Whether young or old, nothing feels as good as play - it opens the heart, brings on a smile and the senses are filled with the joy of having fun, of tapping the imagination, again and again, indulging in colours, real or imaginary. Even space and time lose their dimension, giving way to a sense of freedom and no boundaries.

This is the look and feel of Three Little Pigs, the recently opened child boutique in Tigne' Street, Sliema, where the owners, two mothers, have decided not to sell merely toys but to offer an experience, sending parents and grandparents down memory lane, and allowing children to rediscover the overseen quirkiness of wooden and good fabric toys, and other eco-friendly and sustainable items for babies and children. The spacious shop in fact offers a unique range of toys, clothing, room accessories, playhouses, fun storage solutions, food accessories, back packs and more.

The concept works. Anything natural and which goes back to basics has made a serious comeback and, let's face it, classic, including toys, never go out of style.  They are meaningful as they are the toys our parents played with, our grandparents played with, and our children love, too.  They are pieces that tend to stand the test of time, being loved and cherished by generations. They do contrast with the so many toys today which are expensive and flashy, requiring endless batteries, yet lacking the basic joy of active interaction without overstimulation. A child can be creative and learn (more easily, sometimes!) without all the noise and flashing lights.

Some parents feel the need to resort to tablets, TV and hand-held video game that, while they can come in handy, it's great to have other options available to you.  Colouring supplies, easy-to-carry play sets, and small toys that can be collected in a small backpack work just as well.  Your child will feel that he or she is a "big kid" if they are allowed to carry their own small piece of bag - like Beatrix New York bags, backpacks and trolleys worn by celebrity kids.

In today's environment, parents have a few things in mind when it comes to wise choices for their kids. Well-made toys are an investment as, unless they are brutally ruffled, they stand up to a child's play providing them with endless hours of playtime, to the extent that they can be kept as childhood memories or handed down to the next sibling or cousin, Toys should be safe for kids, and also safe for the planet. 

 A playhouse costs about as much as the latest gaming system - but you won't need to buy a new system or update it in a year.  It is compatible with everything, and works well with other brands of toys. A teddy bear, a tea set, a train - you just can't go wrong with the classics, especially since playing in the great outdoors has become more and more of a no-no. Our streets are no longer the friendly environment our parents grew up in.

Enjoy what really matters - play!

How Three Little Pigs came about

The concept of Three Little Pigs is the brainchild of two mothers, Lisa Frendo and Nikki Azzopardi, who have been friends for over 10 years and who have found more common ground through motherhood. While Lisa's Maia, one year 8 months, and Nikki's Lenny, a year older, were happily playing away at the Sliema swings one day, Lisa and the London-based Nikki were comparing notes on where to source good quality products for their little kids that teach them tender loving care. Realising that there was actually a gap in the Maltese market for these kind of classic products which could very well be part of a family's heritage, the two decided to set up shop, sourcing each item individually, mostly from manufacturers who personally make these toys out of love and passion with their own hands, some of them out of their home garages.

Three Little Pigs is convenient

The Three Little Pigs also offer a personal shopper and delivery service. You can call on  2742 4552 or send an email to [email protected], describing what you are looking for and your budget. The friendly team at Three Little Pigs will send you pictures of the suggested items, prepare the gift for quick pick up or deliver to any address in Malta, at a small charge for a spend under €50 and free of charge for anything more than that.

To get a feel of all the brands at Three Little Pigs and where they come from, visit Our Brands on the website.