O is for Originality
The Road Less Travelled…
Originality is both the ability to think independently and creatively and also the quality of not being the same as anything or anybody else. Being bold enough to step outside the existing mould, to really go our own way (even if it means swimming against the tide), to shout about and pursue our ideas and dreams, and be ‘original’ isn’t always easy for adults, let alone children. But, in the words of American showman, politician and businessman, Phineas Barnum; ‘No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.’ So, here’s our rundown of our favourite brands advocating ‘originality’ for free-styling children.
Ben Brooks
Author Ben Brooks has written a plethora of children’s books, all celebrating the power of imagination, but the one which particularly springs to mind when thinking of ‘originality’ is of course his international bestseller and winner of the Children’s Book of the Year at the National Book Awards 2018, Stories for Boys who Dare to Be Different (available in volumes 1 and 2). Packed full of true tales of amazing boys from all walks of life, present and past, who changed the world without slaying a single dragon – David Attenborough, Dynamo, Salvador Dali, Harvey Milk to name just a few – this brilliant and inspiring book provides a host of alternative male role-models to those we so often see in the mainstream media, helping to give boys the courage to reject peer pressure while letting them know that it’s ok to be different. And now, also available, is Stories for Kids who Dare to be Different.
Rebel Girls
Since its founding in 2016 by Elena Favilli, with a mission to highlight the lives of important women throughout history, the Rebel Girls franchise has become huge going on to become a global, multi-platform entertainment brand dedicated to inspiring and instilling confidence in a generation of girls around the world. From its award-winning Good Night Stories for Girls series of books to podcasts, toys and apparel, the brand introduces girls to diverse stories of extraordinary women including diplomats and politicians, singers and fashion designers, activists and immigrant women, each showcasing in their own, unique way that the journey to self-realisation is different for all. Best of all we love the space at the end of each book to write your own story! www.rebelgirls.com
Not Only Pink and Blue
Making it’s second appearance in our A-Z of Brand We Love, is Not Only Pink and Blue - the first online marketplace for children’s clothes, books and toys that challenges the tradition of dressing girls in pink and boys in blue. After all, there are 11 colours and over 10 million shades to choose from! But it’s not just about colours, the online shop also sells inclusive books featuring a diverse selection of role models, and toys designed to spark imaginations and joy. The founders don’t believe in limiting kids before they’ve had a chance to discover what they love, so you search by activity and attitude to find gender neutral and inclusive products! https://www.notonlypinkandblue.com/
Wonderwalls
Dad and designer, Tom, set up Wonderwalls when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, and his usual corporate graphic design work in the aviation and travel industries dried up, and we are so glad he did! Recipient of the Best Newcomer Award in the 2020 Independent Awards, we love the Wonderwalls range of inspiring prints and products for kids and grown-ups, not least the stereotype postcards, a set of cards designed to encourage kids to be proud of who they are and challenge traditional gender stereotypes! Oh and the ‘True Colours’, for everyone who feels as though they don't fit in. Don't be afraid to be yourself! There are tonnes of free colouring downloads on the site too.
Eat Sleep Doodle
Unique, fun and educational textile-based gifts from pencil cases and bags, to tablecloths and placemats to pillowcases and duvet covers, all of which can be personalised using wash-out pens for endless re-use and creativity! Simply pop them in the washing machine and kids can start all over again on a completely new and original design! https://www.eatsleepdoodle.co.uk/
Little Inventors
Located at North London’s iconic Alexandra Palace, also known as the People’s Palace, and home to a wide array of entertainers, inventors and innovators over its 140-year history, Little Inventors is a creative education organisation that inspires imagination and originality by taking children’s amazing ideas seriously! Working with skilled experts and makers they help children to turn those original ideas into reality! There are no limits! The more fantastical the better! The organisations work includes annual challenges, events, workshops, and showcases, reaching out to the local community, schools and across the whole globe! https://www.littleinventors.org/