Faire Summer Market

We’re excited to announce that on July 18th through July 22nd Faire will be hosting an online trade show event. Faire Summer Market will be the second wholesale shopping event of the year! whirlykidde is currently a brand on the Faire platform and we will be promoting an extra 5% off all wholesale orders for the entire Faire Summer Market! We will see you there! Shop our toy and doll collections for your store.

New customers will receive:

Market Special

July 18 - July 22

20% off orders $300+

Returning customers will receive:

Market Special

July 18 - July 22

10% off orders $300+

We've partnered with Faire, where you can order our products with Net 60 terms and free returns using this link: whirlykidde.faire.com

Faire is an online wholesale marketplace and it's completely free to use - just create an account to access Net 60 terms. If you are new to Faire, you will receive a full year of free freight plus $200 off my line, covered by Faire.

Please let us know if you have any questions, and we hope you'll try something new from our line!

Just CLICK HERE to create a wholesale account.

Have a specific wholesale question for us or a custom inquiry? Let us know! Just send an email to [email protected]

Join us now over @madeinchicagomarket ! Whirlykidde has toys for both the bigger kids, toddlers and babies. More dolls and toys coming soon too! Shop toys and t-shirts for your littles for spring and summer! Whirlykidde @whirlykidde and Made in Chicago Market @madeinchicagomarket are so excited to share our exciting plans for this Saturday’s Virtual Spring Market on April 30, 2022 on Instagram! In addition to all-day exclusive sales on the Shop Local Directory, there will be: ⏰ Hourly Instagram product giveaways from some of your favorite local makers 🎤 Live interviews and studio tours with several local Chicago makers on instagram. Join us all day Saturday to support the incredible local makers this city has to offer! Follow us both on Instagram @madeinchicagomarket and @whirlykidde Use code MICMSPRING20 for 20% off all toys and dolls. Valid April 30, 2022 through May 7, 2022 I cannot wait for you to join us this weekend!😊 Heather~ Founder and Designer whirlykidde . . . . . . . . . . . #madeinchicagomarket #madeinchicago #madeinillinois #madeinnaperville #chicagomade #handmade #localevent #chicagoevents #chicagosuntimes #micm #whirlykidde #plushtoys #toys #childrensbooks #letthembekids #art #thatsdarling #darlingmovement #local #shoplocal #chicagokids #chicagobaby #napervillekids #napervillebaby #chicagoartist #napervilleartist #illustrator #spoonflowerdesigner #surfacepatterndesigner #graphicdesigner https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc-szu4LCRy/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Join @whirlykidde and hundreds of local Chicagoland area vendors for local and national small businesses, great food and bev, and the best of community and creativity @renegadecraft Renegade Chicago Wicker Park’s Division Street Event Division St. between Damen Ave. + Ashland Ave. Wicker Park Chicago, IL 60622 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM September 18th and 19th About Renegade Chicago Wicker Park’s Division Street If you know, you know – & if you don’t, come find out! Since our first ever Renegade marketplace in 2003, our fall Wicker Park Fair has grown to be our flagship event with hundreds of inspiring local and national small businesses, great food and bev, and the best of community and creativity. . . . . . . . . . . . #renegadechicagoevent #madeinchicago #madeinillinois #madeinnaperville #chicagomade #handmade #localevent #chicagoevents #liveentertainment #renegadecraftfair #whirlykidde #plushtoys #toys #childrenstoys #letthembekids #art #textileartist #renegadechicago #local #shoplocal #chicagokids #chicagobaby #napervillekids #napervillebaby #chicagoartist #napervilleartist #illustrator #spoonflowerdesigner #surfacepatterndesigner #graphicdesigner https://www.instagram.com/p/CT5aZGkrAj6/?utm_medium=tumblr

Smile Collection 

The Smile Collection is a poetic collection of fresh and fun sixties inspired beetle cars, daisies and groovy graphic prints. Organic woven cottons and organic knits are used throughout this collection of children’s sustainable products. “Smile” is a sweet sunny poem about spring and what makes you smile. Each product comes with a download e-book of “Smile” Book code is on the hang tag. Do not reproduce artwork without permission. All artwork is original by Heather Thornton.

History of Toys

I thought I’d add in some history with the monthly blog posts this year. Let’s start with what kinds of toys were available before the 18th century. Most children were required to help out with chores and cooking and did not have the time to actually play. Also items found in nature were used as toys such as: sticks, stones and balls made out of clay. Sticks were one of the first and oldest toys in the world.  Throughout the early centuries, toys did not change much in materials used to make them. Dolls, rocking horses, hoops, cars and tops were mostly handcrafted. Materials used were wood. Porcelain was used for dolls.  After the Industrial Revolution, toys were able to be mass produced using rubber for items such as balloons and eventually plastic for multiple toy items. The use of plastic made toys available for much lower prices. From then on up to modern day, manufacturing using plastics and other synthetic materials has made many toys available to the masses on a global scale. I never thought I would be designing and making toys by hand, but here I am. Each handmade doll I design is hand embroidered and sewn by me. I use organic fabrics for the clothing and woven cotton for the doll bodies. I learn something new everytime I create another doll or plush toy.  The plush toy animals and objects are illustrated by me and sized and cut on organic fabrics. I then sew and stuff each one. Each plush toy and handmade doll comes with its own qr download of coloring pages and or a poetry book.  I feel we’ve lost touch with the uniqueness of that special handmade toy especially among all the mass produced toys out on the market. I hope to become your go to for that special gift that’s handmade with love for your little ones.  whirlykidde is a line of poetic capsule collections of children's products which  consists of clothing, soft plush toys and poetry books. Everything is  designed, illustrated and ethically produced in Illinois. whirlykidde was founded in 2015 by Founder & Designer Heather Thornton. whirlykidde is located in Naperville, IL. Heather Thornton is the Founder and Designer behind the brand whirlykidde Sources: History of Toys by Tim Lambert Britannica.com technology/toy

This has been a challenging year for everyone. While I seriously hunkered down with my husband, teen daughter and autistic teen son, I've learned that there is so much to be accomplished in a day while staying home. Between school, work and keeping up with zoom events for the kids to socialize and keeping up with the all the messes in the home too, things get crazy. I’m grateful that my little family has learned to navigate through this year in safe and creative ways while social distancing and we have become closer because of it. I’m grateful. This was a very busy year for my small little business, whirlykidde and I'm exhausted. While I do not make a decent salary from the work I do, I do ultimately enjoy it and have made many more connections through the online events that I participated in all year long. While working on my small business I also had over thirteen job interviews which none of them led to any offers. Perhaps there is a reason for this but I don't know why yet. But I'm grateful. Currently I'm trying my hardest not to get lost in my thoughts right now regarding a new serious illness I was recently diagnosed with at the end of November. I'm waiting on surgery and hoping it's not cancer too. I'm hopeful. Here I am looking for the silver linings for 2020 and maybe you can too. Happy New Year to everyone! And may you have a Healthy and Happy 2021! Thank you so much for supporting my small local business! It means the world to me that you support what I love to create. I plan on continuing to create new designs throughout 2021 as it helps my mind go to a very happy place as well as puts a smile on others faces too. Heather~ Founder and Designer Whirlykidde . . . . . . . . . . . #HappyNewYear #madeinchicago #madeinillinois #madeinnaperville #chicagomade #handmade #localbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #whirlykidde #plushtoys #shopsmall #toys #childrensbooks #books #spoonflowerdesigner #thatsdarling #darlingmovement #local #shoplocal #chicagokids #chicagobaby #napervillekids #napervillebaby #chicagoartist #napervilleartist #illustrator #bookillustrator #surfacepatterndesigner #graphicdesigner #goodbye2020 https://www.instagram.com/p/CJeaPHTAZtX/?igshid=uz4kdfuj2egj

What will you be gifting to the littlest ones in your friends and family circle? Shop Small today and throughout the holiday season and support handmade makers! I have plenty of plush toys, dolls, baby toy sets, books, t-shirts and dresses for babies, toddlers and children. If you love to shop handmade and would love supporting an artist like me, shop small for giving this season! Photo by @jennifer_zarine_photography Sweatshirts and plush toys by @whirlykidde . . . . . . . . . . . . . #whirlykidde #shopsmall #supportartists  #chicagohandmade #shopsmallsaturday #smallbusiness #gifts #toys #handmade #makersgonnamake #childrenstoys #happyholidays #shoplocal #napervillehandmade https://www.instagram.com/p/CIJkEDGgYH7/?igshid=18hdl0e0b9bdq

Prairie Fall Collection is soon to release and I will have a pre-order party in my Facebook Group whirlykidde world. Sign up for the monthly newsletter to find out more about this event and other future events at whirlykidde.com Prairie Collection is a modern take on prairie and farm living. The Prairie Collection is a poetic collection of fall winter baby farm and prairie animals, flowers, monochromatic and bold colors and clean and simple graphic prints. Organic woven cottons and organic knits are used throughout this collection of children’s sustainable clothing. “Prairie Pals” is a sweet poem about an alpaca, kitten and donkey. Children learn facts and can engage in a creative activity after reading the book. Each garment comes with a download e-book of “Prairie Pals” Book code is on the hang tag. Do not reproduce artwork without permission. All artwork is original by Heather Thornton.

Prairie Collection coming soon!

I’m getting ready for my fall winter collection. Here is a sneak peek for you of the illustrations that are turned into fabrics and plush toys and books. This is a modern take on prairie and farm living. The Prairie Collection is a poetic collection of fall winter baby farm and prairie animals, flowers, monochromatic and bold colors and clean and simple graphic prints. Organic woven cottons and organic knits are used throughout this collection of children’s sustainable clothing. “Prairie Pals” is a sweet poem about an alpaca, kitten and donkey. Children learn facts and can engage in a creative activity after reading the book. Each garment comes with a download e-book of “Prairie Pals” Book code is on the hang tag. Do not reproduce artwork without permission. All artwork is original by Heather Thornton.

Join us for the next three days July 1st 8:00pm CST - July 3rd 8:00pm CST for an online facebook shopping event over at the Huck Market Facebook Group @huckmarket Shop unique and cool pieces for your little boy’s closet! Event details in profile link. Graphic T-shirt and Wild Dune Buggy Plush Toy from ​@whirlykidde Photo of Hunter ​@hunterandsky . . . . . . . . . . . . #huckmarket​ ​#marketforboys​ ​#childrensclothing #plushtoys​ ​#shopsmall​ ​#boymoms​ ​#handmade​ ​#facebookgroup #makersgonnamake​ ​#supportsmallbusiness​ ​#childhoodunplugged #kidsfashion​ ​#retrofashion​ ​#whirlykidde​ ​#instakids​ ​#sustainablefashion #instababy​ ​#fresh​ ​#summer #kidswear​ ​#kidsootd​ ​#summerday​ ​#sustainablefashion #stylishigkid​ ​#modernkid​ ​#kidswithstyle​ ​#slowfashion #ethicalfashion​ ​#handmade​ ​#spoonflower https://www.instagram.com/p/CCHODF1gzrO/?igshid=tpstjzmcu9j6

Join us for a summer online facebook shopping event! Whirlykidde will have graphic t-shirts and plush toys for summer! whirlykidde will be participating in Huck Market Summer event! @huckmarket July 1st 8:00pm CST - July 3rd 8:00pm CST Join the Huck Market Group on Facebook to shop high quality boy's pieces from small shops. Event details in profile link. Graphic t-shirt and Wild Dune Buggy Plush Toy from @whirlykidde Photo of Hunter @hunterandsky . . . . . . . . . . . . #huckmarket #marketforboys #childrensclothing #plushtoys #shopsmall #boymoms #handmade #facebookgroup #makersgonnamake #supportsmallbusiness #childhoodunplugged #kidsfashion #retrofashion #whirlykidde #instakids #sustainablefashion #instababy #fresh #summer #kidswear #kidsootd #summerday #sustainablefashion #stylishigkid #modernkid #kidswithstyle #slowfashion #ethicalfashion #handmade #spoonflower https://www.instagram.com/p/CCCVHd5gUYV/?igshid=ehkfd3yqnics

Get ready to bid on this lovely handmade doll set starting tomorrow JUNE 20th - 29th. We are honored to participate in the ​@_stillwerise​ auction. ​Please join me and many others while we bid on some wonderful artwork, handmade pieces and hundreds of other items where funds will be donated to the organizations listed below. Equal Justice Initiative ​@eli_org Black Lives Matter ​@blklivesmatter The Bail Project ​@bailproject M4BL ​@mvmnt4blklives Handmade Doll Set from @whirlykidde A sweet plush doll set that is handmade in Illinois using all fabrics from our exclusive collections. outer shell doll clothing fabrics 100% soft organic cotton sateen and organic cotton knit. doll body is 100% cotton. 100% polyester cluster fiber fill hypoallergenic. two size approximate 16" inch Plush Dolls. handmade in the USA Doll Set Value $150 . . . . . . . . . . . . #blm #blacklivesmatter #stillwerise #whirlykidde #auction https://www.instagram.com/p/CBorPkDgJQ2/?igshid=ph4gczonieja

We are so excited to share our exciting plans for this Saturday’s Virtual Market! In addition to all-day exclusive sales on our Shop Local Directory, we will have: ⏰ Hourly Instagram product giveaways from some your favorite local makers 🎤 Live interviews and studio tours with @whirlykidde at 11am CST on instagram. Join us all day Saturday to support the incredible local makers this city has to offer! Follow us both on Instagram @madeinchicagomarket and @whirlykidde Take 10% off any online order for the entire day during this event! Use code MCIM10 during checkout I cannot wait to meet you!😊 . . . . . . . . . . . #madeinchicagomarket #madeinchicago #madeinillinois #madeinnaperville #chicagomade #handmade #localevent #chicagoevents #chicagosuntimes #mcim #whirlykidde #plushtoys #toys #childrensbooks #books #art #thatsdarling #darlingmovement #local #shoplocal #chicagokids #chicagobaby #napervillekids #napervillebaby #chicagoartist #napervilleartist #illustrator #bookillustrator #surfacepatterndesigner #graphicdesigner (at Online Event) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBWfXfRAiZU/?igshid=h4mjq2ybk3g3

I have added some art to help support Black Lives Matter. Black Lives Matter Painted Rainbow Art 100% of the proceeds from each digital download purchase will be donated to The Antiracist Research and Policy Center. Thank you for your support! A digital PDF download will be instantly delivered to your inbox after payment is received. You will be able to download the file and then print as many as you like for you or your little one. The art is delivered as an 14”x14” page. Feel free to email this artwork to a local printer and frame it. Personal use only. Artwork by @heatherthorntonartist for @whirlykidde Link in profile to purchase artwork and donate. . . . . . . . . . . . #blacklivesmatter #donate #digitalart #madeinnaperville #chicagomade #art #makersgonnamake #shoppingonline #blm #whirlykidde #love #chicagokids #chicagobaby #napervillekids #napervillebaby #chicagoartist #napervilleartist #illustrator #surfacepatterndesigner #graphicdesigner #BeAntiracist https://www.instagram.com/p/CA_K4_NAgNp/?igshid=joyfvfqbvz8c

Here she is,Twiggy! Grab your girls this groovy doll and a matching dress from whirlykidde and whirlykidde world this weekend at the Notorious Maker's Market Event. Doll's skin, hair and eyes can be customized too! Also you can add glasses. Please let me know if you need a tag! 🌼🌻🌸 whirlykidde is ready for this weekend with all the Twiggy Inspired dresses and dolls for your beauties this summer! The dolls are customizable and you can match your girl's dress to the doll too. She’ll absolutely love it!! Join us this Thursday Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 5/7 - 5/10 for an online facebook shopping event. whirlykidde will be participating in Maker’s Market Notorious Event! May 7th 8:00pm CST - May 10th 8:00pm CST The group will go live with handmade children's pieces brought to you by Maker's Market vendors! Join the Maker's Market Group to shop high quality children's pieces from small handmade shops. Twiggy style dress and Twiggy Doll by @whirlykidde Three different colorways and options will be available for this lovely set. Link in profile for event details. . . . . . . . . . . . . #makersmarket #madeinchicago #onlinefacebookevent #madeinnaperville #chicagomade #handmade #makersgonnamake #shoppingonline #dollmaker #doll #whirlykidde #plushtoys #toys #childrensbooks #books #art #thatsdarling #darlingmovement #local #shoplocal #chicagokids #chicagobaby #napervillekids #napervillebaby #chicagoartist #napervilleartist #illustrator #bookillustrator #surfacepatterndesigner #graphicdesigner https://www.instagram.com/p/B_3PepTgcI-/?igshid=mle1gme7ltnc

Learning through Play

As I reflect on my small business that I've created, it has definitely evolved into something that I'm proud to say gives me and others joy. With all of the events I have been a part of these past couple of years, I now have a sense of direction as to where things are headed. I am looking forward to concentrating on mostly toys and books for 2020. I may keep some clothing but it's not going to remain a high priority. It seems my audience is more interested in buying the little things versus the bigger items. I will always make things for all children.

In the new year, I plan to make it a goal to engage you, the parents and your children when it comes to developing ethically made products that can be used for play and learning. Please join me in 2020 as I continue this journey of using my talents to contribute to teaching and helping your little ones learn through play.