24 Feb 12 Best Indie Markets For Kids And Parents
Who doesn’t love a good market? We have put together a guide of the top craft, design and kids markets in your state around Australia.
SYDNEY
Finders Keepers
This event takes place twice a year in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, showcasing a unique selection of handmade textiles, art, stationery, fashion, toys and homewares from upcoming and newly established crafters and designers. You will find rabbit-adorned crockery by The Storybook Rabbit, animal masks by TMOD, Milk & Masuki organic baby wares and crochet toys by La De Dah Kids.
One Fine Baby
A stylish baby affair – be enchanted by the many handpicked stalls featuring a range of fashion, home and party decor, bedding, bespoke toys and gifts from many of Australia’s child and baby companies. By the time you’ve looked around, you’ll have ideas for your next children’s party, be inspired to create a haven for your little one or upcoming arrival and introduced to some amazing kid and parent-friendly products and services. Kids can also enjoy the on-sight craft activities, petting zoo and jumping castle. One Fine Baby also travels to Melbourne.
MELBOURNE
The Big Design Market
Melbourne brings some of the state’s most influential creative and independent makers and designers together under one roof. Kids can get creative at one of the many craft workshops making masks and terrariums. Pop around the market’s many stalls and you will find a selection of unique stationery, kids’ clothes, toys, homewares and textiles.
Melbourne Mamma’s Market
A child and baby fashion market showcasing independent and boutique retailers who specialise in making unique and stylish clothes, shoes and accessories for babies and younger tots.
BRISBANE
Bris-Style
What first began as a launching pad for those in the Brisbane area selling work online on Etsy has now become an event encouraging all independent makers to come together and take part in sharing their handmade products. At the Bris-style market you will find kids’ and women’s fashion, jewellery, soft furnishings, toys, art prints, organic cosmetics, party supplies, floral styling and interior homewares.
Boutique Markets
A design and artisan market featuring local talent selling a selection of gourmet food, textiles, jewellery, accessories, homewares, and kids’ bedroom furnishings, as well as children and baby clothing.
CANBERRA
Handmade Canberra
The Handmade Canberra market features local makers and designers who love to make pretty things for parents, bubs and kids. Held at Exhibition Park in the CDB, you’ll find stalls filled with ceramics, children’s accessories and toys, soft furnishings, stationery, jewellery, fashion, interiors, foods, lighting and artwork.
Old Bus Depo Markets
On every Sunday – enjoy locally grown fine foods and browse the many handcrafted toys, knitted fashion, artwork and accessories for kids, while the littlies can get their face painted. Taking place on 21 June is a Kids In The Shed special event including live entertainment, pony rides, jumping castle and petting zoo.
PERTH
Market Girl
These annual markets pop up in various locations around Perth and feature local makers of all things baby and kid-friendly. Stalls include organic cosmetics, personalised dinnerware and stationery, jewellery, party and everyday clothing for babies and kids, textiles, cupcakes and more.
Perth Up Market
Find original and handcrafted wares from over 150 of Perth’s crafters and designers. Stall holders include baby clothing by Tiny Hearts, outdoor tents by Betty Jane, soft animal wall sculptures by Charlie Barlee Studio, Cheeky Fox Design baby onesies, Happy as Larry Designs nursery room homewares, Kit-n-Kaboodle Kraft kits and Delish Ice gourmet ice pops served in a cute as a button retro caravan.
ADELAIDE
Lollipop Markets
A market that embraces work-from-home parents, and gives small independent businesses the opportunity to showcase their handcrafted goodies. Its many stalls feature items for expecting parents, as well as babies and children.
Bower Bird Bazaar
Meet local handcrafters and find unique pieces for yourself, children or expecting arrivals at this biannual market. Kids can get creative at one of the craft workshops and you can browse the stalls featuring local children’s book authors, kids’ bedroom decor, homewares, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, mums’ and bubs’ fashion, art prints, stationery and more.
Words by Jenna Templeton / Photography by Grace Walzel
