Ilva is not an easy a store to get to, so no surprise that they've made their products available online. Having been there, I would definately recommend a look at their sofas and children's beds, they're well made and come in a good range of fabrics and styles. This Emil bed is a half height wooden one for £258.97, it's a shame I couldn't find their bunk beds which divide into singles, as I think they're even better. Should you need to head to Thurrock, then you can stop at Ikea and then Ilva, where your kids can also eat for free. My idea of hell, but sometimes it has to be done.

Posted by Carole

Within4walls has got some seriously stylish, designer led products, such as this Series x. Graeme Masse Architects have designed this unique multifunctional furniture comprising seat, table and footstool. Each product has a continuous loop which enables it to be rotated into different positions - upright, recliner and perching stool, coffee table, side table and foot stool, all matching each other's heights and uses. It costs £399 and when waxed can also happily sit outdoors, not sure I could let it out of my sight for that long.

Posted by Carole

I don't actually own a bike (yet) but if I did this scott garage for £28 would definately appeal to me. All Tidied Up is a website aimed at people like me who dream about somewhere to put all the rubbish I accumulate on a daily basis. They've thought of a vessel to hold or hide every object in your home. Quite an exciting thought, if I didn't have the small problem of needing to build an extension first to hold all the baskets and hooks.

Posted by Carole

Not on the High Street is a shoppers delight, with well chosen products from over 600 small craft outfits. Holly Tucker and Sophie Cornish have taken their business from their kitchen table to an office with 11 staff. This vibrant verneer inspired ball chair is a Bodie & Fou selection, 2 more web savvy women, more on them later. The chair had been designed by sculptor Finn Stone, costs £155, is made from recycled polyethyene and comes in black, white, red, green, brown and fuschia. It also can be used in or outdoors..what can this chair not do I wonder?

Posted by Carole

I do like these dramatic and witty Belgium stag heads. They have a real presence as they measure nearly a metre in size and come in a triplex plywood which is beech or black. They start at £165 and can be found at the lovely York based Snow Home website, who have a good eye for spotting unusual home products.

Posted by Carole

This Sun jar is a worthy winner of the eco-friendly 2007 award. When the traditional Mason jar is placed on a sunny windowsill, the solar cell creates an electrical current that charges the battery over a few hours. This energy is then used at night to power the three LED lamps inside the jar. For £19.95 you've got a geat children's night light or a garden/camping one. The Ethical Superstore is a great place to get most of your Christmas goodies purchased - with a clear conscience.

Posted by Carole

Posted by Carole

For all you organised people out there (of which I am very envious) here is an attractive £15 advent calendar with a difference. Twenty-four little drawers to put a treasure in each day, forget thoughts of acorns or seeds only chocolate will do. It's currently not available until November 11th from Jo Jo Maman Bebe who yes are the baby and maternity people. But they also stock some well crafted and unusual gifts, I wouldn't mind finding some cup cake candle holders in my stocking.

Posted by Carole

Well there can't be many people who haven't got a bit of Ikea in their home. Even if it's a duvet cover or that classic striped children's rug - yes you know the one. Anyhow they also have some great fabrics like Patricia who costs a very reasonable £4.49 per square metre. Looks fresh and quite retro to me and just screams buy me when I look at the hideous yoghurt encrusted covers on our chairs.

Posted by Carole

I think you have to be a bit careful with Dwell products. But you can find a gem like this white lacquered butterfly chair for £19.95. It's always worth taking a look at their products in the flesh as the catalogue is flashy but deceptive.

Posted by Carole