£10-£30
Little Mites Stripy Hooded Sweat Top, £16
Surfer mum Donna Longman from Crantock Bay spent 10 years working for Cornish wetsuit company Gul. These little hoodies, archetypes of Cornish cool, were originally designed for her own children. They are sporty and cute – and, with a garment technician’s know-how, perfectly designed to keep out cool winds on Westcountry beaches. Call 01637 830280 or to buy online visit www.little-mites.co.uk.
Under £10
Explorer socks from the Wool Company, £4.90
Based on Bodmin Moor, Sarah and Harry Mayman of the Wool Company know all about the importance of warm socks, whether under wellies or on cold farmhouse floors. Their passion for British wool borders on evangelism. These thick socks are made of kid mohair: they’re not itchy, they’re warm even when wet, and they can go in the washing machine. Call 0845 130 8015 or visit www.thewoolcompany.co.uk to buy online.
Over £30
Adopt an Animal Scheme, Newquay or Paignton Zoos, from £30 for a year
Children will be thrilled to see their name on a plaque alongside the enclosure of their favourite zoo animal – and this money goes to important conservation and funds. The zoo will send you an adoption certificate and a photograph, along with a year’s subscription to its newsletter. For details visit www.newquayzoo.org.uk or call 01637 873342); visit www.paigntonzoo.net (or call 01803 697508).
What Credit Crunch?
Little Jo child’s folly, from £3,850
Designer/maker Jayne Tarasun from Gweek has created these sturdy, fun children’s play houses with nooks and crannies to inspire imaginative play. It’s a garden outbuilding with a magical difference. Visit
www.folly-smith.com or call 01326 221 750.
