We have just moved to a blog integrated on our main website. Please visit http://blog.kiddiebase.co.uk where we'll be blogging about pregnancy, babies, children, general family matters, interviews with our stores, competitions and much more!
The KiddieBase Team
Welcome
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
KiddieBase Press Release: Easter Collection & “Art for Children” Competition
KiddieBase have a fantastic range of Easter Products from their many UK independent stores including toys, jewellery, art, fab shelf blocks and much, much more.
In conjunction with one of their talented stores, The Little Picture Company, they are also running a competition for Easter with the theme “Enchanting World of Art for Children”.
The Little Picture Company have donated a fabulous Easter-themed prize that can be won, by answering the following question about one of their pieces of Art:
“A is for Alice whose adventures were many - what is the name of the colourful and educational limited edition from artist Danuta Mayer that also features a ship sailing under starry skies and a mouse sitting under a moon”?
Correct answers need to be submitted via the Contact link on the website before 25th April, 2011.
KiddieBase have an amazing selection of Art for Children from a range covering personalised art, limited edition prints, handmade art, posters, canvas art and much, much more as well as fantastic art frames and display cases to house your own children’s works of Art!
Visit KiddieBase and our Art section for more inspiration.
KiddieBase is an exclusive collection of innovative stores selling baby, children's and maternity products. There are 12 departments for shoppers to browse:
In conjunction with one of their talented stores, The Little Picture Company, they are also running a competition for Easter with the theme “Enchanting World of Art for Children”.
The Little Picture Company have donated a fabulous Easter-themed prize that can be won, by answering the following question about one of their pieces of Art:
“A is for Alice whose adventures were many - what is the name of the colourful and educational limited edition from artist Danuta Mayer that also features a ship sailing under starry skies and a mouse sitting under a moon”?
Correct answers need to be submitted via the Contact link on the website before 25th April, 2011.
KiddieBase have an amazing selection of Art for Children from a range covering personalised art, limited edition prints, handmade art, posters, canvas art and much, much more as well as fantastic art frames and display cases to house your own children’s works of Art!
Visit KiddieBase and our Art section for more inspiration.
KiddieBase is an exclusive collection of innovative stores selling baby, children's and maternity products. There are 12 departments for shoppers to browse:
- Art
- Baby Clothes & Shoes (under 2)
- Bathing, Changing, Teething
- Childrens Clothes (age 2+)
- Feeding (including bibs)
- Gifts & Celebrations
- Maternity & Nursing
- Nursery, Bedroom & Playroom
- Toys, Crafts, Games, Puzzles
- Travel & Safety
- Personalised Gifts
www.kiddiebase.co.uk launched in September 2010 and now has nearly 150 stores who sell more than 3500 products on the website. KiddieBase is run by 2 mothers who between them have 6 children under the age of 6 including ‘Baby KiddieBase’ who was born the day after the website went live!
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Store Spotlight: Poppy Sparkles Peace Collection - Spiritual Charm Jewellery
Continuing with the theme of celebration, Viv from Poppy Sparkles has launched a new collection of Christian themed charm jewellery. Featuring Christian signs and symbols, including angels, doves and crosses. The new collection is ideal for christening or confirmation gifts, as well as those who wish to celebrate their faith and bear witness with jewellery.
The Peace Collection has a range of complimentary necklace, earring and bracelet designs and uses a palette of colours synonymous with purity. With ivory Freshwater pearls, Swarovski White opal and Crystal Clear crystals, the Peace Collection designs are perfect to wear for a First Communion or Confirmation, as well as being neutral for everyday wear. Many of the designs allow you to customise them by choosing from three charm options. If you’d like further customisation with alternative colours, drop Viv a line as she is more than happy to accommodate bespoke requests when she can.
Speaking about the new Peace Collection, Viv says, “As a mum myself, I know how lovely it is to receive quality keepsake gifts for your child’s christening. I wanted to create pieces that were wearable and had long-lasting appeal, jewellery that will be treasured for many years”.
To ensure that the necklaces are indeed a keepsake, Viv has employed the Poppy Sparkles Charm system, allowing each charm to be easily removed. The charm system is ideal for younger wearers when they need to upgrade to a longer necklace, but it also allows for the charms to be mixed and matched, providing numerous design opportunities.
The Peace Collection is available from £18 and makes an ideal Christening, First Communion or Confirmation gift. To see more of Viv's designs please visit her store on KiddieBase
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Store Spotlight: CLIC Sargent and Yummy Mummy Week 26th March - 3rd April 2011
This week we have a very special Spotlight which KiddieBase are proud to support Yummy Mummy and their annual charity event raising money for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent.
Did you know?
As the children’s cancer charity, CLIC Sargent is there with clinical, practical and emotional support, every step of the way.
- Every day 10 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer in the UK - approximately 4000 children each year
- 50% of children diagnosed with cancer are under 5 years old
- 2 years is the average treatment time for childhood cancer
- Over 70% of children and young people with cancer will survive
- CLIC Sargent supports survivors after remission who face life-long side effects of treatment, currently helping 112,000 children and young people, family members and friends a year
Yummy Mummy Week is CLIC Sargent’s national event for mums, it’s a great opportunity to get together with friends, have fun and celebrate all the great things about being a mum.
Mums take part by holding their own events to raise money in all kinds of ways from coffee mornings to dinner parties and cake sales to pamper parties. It’s all about having a brilliant time and raising money to help families where a child has cancer.
How can I take part?
There are so ways you can get involved, be it at work, home or out and about, and all the money raised will help CLIC Sargent continue to provide clinical, practical and emotional support for children and young people with cancer, and their families.
We know that mums are always really busy and it can be hard trying to fit everything in, so why not involve your children, family and friends in your fundraising and enjoy the best of both worlds – quality time together while supporting a worthy cause.
If you would like to get involved in Yummy Mummy Week or find out more about it, please visit http://www.yummymummy.org.uk/, where you can download or order your free fundraising pack, or call/email Laura on 0117 314 8615 or yummymummy@clicsargent.org.uk for more information.
Monday, 21 March 2011
Store Spotlight: Yummy Mummy National Events Co-ordinator Laura Densem
Yummy Mummy National Events Co-ordinator Laura Densem tells us about her roll in the amazing children's cancer charity, CLIC Sargent.
Link to Yummy Mummy Store
Tell us about your work
I work for the children and young people’s cancer charity, CLIC Sargent, coordinating Yummy Mummy Week - a fundraising campaign where mums organise their own events, which can be anything from pamper evenings to a sponsored welly walk. I help to market and promote the event, mostly through promotional partners and companies who sell products and services to mums. I look after our range of gifts, which we sell on the website and at Baby Shows, and I also help with writing our enewsletters and updating our website.
Why did you decide this is the job for you?
I had a real ‘eureka’ moment when I saw the role advertised. After a year’s maternity leave with my daughter Bella, who is now two and half I was ready to start work again. This role was ideal for me because it is part time so I knew I’d still have days to spend time with my daughter. I’d always worked in the charity sector and thought CLIC Sargent was a fantastic charity, and after having a child myself, it means all the more knowing that, in a small way, I’m helping other mums and families who have a child with cancer. I’ve also always loved working on events and have a degree in marketing, so it seemed like the perfect role for me and I was delighted to be offered the position. After a year and a half here, I still love it!
What’s the best bit?
I’d have to say the variety. One minute I’m working on our social media strategy and the next I’m researching new products to add to our gift range. I also get to talk to a lot of inspirational people; from parents of children with cancer, who want to give something back and support CLIC Sargent, to mum-preneurs who have set up their own business and want to help promote our event to their customers. As well as some of the thousand of mums who, just like myself, are juggling work and a family yet still find time to organise an event for Yummy Mummy Week.
What’s been your lowest time in the job?
A childhood cancer diagnosis can have a huge impact on the whole family. And hearing stories of how a diagnosis can turn normal family life upside down is often really tough. But survival rates are over 70% and CLIC Sargent is there from the point of diagnosis helping the whole family cope with the impact of cancer. Parents, siblings and grand parents supported by the charity often decide to fundraise for CLIC Sargent and find it something really positive to focus on. So being there to help and encourage them with their fundraising efforts definitely keeps me motivated.
Is it difficult as you have children of your own?
Before starting at CLIC Sargent, I worked for my local children’s hospital charity so I knew lots of parents with sick children, who I really felt for. But now I’ve had a child of my own, I realised that I didn’t even begin to comprehend what those parents must have been going through. When I think about how worried I get if my daughter even gets a rash, it really hits home. But again, knowing that I’m helping raise funds so that CLIC Sargent can offer families clinical, financial and emotional support, makes me feel like i’m doing something positive.
Is it hard not to take your work home with you?
My passion for fundraising to help families affected by childhood cancer definitely extends beyond my office hours! At the moment CLIC Sargent can only help two out of three children and young people with cancer so I know that every penny we raise through the Yummy Mummy campaign is vital. I’m usually checking my emails on my days off, especially in the run up to Yummy Mummy Week when we’ve got lots of exciting things happening. And my friends often laugh at me as I always have my Yummy Mummy Week hat on, so if we meet anyone that could possibly take part or help promote it, I’ll be sure to canvass them!
If any other mums out there would like to get involved with Yummy Mummy Week, by either purchasing products or organising their own fundraising event you can register at http://www.yummymummy.org.uk/ or email me at yummymummy@clicsargent.org.uk
Link to Yummy Mummy Store
I work for the children and young people’s cancer charity, CLIC Sargent, coordinating Yummy Mummy Week - a fundraising campaign where mums organise their own events, which can be anything from pamper evenings to a sponsored welly walk. I help to market and promote the event, mostly through promotional partners and companies who sell products and services to mums. I look after our range of gifts, which we sell on the website and at Baby Shows, and I also help with writing our enewsletters and updating our website.
I had a real ‘eureka’ moment when I saw the role advertised. After a year’s maternity leave with my daughter Bella, who is now two and half I was ready to start work again. This role was ideal for me because it is part time so I knew I’d still have days to spend time with my daughter. I’d always worked in the charity sector and thought CLIC Sargent was a fantastic charity, and after having a child myself, it means all the more knowing that, in a small way, I’m helping other mums and families who have a child with cancer. I’ve also always loved working on events and have a degree in marketing, so it seemed like the perfect role for me and I was delighted to be offered the position. After a year and a half here, I still love it!
I’d have to say the variety. One minute I’m working on our social media strategy and the next I’m researching new products to add to our gift range. I also get to talk to a lot of inspirational people; from parents of children with cancer, who want to give something back and support CLIC Sargent, to mum-preneurs who have set up their own business and want to help promote our event to their customers. As well as some of the thousand of mums who, just like myself, are juggling work and a family yet still find time to organise an event for Yummy Mummy Week.
A childhood cancer diagnosis can have a huge impact on the whole family. And hearing stories of how a diagnosis can turn normal family life upside down is often really tough. But survival rates are over 70% and CLIC Sargent is there from the point of diagnosis helping the whole family cope with the impact of cancer. Parents, siblings and grand parents supported by the charity often decide to fundraise for CLIC Sargent and find it something really positive to focus on. So being there to help and encourage them with their fundraising efforts definitely keeps me motivated.
Before starting at CLIC Sargent, I worked for my local children’s hospital charity so I knew lots of parents with sick children, who I really felt for. But now I’ve had a child of my own, I realised that I didn’t even begin to comprehend what those parents must have been going through. When I think about how worried I get if my daughter even gets a rash, it really hits home. But again, knowing that I’m helping raise funds so that CLIC Sargent can offer families clinical, financial and emotional support, makes me feel like i’m doing something positive.
My passion for fundraising to help families affected by childhood cancer definitely extends beyond my office hours! At the moment CLIC Sargent can only help two out of three children and young people with cancer so I know that every penny we raise through the Yummy Mummy campaign is vital. I’m usually checking my emails on my days off, especially in the run up to Yummy Mummy Week when we’ve got lots of exciting things happening. And my friends often laugh at me as I always have my Yummy Mummy Week hat on, so if we meet anyone that could possibly take part or help promote it, I’ll be sure to canvass them!
If any other mums out there would like to get involved with Yummy Mummy Week, by either purchasing products or organising their own fundraising event you can register at http://www.yummymummy.org.uk/ or email me at yummymummy@clicsargent.org.uk
Friday, 18 March 2011
Store Spotlight: Kids Learn Languages
Link to Kids Learn Languages
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am Punam, mother of 2 children and have a degree in Business and Marketing. Having found no simple method of teaching my 2 young children the language of their Indian heritage I decided to fill in a clear gap in the market.
Tell us about the products you make / sell?
Kids Learn Languages produce CD’s, DVD’s and Gift Sets that provide interactive learning for children, teaching them basic vocabulary and sounds during the crucial developmental years. We use modern methods from animated jungle characters to music. Products are all bilingual and languages on offer are: French, Spanish, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Gujarati – all combined with English.
All products are designed and created in the UK hence colour sensibility and illustrations are very modern.
How did you get the idea for your business?
As a mother of 2 children and someone who had learnt the language of my parents mother tongue at a later stage in my life, I though it would be beneficial to teach my children at a young age as evidence shows it is easier to master a language when you begin at a pre-school age. When I searched for products I failed to find something suitable and other parents I spoke to had the same problem. This inspired the business idea.
How long have you been running your business?
The business launched late 2009. A few years of research; development; testing and hard work was put into creating these products – and the results speak for themselves. The original animated jungle characters are a huge hit with children and parents are finding these fully integrated and interactive learning tools highly effective when introducing children to new languages. Word-of-mouth recommendation, thumbs up from kids and parents from around the globe have ensured our success.
How did you come up with your business name?
The business initially launched with the most popular Asian languages so the most suitable name was “My Desi Guru” which meant “My Asian Teacher”. Market success and demand led to the development and launch of European language range. Again, I wanted a name that would make the business self explanatory – “Kids Learn Languages” was most suitable.
What resources have you found most useful in building your business?
I am lucky that I have a great support system which helps to keep things running smoothly and technology is most useful as it allows me to do business on an international level without having to leave home.
What's your best advice for someone starting up?
Make sure there is a demand for what you plan to offer and only pursue it if you are passionate about it. That way it won’t seem like a chore. Also if you have a great idea and research suggests it will work then go for it!
Can you share any lessons that you have learned the hard way?
Launching a new company, creating a new brand and a range of unique products whilst juggling a job and a family was a real emotional rollercoaster but it has all fallen into place now. However, as a small team, there is always enormous pressure and work to be done managing all new product development, production and animation in the UK. It has been extremely labour intensive, however the positive feedback keeps me going and helps me to develop and grow. Saying that, I’ve burnt a fair few dinners trying to cram in a couple more emails before shutting down the computer! Having a balance in your business and personal life is very important and making sure you detach yourself from your work can be hard at times but it is essential to take time out and spend it with your nearest and dearest.
What do you like to do besides business?
Spending time with my boisterous kids who have been so supportive in everything I do and mean the world to me! Not to forget shopping and a good girly night out as well!!
What is your favourite way to unwind?
Reading, watching a good movie, socialising with friends, enjoying good food and wine.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am Punam, mother of 2 children and have a degree in Business and Marketing. Having found no simple method of teaching my 2 young children the language of their Indian heritage I decided to fill in a clear gap in the market.
Tell us about the products you make / sell?
Kids Learn Languages produce CD’s, DVD’s and Gift Sets that provide interactive learning for children, teaching them basic vocabulary and sounds during the crucial developmental years. We use modern methods from animated jungle characters to music. Products are all bilingual and languages on offer are: French, Spanish, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Gujarati – all combined with English.
All products are designed and created in the UK hence colour sensibility and illustrations are very modern.
As a mother of 2 children and someone who had learnt the language of my parents mother tongue at a later stage in my life, I though it would be beneficial to teach my children at a young age as evidence shows it is easier to master a language when you begin at a pre-school age. When I searched for products I failed to find something suitable and other parents I spoke to had the same problem. This inspired the business idea.
The business launched late 2009. A few years of research; development; testing and hard work was put into creating these products – and the results speak for themselves. The original animated jungle characters are a huge hit with children and parents are finding these fully integrated and interactive learning tools highly effective when introducing children to new languages. Word-of-mouth recommendation, thumbs up from kids and parents from around the globe have ensured our success.
How did you come up with your business name?
The business initially launched with the most popular Asian languages so the most suitable name was “My Desi Guru” which meant “My Asian Teacher”. Market success and demand led to the development and launch of European language range. Again, I wanted a name that would make the business self explanatory – “Kids Learn Languages” was most suitable.
What resources have you found most useful in building your business?
I am lucky that I have a great support system which helps to keep things running smoothly and technology is most useful as it allows me to do business on an international level without having to leave home.
Make sure there is a demand for what you plan to offer and only pursue it if you are passionate about it. That way it won’t seem like a chore. Also if you have a great idea and research suggests it will work then go for it!
Can you share any lessons that you have learned the hard way?
Launching a new company, creating a new brand and a range of unique products whilst juggling a job and a family was a real emotional rollercoaster but it has all fallen into place now. However, as a small team, there is always enormous pressure and work to be done managing all new product development, production and animation in the UK. It has been extremely labour intensive, however the positive feedback keeps me going and helps me to develop and grow. Saying that, I’ve burnt a fair few dinners trying to cram in a couple more emails before shutting down the computer! Having a balance in your business and personal life is very important and making sure you detach yourself from your work can be hard at times but it is essential to take time out and spend it with your nearest and dearest.
Spending time with my boisterous kids who have been so supportive in everything I do and mean the world to me! Not to forget shopping and a good girly night out as well!!
What is your favourite way to unwind?
Reading, watching a good movie, socialising with friends, enjoying good food and wine.
Monday, 7 March 2011
Store Spotlight: Kangarinos
Link to Kangarinos store
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Rachael, I run Kangarinos! I’m married to Andy and we have Celia, who’s two and a half and my chief sling tester!
Tell us about the products you make / sell?
I sell baby slings and carriers, but I’ve started branching out into related products such as clip on wooden toys and babywearing slogan t shirts!
I only stock slings and carriers that I’d use myself and since we’ve barely ever used a pram there’s high standards to meet! Different people prefer different types of carriers so I try to stock a range so there's something to suit every parent and every child from newborn to pre-schooler!
How did you get the idea for your business?
I’ve been wearing Celia (using a sling) since she was tiny, it got us through some tough bonding and colic issues! I loved using the sling so much and it made such a difference to us that I set up Kangarinos to, well, share the happiness!
How long have you been running your business?
Kangarinos is just about to turn one! My little baby is growing up!
How did you come up with your business name?
After a very large amount of thinking and frustration!
What resources have you found most useful in building your business?
Twitter and facebook have been very useful for me, and connecting with other businesses.
What's your best advice for someone starting up?
Get to know, and be known by, the people who will use your product!
Can you share any lessons that you have learned the hard way?
You can never have enough room for stock so drop shipping is good (where someone else holds your stock and sends it to the customer for you!). My living room is crammed full of slings, it’s like a dream come true, but also a bit of a nightmare as I’m not allowed to play with them!
What do you like to do besides business?
Apart from spending a lot of time talking nonsense with a toddler I like to read 'chick lit' books and occasionally manage to go out swimming!
What is your favourite way to unwind?
A nice lavender bath with a good book, bliss!
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Rachael, I run Kangarinos! I’m married to Andy and we have Celia, who’s two and a half and my chief sling tester!
Tell us about the products you make / sell?
I sell baby slings and carriers, but I’ve started branching out into related products such as clip on wooden toys and babywearing slogan t shirts!
I only stock slings and carriers that I’d use myself and since we’ve barely ever used a pram there’s high standards to meet! Different people prefer different types of carriers so I try to stock a range so there's something to suit every parent and every child from newborn to pre-schooler!
How did you get the idea for your business?
I’ve been wearing Celia (using a sling) since she was tiny, it got us through some tough bonding and colic issues! I loved using the sling so much and it made such a difference to us that I set up Kangarinos to, well, share the happiness!
How long have you been running your business?
Kangarinos is just about to turn one! My little baby is growing up!
How did you come up with your business name?
After a very large amount of thinking and frustration!
What resources have you found most useful in building your business?
Twitter and facebook have been very useful for me, and connecting with other businesses.
Get to know, and be known by, the people who will use your product!
Can you share any lessons that you have learned the hard way?
You can never have enough room for stock so drop shipping is good (where someone else holds your stock and sends it to the customer for you!). My living room is crammed full of slings, it’s like a dream come true, but also a bit of a nightmare as I’m not allowed to play with them!
Apart from spending a lot of time talking nonsense with a toddler I like to read 'chick lit' books and occasionally manage to go out swimming!
What is your favourite way to unwind?
A nice lavender bath with a good book, bliss!
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