What is Ideal?

Ideal is a carefully curated shop composed of unique, design-conscious gifts and accessories. The objects we choose are creative, authentic, and refined. They are inspired by the vision of talented artists and designers from around the world.

Our store was formed with our own ideal in mind: that shopping should always be a personal and thoughtful experience.

Enjoy our blog and please come visit our shop in beautiful, downtown Bellingham. If you can't make it in, we take orders over the phone - just call (360-752-5522) or e-mail info@anidealshop.com.


Friday, May 7, 2010

ShapeMaker and PlayShapes Blocks from Miller Goodman

We are always on the lookout for well-designed, creative playthings for kids. The very best designs are always just as fun for grownups as they are for kids. So when we learned about Miller Goodman's ShapeMaker blocks and PlayShapes, we signed up and have been eagerly awaiting their arrival. They are here!

Miller Goodman is a design agency based in the UK, directed by David Goodman and Zoe Miller. They produce children's books and games for the Tate Museum shop in London, but also under their own brand. Colorful, fun, and educational, the objects they design will spark your child's imagination.

ShapeMaker is a set of 25 colorful, hand printed blocks made from eco-friendly rubber wood. The blocks can be arranged in countless patterns to create animals, abstract shapes, landscapes, or whatever inspires you. A booklet with design suggestions is included to get you started. $75 per set.

The animation below gives you just a hint of the possibilities:




















PlayShapes is a set of 74 wooden shapes which can be used to build 3-D sculptures of all sorts. Create a menagerie of animals, an array of funny faces, or the buildings of your dreams. Comes with a cotton drawstring bag for storage, as well as a set of illustrations. $150 per set.


Stop by the shop and take a look!