Finally mini couch covers that you and your child will love

I’m so impressed with this spill-proof mini couch cover by Aussies Alicia, Hayley and Hayley from Marmalade Lion. We had two of those fold-out foam couches in the ugliest fabric possible, and if you have one yourself, you’ll know that the little ones adore them. They have been so practical; and now they can be cute too.

Tutu du Monde Lila tutu for Bear Cottage children's charity

Oh the cuteness! I was thrilled to spot last night the new limited edition Lila tutu dress for ages 1-11 years, created by Tutu du Monde in collaboration with Australian model Elyse Taylor. $100 from the sale of every Lila tutu will go to the wonderful Bear Cottage charity, one of only two hospices in Australia providing support and end-of-life care for very sick children and their families.

Local gift basket for girls

If you are looking for a sweet pressie for a little one, Home Grown Gifts has a very cute gift basket for one-year-olds (but I think they would suit all ages to school!) featuring local products including a pineapple tshirt by The Smallest Tribe in Brisbane, Piggledee pencil case handmade in Sydney, Honeysticks beeswax crayons made in NZ, packed in a Zillpa cotton rope bowl handmade in Brisbane. Thoughtful, cute and supporting local designers too!

Image: Home Grown Gifts

Love: Tiges and Weince changeable pendants for girls

What a cute gift for girls! Kylie Loy from Tiges & Weince has collaborated with Aileen from LimeDaisy Design to create these sweet pendants for girls. Each necklaces comes with four magnet-backed glass button designs to swap out when the mood strikes. They are packed in a cute metal tin for safekeeping. You can find the pendants in the Tiges & Weince etsy store.

Images: Tiges & Weince

Roxy Longsocks sewing pattern from the red thread

Here's a lovely Christmas gift for a crafty friend or family member. Or for you to make this lovely gift for a special little person. Lisa Tilse from the red thread has just released a new sewing pattern + fabric face panel for these super-cute Roxy Longsocks dolls, named after her daughter.

How cute! The kit contains a sewing pattern and instructions and a face panel of your choice printed on linen/cotton blend fabric. Then simply choose from your own fabric stash and stuffing to create the doll. It's also a great way to use up scraps of fabric that you love. 

The Springtime version features a mini capelet and the Wintertime version includes a scarf and goodie pattern.You can also make your own felt or fabric face with the included pattern. The finished doll is lovely and big at around 66cm / 22.5 inches tall. 

You can find Roxy Longsocks pattern and panels in the red thread online store and in select fabric quilting shops in Australia and New Zealand early 2012.

Images: the red thread

Love Mae melamine children's dinnerware

We all know the heart-sinking sound of a bowl/plate/glass smashing on the floor so for many of us with little ones, melamine dinnerware is a must-have. Australian wall decal darlings Love Mae have just released a very sweet range of children's melamine that are a far throw from your bunny/cartoon character.

The girl's set is definitely for the little princess in your life and the boy's dinosaur set is hip and might just work with your own dinnerware. Get the kids onto the cool lexicon early with a "Nom" bird, kitty or T-Rex plate. The bowl and tumbler in each theme make a great pair and great Christening or new baby gift.

You can find Love Mae melamine dinnerware in the online store and stockists (check the website for details). Read more about Love Mae here on Bondville.

Images: Love Mae

Alimrose Designs kids soft toys and products for home

Alimrose Designs has become an Australian Classic for kids. No baby shower is complete without an Alimrose squeaker or stripey toy monkey. They are as ubiquitous as a Sophie giraffe or Bonds singlet (tell me you don't have one).

Hip Products: Daisy Doe crochet animals

I have so much respect for the crafty souls who can make gorgeous throws, cushions and woolen goodies using not much more than yarn and a crochet hook. Amp the hard-factor up a level and you get clever clogs like Sydney crochet hook-master Erin Matthews.

Check out these gorgeous soft toys by Erin under her Daisy Doe label. Inspired by the Japanese 'amigurumi' style, she crochets these super-cute softies by hand. Erin has a big love of animals and her softie collection includes a range of kill-me-cute bunnies, bears, reindeer and more.