider variety of tones and tunes.

Simple Educational Toys And Nursery Decor

2010-06-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the simplest educational toys for very young children are the best. They are also sometimes the most subtle. After all, some of the most lasting lessons any young child can learn are not about the alphabet and the numbers from one to ten- although those are important, of course! The beginnings of literacy and numeracy should be encouraged every step of the way, but there are other things little kids can learn that will set them along the road to becoming thoughtful, responsible people later in life.

A novelty money box, for example, teaches even very young children that saving brings rewards, and that sometimes it is even more exciting to wait and collect your money up to buy something yourself rather than just getting your mum or dad to buy it for you. That’s a lesson that parents will appreciate when kids grow up into teenagers!

Even the nursery decor you choose can have important lessons to teach. Include some children’s coat hooks at a level low enough that kids can get used to hanging up their own clothes from an early age. This shows them how to take responsibility for keeping their things tidy. Of course, all nursery decor should be chosen with safety in mind first and foremost, but we have a range of fun and safe children’s coat hooks available through our online shop. Put them up a little higher on the wall than you might first think- within the range of a small child’s reach but not at eye level.

Making Reading Fun

2010-06-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

Learning to read and write is one of the biggest tasks faced by any young child, and as far as skills to get them through life go, nothing will do more. Enjoying books from a young age will help them get through school with flying colours, and if done right, can lead to a lifetime love of books and reading. Studies show that children who were read to by their parents from a very young age find it easier to excel academically, and also tend to read more books on their own as they get older.

There are lots of simple ways to make reading fun. The first is to choose story books you can really get into. Adults might think it’s a bit embarrassing to ‘do the voices’ when reading a story for your children, but they will absolutely love it no matter how silly you sound. You can also invest in a set of bright and cheerful children’s bookends. We’ve got a range on our website. All our children’s bookends are designed to make books and reading attractive to young eyes.

Another good strategy is to choose toys and nursery decor to match your story books. For example, you can choose Miffy nursery decor and match it with Miffy story books for a little girl, or include plenty of animals in for boys nursery decor, to be complemented by half a dozen different zoo and jungle-themed stories (and some children’s bookends featuring lively lions and giraffes!). Not only will that make a happy atmosphere in the nursery, it will get them interested in what’s in the books.

The Booboo Designs 'Down On The Farm' Range

2010-06-01T06:27:00.000-07:00

Farm animals like pigs, chickens, ducks, cows and sheep hold an undeniable fascination for small children. Maybe it’s the strangeness of all those great big animals, so different from the household pets they see around the neighbourhood every day. Maybe it’s all the funny noises they make or all the mud they get to play in all day, or perhaps it’s something else entirely, but the attraction is certainly there, so we developed a range of toys and nursery decor with a farmyard animal theme.

Kids will love our cute and funny shelf-sitting chickens, for example. They are just one of our ‘Down on the farm’ nursery decor choices. There are plenty more to select from, and all sorts of farm animals make an appearance. Cows are another popular nursery decor option (after all, they do make the best and biggest noise of all farm animals!) for both kids eyes and adult sensibilities.

The range also includes some beautiful snow globes. These are lovely presents for kids, who will be as fascinated by them today as the children of the past were with their snow globes. Rather than austere architectural or religious themes, our ‘Down on the farm’ snow globes have cheery, fun farm animals inside so we think they make even better toys. We have a wider variety of snow globes on offer too. You can find fairy tale, animal, Christmas and even more snow globes in their own section under the Children category. Some of them even have a musical component for added interest.

Storage The Playful Way

2010-05-31T06:19:00.000-07:00

One of the problems with nursery décor is striking the balance between creating a space that it safe and hygienic, whilst not creating such a sterile environment that it stifles a child’s instinct to play. Luckily there is a pretty simple way to corroborate theses two apparently opposing objectives – by making storage fun.

Not only will a few well chosen storage items really add to your nursery décor, but they will serve an important practical function as well. For example, a few brightly coloured storage boxes will help you to ensure that no toys are being left out, which children and parents alike can easily slip on.

Of course nursery storage doesn’t just end at brightly coloured boxes, and instead if you really want to make your nursery décor not only highly practical, but aesthetically pleasing too, then you might consider items like children's bookends. Not only will this help you to store your children's books in a convenient and effective manner, but will add a little bit of extra magic to whole reading experience.

Or, what about children's coat hooks? A highly simple way to elevate a nursery space, and to give it that recognisable nursery aesthetic that any parent is always striving for with their nursery décor.

At Booboo Designs we have everything you need, not only to make your nursery a truly fun environment but also one that meets the demanding practical requirements of little children. To put it simply, we know how to do storage the playful way!

Wooden Toys: Practical And Timeless

2010-05-24T06:15:00.000-07:00

Wooden toys have long been synonymous with everything that is good about childhood, and even though their inherent design and functionality has remain unchanged since their first inception long in the distant past, they are as popular as ever – and make the perfect gift for children and adults alike.

No nursery décor would be complete without a few wooden toys. Far from providing that recongnisable aesthetic; characteristic of nursery décor, wooden toys are still highly practical and perfectly suited to the play behaviours of young children. Oon the one hand they are brightly coloured, which on a simple level makes them appealing to a child’s imagination, and on the other hand they are uniquely durable, which means that they are practically immune to even the roughest kinds of childs-play.

It is perhaps because of their relatively simple construction that wooden toys are still highly effective in the play setting. This is for two reasons. Firstly they are simple enough to allow a child to project their own imagination on to the toy, which makes them truly versatile, and on the other hand they are less prone to breakages, which can be the Achilles Heel of many modern toys.

Because of their beautiful design and durable construction, wooden toys also make simple but memorable gifts. For example, a wooden children's music box as well as being a great play item, is also an item that could live well beyond nursery décor, and is well suited to being an heirloom; much loved by generations to come.

Mark That Special Moment

2010-05-17T06:11:00.000-07:00

A birth is one of the most important moments in any woman’s life, and therefore it is appropriate that the occasion is marked in a truly special way, just like any other big occasion. So, why not give a gift that will live long in the memory?

A great idea in this regar, is to choose a gift that both mother and child will be able to enjoy, which will not only shows a level of consideration on your part, but will also save a new mother from having to stock up on toys herself.

At Booboo Designs we have toys that will make ideal birth gifts, whether you are looking for an item that the baby can use straight away or your want something that a child will enjoy long into the future.

For example, we offer a wide range of nursery décor, from bookends to children's music boxes. These are not only beautiful little gifts in their own right but will really add to the the nursery décor and help create a space that both mother and baby can enjoy!

On the other hand you might choose a gift to act as an heirloom, which the child can even one day pass onto their children. With this in mind, an elegantly designed wooden toy or children's music box makes the ideal gift, as not only will they provide hours of enjoyment for a new baby, but they are durable enough to last long into the distant future.

How To Make A Nursery Shine

2010-05-10T06:07:00.000-07:00

All rooms have their specific purpose: a bedroom is for sleeping, a kitchen for cooking, a dining room for eating, etc. Whilst a nursery should be a comfortable space where a child can sleep peacefully, it should also be a stimulating space, which means only one thing – play.

So, how do you create nursery décor that is both comfortable and stimulating?. Well, quite simply, you should try and create a balance between stimulating features (such as toys) and calming features, such as a cot or bed. In this regard, mobiles represent the perfect nursery décor, as not only are they highly stimulating, but they can be incorporated into a bed space.

Of course, your nursery décor will depend on your specific child’s requirement. For example, newborn babies will have little use for sophisticated toys, and therefore they will be most stimulated by simple toys such as mobiles or children's music boxes. Of course as your child gets older the nursery will need to adapt to their changes in behaviour and personality.

For example, an older boy might thrive in highly stimulating nursery décor, in which case toys or musical instruments may be suitable. Alternatively, an older girl might want to create a fairy tale environment with dolls and dolls houses in which she can engage in imaginative play, which will help her with emotional and social development.

Music Boxes: For Boys And Girls

2010-05-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

A children's music box is one of the most timeless toys around, and since the 19th century they have been a staple item in nurseries and playrooms. A children's music box, therefore, is not only a tried and tested play item, but is also emblematic of more refined era, where toys were delicately made to deliver simple but profound pleasure.

But why is a children's music box still so popular? Well this is undoubtedly due to their simple but ingenious design, guaranteed to bedazzle parents and children alike. In fact the first time your child hears the apparent magic music of a children's music box, they will be amazed – and the memory of it will remain with them forever.

This is perhaps why a children's music box, like no other toy, can live way beyond childhood to become a cherished heirloom that your child can pass on to their loved ones one day – who in turn will be able to enjoy that timeless magic.

There is a misconception that a children's music box is a toy more suited for girls, but this really isn’t the case, and boys will equally be charmed by the magic of a music box and curious about how they work. At Booboo Designs we offer a wide range of music boxes to suit both boys and girls. A boy might opt for a pirate music box, whereas a girl might opt for a lovely tea party music box.

Snow Globes

2010-04-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

Snow globes, sometimes called snow domes or snowstorms, have graced mantelshelves and nurseries for decades. They first appeared in France some time in the early 1800s and the idea spread rapidly across Europe. In 1889 a special snow globe was produced for the Paris International Exposition. It contained a tiny Eiffel Tower and kicked off the trend for these items as souvenirs with miniaturised scenes inside taken from real life.

They arrived in the USA in the early 20th Century and were immediately popular. By that time the UK’s love affair with snow globes was well under way, as the Victorians produced and collected them widely. Common themes included religious scenes (especially around Christmas the classic nativity scene formed the backdrop for countless different snow globes), and the ever popular souvenir from a city, cathedral or other tourist attraction.

In the early years snow globes were made from heavy glass containing a more or less pure water solution and chips of white china or even bone for the snow flakes. These days the solution is a little thicker than plain old water and the snow flakes made of lighter white plastic. That means the new designs are much safer for children and the snow storms last longer because the snow falls more slowly.

Although some modern snow globes have added lights or music, the basic idea has remained more or less unchanged for 200 years. There are few toys that hold such an enduring fascination for small children and adults alike.

Painting Your Nursery

2010-04-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

There are a number of factors to consider when fitting out and decorating a nursery. We have a range of cots toys and nursery décor items on offer, but there is much more to creating the perfect room for a baby or toddler. The first thing you will have to do is paint the room that’s going to become the nursery.

Choose a colour theme. Even if you are decorating for a little girl, choose a gender neutral colour- more or less any except pink. You never know, baby number two might be a boy and you don’t want to have to repaint the room when he arrives in a few years. With one child already and another on the way, you’ll have plenty to do without worrying about basic nursery décor!

Pastel colours are best. They maximise the light and make spaces appear bigger than they would if painted with a darker shade. White can be tempting because it gives the best light, but it also shows stains and marks more so look more towards cream shades than bright whites.

Pale yellow and eggshell blue are the two most popular nursery shades, and a nice compromise between soft, calming colour and cheerfulness. If you want, add a border to the windows or some bookshelves in a bolder colour. You can always add extra colour interest with a bright mobile or another piece of nursery décor.

Select your paint carefully. As with all nursery décor, ease of cleaning is of utmost importance. Modern indoor paints will help you here. There are plenty that produce a durable, wipe-clean finish. It’s well worth paying a little extra for that.

Adding The Finishing Touches To Your Nursery Decor

2010-04-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

Once a new nursery is painted and equipped with a cot and some basic storage and shelving, you can start adding the finishing touches. It can go from any old room to a space just right for a new baby with the addition of a few classic pieces of nursery décor.

There are two tests that you should apply to anything that goes into a baby’s room. That goes for furniture, toys, and any kind of nursery décor. First, is it safe? The nursery is one of the few places your baby will be left alone, so nursery décor needs to be ultra safe.

Think about sharp corners, weight of any item that might be pulled off a table by curious little hands, and small parts that could be swallowed. If anything like that is a concern, it needs to be placed well out of reach. You’ll probably be surprised just how enterprising your first toddler can be when it comes to getting hold of interesting items, too.

Second, is it easy to clean? If an item of nursery décor is within reach of a two or three year old, it will probably end up carefully and artistically painted with yoghurt at some point in its life. If it can’t be put in the washing machine, it should wipe clean.

One of the best pieces of nursery décor is the cot mobile. They hang from the ceiling well out of reach of even the most acrobatic toddler, and they provide a soothing, moving visual display that will help get the little one off to sleep.

Children’s Music Boxes

2010-04-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

Kids love any toy that makes a noise. Children’s music boxes, xylophones, whistles, and toy guns that make big banging noises are all popular. If it beeps, squeaks, thumps or goes bonk, it’ll be an instant hit. Drums are one of the most classic children’s toys, and are as old as music itself. They are still beloved of little boys and girls the world over. More recently a host of electronic noise makers have arrived on the play time scene and have been welcomed with delight by toddlers and small children.

Unfortunately, the rest of the household probably won’t be that delighted by the loud, repetitive noises generated by happy toddlers with noisy toys. On a rainy weekend day with older children sitting down to do homework and mum and dad trying to get some work done or just relax a little after a tough week, noisy toys can be a source of significant friction in the family.

Choosing a children’s music box as a gift means you can give a musical toy that makes a fascinating noise, but without the electronic bleeps or loud repetitive noises that grate so badly on adult ears. Like a snow globe, the children’s music box is has been an essential nursery toy for decades, with very good reason. They are something that small children love, but because they play a soft tune, music boxes are much kinder to the rest of the household than many other musical or noise making toys. There should be one in every toy chest.

Nursery Essentials

2010-04-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

When decorating children’s rooms, we at Boo Boo Designs think there are a few essential items that form the backbone of effective nursery décor. Your baby’s room should be set up with what you want for them in mind. Everyone would like their kids to grow up to be healthy, happy, and well educated, so let’s start there.

We have a range of colourful height charts that are perfect nursery décor. They can be decorated with animals and cartoons for the kids to enjoy, but they also make a great tool for getting your little ones to eat their greens and clean their plates. Marking the height chart can be an exciting reward that will make kids keener to eat healthy food so they grow up strong and tall.

Books are important right from the start. Kids who enjoy being read to are much more likely to learn to read early and start the habits of a lifetime. They’ll do better at school if they enjoy reading, so add a story book shelf to the nursery. We recommend some fun children’s bookends to help make the contents look more special and precious. A pair of sturdy children’s bookends will also stop their books from falling off the shelf, so they are a safety feature too.

When they start getting a little older, add things to your kid’s room that will help them learn to be tidy and to pick up after themselves. A simple toybox can be made from a big cardboard box, and you and your child can paint it together so they feel it’s really theirs and are more likely to put things in it. A safe, low children’s coat hook with a novelty character will get them starting to look after their own clothes.

Happy New Year!

2010-02-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

As we say goodbye to 2009, everyone at Boo Boo Designs would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all of our wonderful customers, who supported us throughout the year.

Our Christmas decorations and gifts went down a storm and we heard some great feedback on our products. Our most popular Christmas product continues to be our Musical Snowdomes. We stocked an extensive range of Gisela Graham Christmas snowglobes with some great designs featuring Santa’s, Angels and Fairies of all shapes and sizes! We are hoping to increase our range of musical snowdomes and mini snowdomes for boys and girls and we will, of course, keep you all updated on any new arrivals.

January 2010 was the start of our review of Boo Boo Designs stock and sales. We do this to ensure that we continue to bring our customers the product ranges that most suits the markets trends. We have now started this years search for new and exciting gifts for babies and children, whilst continuing to stock age old favourites, such as wooden bookends and wind up music boxes.

This year we will be extending our range of wooden products and hope to bring you an ever expanding range of wooden bookends, hanging mobiles, coat racks and wind up music boxes. We also see the need to develop our selection of children’s money boxes, bringing the traditional and contemporary together to form an exciting range for all ages. Again, we will keep you posted on these developments.

Wee, that just leaves us enough time to say thank you again for your continued support and on behalf of everyone at Boo Boo Designs, here’s wishing you a happy and healthy 2010.

Bookends, Snowdomes, Money boxes and Music boxes

2009-09-11T03:23:00.000-07:00

We wanted to dedicate this months blog to all our customers who have told us they love our new product ranges. We are always so grateful for feedback from our customers and so far, it looks as though the bookends, snowdomes, money boxes and music boxes have been a great hit.

In true booboodesigns fashion, we have added more and more designs to our childrens’ music boxes, including a great ladybird music box, chicken music box and elephant music box. And it doesn’t stop there…

Our childrens’ decorative bookends are also growing in size. We have recently added wooden bookends for girls and boys, including garage bookends, butterfly bookends and football bookends. We are also excited about the imminent arrival of some great new pick up truck bookends.

We have continued to stock Gisela Graham snowdomes for many years now and they are still as popular as ever and the Tea Party Musical Snowdome, remains number one best seller. With Christmas just round the corner (sorry for the reminder!) we will be stocking a large range of new snowdome designs. Included in these Christmas snowglobes will be snowmen designs, winter wonderland and reindeers, to name but a few. Watch out for next months blog for full details of all our new snowglobes.

We just have time to give you some news on our money box ranges. We know that you all love our childrens money boxes so we are adding to that range too! We will shortly be having a bee money box to add to our already rather large range. This new design money box will join our range of lion, hippo, mouse, clown and elephant money boxes. Piggy banks are a fabulous way to encourage young savers and are ideal as inexpensive new baby gifts or christening gifts.

Well, to wrap up this months blog, we would like to say another big thank you to all our customers and we hope to see you again soon and don’t forget to look for next months blog when we will be introducing all of our Christmas ranges.

Bye for now…

Personalised Wedding Stationery Collection

2009-07-31T02:17:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, and welcome back to the booboodesigns blog!
So much has been happening over this month, that it's difficult to know where to start.

We have just launched our exclusive range of handmade wedding stationery, which we are really excited about. Not only do we have a huge range of designs, we also offer a fabulous personal service to make sure that your wedding stationery is everything you wanted it to be, including colour and design matching to the theme of your big day.

Why not take a look at our wedding gallery on our booboodesigns homepage and see the designs for yourself, and don't forget, our wedding stationery is totally unique to you.

For further information and a free consultation contact Jo on 01480 812284

Welcome to Booboo Designs

2009-07-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone and welcome to Boo Boo Designs blog!
Boo Boo Designs has fast become a leading online retailer for fabulous original gifts for babies, kids and the home, as well as a gorgeous range of unique handmade cards and personalised wedding stationery.

The story so far…
Boo Boo Designs was established in 2005 following a rather fruitless search for unique, quality gifts for kids. Over the years, we have expanded our ranges of gorgeous, non-mainstream products to include a fabulous array of traditional and contemporary gifts, clothes, decorations and cards. All of our products are chosen to represent the quality and design sensibilities expected by parents and individuals.

What we have to offer…
Lets start with babies! We know, that choosing a baby and/or christening gift is a special reflection on who you are. Our baby ranges include a wonderful selection of baby keepsakes, such as musical snowdomes, teddy bears and music boxes as well as more practical gifts such as baby comforters, baby shoes, cot toys & hanging mobiles, to name but a few. We source our baby products from some of the markets leading designers, such as Gisela Graham and Inch Blue, as well as offering our customers some old favourites, so look out for our Miffy Toys!

We wanted to ensure that our range of children’s gifts ticked all the boxes for quality and design as well as offering parents a huge range of unusual and fun gifts for kids. Our kids products include a wide and varied range of wooden and musical toys as well as some rather novel umbrellas! Our wooden toys and gifts include childrens money boxes, wooden cars & trucks and wooden bookends as well as some gorgeous snowglobes, music boxes and soft toys.

Our ethos…
Boo Boo Designs was nurtured from an idea to give customers an alternative to mainstream shopping; without our customers, this idea wouldn’t be possible. We ensure that our customer care and experience is of the highest quality and take pride in our efficiency to deliver this service and we would like to thank our worldwide customers for returning again and again to Boo Boo Designs.

Catch up on our next blog, when we will be talking about some exciting new arrivals…

Musical Snowglobes

2009-06-25T02:56:00.000-07:00

There are few things as magical to childrens eyes than musical snowglobes from Booboo Designs. We invite you to discover a selection of high quality, hand crafted musical snowglobes to entertain your child, making the perfect gift for birthdays, Christmas or just when your child deserves a little gift.

Produced by leading specialists including Gisela Graham, we aim to stock a a selection to suit your requirements here at Booboo Designs. In addition to the musical snowglobes on display, we list many other childrens items including wooden toys, themed wooden bookends, children's money boxes and more.

Visit our website using the links on the right hand side to view more gift ideas for your little treasures today.

Childrens music boxes

2009-06-25T02:41:00.000-07:00

Discover a colourful and vibrant world of beautiful childrens music boxes and other gifts here at Booboo designs.

Supplying a range of fantastic, brightly decorated childrens music boxes from bespoke manufacturers, with a choice of ornate or simplified designs, we are sure that you can find the ideal music box for your child.

Whilst offering quality items, we continue to keep our prices as reasonable and affordable as possible, catering for a variety of budgets.

Come along and view our website today to see the full range of childrens music boxes now on display.

Childrens bookends

2009-06-25T01:47:00.000-07:00

Booboo Designs offer a beautiful range of fine crafted childrens bookends in a selection of styles to suit both boys and girls. A perfect addition to any child's bedroom, these childrens bookends incorporate fun designs and bright, cheery colours, complementing any bookshelf.

Prices range from around £12.00 to £16.00 and so are easily affordable available to meet any budget, regardless of the childrens bookends you choose. From fairies to butterflies, footballs to aeroplanes, we are sure that here at Booboo Designs we stock the ideal childrens bookends for your childs bedroom.

In addition to the wonderful variety of childrens bookends displayed on our website, visit our online store today to view a huge selection of wooden toys, childrens money boxes, music boxes, snow globes and much, much more.