Today I wanted to share some answers to my most frequently asked questions about my business as an independent children’s clothing designer and maker.
Did you enjoy this Meet the Maker inspired content? Make sure you’re following me on Instagram and Facebook for more March Meet the Maker content and for more behind the scenes join the TTC Family as a newsletter subscriber for exclusive sneak peeks, discounts on new collections and behind the scenes here at Taffy Tots Clothing.
Karen, Taffy Tots Clothing
]]>Recently I received this feedback from a customer who purchased some custom-made clothing for her child from Taffy Tots who is absolutely delighted with the impact the custom choices have made on her child’s lifestyle.
"I absolutely adore all 3 of Harris’ rompers and the matching bibs/buffs. I bought some coloured and neutral long sleeved vests and interchange the vests to make different outfits.
The best bit is NO POPPERS! He's so active that he pops the poppers on all his other lovely dungaree sets and as a result he cant wear them. They wash great and are great in both hot and cold conditions because of the material. The matching bibs just finish off the outfits and he looks super authentic all the time."
- Taffy Tots Clothing Customer Feedback.
The main benefit of choosing to order a custom-made item from Taffy Tots Clothing is that you get to decide what matters most when it comes to your child’s clothing.
You can choose to add poppers if you want clothing that’s quick and easy to fasten and unfasten with poppers, perfect for quick changes for babies and toddlers.
You can choose to opt instead for no fastenings so clothing sits more securely on your child’s body without popping open as they run, play and adventure, perfect for toddlers and young children on the go.
Check out the full range of custom made clothing options available here at Taffy Tots Clothing here, and if you have a request for something custom that you can’t spot be sure to email us at info@taffytotsclothing.co.uk and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.
Karen, Taffy Tots Clothing
]]>I launched Taffy Tots Clothing with the aim of bringing cute and colourful patterns and styles to the handmade children’s clothing market as I was struggling to find gender inclusive designs that suited my own children and my extended family’s children, but I launched the Caledonia collection to pay homage to my heritage and my home here in the North East of Scotland.
Have you ever purchased a piece of clothing for your tots from the Caledonia range? I’d love to see how you style them, be sure to tag me in your tots styling pics on Instagram or share them with me on Facebook to be featured on my grid!
Thank you for supporting my small business.
Karen, Taffy Tots Clothing
]]>Customers LOVE the prints we design here at Taffy Tots Clothing but we know not everyone wants to have a matching top and bottoms for their tots, but they do want something that complements the styles. That’s where my co-ord range came in.
Here are some of my favourite co-ords that customers have been styling their tots in since the collection went live and some of my own personal favourites that I’d love to see more tots in.
Check out the full Taffy Tots Clothing Coordinating Sweatshirt range and let me know what your favourites are!
Karen, Taffy Tots Clothing
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The countdown is on for the Taffy Tots Clothing Family sale coming next Friday the 26th of January at 10:00am GMT.
I am thrilled to share that newsletter subscribers and my biggest supporters who are part of the TTC Family will receive an exclusive sale shop link with discounts of up to:
20% off the winter TTC collection of 2023/24
30% off the autumn TTC collection of 2023
40% off TTC discontinued collections
Items will be available to shop from the 26th of January to the 31st of January, so be sure to subscribe to the Taffy Tots Clothing newsletter to receive your exclusive shop link and get future exclusive behind the scenes looks at new collections before anyone else.
Thank you for choosing to support small and happy shopping!
Karen, Taffy Tots Clothing
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I can’t believe the festive season has come and gone and we are back after a much-needed break and refresh over Christmas and New Year and we are ready and raring to go!
This year I’m excited to be working on several things behind the scenes here at Taffy Tots Clothing from new patterns and designs to clothing styles I’m experimenting with and so much more in the pipeline! I’m most looking forward to meeting some of you at my planned in person markets across the year (more on those dates coming soon so get those diaries ready!)
BUT the first thing I am excited to share is the January Taffy Tots Clothing sale coming on the 26th of January to the 31st exclusively for members of the TTC subscriber Family with up to 40% off select lines.
Sign up here to join the family before the 26th of January to receive my exclusive sale links and bag yourself some January bargains!
Until then be sure to join me over on social media to keep up with the day to day and behind the scenes of a small, handmade children’s clothing business.
Karen.
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We can’t wait to get working again in 2024 bringing all new designs and products throughout the year to you and to our amazing suppliers.
See you in 2024!
Karen & The Taffy Tots Clothing Team.
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You’ve heard the expression “when you buy from a small business, a real life person does a happy dance,” and here at Taffy Tots we can confirm that this is true and we want to tell you exactly what it means that you have supported our small business this festive season and what the benefits of shopping small are this festive season.
Not only are we a small business here at Taffy Tots Clothing but we LOVE small businesses and if you have been a little stumped for getting that special gift this Christmas here are some amazing small businesses you may want to consider shopping with:
L-R: HRM Ceramics, Just Hammered, Kirsten Hel Artist
HRM Ceramics who make beautiful ceramics from mugs to ornaments, definitely check out their rainbow splatter collection because it is gorgeous!
Just Hammered by James Ritchie, an amazing blacksmith with so much talent, his coo and stag coasters and placemats are personal favourites of mine.
Kirsten Hel Artist who creates fantasy artwork, fun fact I have one of her Nessie pieces hanging in the Taffy Tots studio!
L-R: PEAT, Jack Spowart Illustration, Sarah Leask Studio
PEAT who make beautiful minimal geometric style jewellery.
Jack Spowart Illustration who is an amazingly talented artist working on equally amazing commissions, another on this list whose art that's hanging in my home!
Sarah Leask Studio who creates bright, colourful artwork inspired by Scotland, her prints are gorgeous and make fabulous gifts.
And of course, if you’d like to place an order with Taffy Tots Clothing to be with you on time for Christmas you can order anything from our ready-made range to ship before the big day.
A huge thank you for choosing to shop small.
Karen & The Taffy Tots Team.
]]>This year I am thrilled to share that Taffy Tots Clothing have been named as award winners of not one but TWO Scottish Independent Business awards.
Taffy Tots Clothing have been named brand of the year by Scotland Prestige Awards 2023 and we have also been awarded a Scottish Enterprise Award.
It means so much to me and to my family to have been awarded both of these amazing accolades given there are so many thousands of small businesses, entrepreneurs and creatives right here in Scotland making incredible waves in the business world.
I started Taffy Tots Clothing because I saw a gap in the market for fun handmade clothing with funky patterns for boys and for girls, and instead discovered a life long passion.
A huge thank you to my customers and supporters who have helped me reach this incredible business milestone and cheered me on every step of the way.
Karen & The Taffy Tots Family!
]]>You can shop us in person!
24th-26th November - Exclusively Highlands market at Whitekirkhill Hall, North Berwick
You can have clothes and accessories made to order online in time for Christmas if you order by:
27th November - last date for made to order items (2nd class/free shipping) for Christmas delivery
28th November - last date for made to order items (1st class) for Christmas delivery
You can shop ready-made items to be with you on time for Christmas if you order by:
15th December - last date for ready-made items (2nd class/free shipping) for Christmas delivery
18th December - last date for ready-made items (1st class) for Christmas delivery
All Taffy Tots Clothing and accessories are lovingly handmade from the Taffy Tots Clothing studio in Banchory, Aberdeenshire and with a variety of patterns available to shop and order from Scottish themed designs to spacemen to the gorgeous new prints from our Winter collection, you’ll be spoiled for choice on what to treat your tots to this Christmas.
]]>If you have been struggling for Christmas gift inspiration for the tots in your life or you just want to forgo buying something big and plastic parents won’t thank you for, then look no further, I’ve compiled a Taffy Tots Clothing gift guide, perfect for the fun-loving tots (and their plastic hating parents) in your lives looking for comfy, alternative clothes to rock this season.
Pom Pom Hats
What could be cuter than a tot in a pom pom hat we ask you? There are lots of styles and designs to choose from so you’re sure to find the perfect hat for the baby, toddler or tot in your life.
Headbands and Alice Bands
Taffy Tots Alice Bands are brand new this season and they have been hugely popular over these last few weeks and we have a great selection of elasticated headbands that make the perfect accessory for any tot to receive in their Christmas stocking.
Bibs and Baby Hats
Baby’s first Christmas? Taffy Tots have baby clothing accessories galore, bibs, baby hats you name it!
Awesome outfits
With leggings, dresses, rompers, tops, shorts and bloomers to choose from you can style a whole outfit with Taffy Tots Clothing from all of our most popular ranges including our Caledonia range, Spaceman and all of our newest winter prints too.
All lovingly handmade from the Taffy Tots Clothing studio in Banchory, Aberdeenshire in a variety of patterns from Scottish themed designs to astronauts, and gorgeous new prints from the Winter collection.
]]>With 3 gorgeous patterns to choose from in a range of your favourite styles from tops and bottoms to baby leggings and rompers, dresses and accessories that will make the perfect Christmas outfit or baby gift for your tots.
This year my winter collection will feature 3 patterns (sneak peeks above..), 2 brand new for 2023 and one returning favourite I now you all love....
What styles will be included in the Winter Collection?
There is going to be a HUGE range of styles available in each pattern. We've got tops, leggings, dresses, long rompers, baby bubble suits, and accessories like baby hats, bobble hats, scarves, bibs, bloomers and headbands so you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to shopping the collection!
Will you be releasing any new products as part of this launch?
I certainly will, all of my new styles are going to be announced over the next week on my social media channels so make sure you’re following me there for all of the latest news and releases…
When can I shop the collection?
The winter collection is going to be available to shop right here on the Taffy Tots Clothing website on Friday the 4th of November from 10am GMT.
Can I get a discount code?
You sure can! All you need to do is sign up to receive the Taffy Tots Newsletter at the bottom of the page and on launch day you'll receive a 15% discount code to use the weekend of the launch, and you'll receive an email as soon as the collection goes live on our site.
Can't wait? Make sure you're following Taffy Tots Clothing on Instagram and Facebook for more updates and sneak peeks of the collection!
]]>We’ve put together a Taffy Tots Autumn outfit guide to help see you and your tots through the upcoming season, with style, from outfit inspiration for your visit to the pumpkin patch, to comfy clothing perfect for cozying up at home, we’ve got your tots autumn wardrobe sorted.
Perfect for pumpkin picking
If you're trudging through the mud with your children to pick the perfect pumpkin then you bet you're going to get pictures to commemorate the fun family times and memories so make sure your children are wearing something cosy, comfortable and stylish for the occasion.
Furry Friends classic / harem leggings
(Harem leggings pictured)
Autumn faux fur pom pom hat in various styles
(Spaceman, Rainbow Dragons, Pumpkin Patch & Furry Friends pictured)
Perfect for a magical family photo shoot
Are you planning on taking advantage of the beautiful colours and turning of the season with a family photoshoot and need something that's just as magical to dress your tots in for picture day? We've got just the thing...
Rainbow dragons pinafore dress
Autumn headbands in variety of styles
(Pumpkin Patch, Furry Friends, Rainbow Dragons and Spaceman pictured)
Perfect for a cosy day at home
Chilling at home sound like your idea of heaven when the days are getting shorter, the dark is creeping in a little earlier and there's an autumnal chill in the air? Cosy up at home with a hot chocolate and make sure your tots stay comfy with these Taffy Tots autumnal styles.
Spaceman raglan t-shirt
Rainbow Dragons classic fit leggings
How have you been styling your tots for Autumn so far? Be sure to tag @taffytotsclothing in your autumn activity snaps on Instagram.
]]>Taffy Tots Clothing will be exhibiting at Exclusively Highlands market at Balmoral Castle next weekend on the 7th of October alongside lots of fellow fabulous small businesses and independent creatives from across Scotland and beyond.
I will be bringing loads of your favourite prints from our summer and autumn collections, with Rainbow Dragons and Spaceman taking centre stage, alongside some Scottish staples I know you love in a range of styles from dresses, rompers and jumpsuits to tops, leggings, bloomers and a whole range of accessories.
It’s always a fabulous day out and I’d love to see you there, so pop by and say hello and maybe pick up some early Christmas gifts and stocking fillers and outfits (that are perfect for the coming seasons) for the tots in your life.
Karen, Taffy Tots Clothing
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With 4 gorgeous patterns to choose from in a range of your favourite styles from tops and bottoms to baby leggings and rompers, dresses and accessories that will make the perfect Autumn outfit or gift for your tots.
We are looking for brand reps with children aged 0-6 years to join the Taffy Tots Clothing team until the end of October 2023, so if you love shopping small, creating content with your tots, and appreciate a good discount then we’d LOVE to hear from you!
What does a brand rep do?
We LOVE brand reps here at Taffy Tots.
They’re our number one fans, our biggest supporters and cheerleaders who do amazing work sharing our clothing far and wide, helping us reach more customers, grow our community of tots, and, through their content, help us see first-hand how loved our clothing is by tots across the UK, all while receiving fabulous brand rep benefits.
What would I get as a Taffy Tots Brand Rep?
As a Taffy Tots Clothing brand rep you would receive the following:
What are we looking for from our brand reps?
Sound good? Here’s what we are looking for from our brand reps:
Here’s how you can apply!
Follow @taffytotsclothing on Instagram, and check out our recent brand rep search grid post with instructions on how to apply. Don’t be afraid to show off yours and your tots personality through your entry, we love nothing more than a fun-loving parent and tot combo!
Have more questions on what it means to be a Taffy Tots Clothing brand rep? Check out our brand rep FAQs post for more information.
Please ensure you apply by 16th July 2023.
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Do I need a huge following to be a Taffy Tots Clothing Brand rep?
Ideally we’re looking for reps with a following of 500+ however it’s not essential. As long as your following is an engaged one, liking, following, commenting, sharing, it doesn’t have to be huge.
Are you looking for children of a certain age?
Taffy Tots Clothing makes clothing for children aged 0-6 years so we’re looking for brand reps whose tots are aged 0-6 years.
I have just discovered Taffy Tots Clothing and I am in LOVE, can I apply?
Yes! You don’t have to have been a previous customer to apply to become one of our reps, if you love our designs and can commit to the brand rep parameters then we’d love to hear from you!
Do I need to be able to take professional photographs?
Not at all, all you need is a camera phone and a love for creating content with your tot. We love seeing all the kinds of content our reps create with their tots, and seeing their personalities shine through. All we ask is that your photos are clear, uncluttered and unedited with no filters.
What kind of content will I be asked to produce?
We don’t like to micromanage our brand reps and we want them to be creative and show off their styles and personalities! All we ask is that you produce 1 piece of social media content per month that can be a reel, grid post, carousel or story, tagging Taffy Tots Clothing and using the hashtag #taffytotsclothing so we may share it far and wide.
How often can I purchase clothing using my code?
As often as you like during your brand rep term, we ask you make a purchase once every season (3 months) to produce fresh content.
How will you contact me about previews?
When a new collection is due to launch, we will send you an exclusive email with previews of the patterns and clothing we will be releasing to give you an opportunity to pre-order. We ask that these are not shared until the launch date which will be clearly marked in your email.
I missed the cut off, can I still apply?
If you missed the deadline but feel passionate about becoming a brand rep, get in touch with your entry by heading to our sign up page and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
Did we answer your question?
If not drop us a line at info@taffytotsclothing.co.uk with your query.
When it comes to fabric choices for your children’s clothing there are seemingly 100s of options to choose from. Many big stores and high street chains opt for synthetic fabric blends like polyester and nylon to cut production costs but unfortunately these blends don’t always make for quality, lasting garments for your children to run, move and play in, something I KNOW kids love to do!
For me, quality matters, and it’s important that the clothes I make here at Taffy Tots not only look great but function well for your little adventurers too, which is why I choose cotton.
Here are 6 reasons why I opt for cotton here at Taffy Tots and why you should too when it comes to your child’s wardrobe:
Cotton is soft
Children’s skin can be delicate and more prone to irritation. Cotton is a great fabric choice for clothing as its soft, breathable and moves with your child’s body, so whether they’re climbing, rolling around or running about, they’ll feel comfortable.
It’s one of the most durable fabrics
Cotton is without a doubt one of the hardest-wearing fabrics you can choose in terms of clothing. Cotton is one of the strongest natural fibres around and can withstand the test of time as well as the elements and, most importantly, playtime!
The easiest fabric to wash and care for
Mystery stains? Not a problem if you’ve opted for cotton. Cotton is one of the easiest fabrics to wash, care for and remove stains from, perfect for muddy fingers and young explorers.
Gentle for allergy prone skin
Did you know that cotton is also naturally resistant to dust mites as it’s a natural fibre? Making cotton the ideal choice for sufferers of asthma. If your child is a seasonal allergy sufferer or is prone to skin irritations such as eczema, then cotton is the gentlest fibre for their sensitive skin.
Cotton is eco friendly
Unlike synthetic fibres, cotton is biodegradable, making it the number 1 choice when it comes to environmentally friendly clothing!
Cotton keeps kids cool
Keep kids cool with cotton! Naturally breathable, cotton clothing can keep children cool during the warm summer, perfect for days spent playing in the sunshine.
You see, when it comes to kids clothing cotton is the clear (and the coolest!) choice.
Check out the full range of Taffy Tots Clothing, handmade in Scotland from 95% cotton.
]]>I have a number of amazing artists that I follow in order to pick out exclusive seasonal prints, but did you know that the majority of the prints available to you are designed in house by me?
Designing the prints is part of the job that I love. I start with my sketch book and ideas running through my head. I usually spend some time in my favourite chair by my living room window drawing some simple images and playing about with colours. Once I'm happy with the basic ideas, it's time to grab my iPad and pencil and create the digital images. These get sent over to my laptop where I create the repeat pattern ready for sending to the fabulous British Fabric Printing company who print the designs onto the cotton jersey fabrics.
From start to finish, this process takes a good bit of time, but for me it's calm time between all the making and it allows me to produce entirely unique clothing for your tots.
The whole of the Caledonia Collection has been designed by me and I've loved developing all the Scottish themed prints that have gone into it. What kind of collection would you like to see next?
]]>After some research and feedback from my fabulous rep team, I am now offering this gorgeous raglan style top in sizes 12-18 months up to 5-6 years.
This t-shirt pattern has been developed by Waves and Wild, the same designer as the short and long length rompers. Sarah is a master at producing beautiful clothing patterns that produce stunning outfits for children.
Here are some of the main features:
The raglan t-shirt looks fabulous with jeans, joggers or shorts... but why not pair it with matching leggings for a really funky look?
Click here to see the full range of t-shirts: https://taffytotsclothing.co.uk/collections/tops
]]>I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year filled with love and laughter. I've certainly enjoyed some down time with my boys... and my hands certainly have been grateful for the time away from the sewing machines!!
I'll be heading back into the studio when the kids go back to school, and I'm looking forward to another busy year. So I'd like to share some of what will be coming up...
January sees us celebrating Burns' Night in Scotland (and beyond!). I love a plate of haggis, neeps and tatties... and celebrating all things Scottish. If you haven't checked out the Caledonia collection, I have designed a range of clothing representing all things Scottish! There's plenty time to get your tots kitted out before Burns' night.
I have been busy behind the scenes developing the Spring collection and it will be launching in just a few weeks. I have 4 gorgeous prints for you, including a reworked favourite! Sign up to the mailing list to make sure you don't miss out... scroll down to the bottom of the page to do so.
There's also Shrove Tuesday on 21st February... make sure you have it noted in your diary. TT1 has been training to be master pancake maker in the house and I will admit he does a pretty decent job... although the cleaning up after leaves a but to be desired!
I'm also planning out the in person events for 2023 and I'll be visiting a few new areas this year. I can't wait to share these with you and have the opportunity to meet more of you in person.
These are just a few of the exciting things coming up. What are you looking forward to most at the start of this new year?
]]>I would love to say that this is totally true, but let's face it, March doesn't necessarily mean outdoor drying weather, so here are a few hints and tips I've picked up over the years. Feel free to pop your top tips into the comments!
Which of these tips have you tried?
]]>There are so many amazing events happening to counteract the frenzied shopping experiences that consume this time of year, all in an effort to support independent businesses and to help you find that perfect gift.
Today marks the start of JUST A CARD & HandmadeHour's Christmas Fair
Running from Monday 21st November to Friday 23rd December 2022, this annual event showcases the very best artists, makers, independent shops and small businesses. The one stop shop for all of your Christmas gifts.
This Friday Holly Tucker (co-founder of NOTHS) invites you to participate in Colour Friday!
She is starting a shopping revolution, encouraging the nation to celebrate the colour and creativity that small businesses bring. You can follow the movement and be inspired by all the independent businesses taking part by following #ColourFriday and #CampaignShopIndependent
As for me at Taffy Tots Clothing, I am making this pledge to you... you can shop safe in the knowledge that you won't find my current core collections (Caledonia, Autumn and Winter) in any sale.
Happy shopping!
]]>It's just over a month since the launch of my Autumn collection, so it's about time I did a full run down of what your tot's Autumn wardrobe could look like.
Once again I have 4 brand new prints for you to choose from, with the addition of the return of the Cosy coos to the Caledonia collection.
First up is Forever Exploring:
Designed by Wildcubs designs. Anyone who follows me on social media will know just how much I love a vintage VW, so when this design became available, I had to have it. The colours are just amazing.
I have created Autumn Leaves using all my favourite colours from this season. I am delighted with how it has turned out and hope that you love it too.
Furry friends is another print designed by me, but something a bit different. This was a challenge set by my sister and with a lot of back and forth in the design process, I think we've nailed it!
Last up in the Autumn range is a tartan. I do love a tartan print for it's simplicity. It can create the most stunning of outfits. What do you think of my Taffy Tartan? I suspect this one may have to become a permanent feature in the Caledonia collection!
]]>This month I want to bring one of these businesses into the spotlight and share a bit about them.
Geek Bothy started stocking Taffy Tots Clothing at the beginning of 2020. Whilst the last 2 years have been a challenge for brick and mortar stores, this gift shop, based in Kemnay, Aberdeenshire, has continued to go from strength to strength. Winning awards every year since 2017, Geek Bothy is a family run business, fronted by Emma, stocking artists from Aberdeenshire and beyond. It is a treasure trove of fantastic makes and even boasts a workshop where local artists can pass on their knowledge and skills.
"Geek Bothy is an award winning independent gift shop in Kemnay, Aberdeenshire, stocking local artists and makers creations plus quirky and geeky gifts." - read more here
It has been a pleasure working with Emma to bring Taffy Tots Clothing items to an independent High Street shop.
I am always looking to expand the Taffy Tots Clothing brand, so if you would be interested in stocking any of my items in your store, then please get in touch: info@taffytotsclothing.co.uk
]]>We are officially into the second month of summer and the Taffy Tots have just finished school for the holidays!
With sunny days ahead, I wanted to share some summer vibes in the form of my summer collection.
Are you less of a beach person and more about exploring the zoo? I have you covered with this gorgeous, neutral print. It can be paired with so many colours.
When I saw this print I had to have it for the summer collection. Robots in every colour of the rainbow... what isn't to love? It was a firm favourite amongst all my fabulous models.
Designed in house and inspired by the TTC fur babies, this print is very special to everyone at TTC HQ. Are you a dog lover? If you are, then this print is definitely for you!
You can see the full Summer Collection here, or click on the images to go directly to each print.
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