Ever since I discovered a world of beautifully curated local lifestyle shops for kids, now I rarely, if ever, shop on the high street or at the mall. Especially when it comes to birthdays and Christmases. I absolutely love the fact that now I can buy my kids clothes, toys and books without feeling bad about the lack of sustainability and quality. I can support local businesses, ones that are run by mamas and families and I am able to offer my boys some of the best choices available to parents. All this fits in perfectly with my recent kiddie shop discovery, the Little Heroes Boutique in Nicosia.
Situated just off Makarios Avenue, I made a quick visit before the school run one day and it was love at first sight. The pastel colours, the neatly arranged shelves bursting with beautiful toys and games, the words ‘organic’ and ‘ethical’ on boxes and covers, the vibes, the atmosphere. Everything clicked. I was there for one single amazing product I had my heart set on for Georgie but I’m already preparing my entire Christmas shopping list for all the little ones in our family.
Creativity, design and uniqueness are high on the list of words I could use to describe everything about the Little Heroes Boutique and the carefully edited selection of clothes, shoes, accessories, contemporary home decoration, toys, gifts and books. Oh speaking of books, here you can find one of my favourite kiddie book series, Little People Big Dreams, an empowering selection of books focused on the life stories of people who changed the world from Jane Goodall to David Bowie. The illustrations are just so cool and the powerful messages sent to kids through simplicity are inspirational.
Over the years and due to my support of local small businesses I have noted a few well-known ethical brands that work with respect to the environment. Most of these brands are available at the Little Heroes Boutique such as Nobodinoz, Olli Ella and Fabelab. In regards to clothes though, I have been a huge fan of Nununu since I discovered the brand when Georgie was a baby. Every single item I bought for him is still in tiptop condition – yes I made sure they were looked after and not worn when he was eating cherries or playing outside in the mud- and has been worn by James and now Danny too. Good quality? Erm, yes! So you can imagine my excitement when Athena, the beautiful, lovely and stylish mum of two and owner of Little Heroes Boutique, gifted James with a ninja hoodie by Nununu. I mean, look at these photos. You have no idea how happy it made my boy, a simple piece of clothing that boosted his mood and let his imagination run wild. Very grateful.
Back to the reason I was there in the first place which is none other than the utterly brilliant The Happy Self Journal, designed for kids aged 6-12. If you’ve been reading my blog over the past two years then you know how strongly I feel about mental health and all the things we can and should be doing to ensure that our minds are just as healthy as our bodies. I have always loved journaling and writing down my feelings and experiences because I have always felt that it is a cathartic way to maintain some focus during my busy and stress-driven life. Georgie began journaling last year when I got him a little notebook. He scribbles and doodles in it and uses it whenever he feels blocked or whenever something has happened that requires reflection on his part. Disclaimer: He’s 8 years old and needs to be reminded about his writing. Please don’t think I am raising one of those perfect kids who journals every night. However, he does love writing and finds it is a way to express himself without judgement or shame. The Happy Self Journal has brought excitement to this activity I am trying to involve my boy in. It asks questions and gives advice and allows room for him to express himself whether that’s through drawing, picking an emoji that suits his mood for the day or three things he is grateful for. It nurtures enquiring minds, promotes happiness and positivity and brings awareness of feelings. I absolutely love it and am planning on buying one for myself not to mention for a few friends who I know would benefit immensely from its beautiful happy bright yellow illustrations.
There is another side to the Little Heroes Boutique that I find fascinating and completely original. Apart from a shopping experience, Athena wanted to create a space not just for little ones but for mothers too. Tucked away in the shop upstairs is a tranquil area with a table and chairs, books, beanbags and toys, the perfect environment for workshops and events that mamas can use to promote their products and services. Athena’s vision of bringing together like-minded parents and creating a little community whose focus is to empower children and bring out the superhero that lives within is admirable.
Athena has clearly taken into account what sparks joy for both parents and children. I really admire the thought process, the care and attention that goes into each product she places in the shop, the creative environment she has created, the love and positive vibes she’s sharing. Yes!
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You can find Little Heroes Boutique on Facebook and Instagram where you can also send them a message and place your order if you live outside Nicosia as delivery is available all over Cyprus.
Visit the shop: 12, Grigoriou Xenopoulou, Nicosia. Tel: 22109533
This post is sponsored by Little Heroes Boutique, a mama-run small business I fully support.
