The Dolly & Fred Blog: Creative Ideas & Gifts

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Why Letter Writing Still Matters (Especially for children!)

Why Letter Writing Still Matters (Especially for children!)

Discover the joy and connection found in a simple handwritten letter. In this heartwarming post, Jo shares how letter writing encourages children to slow down, express themselves, and build meaningful relationships—both at home and beyond. Packed with inspiration, real-life moments, and tips for making writing fun, this is a love letter to the lost art of putting pen to paper.

— Jo Froud
Spring Gift Guide: Thoughtful Easter & Baptism Gifts for Kids - Dolly and Fred Designs

Easter Gifts for Children: Thoughtful and Unique Gift Ideas Kids Will Love

Looking for thoughtful Easter gifts for children? This meaningful guide is filled with unique keepsakes, creative stationery, and faith-filled prints to celebrate Easter, baptisms, and springtime milestones with love and purpose.

— Jo Froud
Gift Guide: The Best Animal-Inspired Prints & Writing Sets for Kids - Dolly and Fred Designs

Gift Guide: The Best Animal-Inspired Prints & Writing Sets for Kids

Searching for the perfect gift for an animal-loving child? This guide is packed with unique animal-themed prints and stationery gifts, from safari name prints to ocean postcards and woodland writing sets. Perfect for encouraging creativity and adding a personalised touch!

— Jo Froud
The Ultimate Eco-Friendly Stationery Gift Guide for Kids - Dolly and Fred Designs

The Ultimate Eco-Friendly Stationery Gift Guide for Kids

Discover the best eco-friendly stationery gifts for kids! 🌿🎁 From personalised journals to recycled writing sets, find sustainable, plastic-free gifts that inspire creativity. Shop the full collection now!

— Jo Froud
How to Encourage Kids to Journal (Even If They’re Reluctant!) - Dolly and Fred Designs

How to Encourage Kids to Journal (Even If They’re Reluctant!)

Want to make journaling fun for kids? Try this simple Lucky Dip Journaling Activity! 🎲✨ Encourage creativity, self-expression, and mindfulness with this engaging writing activity—plus, grab a free printable to get started!

— Jo Froud
Unleash Your Child's Inner Artist: The Magic of Writing Sets - Dolly and Fred Designs

Unleash Your Child's Inner Artist: The Magic of Writing Sets

Unleash your child's inner artist with our eco-friendly writing sets! 🌱✨ From fantastical stories to heartfelt letters, these beautifully designed sets inspire creativity, develop essential skills, and foster precious family moments. Shop now and let the magic begin!

— Jo Froud
Colour Your Way to a Kinder Christmas: Introducing Our Colour Your Own Kindness Advent Calendar - Dolly and Fred Designs

Colour Your Way to a Kinder Christmas: Introducing Our Colour Your Own Kindness Advent Calendar

With Christmas around the corner, how about embracing the festive season with something more meaningful? Here at Dolly and Fred, Christmas isn't just about presents and decorations; it's about kindness,...
— Jo Froud
Embrace Nature with Our New Woodland Nursery Collection - Dolly and Fred Designs

Embrace Nature with Our New Woodland Nursery Collection

I am thrilled to introduce our brand-new Woodland Nursery Collection, a delightful ensemble of prints that bring the serene beauty of the forest right into your baby’s nursery. This collection...
— Jo Froud
How to Choose the Perfect Sized Prints and Frames for Your Nursery - Dolly and Fred Designs

How to Choose the Perfect Sized Prints and Frames for Your Nursery

Introduction Welcome to our nursery decor guide, where we dive into the art of choosing the right sized prints and frames for your little one's special space. Discover how the...
— Jo Froud
Tagged: childrens prints
Colour palette of the month – January 2024 - Dolly and Fred Designs

Colour palette of the month – January 2024

I thought I would start the first blog post of 2024 sharing with you some of the thoughts and plans that have been whirling around in my head and studio over the last month. One of those thoughts is that I want to get more clarity and consistency in the things that I have been creating. With that in mind I have decided to start a new series this year in my blog and through my creativity by having a colour palette of the month. So, let’s dive in!
— Jo Froud
Tagged: palette of the month
How do you hang wall art in a baby’s nursery? - Dolly and Fred Designs

How do you hang wall art in a baby’s nursery?

The buzz and excitement of finding out that you are expecting a baby can easily become an overwhelming time. There is lots to prepare for including getting the nursery ready. Once you’ve ordered the furniture, chosen a theme and painted the wall it’s time to start thinking about the ways in which you want to decorate the walls. One of the best ways to personalise the space is to hang wall art prints. These prints allow you to add colour and character to your new little one’s room but can also stimulate their senses and imagination as they grow. But with so many different options out there what is the best way to hang them? Here are some tips to help guide you.
— Jo Froud
5 Ways to create engaging play spaces for children - Dolly and Fred Designs

5 Ways to create engaging play spaces for children

Creating a stimulating play environment for children to explore in is a key part of promoting healthy development and give you 5 minutes to sit with a cup of tea. We often think about play spaces as being outdoor areas for children to run around and burn off energy in, but indoor spaces are just as important too. In a world where we are all stretched for time and surrounded by technology a space where children can grow, even if it’s just a little corner of your main living space, is important in aiding their development. In this blog, we will explore a few different tips and ideas for creating fun and interactive spaces that will ignite your child’s imagination and promote their growth and development through both parent led and independent play.
— Jo Froud