Something extraordinary happens between the ages of two and seven, when children no longer experience just one world - their imagination takes them anywhere they can dream up. There’s the real world, and then the worlds entirely of their own making. In these, anything is possible, and the rules are theirs to write. Imaginative play occurs in these other worlds, and it’s one of the most beneficial things a young child can experience. What is imaginative play? Imaginative play, otherwise known as pretend play, is where a child uses their mind to create something that isn’t physically there. A...
Parents often worry that they’re not creating enough fun for their children, filling each day with structured activities, guided crafts, and educational games. But in the process, they may overlook how much value open-ended play offers. When children have time to explore, imagine, and create on their own, they learn as they go. Whether they’re searching for treasure with pirates or building homes for animals, they’re reaching some of childhood’s most important developmental milestones. The absence of rules: why open-ended play matters Structured games are fun, but they often have a ceiling that children need to reach in order...
As parents, we’ve all been there: we spend ages scrolling through Pinterest to find the perfect activity, lay out supplies, create educational flashcards. Once everything’s perfect, we call for our little ones… only for them to walk straight past us and find their own fun. Who knew two wooden spoons and a tea towel could be so entertaining? It’s normal to feel disappointed, but here’s the thing - they’re learning in their own way. Playtime is one of the most effective ways for children to grow and develop, and they know what works best for them. What's actually happening...
The rainbow above dinkum world is glowing brighter than usual… which can only mean one thing. New friends are arriving tomorrow ✨ Some come fluttering through the clouds. Some tumble in with pockets full of treasures. Some arrive quietly. Some arrive very dramatically. Here’s who’s on their way to rainbow realm… ⸻ Dream Dinkums ☁️ Fairy Evie treats every day like somebody’s birthday. There are usually cupcakes involved, at least one unnecessary outfit change, and a very high chance of accidental sparkles. Evie twirls through Rainbow Realm making friends with absolutely everyone. Dragon Griffin spends most days practising dragon roars,...
Rainbow realm is waking up… The rainbow above dinkum world has started glowing at bedtime again ✨ That only happens when new friends are close. Deep inside rainbow realm, the fairies are hanging lanterns through the clouds, the unicorns are polishing their wish horns, and the dragons are practising rainbow puffs instead of fire. (some are better at it than others.) A magical new collection of Rainbow Realm Dinkum Dolls is almost here, including cuddly Cozy Dinkums, collectible Dinky Dinkums, magical Dream Dinkums, dragons, fairies, unicorns and pocket-sized friends made for play, collecting and bedtime snuggles. One keeps tiny treasures...
Lately, we’ve been noticing some Dinkum out and about.
On café tables, enjoying a slow morning with a slice of cake.
Tucked into prams at the park.
At picnics on the sandy beaches, covered in sand.
Peeking out from backpacks on the way to school.
Curled up on car seats, coming along for the ride.
Keep an eye out… you’ll start seeing them everywhere.
They’re the ones being carried everywhere.
That get a little more worn, a little more loved each day.
Because Dinkums aren’t just for playtime at home.
They’re for the everyday moments.
FIND YOUR ADVENTURE BUDDY
They’re here! Kittycorns and Caticorns have pounced into Rainbow Realm. Meet Tinx, Sprinkle, Bonbon and Pompom - four magical new arrivals, each with their own little sparkle. Meet Tinx Half cat, half unicorn, and full-time daydreamer. Always happiest in the middle of the story, Tinx brings a dreamy kind of friendship to every playtime. Meet Sprinkle & Bonbon Tiny, curious and always ready for fun. Sprinkle has a playful spirit and an imagination to match, and loves sneaking into pockets and backpacks. The sweetest little Kittycorn in Rainbow Realm. Bon Bon loves a quiet moment, soft snuggles, and dreamy adventures....
Dinkum world feels a little busier today - in the best possible way. The Cozy Day Dinkums are waking up all around the world, and making themselves at home, among the tall grasses, winding paths, and sun-dappled clearings of Wildflower Wood. Awake, curious, and ready to be scooped up, snuggled, and added to your family. Lamby Tig Always knows what time it is - cuddle time, snack time, or time to organise everyone into a line. Bunny Pinkie A firm believer in dress-ups, picnics, and second breakfast. Bobby Bear Thoughtful, steady, and quietly wonderful — the truest friend you could...
The Boo Bunch Has Arrived — Meet the New Friends from Holiday Hollow Just past Wildflower Wood, where the pumpkins and candy canes grow, there’s a place called Holiday Hollow — and something soft, strange, and snuggly has just crept in. This Halloween, we’re opening the gates to the spookiest nook in Dinkum World. It’s where ghosts giggle, pies cool on crooked windowsills, and a soft breeze of magic hangs in the air. And this year? ✨ Willa the Switch Witch is back — and she’s brought friends. 🎃 Say hello to the Boo Bunch Willa’s never been one to...
If you ever find yourself drifting beyond the last bit of blue sky, you might stumble into the Rainbow Realm — a place where rainbows wriggle when you look at them, fairy bread grows like wildflowers, and the clouds smell faintly of candy floss. It’s a busy little world, full of wings and whinnies and the occasional puff of dragon-shaped clouds. And lately, the air’s been humming — the kind of hum that means new friends are on their way. the newcomers From the twinkling skies: Dream Dinkums – Freya: Moonlight walker with crinkly wings and a habit of staying...
Let’s be honest: it rarely stops at one.The moment you meet your first Dinkum, something happens. A bond forms. A world opens. Suddenly, your Dinkum isn’t just a doll — it’s a friend, a companion, a character with quirks and dreams and favourite snacks. And just like that, the others start whispering your name from the shelves…If you’re new here: welcome. You’re in excellent (and possibly mildly obsessed) company. Here’s everything you need to know to begin your Dinkum journey - from your first doll to full-blown fandom. ~ 01 Who will be your first? There’s a Dinkum for every...
2024 has been an exciting year for us, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about the new products we've launched! Our team has been working hard to bring some fresh new faces to our Olli Ella shelves and it’s been such a delight to see how loved they have all been. This year’s launches have been all about making playtime even more magical and fun. ~ With the year quickly coming to an end, we’re taking a moment to reflect and round up a few of our favourite new arrivals that have added a sprinkle of joy to homes all...
Black Friday chatter is everywhere, and amidst the noise, a little realness goes a long way! At Olli Ella, we’re more than just a toy company—our office is filled with real parents who know the ins and outs of finding meaningful gifts for kids. Who better to share their top Black Friday shopping tips? Our team is here with insights to help you score deals on gifts your kids will truly love and use. ~ What's your number one tip for making the right purchases during Black Friday? Get Organised Before You Shop“Go in with a plan of the goodies...
Christmas is fast approaching, and the hunt for the perfect stocking stuffers is on! Every year it’s the same story. Before you realise it, it’s already November, and the countdown begins again! It’s like we blink, and the year has passed; blink again, and suddenly our little ones aren’t so little anymore. If there's one thing we've mastered since becoming mums who work at a kid’s toy company (dream job, right?), it’s how to make those stockings overflow with magic. When you’re looking for those magical surprises from Santa, a balance of fun and learning is the perfect mix. Whether...
Say goodbye to chilly days and hello to cosy vibes as we show you how to whip up adorable, no-knit hats that will have your Dinkums looking extra cute and snug.
Tubbles Sensory Stones are made to spark creativity, encourage exploration, and make every moment brim with fun and discovery, igniting your child's senses. Let's jump right into the exciting world of sensory play and delve into the wide range of benefits for children's development and overall well-being.
Brew up some Halloween magic with our DIY Magic Wand Craft –Cozy Catedition!Whetherit'sthefinishing touchforatrick-or-treat costume,or simply arainy-day craftat home, ourMagic Cat Wand is sure to add a touch of sparkle to every playtime.
Repurpose your Forest Friends cardboarddisplaystandintoDIYpennant flagsfor the playroom!We teamed up with our endlessly creativepal @cardboardfolk to craftpersonalised bunting featuring the Dinky Dinkum Forest Friends camp badges.
Good old-fashioned, screen-free, creative fun to keep little ones entertained! Tiny dolls, mini animals, and portable play sets for imaginative play, all while mum and dad run errands, sip coffee, and go on family road trips. Have a look at what we’ve got for you!
Even the smallest members of the family need some R&R every now and then. We teamed up with our creative play-mate @raisingwildones for lots of fun ways to make Dinkums Dolls (and your kiddos) sparkle with joy!
Come on a colourful adventure with your very own paper Dinkum Doll! Grab your favourite set of markers and craft one-of-a-kind Dinkum Dolls that are as unique as you are. From rosy cheeks to vibrant outfits, the possibilities are endless!
Welcome, dreamers, to a whimsical journey into the enchanting world offairycoreroom decor! Joinus as we explore the key elements offairycorestyle and discover how to infuse your room with a touch of magic and fantasy.
Play is a child's way of engaging and making sense of the world. Role play may appear to be an amazingly simple activity, yet children learn practical life skills within it. It's so important to encourage a special bond with your little one and their dolls. Here's why...
Take a ride on the wild side in our DIY Cardboard Safari Truck! We teamed up with @cardboardfolk to create an off-road car for your Cozy Dinkum animals.
Our new See-ya Collection went on a little trip to sunny Portugal! Discover a place where endless play and adventure await, as seen through the eyes of young adventurers. Buckle up, @gemmaboothphoto will take us there!
Take your brekkie game to the next level with these Dinky Dinkum-inspired treats. We teamed up with our friends @evermorelong and the Fruity Cuties to make scrumptious yogurt parfait in granola cups.
You’ve heard of hand-painted Easter eggs, but have you ever seen an egg as delightful as our Cozy Dinkum-themed hatchlings? Our friend @cardboardfolk dreamed up an egg-cellent DIY craft for your kiddos and their Cozy Dinkums.
Create a calming space to send your little one off to the land of nod. Here are some of our must-have pieces and top tips for the newly most important (and stylish) room in the house.
Beep Beep! Cozy Dinkums coming through in their very special DIY wagons. We've teamed up with the very talented cardboardfolk to create some trendy transportation for our Cozys to ride in Style. Follow along to create you own! ~ It’s craft time! . 01Create the shapeClose up your mailing box (use tape to secure it if required) then use a box cutter and steel ruler to cut out a rectangle in the top of the box.Our cut out is 10cm x 13cm. 02Create your Cozy faceCreate a face for your wagon! Use the extra piece of cardboard to cut out...
At Olli Ella, we believe in the power of imagination and the joys of pretend play. Our Holdie™ Animals are the perfect companions for setting up backyard adventures, puppet shows, and small missions that will keep your little ones entertained for hours. We understand the importance of fostering creativity and role-playing, and we're here to help you make the most of these experiences with your children. Discover our tips on how to engage in pretend play and make it even more exciting with our Holdie™ Animals. ~ Pretend play, also known as symbolic play, is a stage of play in...
🎶 Let the countdown to 2023 begin! We've teamed up with Cardboard Folk and The Glitter Tribe to create our very own DIY disco ball to move and groove into the new year! Fancy making your own? Read on for step-by-step instructions to sparkle your way into the New Year! ~ It’s craft time! . 01Create ball shapeCreate a sphere by scrunching up left over wrapping paper into a ball shape. Layer pieces of paper over each other until you’re happy with the size of your ball, we made ours around 16cm in diameter to suit our Cozy Dinkums, and...
Create your very own cardboard fireplace and stocking play prop for all your Dinkum friends! We teamed up with @cardboardfolkand @glittertribe (for guilt-free, biodegradable sparkle) on this glitzy craft.
The most wonderful time of the year, full of family, friends and delicious feasts. We all love seeing the look on a loved one's face when gifted a sentimental present. There is definitely a process of love and thought when deciding what goes under someone's tree. Our team wanted to share with you their gifting picks and why they chose them for different individuals. ~ Fawny Twinkle The sweetest new edition to the Cozy family, Fawny Twinkle and twin Fawny Twiggy love the holiday season. “Twinkle is so soft and cuddly, perfect for baby’s first gift. I love the subtle...
We have teamed up with the talented @My wee folk to create your Dinkum Dogs their very own DIY bed 🐶 A fun and easy craft that will have our Dinkum Dogs' tails wagging and set them up for the comfiest naps. 💤~ It’s craft time! Make your very own DIY Dinkum Dog Bed Watch video below for extra guidance! 01CutCut a 35cm diameter circle out of your cardboard and fabric 02GlueGlue your fabric circle to the top of your cardboard 03Cut and PlaceCut a 50cm diameter circle out of your fabric then place your 35cm circle on top of...
Your littles can play parent to their new Cozy Fawnys with their grown-up Reindeer Antlers! Learn how to make your very own pair in this DIY craft from our friend @raisingwildones 🦌✨ ~ It’s craft time! Make your very own DIY Reindeer Antlers Watch video below for extra guidance! 01TraceWith a pencil, mark out two of your Reindeer antlers on a piece of felt of your choice. 02CutUsing scissors, carefully cut out two strips of brown felt (the band of your ears) 03GlueGlue the edges of your Reindeer antlers connecting them so there is an opening in the top. 04Stuff...
I am the switch witch, from the land of moonlight. I come to trade candy on Halloween night! Place all your sweet treats in this basket right here, and on Halloween night new toys will appear!
Twinning is winning we know this for sure, dress your kiddo like their Dinkum Doll for an adorably unique Halloween costume! Here are some spooktastic (but not so spooky) creative dress-up ideas for your little ones' Halloween.
Bubble, bubble toil and trouble, don't we have a fantastical DIY craft for you! We have teamed up with the very talented myweebuddy to create a magical fire pit and practise our potion-making in time for the spooky season.
Our little ones absolutely delight in exploring their world through their senses. Sensory play encourages learning through exploration, curiosity, problem solving and creativity. It builds cognitive skills and influences how your child learns about their world. We've teamed up with the very talented x to bring our Holdie Animals to life in their very own sensory playscapes.
This step-by-step blog can be adapted to any playscape with a sprinkle of imagination!
What is it about a new season and a big clearout? We love multi-use storage solutions. Here are some of our best baskets to inspire you to declutter like a pro or add some statement decoration pieces to your home.
Our Dozy Dinkums love a good night's sleep just as much as we do, drifting off into a dreamy reverie whilst counting little sheep. We teamed up with our imaginative friend Katherine of @cardboardfolk to create some DIY Daydream Dinkum Beds for your little ones' new Daydream Dozy Dinkum besties. Now they can sleep side by side in a cosy bed made just for them!
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