Sometimes it’s the simplest, most basic toys that bring the most fun and delight. With all the electronic games and battery-operated gadgets available today, a kid sometimes finds it nice to reach for a toy that can be appreciated for its cuddle factor alone.
Piggy Wiggies — soft, cute pig-themed collectible toys — definitely fill that need. Piggy Wiggies are available as full-sized toys or mini key chains. The impulse-buy appeal comes from the whimsical, folk-art-inspired designs; each pig has its own unique appearance, with soft fabric ears and “nostrils” made of painted wooden craft flowers.
Piggy Wiggies was founded in January 2011, and is already enjoying plenty of attention. The company’s founder, Emma Louise, is a U.K.-born, L.A.-based Jane-of-all-trades who has worked as a model, a singer, a gardener and — no joking — a helper on a pig farm. Emma says that her inspiration for Piggy Wiggies came long before her pig farm days. As children, she and her sister fashioned adorable animal toys out of socks and would “sell” them to their parents out of a shop in their bedroom.
As an adult, Emma was drawn to the fashion world and had an eye for designer clothing and accessories. She wanted to create an item that kids and adults alike could collect and love. With her enthusiasm and innovative spirit, Emma threw herself into the launch of her company. To this day, Emma is inspired by her sister and other family members and has used their personalities as models for the various Piggy Wiggies characters. For example, Doodles is based on her father, Mumsy on her mother and Freckle on her older sister.
Toys with a quirky, crafty look are always popular, particularly nowadays as parents return to toys made of natural materials and those that encourage imaginative play and creativity, which Piggy Wiggies certainly do. Coming soon is a new Santa pig, the first installment in the Holiday series.
Find out what everyone is squealing about; visit www.piggywiggies.com
