WORDS by CHRISTIE FYNN MORGAN | IMAGES SUPPLIED by FEATURED PRODUCTS
We’ve been scouring the internet for beautiful, African-inspired nursery ideas and would like to share our finds with you. Even if you’re not in the ‘baby zone’ yet or you’re past it, there are a few cute ideas in here for prezzies too.
We hope you enjoy our selection and let us know if you have any of your own – just leave a comment at the end of the post.
1.Children of the Tribe
We love this little mustard tie-dye freedom wrap from Childen of the Tribe as it reminds us of the mud cloth/bogolan cloth designs from Mali. It’s made from 100% crushed cotton and sized at 120cm x 120cm.
$49.95 AUD (international shipping)
2. Moses Baskets from Ghana
Our favourite find! These hand-woven moses baskets are designed and made by rural artisans in Ghana using elephant grass. The team from Design Dua also make gorgeous pet beds, baby changing baskets and an entire home series. Read more about their community impact.
From $155 (international shipping)
3. Safari Babies
African Artwork have just launched their ‘Safari Babies’ series. You can purchase these as a complete set of 5 or purchase them individually. There’s an elephant named Elijah, a zebra named Zac, a leopard named Leo, a rhino named Ruby and a giraffe named Sophie. The prints are available framed or unframed.
Complete set: From R1400 ($100)
Individual prints: From R320 ($25)
4. Tiny bloomers
Designed in New York and made in Africa! Using traditional African techniques, local materials and genuine artisan skill, Indego Africa creates their fun range of products – and they’re not just for babies. Their idea is simple: empower women artisans in Africa by showcasing their beautiful craft and investing in the power of education. Read more about how they’re positively influencing women’s lives in Rwanda and Ghana.
$10 (international shipping)
These kitenge bloomers are too much!
5. Baskets for Africa!
More from Indego Africa! We love that there’s a story behind every item. There’s an entire range of delicious baskets that will make choosing just one almost impossible.
From $36 – $300 (international shipping)
6. Stuffed bookends
These woolen felt stuffed bookends are the perfect little addition to your nursery’s bookshelf. RH also make an oversized stuffed elephant that we’ve got our eye on.
We love their oversized wool felt elephant
7. Kenana critters from Kenya
Not only are these knitted critters a suitable soft toy for your baby, they’re also changing the lives of over 500 women in Kenya. Founded in 1998, Kenana Knitters employs rural Kenyan women to knit an array of soft toys, home decor, clothing and accessories. Their ethos is to make a significant social impact in rural Kenya by empowering women to take charge of their lives through dignified work. Read more about their incredible work here: ‘Our Ethos’
8. Zebra Wall Hanging
Big, bold and beautiful! This striking wall hanging comes from Anthropologie. The zebra and cheetah roaming the canvas will bring a subtle African influence into your nursery. This wall hanging was made in collaboration with artist, Michelle Morin.
$298 (ships worldwide)
9. Elephant Laundry Baskets
Those ears, those eyes, those tusks and that wonderful trunk! There’s no need to say more. #wewantone
From $69
Dimensions: Height: 50cm | Depth: 43cm | Width: 40cm
10. Junior Field Guide in training
Our kiddies will definitely be learning to identify and track some of Africa’s finest wildlife and this is a wonderful nursery addition to get them started young (very, very young in this case…).
$23 (international shipping)
11. For the love of ellies
We obviously love elephants and the more elephants we can squeeze into this post the better (or that’s how we feel)! Plush chairs, plush toys and plush mobiles…and they’re all elephants. We love!
12. Bring the Kenya’s Masai Mara into your nursery
Pierre Frey’s Masai Mara wall paper captures the essence of the East African wildlife scene. Despite there being one or two questionable species in the mix, we love it nonetheless.
13. Mille Collines – Made in Africa
These cute onesies are made by Rwandan brand, Mille Collines. We love the decorative animal print made of African print cotton fabric.
$39 (international shipping)
