We are very pleased to introduce our brand new My Nametags Teddy Bear logo! We hope you like it as much as we do.
My Nametags was started by a dad in his living room back in 2004. At that time Lars and his wife had two young daughters, who needless to say, kept losing their belongings so My Nametags was born. My Nametags now sells to over 60 countries around the world and directly to six European countries.
The My Nametags Bear has had a 2017 makeover and we love the fact that he is holding one of our nametags. To celebrate the arrival of our new Teddy Bear logo we would love it if you could post pictures of your own teddy bears!
We will be running a competition on facebook. Please post your cute teddy bear pics and we will choose one winner who will receive an adorable tiny teddy and a set of our design-your-own colourful stickers worth € 16.95! Use them to name anything from clothes and shoes, to pencil cases, baby bottles or even your new teddy bear…
The New Year is the time of re-evaluating our lives and fitness is for many people a key area. So if you started in January with the best intentions and are ready to give up, don’t! Or if you’re still keen, finding out about the latest trends will keep your workouts fresh.
We’ve rounded up the top six fitness trends you should look out for. Adding something new to your weekly workout is bound to keep you motivated throughout 2017.
Count Steps!
Short on time? Trying to juggle home, family and work? Log your daily steps with a wearable fitness tracker or smartwatch from brands such as Garmin, Apple or Fitbit. This year’s wearables, not only track distance they will also provide heart rate readings, GPS route tracking, move reminders and more. Top tips: avoid the car, walk up the stairs and you’ll be surprised at how many more steps you can do in a day.
Virtual boxing
The boxing fitness trend will continue into 2017 but the news is it’s going digital. Online virtual boxing workout programmes are currently available in the UK and should soon spread to Ireland. It’s super easy to do at home. All you need is a pair of 1kg weights and you can stream expert instructors to your PC/TV/Tablet/Mobile whenever you want.
Water Workouts
Watch out for swimming fitness classes for a full body workout. Fitness clubs across Ireland are starting to offer low-impact, high-intensity water-based group High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) classes. These classes will offer sprint and long swims as well as resistance activities to give you a well-balanced workout without straining your joints.
Functional Fitness
Functional Fitness is the idea that you strengthen muscles every day to be able to lift a suitcase, carry your toddler etc. It’s a term that has been around for a while. However in 2017 we will see new machines to help you achieve this easily. Watch out for the Assault Bike from Walverson. The idea is has heaps of cardio and calorie-burning workout options plus the resistance increases automatically as you push, pull and pedal.
Strength Training
Strength training will be big news especially for women in 2017. The old myth that lifting weights makes you bulk-up is slowly disappearing. Look out for lifting groups and the rise of one-to-one coaching on weights.
Mind & Body
The mindfulness concept has finally reached the gym. The focus will be on taking time out to sweat out your stress instead and trying to get to grips with the deep connection between mind and body. Watch out for beginner courses offered in high street gyms and chill out candlelit classes.
We sent our My Nametags’ detectives to London’s annual Toy Fair at Olympia on 24 January to find out what will be the most sought after toys for 2017! Read this and you’ll be seriously ahead of the game for present ideas for the next 11 months…
BEST S.T.E.M. TOY
Toys that promote Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) skills are set to grow in popularity during 2017. We thought that the Science Lab from the Galt Explore and Discover range was fabulous and well-priced. It will be launching later this year at Galt Toys, who deliver to Ireland.
BEST WOODEN TOY
For that big present for age 3+ Hape’s new Mighty Mountain Mine, which is part of its railway collection, ticks all the boxes. Full of interactive features including a lift, tunnels, cranes and bridges. Hape products are available for delivery to Ireland from Amazon.
BEST CONSTRUCTION TOY
Lego has a fantastic new playset which kids will love to play cops and robbers with. It comes complete with a jail cell and breakout feature, monitoring room with screens, plus police motorbike, crook’s ATV, four mini figures and even a police dog! The LEGO City Police – Mobile Command Centre is available now from Smyths Toys. BEST PLAYSET
This adorable Sylvanian Families Village Cake Shop will keep your little ones entertained for hours. The detail is amazing with 90 pieces, including 11 varieties of cake, a Veronica Cakebread figure and a story book that’s perfect for bedtime reading. Also watch out for the Starry Point Lighthouse and Ballet Theatre which will also be released later this year. Sylvanian Families products are available in Ireland from Smyths Toys.
BEST PRESCHOOL CHARACTER
PAW Patrol is a big hit for most pre-schoolers and this fab Paw Patrol Jungle Terrain Vehicle Rescue Set is sure to become a winner. Use the crane to pull the panther to safety and push the Paw badge to activate lights and sound. It comes with Ryder, Mateo and baby panther figures. It is available for delivery to Ireland from Toys “R” Us.
BEST WHEELED TOY
Micro Scooters won (one of three) best Wheeled toy category at the Toy Fair and you can see why. It’s a great quality-made first bicycle for toddlers and is suitable from 2-5 years. Allows your child to build co-ordination and balancing skills. Micro Chopper Balance Bike is available from Micro-Scooters.
BEST CREATIVE TOY
We just love this fabulous magnetic activity box. It’s bright with lots of pieces to play with to create hundreds of different pictures or scenes. The Magnetic Shape Activity Box will be available from April from Fiesta Crafts, who deliver to Ireland.