Bells and Whistles is Kirstin Crane and Eleanor Howes.

We started Bells and Whistles so we could find something different and special to dress our children in. And so could our friends, our friends of friends, their friends....and anyone they know who would like children’s clothing and gifts that are just a little bit different and lovely....that gives them a fuzzy feeling of nostalgia and bring back their own childhood memories.

The idea was borne out of a regular and irritating hunt through masses of screaming pink, TV character clothing lines and very samey boyswear. We wanted our children to be dressed as children, not as mini pop stars. We decided to choose brands based on quality and classic design with a quirky and adventurous twist.

We want to sell clothes that aren’t old-fashioned or static, but fun, fashionable and wearable with wistful snapshots of times gone by. So on the way to musical toddlers one Friday we just decided to go for it. We talked to friends, their friends and ........you can see where this is going......... came up with our principles for Bells and Whistles.

1. Growing – keep searching for and bring together new, exciting and unique ranges of children’s clothing and gifts that people will love, wear and treasure for future generations.

2. Living – live and breathe it. Only sell clothing and lifestyle products that we believe represent real value, in design, fabric quality, detail, or ethical standard. Things we would be happy to dress our children, have in our homes or give as gifts.

3. Loving – go the extra mile to treat everyone how we’d love to be treated when we shop. Make the whole shopping experience enjoyable, fun and distinctive, from website design to events, enquiries and delivery.

Bells and Whistles is our dream and we are committed to growing it, living it and loving it. Our mum’s told us that if you work hard and believe in something, it will be a success. We hope you agree, and help us to prove them right!

Email us any time with your thoughts on the website, the products, and the events or with really good kids recipes and ideas. All will be gratefully received.

kirstin@bellsandwhistleskids.co.uk  eleanor@bellsandwhistleskids.co.uk