We've all come a long way in the last 4 years. KIDLY's grown as a company, obviously, but we've also had the huge pleasure of getting to know an amazing bunch of kids and parents - and watching them grow too. To mark our 4th birthday, meet 4 of the families (out of many) who've helped us get where we are today.
Eira, Inga & Bev Connoways (Parent Tester)
What were you up to 4 years ago?
I was bouncing on a daft birthing ball, eating an extra hot Thai red curry and singing 'We are the champions' because Eira was well past her due date and I was so desperate for her to make an appearance!
How did you ‘meet’ KIDLY?
I was bored and fat and couldn't sleep and one night I was scrolling Facebook. You were looking for Parent Testers and we got sent a beautiful moses basket. (I think it was one of the very earliest Parent Tests you did.) Because Eira was late, we had weeks of sitting looking at this beautiful object that was extremely lovely, but also extremely empty. Hence the bouncing, singing and the Thai curry!
What have you got up to with KIDLY - and liked most?
We've tested so many things: clothes, toys, nappies, blankets, games and all sorts. The products I've enjoyed the most have been the creative ones. Our Janod desk is still used all the time and we love Playpa. I really remember testing some Sunnylife arm bands with Eira's sister Inga, because we were going on holiday, but the water in the pool was freezing and I had to take some pictures quickly, before she turned blue!
What would you tell yourself if you could go back 4 years?
Take more time for yourself - that's so important - and don't feel guilty about it - because you need that energy to put into everybody else.
Fave product or KIDLY experience?
We particularly loved the Art Out Of The Box: Creativity Games and it's always lovely to get picked for Parent Testing. It's so exciting to receive and unwrap that parcel!
Brontè (KIDLY Label model) & Beth Smith
What were you up to 4 years ago?
We were eagerly awaiting Brontè's arrival. I could tell she’d be a loud and active child, even then! 😂
How did you ‘meet’ KIDLY?
When Brontè did her first photoshoot. I remember she loved putting on the biggest welly boots she could find and stomping around in them!
What have you got up to with KIDLY - and liked most?
We’ve done photoshoots every few months, helping you show off your lovely fun and colourful products. Brontè always talks about the time when we went to the woods and she was dressed up as a rabbit! And she loves playing on the Wobbel Board - her fave thing when she ‘comes to play’. (That’s what she calls shoot days.)
What would you tell yourself if you could go back 4 years?
I’d probably just tell myself to keep having fun, every day, and make sure I find time to do something I want to do.
Fave product or KIDLY experience?
Definitely working with so many people who always give Brontè the opportunity to have fun, explore and grow.
Eli, Jude & Laura Reynolds (Parent Tester, Help Team & Writer)
What were you up to 4 years ago?
Eli was a babe in arms and we'd just packed up our lives in London and moved to the Welsh countryside. Life had suddenly changed so much.
How did you ‘meet’ KIDLY?
The little village we lived in had one shop selling (not so cute) hand-knitted baby bits. They certainly hadn't had the memo that wooden toys were ‘in’ again - they only had old-fashioned plastic options. That's when we found KIDLY online. To this day, I'm so happy for that Google search result!
What have you got up to with KIDLY - and liked most?
Soooo many amazing Parent Testing opportunities with both Eli and his brother, Jude. Jude actually tested a magical music mobile when he was just a few days old. (It's now packed away... just in case!) I also now work as part of the world's best ever customer service team. (KIDLY's, obvs!)
What would you tell yourself if you could go back 4 years?
Stay home in PJs more often. FOMO will pass. The dishes can wait. Your newborn won't want cuddles forever. NAP MORE! And everyone's winging it, even if they stick an Instagram filter on it.
Fave product or KIDLY experience?
KIDLY has totally changed my family's life. Not only is our house brimming with beautiful buys, but my Help Team job helps pay the bills. KIDLY is a unique company, where the line between employees and customers blur - both valuing the other totally. It's one big happy family - and a stylish one at that.
Noah & Ellie Richards (Parent Tester)
What were you up to 4 years ago?
Noah was 4 months old and I was on maternity leave from the Police.
How did you ‘meet’ KIDLY?
A Facebook post - you were looking for Parent Testers. It appealed, not so much for having ‘free things’, but for the chance to try something different that I wouldn’t normally consider. KIDLY has so much on offer and there are definitely a few brands we’ve discovered because we tested them and loved them.
What have you got up to with KIDLY - and liked most?
Testing the Sunnylife outdoor toys and Bobux shoes. We live close to the sea in Cornwall and so it’s a great excuse to go down to the beach and try out some different toys and games!
How’ve the last 4 years changed you?
I’ve become more patient, tolerant and understanding. Life has slowed down and I appreciate the changes more. Especially now, in lockdown, we’ve learned not to take anything for granted.
Fave product or KIDLY experience?
The relationship with KIDLY made maternity leave with Noah such fun - having new stuff to look forward to, to play with, and for Noah to wear. I also love all our Plan Toys. I am keeping them all safe for our new arrival - due in three weeks!