Our Values
As a consciously curated retailer, putting people and planet first is behind every decision we make. We have built ethical and environmental decision making into our business model from its inception. If you have any questions or suggestions please get in touch, we'd love to hear from you.
Small changes to make a big difference
Below we have listed some of the key strategies to not only minimise our impact on the planet, but how we help to make our community a cleaner, kinder place. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and we are always looking for ways to improve.
Our Environmental Impact
We are proud to say we have been awarded 'Go Straight to Gold' status as a Plastic Free Business, an initiative of campaign group Surfers Against Sewage, that works to stop the steady creep of single-use plastics while also taking into account the different needs of varying sectors of the community.
From the tissue paper and tape of our complimentary gift wrapping service to our recycled kraft paper carrier bags, our packaging is plastic-free, and we source from suppliers who commit to ethical and sustainable sourcing. As part of our commitment to the environment we reuse and upcycle existing packaging for online orders where possible to minimise waste.
We host free family-friendly community beach cleans to do our bit to improve our beautiful coast line and protect marine life, as well as to educate the next generation on why such work is so important.
Our sunshine store by the sea is powered by renewable energy, and we support Surfers Against Sewage on their mission to hold polluting water companies to account. On a personal level we are committed to using reusables for our own food and drink, and where possible we use refillable toiletries and cleaning supplies.
Our Brands
We carry a handpicked range of toys, books, games and gifts for babies, children and new parents, as well as a tight edit of independent clothing brands. The majority of our products are single-use plastic free in composition and packaging, choosing cardboard, paper or compostable bio-packaging where possible.
We have a strong relationship with the brands we carry, and where possible we are proud to prioritise UK and EU manufacturers where possible, but no matter where our products are made, our brands commit to high ethical and environmental standards in their supply chains.
We are proud to stock a small but mighty selection of children's clothing from style-forward, independent brands that are committed to comfort and durability as well as sustainable and ethical manufacturing including using deadstock and recycled fabrics and materials, and GOTS-certified organic cotton.
A number of our toy and gift brands work to a collective or Fair Trade model, or have B Corp status, which ensures that workers are well looked after and fairly compensated as well as providing opportunities for skills development and the dignity of continued employment, often in marginalised communities.
Our wooden toys from Mentari are made from rubber trees in Indonesia, which traditionally are felled and burned once the production of latex becomes uneconomical. Now they are turned into toys which feed a child's imagination and encourage creative play. Mentari has been awarded the ICTI Ethical Toy Program seal of approval and has planted 80,000 new trees to replace those felled.
Many of our plush and soft toys come from Bon Ton Toys, which recently achieved B Corp certification, an independent acknowledgement of high social and environmental business standards, and welcome local artists, authors and creatives to get in touch with their own product ranges.
We are lucky to work directly with several skilled local makers and artisans, celebrating and supporting talent within our community.
Giving Back
We are a committed supporter of Mama to Mama, Thanet's first and only baby bank. Our store is a collection point so that members of the community can donate second-hand baby clothes and equipment as well as new hygiene products for mother and child.
We regularly donate gift vouchers or prize bundles to support fundraising efforts by local schools and community projects supporting families and marginalised groups as well as those whose lives are blighted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
See our brands
Discover the independent and design-led brands we've handpicked for you.
