Tots and Teens: Sustainable and good-value summer clothing for kids 

And toy library, newborn gifts, and Irish baby name books

Some of our Tots to Teens tips.

School is almost out for summer. That means kids all over Ireland will soon be ditching their uniforms and wearing t-shirts and shorts every day. 

Considering just how much kids grow over the course of a year, last year’s gear may no longer fit them.

Rather than purchasing brand-new clothes, parents might prefer to visit flopsyshop.ie — an online kids’ clothing boutique aimed at parents who want to shop in a sustainable way.

It is run by a mum-of-two, Róisín Delaney, and sells a wide range of second-hand items. 

These include clothes for boys and girls aged from newborn up to nine years old. 

Everything is checked to ensure it’s in good condition before being listed by size, brand and type of clothing. Prices start from as low as €1.

Written in the stars

Constellation print from makeitwithwords.com

Searching for a unique gift for a newborn? This constellation print by makeitwithwords.com could be just what you are looking for.

Produced by the Dublin-based husband-and-wife duo Joe Jennings and Amelia Mantero, the prints can be customised to show the precise location of the stars and planets at the exact moment the baby was born.

The baby’s name and other details can also be included. 

The prints are available in a range of sizes and come with a choice of frames, with prices starting from €50.

Celebrating our mythology

Irish Legends: Newgrange, Tara and the Boyne Valley

A new book celebrates Ireland’s rich mythological heritage. 

Irish Legends: Newgrange, Tara and the Boyne Valley by Eithne Massey retells six of our age-old stories.

There’s the story of how Fionn used the wisdom he gained from the Salmon of Knowledge, the tale of how the river Boyne was born, an account of the battle between the Hag of the South and the Hag of Loughcrew, and more, all brought to life by Lisa Jackson’s colourful illustrations.

• Irish Legends: Newgrange, Tara and the Boyne Valley (O’Brien Books) costs €12.99

Get a handle on names

Irish Baby Names

From Fiadh to Oisín, Irish baby names have gained popularity in recent years. If you or someone you know is expecting a baby and is contemplating what to call them, Irish Baby Names is sure to provide them with lots of inspiration.

It contains more than 200 Irish names for boys and girls. The origin and the meaning of each name are explained in detail, as well as guidance on how to pronounce it and the different spelling variations.

• Irish Baby Names is written by childhood friends Féilim O’Connor, Morgan Buckley and Gavin Drea and costs €16.99

Toy Library events

What should you do with toys that your children no longer play with? 

One possible answer to this question is to bring them along to one of the two Toy Library Swap and Play events taking place in Cork this weekend.

The first of these events will take place from 2.30pm to 5.30pm on Saturday, June 21 at The Lough Community Centre in Cork City. 

The second is happening from 3pm to 5pm on Sunday, June 22 in the Carrigaline Bandstand in Carrigaline.

Families are asked to bring up to five toys in good condition to donate or swap. Those of you who don’t have toys to donate are welcome to come along too and take home what you like.

There will also be family-friendly entertainment available at these events, including activities such as eco-crafting, temporary tattoos, face painting, and teddy bear check-ups for all to enjoy.

• This event is free for all, but it is recommended you sign up in advance at thetoylibrary.ie/signup