The Kids category is one of the newer categories introduced to the Irish Made Awards by Irish Country Magazine, but it has become one of the most popular!
Since the Irish Made Awards began in 2017, we have seen amazing businesses creating clothing, skincare, gifts and more for children. We have featured many impressive companies and makers within the pages of Irish Country Magazine over the years and quickly realised that these products deserved a category of their own. It is a joy to celebrate makers that are creating special keepsakes and practical buys with families in mind, with the return of the Kids category.
We are thrilled to announce Kidspace Playcentres, Dublin as the sponsor of this category for 2024. Located in Rathcoole and Rathfarnham, Co Dublin, the centres have been designed with both parents and children in mind. The team at Kidspace has a professional background in childcare and pride themselves on an excellent knowledge of what’s important when it comes to having fun in a safe and stimulating environment, that promotes learning. Kidspace offers mid-week baby and toddler mornings such as Baby Rave and sensory play delivered by quality providers.
Owners Claire Doyle and Tracy Smullen are thrilled to be involved.
Claire said: “Kidspace Playcentres is delighted to sponsor the Kids’ category in the Irish Made Awards 2024. Whether it’s discovering new Irish made toys for our role play and pamper areas or using local produce to create amazing dishes in our Nest Cafe, we are passionate about supporting Irish businesses and giving back to local communities.”
Tracy added: “This year’s theme ‘Circular Economy’ is something we are passionate about as we constantly strive to improve our sustainability. We hosted a toy swap in 2023 which was a huge success and something we would love to repeat in the future.”
Meet the past Kids winners of the Irish Made Awards:
2023 Winner – Snugí Bábóg
Handknitted in Ireland using 100% Merino Wool, our 2023 Kids winner Snugí Babóg is passionate about sustainability at all stages of the product cycle and want to create an heirloom product that can be handed down through the generations. They are on a mission to revive the sustainable clothing sector and bring Irish heritage clothing back on the map by bringing the “Snugí” effect into households around the globe.
2023 Runner Up – The Wild Tribe
This family-run business in Co Kerry was inspired by children who love to explore! All items are handcrafted and are made with safety in mind. The busy boards and personalised jigsaw puzzles make excellent gifts as they encourage the development of fine motor skills, practical skills, concentration and much more.
2022 Winner – Fiadh and Finn
Illustrator Tanya Ryan started creating fine art keepsakes in Co Kildare two years ago, and has sent designs to clients all over the world. The idea for the brand began when she and her daughters saw two wild rabbits and made up stories about them. Starting with watercolour and ink illustrations, each original artwork is carefully reproduced and printed in pigment inks on fine art, 100% cotton textured card. Each component, from frames to gift cards, is considered in terms of sustainability.
2022 Runner Up – The Wonky Woolins
Our 2022 runner-up has created a unique collection of hand crafted soft toys made to be cherished forever. Chloe Gardiner was inspired by her Granny’s collection of wonky knitted toys that had been passed through my family for generations.
Have you got a business creating children’s products based in Ireland? Be sure to enter the Irish Made Awards now! Deadline is 30 May 2024. For more information, see the Awards page, and FAQs here.
