Take your little ones to these colourful, characterful stores and earn yourself some serious parenting points
MARSHES & FLINT, CREAKE ABBEY
Marshes & Flint is a lifestyle store ‘offering beautiful things for intentional ways of living’, and their children’s clothing and toys are exquisite. The brand has been founded by Didi Fenwick, who has curated a collection of ethically sourced, sustainable, well-made products for little ones, from the most beautiful dressing up clothes by Fable to party supplies by Meri Meri and thoughtful toys by Petit Collage. There’s also sustainable organic clothing, as well as a wealth of wellness and self-care gifts for grown-ups too.
Marshes & Flint, Creake Abbey, NR21 9LF; marshesandflint.co.uk
GLITTER & MUD, WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA
Everything about this Wells-based lifestyle store is bright and cheery. It’s a kaleidoscope of colour and guaranteed to cheer you up even on the gloomiest of days. Amongst the clothing and homewares, there are some gorgeous bits for younger kids, including the prettiest hair accessories. But it’s the older ones who will love this place – from the brightly hued beanie hats to the leopard print phone bags and the glow-in-the-dark sweatshirts, it’s the ultimate Instagram fodder. And what tween or teen doesn’t want that?
Glitter & Mid, 2 The Quay, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1AH; glitterandmud.co.uk
LITTLE SUNSHINE TOYS, BURNHAM MARKET
It’s impossible not to be drawn to a toyshop with such a joyful name. Set in Emma’s Court, this welcoming little store sets out to inspire and excite young imaginations with its collection of beautifully crafted, eco-friendly toys and games. And so, you have brands including Norfolk Rocking Horse, which will handcraft your own bespoke rocking horse, Le Toy Van, Moulin Roty, Maileg and Rex London. With prices starting from under £5, it’s perfect pocket money fodder too.
Little Sunshine Toys, 1 Emma’s Court, Burnham Market, PE31 8HD; littlesunshinetoys.com
NIPPERS OF NORFOLK, DROVE ORCHARDS, THORNHAM
This small independent store is based in Drove Orchards, Thornham, selling clothing and toys for babies, toddlers and children. As well as rails of gorgeous clothing, it’s also a cornucopia of toys for all stages and ages, designed to spark young imaginations. There are board games and books, soft toys and stationery, teepees and glitter tattoos from all your favourite brands, that care as much about substance as they do style. Afterwards, treat your nippers at nearby Eric’s Fish and Chips.
Nippers of Norfolk, Drove Orchards, Thornham Rd, PE36 6LS; nippersofnorfolk.co.uk
GONE CRABBING, BURNHAM DEEPDALE
Having spent many happy hours crabbing with her children on quaysides in Norfolk, Susie Mason founded Gone Crabbing in 2008. The lifestyle store sells a fun and totally unique range of clothing and gifts featuring the famous Cromer crab (affectionately known as Colin) and his seaworthy friends. The ever-evolving collection includes beachwear and clothing, body and bath products and kitchenware, all featuring bold designs and catchy phrases. It’s all distinctive, imaginative and colourful or as Gone Crabbing would say… totally clawsome!
Dalegate Market, Burnham Deepdale, PE31 8FB; gonecrabbing.co.uk
ELE AND ME, WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA
This family-run toy shop bills itself as a hub for eco-minded parents and families – and it certainly puts its money where its mouth is. Toys are highly imaginative and creative, with the highest regard for sustainability. There’s an extensive range of traditional wooden toys, as well as everything from eco glitter and face paints to racetracks made from recyclable cardboard. You can also pick up sustainable and organic cotton kidswear, cloth nappies, eco homeware and health and beauty bits for young and old alike.
Ele and Me, 1 Bolts Close, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1JP; eleandme.com
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