Hasta La Ideas

Six design items for kids of all ages from DesignMarch 2011

With the sheer amount of Scandinavian creativity, it’s clear kids in the region get an early start thanks to high-design playthings. We recently had a chance to check out some of the latest games, toys and more at the country’s annual design showcase, DesignMarch where there was no shortage of aesthetically-appealing products. As entertaining to adults as they are to wee ones, check out a few of our favorites below, as well as our round-up of designs made from locally-sourced, natural materials.

Puzzled by Iceland brings beautiful scenic photography to the mind-building childhood tradition of puzzles. Accompanying each entertaining puzzle, mythical and historical facts relating to each depicted scene teach kids about Iceland. Designed for varying ages and skill levels, the puzzles come in 48- or 500-piece editions starting at $28.

Creatively designed for comfort and fun, Sunbird clothing combines playful fringes and bright colors with extremely soft and easily-maintained cotton to keep everyone happy—from the children wearing it to parents and passersby. Pieces start around €33 and are available from the Sunbird shop online.

Stáss Ornaments‘ bunny- and swan-shaped Fairytale Clocks add a charming splash of color to any kid’s bedroom. The colorful epoxy-coated aluminum clocks are a nice display of functional allure. Check
Stáss retailers for availability.

Signý Kolbeinsdóttir and Helga Árnadóttir—the duo behind the imaginative Tulipop notebooks, notecards and prints—add whimsy to paper goods with illustrations of otherworldly characters. Wall stickers and seasonal gift tags round out their collection of environmentally-friendly designs, typically made with organic materials. Products sell from their
online store for around €12 each.

Designer Anna Þóunn’ cuddly Fjöll pillows are inspired by the natural bond between Iceland’s pure mountains and the sheep that roam them each spring. Made of real sheepskin, one side features a fuzzy place to lay your head and the other a graphic depicting the mountainous scene. Each is filled with the highest quality down, and following the shape of the sheepskin’s original form, unique in shape and size.

Check out Iceland design shop Epal for many of these products and more from Iceland’s top designers.