Handmade Hippo uses patterned fabrics to create luxury handmade gifts as individual as your child. Visit my website to find the perfect gift for your child.
Handmade Hippo creates bespoke patterned textile gifts that are as individual as your child. My products for children and baby are all handmade in Northumberland by our small sustainable business. If you are looking for a
unique and eco-friendly gift for a new baby or a child’s birthday, I have a variety of colourful and ethically made gifts to choose from.
27/02/2025
🚨 PSA: If you’re planning to treat a lovely mum to a thoughtful, handmade gift this Mother’s Day, now’s the time!
Order personalised gifts before the end of February and any non-personalised gifts by the 10th March to guarantee your gift arrives in time for Mother’s Day!
Handmade gifts take a little extra time and love, and I want to make sure each one is perfect for its new home. Whether it’s a keepsake banner, or something beautifully personalised, there’s still time to order - just don’t leave it too late!
💛 Tag someone who needs a subtle hint... or send them this post directly. 😉
25/02/2025
It’s our half term this week… When the weather is chilly (even though it’s slightly brighter), there’s nothing better than snuggling up with your little ones under a handmade Memory Blanket. Made from your child’s old baby clothes, these blankets are like a warm, cuddly time capsule - full of love, nostalgia, and that impossibly soft fabric you never wanted to pack away.
Because they grow up fast, but their memories can last forever. 💛
Why not take the first step in letting me turn your little one’s old clothes into a keepsake today.
20/02/2025
🌿 Sustainable parenting doesn’t mean living off-grid and making your own shampoo (though, respect if you do). It’s about tiny, realistic swaps that make a big difference over time—like switching to reusable wipes or choosing handmade gifts over plastic tat.
In my latest blog post, I break down easy ways to be a little greener without the pressure of perfection. Because honestly, parenting is hard enough without adding eco-guilt to the mix.
📖 Read the full post now (link in bio) and start your low-effort, high-impact sustainability journey today!
17/02/2025
Mums deserve more than a last-minute box of chocolates and a slightly squashed bunch of flowers (we love the effort, but let’s step it up this year, shall we?). If you’re looking for thoughtful, handmade gifts that are as special as she is, I’ve got you covered! 💕
Here's some Mother’s Day gift ideas:
💖 Patterned Key Fobs – Because finding your keys shouldn’t be a daily treasure hunt.
💌 Keepsake Fabric Envelopes – Perfect for storing little love notes, letters, and tiny treasures.
🏡 Personalised Fabric Banners – A custom keepsake with a heartfelt message just for her.
🛁 Towelling Scrunchies – For mums who HATE water running down their arms while washing their face (game changer!).
Each gift is handmade with love, designed to be treasured, and totally free from mass-produced tat. Order before 10th March (or the end of February for personalised gifts!!)
Each gift is handmade with love, designed to be treasured, and totally free from mass-produced tat. Order before 10th March (or end of February for personalised gifts!!)
14/02/2025
Valentine’s Day in our house isn’t all roses and candlelit dinners… tbh it’s not any of that, it’s a meal deal for 2 after bedtime for me and Mr Hippo and for the kids… heart-shaped toast, lots of sprinkles, and a themed table inspired by Pinterest procrastination but definitely not up to those standards!
Every year, I set up a little Valentine’s breakfast for the kids…any excuse for a themed table! This year, I’ve found some plushy heart keyrings and a few sweet treats (because, let’s be real, the way to my kids' hearts is through sugar) to add to the table 🥰
If you’ve got little ones, Valentine’s sensory play is a great way to add some fun - our kids used to love that when they were younger!
Looking for something to do with the kids or just fancy a chocolate fix? I’ve got a delicious brownie recipe (with lots of heart sprinkles, obviously💕) available to download on my website! Perfect for a bit of Valentine’s baking fun.
What are your Valentine’s traditions? Do you go all out, or are you team “let’s just pretend it’s a regular day”?! Let me know in the comments!
12/02/2025
It may be February but it’s still bloody freezing!! ❄️ Even though the mornings are getting lighter (slowly) it’s still very much Winter which generally means more time at home, particularly when you live in rural Northumberland! If you’re looking for fun, simple ways to avoid cabin fever and make magical memories with your little ones (without needing Pinterest-level craft skills), I’ve got you covered!
From blanket forts to bedtime rituals, my latest blog post is full of easy, cozy, and actually doable ideas to make this season special. Plus, a few Handmade Hippo goodies that could help!
Read now (link in bio) for giggles, snuggles, and maybe a little bit of glue in unexpected places.
10/02/2025
Half-term is coming... are you prepared? 🎨✨
If your house is about to become a chaotic mix of a constant request for snacks (where do they put it??), cries of "I’m booooored," I’ve got just the thing—Decorate Your Own Kits!
Perfect for keeping little hands busy, these plastic-free, creativity-boosting craft kits let kids design their own crowns or banners. Less screen time, more creativity!
Shop now and get set for a half-term that’s slightly less stressful!
07/02/2025
Say goodbye to single-use wipes forever! My reusable bamboo wipes are:
✅ Super soft & gentle on skin
✅ Plastic-free & eco-friendly
✅ Perfect for sticky hands, messy faces & everything in between
Whether you use them for nappy changes, spills, or even with your favourite makeup remover, they’re the little eco swap that makes a BIG difference.
Shop now and make your home a little greener, one wipe at a time.
29/01/2025
Parenting hack? My extra-large muslins. 🌟
From swaddling to spill-catching, they do it all - like a superhero in fabric form! Soft, breathable, and available in a gorgeous daisy print, they’re a must-have for every parent. Click the link in my bio to shop your new favourite multitasker!
27/01/2025
✨ Psst... the Tooth Fairy called, and she’s obsessed with these adorable pockets! 🦷💌 Perfect for keeping those tiny treasures safe under the pillow, handing on the bedpost or door handle (and making the swap extra magical).
These pockets make it sooo much easier for the tooth fairy to access said tooth without waking up your little one! 😉🦷
Available in four colours, get yours now.
23/01/2025
Have you decided to make small, sustainable changes for 2025? My bamboo wipes are kind to the planet and the perfect first step in your eco-conscious journey. 🌍💚 Super soft, super sustainable, and ready to tackle messes (big or small). A more sustainable choice for your home AND the environment. Add them to your eco stash today!
22/01/2025
Let’s hear it for the bag that’s cheeky AND chic! 🎉 Perfect for stashing your essentials—makeup, snacks, or random bits you swear you’ll organise one day.
Who says practical can’t be fun? Shop the boobie pouch today (there’s only a few left) and add some personality to your day! 😍
21/01/2025
Do you need some rainy day plans? I’ve got you sorted. 🌧️ These ‘decorate your own’ kits are the ultimate boredom busters! Crowns, banners, and all the creative vibes your little ones need to get through a cold afternoon. Perfect for craft time or party fun. 🎨 Bundle offers are available if you need more than one!
17/01/2025
Messy bun season is officially here while we navigate I navigate my way through the chaos of January, and these scrunchies are my new best friend.
Whether you’re rocking a top knot or ponytail, these comfy, stylish scrunchies are the perfect finishing touch. Order now and level up your hair game!
15/01/2025
Cold weather = hot chocolate, baking days, and messy play in the kitchen. 🍪 Keep those little clothes clean with my handmade kids’ aprons.
They’re durable, washable, adorable, and perfect for tiny chefs and crafters alike.
13/01/2025
Survived the first week back to school? Barely? Yep same here! 😅
Treat your little ones (and yourself!) to some fun with the Wonderland Apron Activity Box. It’s creativity, crafting, and chaos management all in one.
Each box comes with:
🎩 Mad hatter colouring page drawn by me
👩🏻🍳 Kid friendly recipe
🎨 Handmade banner for you and your little one(s) to decorate
🖌️ Paints or crayons (if you need them!)
06/01/2025
New year, new decor! My personalised cotton wall banners are a lovely way to add a meaningful touch to your space. Whether it’s a name, a word of encouragement, or something playful, these banners bring a little joy to any corner of your home.
Perfect for those January birthdays that sneak up after Christmas! Order yours now. 😊
02/01/2025
As we step into a fresh new year, small swaps can make a big difference. My reusable bamboo wipes are a sustainable alternative to single-use options, perfect for everyday use. Let’s make 2025 the year of thoughtful choices—starting with the little things. 🌱
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Our Story
Handmade Hippo is a small, home grown business. My name is Emma and I design and make all the products sold by Handmade Hippo!
Originally from London, I studied for my foundation diploma in Art and Design at Central Saint Martins before moving up North and studying Fine Art for my BA (Hons) degree at the University of Sunderland. During my studies I developed an obsession for printed fabrics and pattern. After a couple of years living in Hong Kong, my then fiancé and I moved back to the UK shortly before our wedding. While studying for my Masters degree in Art Museum and Gallery studies at Newcastle University we fell pregnant with our son Rory and somehow I managed to finish my course (handed in the dissertation 8 months pregnant!) and the rest is history really!
When Rory was teething he was dribbling non-stop! Fed up of changing dribble bibs a minimum of four times a day, I decided to make some that where more absorbent but still with lovely prints. As a full time stay at home mum, I thought I would start making super absorbent dribble bibs to sell as a way of bringing in extra money while being at home with Rory. When I started Handmade Hippo in October 2016, the only products I made were dribble bibs; since then I have added memory blankets, cushion covers and bunny ear teethers, teething necklaces, Christmas stockings, muslin swaddles and most recently handmade aprons to the range.
In September 2018 we welcomed our daughter Daisy to the Handmade Hippo family so running (or crawling depending on how much sleep I've had) after a very busy 4 year old a.k.a hurricane Rory and an equally active Daisy keeps me very busy during the day so most of my work is done once the kids are asleep or if David is at home and I’m able to hide in the office. I will always try to answer messages as soon as I can but please be patient if you don't have a reply immediately.
With the addition of another member to our family (and maternity leave) I started thinking about products that could be added to the shop. Straying from fabric slightly but staying true to the original inspiration to the company (a teething baby) I decided to add teething/fiddle necklaces to the shop. In 2019 I also added handmade aprons to the shop along with my first “designed by” products in the form of Extra Large Muslin Swaddles. This year I have an exciting collaboration in the pipeline which I look forward to sharing with you all.
All printed cotton items are handmade from start to finish by myself (with a little help from my sewing machine) and come gift wrapped in lovely grey tissue paper as standard. Teething necklaces are also made by me packaged with a recyclable, glue free cardboard tag and come with a free hand-stamped cotton gift bag.
Buying a gift for someone? A gift message can be added on request.
Bib and teether fronts are 100% cotton and backed with super soft bamboo towelling. All bibs are lined with bamboo fleece which naturally antibacterial and absorbent, making sure to keep your little dribbler dryer for longer. All bunny ear teethers are wrapped round untreated beech rings from a sustainable source making them a great alternative to plastic teethers. I have quite a large selection of fabrics but please contact me if you can't find exactly what you want and I will accommodate your needs if possible.
Available in 3 colour choices, Handmade Hippo teething necklaces are perfect to occupy little hands while feeding or while being worn in a sling. Silicone beads can be chewed to help relieve teething related pain. All materials for the necklaces are tested for safety and toxicity and meet European Safety Standard EN-71. All beads are BPA, PVC, phthalates, heavy metal and lead free. They are non toxic, hypoallergenic and washable. Threaded using nylon cord and using a breakaway safety clasp.
Extra Large Muslin Swaddles are 100% cotton, designed by myself and available in 3 lovely monochrome prints which are great for supporting your little one’s eye development. They can be used as play mats, changing mats, a light blanket and of course for mopping up all the usual spills that come with a baby or toddler!
Aprons fronts are 100% cotton, backed with calico and have adjustable neck and waist ties. Available in 3 sizes, the adults aprons also have a large double pocket on the front. All aprons can be personalised on request making them the perfect gift for the whole family.
Memory blanket pricing and information is available on request so please get in touch if you have any questions or custom order requests.
Handmade Hippo uses patterned fabrics to create luxury handmade gifts as individual as your child. Visit my website to find the perfect gift for your child.
