Shopping Local For Littles

Make like a Tasmanian, and support local next time you’re shopping for the small people in your life.

▼

If there’s one thing to know about Tasmanians, it’s that we are proud to call this little island at the bottom of the world home. Be it a brand, cause or personality, if it’s ‘one of ours’ you can bet the locals will buy, eat, wear and shout their support from the mountaintops.

And rightfully so. Tasmania is home to some championship-worthy sporting teams, passionate farmers growing high-quality crops, and world-class producers across many industries.

What may not be as well recognised, though, is the talented pool of Tasmanian designers creating unique, beautifully handcrafted, eco-friendly products for busy, growing and mess-loving little humans.

So from clothing to toys and skincare, here’s our top picks for local children’s brands you should get behind and relay to your Mum and Dad friends!

Rainkoat (image: Instagram)

RAINKOAT

You might have unknowingly passed their stall at Salamanca Market on a Saturday, but Rainkoat have made quite the name for themselves with stockists nationwide, and a 52K-strong Instagram following. Their range of high-quality, durable and stylish outdoor clothing - such as raincoats, snowsuits and overalls - is designed with active kids and the environment in mind. All of the important boxes are ticked, too, even for the most particular and cautious parent: practical and easy to wear, free from harmful chemicals and safe for sensitive skin, and made in bright colours that will stand out (making your little Roadrunner easier to spot in a crowd).

LITTLE LISSA LOO

Another go-to for high-quality, comfortable children’s fashion, Little Lissa Loo has been stocking little wardrobes for over a decade. Every piece is handmade and unique, without the boutique price tag and guilty conscience that may come with buying from a mass production line. This is a brand for the growing child with everything from dresses, pants, overalls, hats, bibs and raincoats in sizes 000 up to 10.

Serenitoys (image: Instagram)

SERENITOYS

The objective is in the name - to “bring serenity through toys”.  Specialising in open-ended wooden toys to encourage creative play, Serenitoys are crafted from sustainably-sourced raw materials, by a Tasmanian family with a passion for woodwork that has been passed down through generations. Help your child learn colours and numbers with puzzles, building blocks, animals, vehicles and educational toys that invite curiosity. Each piece is meticulously drawn, cut, sanded and painted by hand, and all products are 100% child-safe and strictly adhere to Australian Standards.

TASMANIAN SOFTIES

If you’re searching for the perfect gift to welcome a new addition into the family, look no further than these special creations from Tasmanian Softies. Individually sewn and stuffed, each wool felt or corduroy toy is cute, cuddly and truly one-of-a-kind. Choose from their selection of iconic native animals such as the Tasmanian Devil, Tasmanian Tiger, platypus, wombat, koala, turbo chook, or our personal favourite - local celebrity Neil the Seal and his traffic cone.

Tasmanian Softies (image supplied)

BEAUTY AND THE BEES

Quintessentially Tasmanian, this hair and skincare brand describes our island state as their home and source of inspiration, with all of their ingredients found in Tasmania’s mountains, seas, farms and apiaries. Since 1993, and now with an established store in Salamanca Place, Beauty and the Bees has been making readily-available alternatives to the often harsh, irritating products sold in mainstream market. Their baby care range - including soaps, creams, massage oil and “Botty Butter” - are safe, natural and effective, and a godsend for little ones who suffer from dry, sensitive skin and conditions such as eczema.

LITTLE LOCALS TASMANIA

A limited baby product range done very well, Little Locals Tasmania was created by its highly-rated and better-known parent company Milie Organics. Based in Battery Point, with a weekly stall at Salamanca Market, their baby lotion, baby wash and nappy balm are 100% safe and natural with no nasties, and formulated from Tasmanian ingredients with the most delicate skin in mind.

Little Locals Tasmania (image: Instagram)

▼