Feel the Force. Looking for a creative gift for an aspiring young Jedi? Fuel your galaxy defender’s fandom with a Star Wars plushie from Mimi Crochet Apparel, just in time for May the Fourth (be with you). Textile artist Maliyah Henry’s Star Wars-themed repertoire includes Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia ($42), Chewbacca ($55) and light sabers ($15), hand-stitched with either jewel- or mono-toned hypoallergenic yarn. Her crocheted creations also include superhero beanies, flirty apparel and ”forever flowers” sold as single stems or bouquets.
Inspire Imagination. Created by the parents of Montessori students, Blueberry & Third’s handcrafted wooden play furniture and activity boards ($34-$299) are designed to promote open-ended play. “We really value hands-on learning and want other families to experience this joy,” says co-founder Nikki Benbenek, who owns and operates the Ashburn-based workshop with her husband, Brian. The toys in their catalog are made with high-quality Baltic birch wood and coated with a sustainable water-based finish. Order products online or in-person after your kids give them a test drive at The Toy Nest in Falls Church.
Picture This. Sue Pyatt’s illustrated Amanda books were written to inspire young girls to dream big. “And what’s greater than dreaming of becoming president?” says the Arlington author, who also co-owns Kinder Haus Toys in Clarendon. The three-book series ($17-$19) follows 8-year old Amanda’s imaginative journey to become POTUS, featuring “fanciful” illustrations of famous D.C. landmarks and an interstellar adventure to Mars. Visit Kinder Haus to purchase the first book in the series, Call Me Madame President, and get 50% off the second. Pyatt’s most recent book, D.C. Daniel—Washington Superhero, tells the story of a Capitol Hill boy fighting to save the world.
Play With Prints. Fashionable tots will find plenty to love about Noctiluna screen-printed duds for kids ($30 and up). Textile artist Chitra Sharma handprints her designs on organic cotton wares from eco-friendly clothing company Colored Organics, then heat-presses each item to ensure lasting quality. “I want to make heirloom shirts that people can pass down,” says the Vienna-based maker. Spring and summer-themed designs include cheeky mermaid onesies, “cool cat” tanks and island life tees featuring multi-layer beach waves and palm trees. And yes, she sells adult-sized T-shirts, too.