“I want it!” is what I would have said if I were still in Kindergarten, and could get away with screaming all my demands. But now, as I have matured substantially (I hope!), I calmly tell myself less aggressively that I have to have them. The “them” that I am referring to, are the widely popular Momiji (pronounced ‘mom-ee-jee’) dolls.

The first ever collection of Momiji dolls were created in the UK just a little over four years ago in 2005.  Having to start off in a small office in the heart of a small town, it’s astounding to see that nothing about Momiji is small today.  Having expanded globally, Momiji has designers all across the globe (Austria, Malaysia, Australia, Chile, Thailand, Germany, Canada, Slovenia to name but a few…) Inspired by friendship and kindness, Momiji dolls are all about filling life with meaningful messages and memories.

These one-of-a kind dolls are never around for very long, with new collections launched all the time! With a teeny folded message card in every hand painted doll (intended for your own special message), it’s no wonder that these dolls are famous for “spreading the love”.  Each with their very own personalities, stories and styles, Momiji dolls are perfect for almost any occasion (collecting, to give away as gifts, to use in goodie bags and also fabulous “just because”)!

Momiji Doll Giggles with Gift Box, $12.99

After much contemplation I couldn’t decide on one single Momiji doll that I like best, but Giggles here is at the top of my list!  With such a bubbly name, cute outfit and charming smile, I just couldn’t resist. Giggles, along with a select group of Momiji dolls come in a “takeaway” noodle style gift box and include a free badge and sticker. The perfect gift without the hassle of wrapping!

Momiji Doll Favorite Person, $11.99

Her name says it all. This intricate Momiji doll is the perfect gift to give and receive, showing  best friends, family members and loved ones that they are special and your favorite people!

Momiji Doll Dance Dance Dance, $11.99

Not all Momiji Dolls call for a special occasion,  it’s always fun to buy one of these super cute dolls “just because”! As a girl who spontaneously breaks into dance, I was immediately drawn to this delicately clothed Momiji doll cleverly named “Dance Dance Dance”. I might just collect all of my favorite hobbies ! Next on the list, Momiji Doll Dreaming.

Momiji Doll in Tin Can by Nina Zimmerman, $14.99

Momiji Doll Adolie Day - Blanche with Gift Box, $12.99

Momiji Heroes Doll Thank You, $13.99

Nina Zimmerman, Adolie Day and Heroes are just a few of the newest collections that Momiji have come out with in Canada and Raspberry Kids is very pleased to have such an extensive Momiji doll offering.  Their collaborations with top art colleges allow them to work with the most creative and innovative kids on the block!  With the help of such talented artists, Momiji never fails to surprise with each unique collection, promising a special doll for each individual.

Momiji Random Notebook Flowers, $8.99

Collected all of the Momiji dolls bust still can’t get enough?  No need to fear as Momiji has also come out with a collection of Zakka (everyday essentials) to make life lovelier. With your favorite Momiji dolls on the covers, these notebooks are perfect for you and your children to jot down your own secret messages, keep a journal or just doodle to your hearts content.

Having just discovered Momiji dolls, I feel that I am getting slightly obsessed and cannot wait for the next releases and see what the Momiji designers come up with!  Which is your favorite Momiji doll?  Go ahead and find her at Raspberry Kids!

Crystal
–
Raspberry Kids Workshop Elf

On the Web:  http://www.raspberrykids.com
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Our latest newsletter:  http://www.raspberrykids.com/newsletter-apr21-2010

Wondering what to get the Super Moms on your list?

She is the quarterback, the Jill of all trades, the CEO of the family, the Chef, the Chauffeur, the milk factory, the referee, the tutor and the housekeeper.  Let’s face it Moms, have a lot on their plates!

And for just that reason, we have come up with a list of gems just for Moms this holiday season:

1.  The Quoteable Kid.  OK, already, I know you are asking what the heck does that have to do about Moms but if you are like me, you get a huge kick out of all of your hilarious Out Of The Mouth Of Babes (OOTMOB’s as we like to call them at Raspberry Kids) moments and this wonderful book allows you to capture each of them in an organized fashion.  This is a much better option than jotting these newsy items on bits of paper or a restaurant napkin.  These books are small enough to keep in your purse or diaper bag and in a pinch, you can use the quotes for a quick status update on Facebook or Twitter or as a conversation starter at your holiday parties.

My Quotable Kid, $19.95

2.  We recently connected with a local mom who designs some of the prettiest jewelry around, Christine from BLUSH designs.  Check out the pieces she has made exclusively for Raspberry Kids including earrings, bracelets and necklaces.  Considering the lack of sleep we get, we need to replace the sparkle in our eye with something!

BLUSH Designs bracelet, $19.99

3.  Long before we launched Raspberry Kids we were fans of Canadian designed espe products and now we are so pleased to sell them in our store.  The range includes so many funky, adorable and modern designs in a range of colors so there truly is something for everyone.  From wallets, to lunch bags, to luggage or laptop bag tags, to shoulder pouches, to card holders and notebooks, these make an excellent gift for Moms or others (think Caregivers, Teachers, Hostess gifts).

espe Sol short wallet in Pink, $21.99

4.  Momiji Secret message dolls aren’t just for young girls to collect.  I bought my first Momiji doll called Sister for myself and have sent these to others to help brighten their day.  Can you think of a Party Girl or a Funny Girl or perhaps someone who is having a Very Big Birthday or likes to Dance, Dance, Dance or maybe someone who qualifies as your Favorite Person, Best Friend or who deserves a Thank You.

Momiji Secret Message Dolls, from $11.99

5.  Last but certainly not least are the wonderful products from Klean Kanteen.  We’ve long used the water bottles in our family but were absolutely over the moon when they recently came out with Klean Kanteen wine Karafes, available in stainless steel or merlot colored.  For someone who likes the outdoors, walks, hiking, picnics and who also loves red wine, this item is a must have under your tree.

Klean Kanteen Wine Karafe, from $29.99

Hints for Moms reading this:  How do you make sure you get what you really want this holiday season?  You either drop some very obvious hints (including URLs, magazine clippings taped to the mirror with big circles drawn around the item you desire) or you pick up a little something for yourself while you are running around like a mad woman leading up to the holidays.  If you want it done right, you gotta do it yourself

From Raspberry Kids to you and yours, we wish you a fresh, healthy & fun holiday season!

Sue
–
Sue Sinclair
Chief Executive Mom, Raspberry Kids

On the Web:  http://www.raspberrykids.com
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Raspberry Kids Warehouse will be open to the public for some in person seasonal shopping hours:

Raspberry Kids has recently moved into fresh new digs down near Granville Island. Our new address is #204-1540 W. 2nd Avenue.

If you live in or are visiting Vancouver in the next couple of months, we want to invite you to come and see us on the following days and times when we will be opening our warehouse doors for some in person shopping:

November: 14, 21**, 28 from 12:00 to 5:00 PM

**We will be open until 7PM on November 21st and are co-hosting a Stella & Dot jewelry party on site.  25% of Stella & Dot sales are donated to BC Children’s Hospital.

December: 12, 19, 20 from 12:00 to 5:00 PM
December: 21, 22, 23 from 10:00 to 4:00 PM
December: 24 from 10:00 to 2:00 PM

We are also co-hosting special events with Felicia Lee from Usborne Books:
Sunday, November 22nd from 2:00 to 6:00 PM
Tuesday, November 24th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM

We are also booking private shopping events for you and your family & friends. Please email shopping@raspberrykids.com for more information and to check on availability.

For those of you that live afar or prefer to shop online, obviously we still welcome your online orders and remember we can ship to 3rd parties with enclosed gift messages which makes for a HASSLE free shopping experience!  Save yourself the time of running around, parking, finding the perfect gift, enclosing a gift message and then racing to the post office to ship it.  Let Raspberry Kids and their elves do all the work for you this holiday season!

You can also take advantage of our new electronic gift cards that you can email to yourself or directly to someone else!

We are trying to make it as easy as possible for you this year and we hope to see you in person or online.  We have an incredible selection of toys, stocking stuffers, books, clothes, gear and more!

We thank you in advance for considering Raspberry Kids for gifts for the little ones in your lives!

We hope you have a fresh, healthy and fun festive season.

Sue
Chief Executive Elf, Raspberry Kids

Check out our great selection of Stocking Stuffers, Toys & Books for the upcoming holiday season!  Shop early for best selection.

On the Web:  http://www.raspberrykids.com
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More details:  http://www.raspberrykids.tel