Comme Des Enfants

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As parents, or thoughtful aunts and uncles, it's always at the forefront of our minds to give our kids the best toys and experiences to amuse their young minds. In the mind of a Pure Green parent, the best toys are those that are made naturally, with non-toxic materials and finishes, and are open-ended so that children fill the gaps with their own imaginative narrative rather than the often plastic and noisy toys meant to be used one way.

We were thrilled when Lauren Kolyn submitted this beautiful photo tour of one of Montreal's iconic children's shops, Comme des Enfants. Most of the toys are exactly as we've said, made of wood, solidly built, and open-ended to encourage your child's imagination to run rampant.

Why not supply toys that are beautiful to look at as well as wonderful for kids to use, so that the entire home becomes a family affair, not just the playroom? It's true, sometimes these cost a little more, but know that you are supporting independent artisans and are buying toys with integrity -- just buying fewer of them. Kids don't need "more" to be happy. In fact, the opposite is often true. 

Enjoy this short Q&A (Interview questions by Lauren Kolyn) with the owner of Comme des Enfants Marie-France, and allow these images to help you see the world through a child's eyes once again. And what a beautiful world it is!

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WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN A CHILDREN'S BOUTIQUE?

I've always been drawn to the child's world, it's creativity and enthusiasm, it's unlimited possibilities... And I wanted to create a space that would encompass such a world, would cater to it, and encourage big and small to be and stay children.  As an enthusiast myself, I also wanted to share the beautiful and fun products I take pleasure in discovering and the stories and people behind them.

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WHEN SELECTING ITEMS FOR THE STORE, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT YOU TAKE INTRO CONSIDERATION?

Mostly, I need to fall in love with the object. I select items that are well made and well designed, encourage imaginative play, and have a wide age- range pleasing factor.  Obviously (at least to me), where and how my products are made and what they are made of is also a crucial part of my decision making process. Offering organic, fair-trade and - in part - local is my way to make it simpler for my clients to go green.

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WHAT ADVICE TO YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE WHEN THEY ARE SHOPPING FOR CHILDREN?

The same advice I give myself: to follow their own hearts when choosing, to go for the imaginative and the durable: a gift that will please now but also in future years, and to buy fewer gifts, but better curated.

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Thank you Lauren and Marie-France for taking part in this feature! 

LEARN MORE: Comme des Enfants