I’m loving these crazy looking little critters from Bholu. A little more about Bholu;

Bholu products are brought to life by traditional artisans from rural and urban communities in India. Each piece is individually hand embroidered or handwoven using ancient techniques, giving each product its own unique and original personality.

I take it those ancient techniques involve a needle and thread? Apparently all that artisian labor doesn’t come cheap as is evident by the $48 price tag. Still they are cute…

Bholu stuffed critters available from Design Public for $48.

With summer just around the corner, it can only mean one thing. New items from Ikea! Summer will be bringing some new seasonal items, as well as some updates to current lines. A lot of these things are already in stores, I know my wife picked up a set of the snazzy red barbecue tools already.

Some of my other favorites include the funky bold African inspired VILMIE collection of pillows, curtains, and throws. ($7 – $30)

A nice update to an old line is the new colors for the KARLSTAD sofa. I swear I don’t ever remember this little guy looking so good. I’m still on the fence about the leather version with the headrests though. ($499 – $899)

There are some great new colorful kids duvet sets as well. These things are just screaming summer. ($20)

So what is your favorite new item?

For the little budding explorer or animal lover in your life, these lights are sure to please! Sized just right for a nightstand or tabletop and made of unbreakable polypropylene, these lamps do not heat up and are safe for use around children. Designed by Ramin Razani for Officine CREA. Though there are 9 different styles, I was only able to find the Giraffe and Elephant readily available for U.S. customers.

See the whole Zzzoolight collection here.

Giraffe and Elephant available from PID.se: $94

I know a lot of people having babies these days and typically I dole out Blabla dolls like some sort of fairy godmother whenever a new kiddo arrives. But these handmade animals from Sopa de Principe have me reconsidering my usual go-to gift. Each little animal is made in Buenos Aries and baby friendly (the eyes are soft, cloth “buttons”). They’re a little pricey, sure, but they’re unique and actually quite large. (Sizes range from 9×7″ all the way up to 43×40″ – the Perro Grande.) I’m sure though, with a little know how, you’d be able to make something similar – and one of a kind. These quirky dolls are available from LAMA (Latin America in the Modern Age).

Cute dolls all the way from Argentina available through LAMA Designs: $30 – $80

In the comments for the Kidz Box placemats last week, GRM reader Geoff mentioned his friend make a coloring book. I checked out “The Peculiar Coloring Book” and I have to admit it’s pretty cool. For a mere $8 you get 24 pages of coloring book fun, enough to entertain kids and adults alike for hours.

The Peculiar coloring book direct from the artist for $8.

All I can say is WOW! Have you seen the new wagon and push toys from Kaiku? Made of bent plywood, natural rubber and steel the Kaiku line is simple and beautiful. The zen wagon makes me want to lock my stroller in the closet and start dragging my kids around in style. If the construction on these are as good as the design, these are almost a no brainer. Cost is reasonable considering there is really nothing else comparable.

Kaiku available from Design Public from $149 – $319

A fun twist on the ol’ piggy bank, the Emergency Money Box made me a chuckle. If you want to get to your money, be prepared to break the glass! Designed by Suck UK.

Emergency Money Box by Suck UK, available from Sirtified: $16

We’ve blogged before about Modern Twist and their wonderful products and they keep coming up with great new ones. The Kidz Box is the new kid on the block. It is a placemat made of food grade hand silk screened silicone featuring art from independent artists. The Kidz Box also comes with 6 non toxic dry erase markers so that your little artists can color and doodle on the mat. The mat easily erases with a damp cloth. I can’t wait to see what other prints they come up with.

Kidz Box available from Modern Twist for $26

I received this reader question from Michelle last week, and figured the best way to get some quality advice was to let the rest of our readers answer the question. So here it is;

I have the kids Junior Panton chairs and would love some feedback on what table the ‘design inclined’ out there would team the chairs with. Seeking a working table. Somthing sizable enough to sit and draw at, yet looks fabulous with the Panton.

Many thanks
Michelle

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These little vinyl critters from SWIGG are super cute! The material allows for easy cleaning, while the silk screened graphic allows for endless smiles. Stuffed with poly-fill and poly-pellets for some heft. Available in various colorways in Giraffe, Rhino, or Beaver.

Critters from SWIGG: $28 for 2