In The Know: Cool Things For Parents & Kids

Bobbin Bikes

Bobbin Bikes is an independent family-run bicycle brand based in east London which designs bikes for everyday life, from ages two and up. One of Britain's best-loved leisure bike brands, we adore the range of styles and colours that the team offers for kids. Parents can choose from 32 different two-wheelers: we love the look of the Gingersnap 12” wheel in duck egg blue (£160) which comes with a basket and bell, colour-matched mudguards, matching stabilisers and smart leather saddle and handlebars. The perfect Christmas present.

Visit BobbinBikes.com 

Boo’s Baby Bites

Boo’s Baby Bites’ mission is to create honest healthy baby food – truly handmade and then frozen to lock in the goodness. The team pack their posts with the freshest ingredients and the biggest flavours (think fish pie and chicken korma) before freezing them on the day the dish is made to lock in the taste and nutrients. The pretty pots are available for three stages: ages four months and up (very smooth texture), seven months and up (“bumpy, not lumpy”), and ten months and over (nice and chunky).

Visit BoosBabyBites.com

Kew Gardens

Now in its sixth year, Kew Gardens’ winter trail promises to be bigger than ever, with over 1 million twinkling pea-lights and thousands of laser beams. Guests will walk under arches into a world festooned with seasonal cheer and beneath tree canopies covered in Christmas colour. New this year, guests can enter the moonlit woods and step into a ‘Laser Garden’ where refracting lines of light bounce across the branches. Don’t miss the vintage fairground rides and remember to keep an eye out for Santa and his elves along the way.

Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AB; until 5th January

Visit Kew.org 

Cloud Twelve

Notting Hill’s Cloud Twelve is home to Family Space, a bespoke area where parents and children can feel inspired to play and learn together or independently. Suitable for children aged 0 to 11 years, custom-made tools help your child build relationships and develop communication skills using critical and creative thinking, while physically challenging themselves in the magical forest-themed play zone. Parents can join in the fun, or watch and relax in the lounge while Ofsted-registered assistants take care of the children. A diverse schedule of entertainment includes the Cloud Twelve theatre production team, which hosts an array of interactive experiences, where families can sing and dance together alongside the cast.

Visit CloudTwelves.co.uk 

Cottage Toys

Cottage Toys is an online boutique specialising in children’s toys and interiors. Originally started in 2000 as a craft business, creating handmade wooden doll houses, the store has since evolved into a successful online shop selling high-quality children’s toys and baby accessories, alongside stylish room decor, nursery furniture and lighting for kids. The team promises everything they stock won’t be found on the high street and wherever possible the products are organic, ethical and sustainable. We like the look of its extensive collection of chic wooden toys.

Visit Cottage-Toys.co.uk

Family Transfers

Holidays are meant to be a stress-free time which starts the moment you leave your house. However, if you have a young family, it can end up being the most stressful part of your trip. Enter Family Transfers, a team that specialises in transfers for families so that you can relax from the moment your front door closes. They only use large vehicles so there’s enough space for your family to travel in comfort and plenty of space for your luggage and a buggy or two, plus two child seats will come as standard, free of charge. And relax.

Visit FamilyTransfers.com 

House Curious

House Curious is the brainchild of Sommer Pyneand and brings together her Australian lifestyle with London living. Opening the doors to her newly renovated home in Wandsworth Common, Sommer created House Curious as a private space to host fun workshops and events for the curious-minded, partnering up with local designers, artisans and makers along the way. We’re a big fan of Kid’s Corner, which houses a selection of stylish children’s interior accessories. When it comes to Christmas presents for our own little ones (and those of friends) we’ve got our eye on the Phoenix tepee in gold (£145) and the ‘Himalayan sunset’ bedding (£99.95).

Visit HouseCurious.com

Katie’s Classroom

Katie’s Classroom is a digital tool to help with homework, share in learning or support the extension or revision of knowledge of topics covered at school. Created by qualified teacher and private tutor Katie, the concept features a bank of short video tutorials that parents and children can tap into at home or on the go. The tutorials are designed to help you support your child’s learning, be that helping them to grasp a new concept, become confident in their knowledge or extend their understanding and improve their focus on a subject. Children can log in to watch a series of videos lasting three-four minutes each, complete a worksheet, and watch a lesson summary, which goes through further examples. Meanwhile, each video tutorial page has a ‘Parent Tab’, which shows extended tutorial information for adults. Sign up for a free trial using the link below.

Visit KatiesClassroom.com 

PacaPod

PacaPod is the only baby bag that brings together three bags which function as one – a changer bag, cool bag and a stylish handbag. From backpacks to leather totes, each of PacaPods’ bags are beautifully made but practical. Within each lies a feeder pod (the cool bag which keeps food and bottles insulated); a changer pod (a neat little pocket which stores all your baby changing essentials); and the ‘parent outer bag’ for all your personal belongings. The selection also includes unisex bags, weekend travel bags and holdalls designed for twins, all in a variety of materials, from leather to printed canvas.

Visit Pacapod.com 

Tocoto Vintage

Tocoto Vintage is a beautiful and romantic brand inspired by garments found in antique markets. Each collection offers neutral colours of grey, taupe, dusty pink and weathered blues, all finished with lace edgings and cute finishes made with care. Handmade using soft jerseys and cottons, Tocoto Vintage’s newest collection – The Secret Garden – features a range of delicate prints: we love its Check Girl Dress (€70) and Flowers Dress (€62), both perfect for special occasions. The brand caters for newborns up to 12-year-olds.

Visit TocotoVintage.com