Pregnant women have an in-built cute-seeking radar. We might have differing perceptions of cute, but we’re fabulous at sniffing out online baby boutiques and finding that one perfect nursery accessory, toy, or babygro that is hidden within their collection. It’s very rare we’ll stumble across a site where we fall in love with everything, but the best baby emporiums are the ones that cater for every taste - from retro, to vintage, from pale pink to bright yellow.
This is exactly what Little Goat Gruff is all about. They say they’re paying homage to the ‘bold, bright and beautiful’ but it’s not all retro and modern - there are some more subtle pieces in the collection too. It’s this that appealed to me most when owner Kate asked for my thoughts. Not just that either… I loved the name, I loved the simplicity of the website with its big pin-friendly images and large fonts, and I loved the prices.
Kate sent over two of my favourite bits from the website to take a closer look at, and they’ve slotted into family life perfectly here. Ella the Bunny cuddly knitted toy by Sass & Belle has taken up residence in Mini Madam’s nursery, and The Mix & Match Baby Names Book by June Rifkin is on my bedside table for Craig and I to flip through every evening.
Despite arriving impeccably wrapped, Ella came through the door with a handwritten note from Kate to say she’s in need of a few cuddles having traveled courtesy of her Majesty’s Royal Postal Service (and not in the manner she is accustomed to) and of course, Dexter was all to happy to oblige.
As Dexter has had sock monkey’s from birth, Ella is a nice girly twist on the theme - but just as soft, and just as sweet. Her long snuggly limbs are perfect for dinky fingers to explore, and I suspect they’ll make their way into my daughter’s mouth a few times too! She’s a weeney £14.85 (Ella, not my daughter-to-be).
The baby name book is a little bit genius. I’ve got all the conventional paperbacks here, and all are dog-eared, covered in biro scribblings, and essentially useless. I can’t help but think we peaked when it came to naming Dex, and now I can’t think of a girls name with enough ‘staying power’ to compliment it. Every name I think I love is casually rejected by Craig, on the UK’s top 50 girls names for 2013 or has been nabbed by A-listers. I’ve flirted with traditional but now I’m thinking Irish is the way to go.
Rifkin’s flip and match book has some really quirky names in it and is designed to help you find names that complement each other:
This clever little book is in the form of two ring bound flip books of baby names. Flip the book to pick at random and see what name Fate comes up with, or find your favourite first name and try out new second name combos, or lock in Grandma’s name as a middle name then find fresh new first names to match. There’s a good mix of traditional, modern and unusual names to get you thinking.
It’s good fun and gets you and your partner talking - rather than shutting each others choices down. It’s one of those little bargains at just £2.99 that would make a perfect little pressie for someone who has just announced a pregnancy, or is still struggling at baby-shower time.
Here are some other favourite finds from the website:
If you fancy browsing Kate’s store, you can visit www.littlegoatgruff.co.uk, have a poke around on Pinterest, or say hello on Facebook! Kate also keeps a blog with top picks from her website, and other News from Gruff Towers 
Disclaimer: Mini Madam was very kindly sent these items in exchange for her mum’s thoughts
