Presents for little ones from the V&A

The V&A is one of my favourite places in London. I used to be lucky enough to live close enough that I could hop on a bus, get there in 15 minutes and go for a wander around for an hour. Pre-Laney May, when I had a bit more of a social life, I used to go to the Friday Lates and have the joy of going to an exhibition, having a drink, listening to music, all in that stunning setting.

It's also a lovely place to buy gifts...for yourself as well as others! The jewellery collection is amazing - you can pick up some beautiful, really individual pieces for reasonable prices. And, at sales times, some absolute bargains too.

Luckily (if you don't live in London) it also has a great online shop. It's birthday season coming up soon for Laney May and her little friends, so I've been on the look-out for present ideas. The V&A has some gorgeous presents for little ones. These are some of my favourites...

Edward Bawden colouring book - £5.99

Giraffe height chart - £22

Dog puzzle - £15

Jungle cubes game - £14

Rope climbing monkey tin toy - £12

Black & white embroidered dress - £20

Kaleidoscope dress - £25

Handmade elephant slippers - £22

Wooden animal letters - they're all lovely - £2.50 each

'Grannie' play apron - £8.50

SUNO & Uniqlo - print heaven

I bang on about designer collaborations on the high street all the time. They do seem to be ten-a-penny these days - so many, that it's much easier to be picky about what you're interested in. Take, for example, today's announcement about Isabel Marant doing a range for H&M. I know many of you will be hyper-ventilating with excitement but I'm not a huge fan, so don't feel too fussed about it (Marni for H&M was an entirely different matter!).

Uniqlo has had some great designer collaborations. A few years back, I purchased an Alexander Wang for Uniqlo dress for something like £20. It is one of my favourite pieces in my wardrobe...and now Alexander Wang, then a relatively new designer, is heading up Balenciaga!

The Alexander Wang dress was part of Uniqlo's Designer Invitation Project, which is still going strong. A couple of weeks ago, much to my excitement, the New York designer SUNO launched a range for Uniqlo. I remember a few years back seeing the first collection from SUNO (not in the flesh, disappointly, in magazines!) and loved the clashing prints and textures. The vintage Kenyan fabrics were used in a way that wasn't too boho, with gorgeous little tailored jackets, clashing blouses over dresses and fitted trousers. It looked tailored but totally deconstructed too - all in vibrant prints. I loved it. But, alas, my bank balance doesn't stretch to a SUNO original...so hallelujah for Uniqlo!

The range is small with a couple of SUNO prints used across dresses, skirts, tops and trousers. I tried on these trousers and loved them but I think I needed a larger size than they had in stock. The fabric looked to be straining a little too much across my thighs! But they are lovely and a really nice length.

SUNO skinny trousers - £29.90

I also tried this dress and loved the clashing patterns and midi-length but again, they didn't have my size in stock. I think I tried medium and it was very, very roomy.

SUNO dress - £29.90

But in the end, I went for this skirt from the range.

SUNO flare skirt - £19.90

It has the gorgeous, clashing SUNO print and is fun and flirty. I had hoped I could wear it to work with a plain white shirt, but it's a bit too short. Even with flat shoes, I felt a bit exposed for the office. So I think it will be one for socialising...perfect for when the British summer does finally make an appearance!

Hand-knitted pouffes & Mini Boden

A slightly different blog on Edna today - interiors and girl's clothing. I had to write about the gorgeous new addition to my lounge...this teal, hand-knitted pouffe.

I've wanted one of these for ages. We wanted something we could use for extra seating when we have friends over but didn't have room for another chair. But, whenever I find these knitted pouffes online they're pretty expensive. I spotted one in Next recently and even that was £120.

So imagine my delight when I spotted this - handmade and only £50!

It was being sold at my area's wonderful monthly market, the West Norwood Feast. They have a retro market, food, gardening and arts and crafts, which is where I found my treasure.

Unfortunately, they're not available online but if you're in South London and fancy one of these yourself, they'll be sold at a new cafe opening in Streatham (on 15th April) called Serendipity. The sister of the woman who made this is opening the cafe and will be stocking her handmade items. You can find out more on twitter @serendipitysw16

Needless to say, anything new entering our house is commandeered by the smallest member of our household! I love the dress she's wearing in this photo, a present from her lovely Aunty Cathie from Mini Boden. I love clashing florals with stripes, as she's wearing here.

Clothes from Mini Boden are always a bit of a treat but they do have good sales, so that you can pick up a great quality item for a reasonable price. These are some of my current favourites.

Apron pinnie - £20-22

House & bird print jersey dress - £14-16

Applique jersey dress - £18-20

Jersey dungarees - £18

Mustard printed dress - £17.60-£24

Parrot print skirt - £22-24
Probably more than I'd spend on a skirt for a little one
but I do love this print...for myself too! The skirt
is available in lots of other prints starting at £14.30.