Olli Ella Blog

Travelling with a toddler is its own unique, challenging adventure. The bags are full to the brim, patience is in short supply, and little minds only stay occupied for so long.  No matter whether you’re travelling for a few hours or most of the day, travel toys can be a lifesaver for the whole family. Here are some of the best that actually reduce travel day stress.  What makes a good travel toy for toddlers?  You may be wondering how to choose a good travel toy rather than one that will be left in the bag, taking up precious space....

Planning a tea party is often a big occasion for children. They get to prepare the decorations, set the table, plan the menu, and invite their favourite. They’re in charge of everything, and their imagination can create a story of how the tea party will go.  As parents, we should encourage this ceremony and help keep the magic alive for as long as possible. Today, we’ll explore several pretend tea party ideas for kids and their very important guests.  Choosing the guest list The guest list is the most important aspect of any tea party. Ask your child who’s invited...

Many children (and parents!) find bedtime to be one of the most difficult transitions of the day. While it might not seem like a big deal to us, we’re asking our children to stop everything, leave their own little world behind, and trust that everything will still be there in the morning.  A stuffed animal won’t magically fix the disappointment bedtime brings, but it can often help make the process a little easier for everyone.  Why do stuffed animals help at bedtime?  Developmental psychologists have a term for beloved soft toys: transitional objects. They bridge the gap between the security...

The best pretend play ideas are the ones adults can’t even think of. They require the imagination and creativity that only children can dream up, but sometimes, they need a starting point. A suggestion that opens the door for their minds to run wild.  Below, we’ve found the best pretend play ideas for children of all ages. Give them a doll, offer the pretend play idea, and watch the magic unfold.  For toddlers (18 months to 3 years) The best pretend play ideas for young children focus on routines and everyday activities: Bedtime routine Encourage your child to put their...

Almost every child loves playing with dolls. It offers them an opportunity to practice nurture, empathy and logical thinking. Research confirms that doll play offers several benefits for children, which they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.  Today, we’ll explore the benefits of doll play for child development and how you can encourage open-ended play.  Doll play practices empathy and compassion When a child picks up a doll and begins caring for it, they step into a new perspective, seeing things through different eyes. The doll is hungry, tired, sad, and scared, and they need to decide...

No one knows how it happens, but one day you’re buying your child’s first toy… and the next, your house is overrun with flashing lights, plastic pieces and plush teddies.  You need to reorganise the toybox, but it's such a shame to throw things away when they have so much life left in them. Today, we’ll explore where to donate soft toys to extend their stories and give another child a loving companion.  Should you donate your soft toys?  Donating soft toys is an excellent way to pass them on to other children who will love them just as much...

Soft toys are always a fan favourite at birthdays, Christmas and special occasions. But, while they’re often well-received by children, they’re also incredibly awkward to wrap for adults. The shape throws every standard wrapping technique out the window.  Don’t panic - there are several ways to get your plush present looking beautiful, and in less time than you’d expect, too.  Option 1: Tissue paper and a gift bag The simplest solution, and often the most effective, is a large gift bag with a generous layer of tissue paper.  Get a gift bag large enough to properly hide the plush toy...

Plush toys have a way of multiplying. One becomes five, and before you know it, there’s not a single room in the house that isn’t occupied by several stuffed animals and dolls. When left out, soft toys can become magnets for dust, dirt and germs. Storing them properly is the best way to keep them safe and secure until their next play session. Today, we’ll explore how to store plush toys without ruining them.  The golden rule: never compress plush toys  The single most important thing you can do when storing a plush toy is to prevent compressing it under...

Creative play is incredibly beneficial for children of all ages. They become completely absorbed in what they’re doing, achieving a particular kind of focus that’s very difficult to achieve with other playtime activities. It can also benefit children cognitively and emotionally.  Creative play can be as simple or advanced as you make it. Today, we’ll explore the benefits of this type of play on young and older children.  What is creative play?  Creative play is often considered the same as arts and crafts, but it’s often broader and more inclusive than that. It’s any type of play where the child...

When done right, playtime can be both fun and beneficial. While young children play, they’re also developing skills that they’ll use for the rest of their lives. While they may not be seen straight away, there are plenty of emotional benefits to playing at a young age.  Today, we’ll explore these benefits and how you can encourage your little ones to keep playing.  Playtime helps children process the world around them Children encounter big feelings long before they have the language or the understanding to manage them. They may feel fear, frustration, sadness, excitement or jealousy - all in full...

During a child’s earliest years, almost anything can become a fun and educational toy. Wooden spoons become phones, pressed to their ear as they talk to their friend. Sponges become pillows for dolls. Stones become underwater caves for mermaids.  Sensory play is one of the most powerful tools available to young children. Different textures can support learning, self-regulation, and emotional development. Today, we’ll explore the benefits of sensory play in the early years.  What is sensory play?  Sensory play is any activity that engages one or more of the senses in an intentional, exploratory way. For example:  Touch: Almost every...

All plush toys lose their sparkle now and then, no matter the quality or materials used. The fur that was once gloriously soft and supple is now flat and sad-looking. The toy is still just as loved, but it needs a little help getting back to its former glory.  Don’t panic: flat plush is almost always fixable. Today, we’ll explore how to do just that.  Why do plush toys fall flat? When a soft toy is well-loved, the plush fibres flatten over time from compression, moisture and friction. The more a toy is carried, cuddled and slept with, the more...

Washing a plush toy involves much more than removing visible grime - disinfecting is just as important to keep little ones happy and healthy. Disinfecting toys is essential, especially if your child loves sharing their favourite doll with friends at playgroup.  The good news is that disinfecting toys doesn’t require harsh chemicals. You just need to know the right approach for the toys in question.  Always start with the care label Before disinfecting any toy, check the label for instructions. Most quality plush toys will be machine washable, giving you more options for effectively disinfecting them. Toys that require spot...

There comes a point in every beloved soft toy’s life when the washing machine is needed. Even the doll that goes everywhere, survives every outing, and sleeps with your child every night.  If they’re currently a colour that can only be described as ‘well-loved’, you may wonder how you’re going to wash them while avoiding a tantrum. The good news is, washing soft toys is simpler than most parents expect.  Here’s how to wash plush toys without losing their magic.    Always read the label Before anything else, find the care label on your little one’s best friend. Most quality...

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...

Preparing Your Toddler for a New Baby: Explore the Magic of Lullaby Dozy Dinkum Dolls