My aunt was telling me recently that one of her fondest childhood memories was receiving a cardboard dressing table from my grandad. Her sister was given a kitchen dresser or something, also made from cardboard and they were apparently beautiful and very well made. My aunt was lamenting the fact that we waste so much money on plastic toys but that the cardboard toys of her youth were so much better and could nowadays be recycled. There has been a resurgence of sorts in paper or cardboard castles and the like and Emilia has been happily colouring in a castle my brother gave her for Christmas. But what my aunt was describing was so much more solid than that and of much better quality so I've been having a snoop online to see what I can find. And here are my favourites! The doll's house is by Paperpod and is priced at £29.95. It reminds me of a lovely cardboard doll's house my mum made me for my Sillvanian Families. We decorated it with chest of drawers made from matchboxes and curtains made from blue and red j-cloths. I'd love this doll's house for myself actually. Paperpod also do cars, igloos and pyramids as well as the more traditional playhouses and castles. It is oft repeated that children prefer the box that their toys came in to their actual toys and when you think about what a box can become, then sure, who can blame them. I adore Makedo and this cardboard shop is mega cool. Makedo sell two types of kit - one that provides the tools (a safe sew, clips, hinges etc.) so you can build whatever your imagination desires or more guided kits like the above shop, that provides the idea, the tools and stickers. I found the shop on Amazon for £17.90. I also adore this the bus kit below! Sadly the cash register by Carton Chic is at the end of the line, but I would love to get my hands on one for Emilia's shop. It was retailing at €13.50 it is now on sale for €6.50. Carton Chic is the brainchild of Armelle Vetillard who wanted to create toys that merged environmentally friendly materials with cutting edge design. And they are very versatile. Look at this cardboard stand below: On one side it is a TV/Puppet Theatre and on the other a kitchen! The TV side reminds me of the book The Night After Christmas - A must read for all children! Finally I've referenced the Studio Roof cooker before but their rocket is just fab. At €49 it is a little more expensive then the other toys but well worth it I'd say. Studio Roof was started by a very funky Dutch couple. I have to keep closing down their website because I want EVERYTHING! Like this Totem Tree €29.95 I have lots to inspire me though, with respect to Emilia's cardboard shop!
