Retailer In Numbers

“My bestselling product at the moment is definitely the Orange Tree Toys Spring Weather Clock. It helps children understand days of the week, seasons, temperature and weather all in one toy.”

FIRST YEAR

“The last year for my business has been fantastic,” enthuses Laura Mawdsley, founder of Little Things Toys. “I have been able to expand my wooden toy range, offering new brands like Tender Leaf and Orange Tree Toys, but also stock a number of small businesses that complement my peg doll creations.”

Above: Laura complements her product offering with hand painted peg dolls.

TRENDS

“People are really starting to think about how and what they buy. Eco-friendly, sustainable toys are really popular. Sensory play is on the rise with more people understanding the benefits.”

OLD AND NEW FRIENDS

“My longest supplier is Inside Out Toys. I love that this brand is making FSC certified wooden toys and taking care of the environment. My newest supplier is Moody’s Making Memories – gorgeous oak sensory boards.”

LITTLE THINGS TOYS

IN NUMBERS

Online toy shop, Little Things Toys has been operating for just over a year and is run by mum of three and Early Years practitioner, Laura Mawdsley. The website focuses on the educational and play value of wooden toys, offering a range of brands.

Above: Inside Out Toys is Laura’s longest standing supplier. Right: Laura is the founder of family-run Little Things Toys.

IN NUMBERS

• “There’s myself, my three toy testers, Alex, 11, Millie, eight, and Issac, two, and my husband who does the odd post office run.” • “My average customer would spend around £32.” • “There were five boxes from Orange

Tree Toys in my last delivery.” • “My stockroom consists of book shelves and a big wardrobe in my house.” • “My furthest customer has been in the Scottish

Highlands, quite a way from my base in Plymouth.”

SHOP LOCAL

“There has, over the last few years, been a rise in people supporting small businesses and being more conscientious on where items are coming from, but also the uniqueness they can find by shopping small.”

Above: The shop’s play set ups offer social media followers inspiration with the product offering.

GOING SOCIAL

“Social media is how I get my products seen being an online business. Instagram and Facebook are great for connecting with customers and showing how my products can be used.”

BEING SEEN ONLINE

“I love creating play set ups for my children and document these to share with my followers. People enjoy seeing how products can be used and the versatility they hold.”

Above: The Spring Weather Clock is the site’s bestseller.

MY HERO!

“My standout hero product would have to be my kokeshi insect peg dolls. Hand painted by myself, people love pairing these with various sensory products and books to create imaginative play set ups for their children.”

Lilliputiens creations are full of unexpected details and activities, a constant source of wonder, discovering and learning.