Traditional toys by Casa Ruim

These days toys appear to come in two varieties: those made of plastic that go "beep" and those made of plastic that go "beep" very loudly. Not only does this make them rather anti-social when used in public spaces (people that bring your children on commuter trains please take note) but they also don't demand much imagination and they don't help children to socialise. I was thrilled to see that Vanesse Fernandes and her boyfriend have devoted an entire section of their online store Casa Ruim to old fashioned Portuguese toys. From wind-up robot space troopers (€22) to hand-made vintage tin toy cars from the 50's (€18), they've really gone all out to secure a range of traditional toys that will evoke nostalgia in the givers as well as delight in the recipients!