Local Gifts for Your Children – Trinidad and Tobago

Like every year for the past 4 years, I found myself at Bits and Pieces. What is Bits and Pieces?  It is a shopping market where local vendors sell goods they make. This annual market occurs once a year at MovieTowne, Port of Spain. Every year people specifically bring their shopping list to buy locally made products.  I kept seeing children’s products as I walked through and I thought I would share a few of them with you. You don’t have to wait till next year to find these great gifts. Go to the vendor’s Facebook pages, call them or check out the other local shopping markets like Up Market and Eastern Market and find your own local treasures!

 

 

David the Carpenter

David is the one who really inspired this article! He has big pieces like rocking horses but he also has some smaller toys priced $120 and below. I fell in love with the crayon holder and the Toy Truck of course 🙂

FACEBOOK (868)358-6725 davidthecarpenter@outlook.com

 

 

The Quirky Phoenix

The Quirky Phoenix is making handmade dolls.  The first picture actually shows a partially completed doll  and two completed versions. She also has pillows and children’s dresses but I personally would go for a mythical hand painted doll.

FACEBOOK

 

 

Island Babies

Clothes, books, can we say baby stuff?! The signature turtle hatchling of island babies is wonderful, but I personally love the new characters like the snocone pictured below. There are other characters available now and they seem to be adding more constantly.

FACEBOOK (868)289-2089 hello@islandbabies.shop WEBSITE

 

 

Red Fire Innovations

So far I have focused on the younger children but we also have teenagers. Rachel Rochford of Red Fire Innovations has been known for her jewellery which teenagers  love as gifts but now she also has leather products including a cross shoulder bag in different colors that I think is perfect for a teenage girl.

(** full disclosure: Rachel Rochford is my sister and the reason I was at Bits & Pieces)

FACEBOOK (868)356-9286 Website

 

 

 

Loopy Lisa

My children’s school had a Christmas market last year and the children went CRAZY for Loopy Lisa’s creations.  I will admit it when I first saw them I asked why on earth would we wear knitted products in the Caribbean. I have since done a complete 180 as my own children love the bags and the hats, so what can I say, go for it!

FACEBOOK

Stacey Alfonso Mills

Need local colouring books or story books?  Check out the Sinclair boys series from Stacey Alfonso Mills. Local themes and local artistes. She told me the inspiration for her books comes from her three boys!! The books are available from local bookstores or directly from the author.

FACEBOOK staceyalfonsomillsbooks@gmail.com Website

 

Sugar Apple Creations

The cutest kiddie bags, practical and whimsical. Sugar Apple Creations has some handmade bags and stuffed animals that I loved.

FACEBOOK sonja.anne.wong@gmail.com

 

Arthur’s Novelties

Phillip Arthur has the wonderful old time tops of different sizes. When you buy it from him he can even teach you how to spin it if you  don’t know how! Get the children outside and away from screens!

FACEBOOK phillip.t.arthur@gmail.com (868)777-4567

 

Du Da

Trini sayings captured on T-shirts.  I find that my children don’t know these sayings, I guess we don’t say them as much anymore.  The kiddie sizes are just right and you can throw in a matching T-shirt for the parents.

FACEBOOK (868)689-5924 dcheekes@yahoo.com

 

Watermelons by Debbie

Debbie Texiera put together a package for little girls of products she made locally. A beach wrap, hair scrungie and a sticker. The package was so cute for girls who go to the sea and like the glitter!! She usually does items for adults, but I loved that she put together a special package for girls.

FACEBOOK debbieteixeira@hotmail.com

 

 

Nigi

Last on this list, but by no means least we have the cutest clothes locally designed and made by two sisters, Nicole Tom Wing and Giselle Tom Wing. We know our babies live in these vests so check out the Christmas one by NIGI. The cutest outfits for Church and Sunday outings are also available.

FACEBOOK

 

Whew! I did not get everyone at Bits and Pieces, believe it or not there are many more local designers and artisans doing local items for children. These are just a few** of them that I saw. Support them, buy local and get some items that are really beautiful for your children at the same time.

Check out the markets over the Christmas season to find other local treasures!! Put links in the comments below of other local artisans who make products for children. Spread the word!!

 

(** Yep I know some of the people in this article others I met for the first time yesterday)

Sharing is caring!