As a parent, finding stylish yet functional nursery items can be a challenge. That‘s where Scandiborn comes in. This Scandinavian-inspired kids brand has taken the design world by storm with its curated collection of minimalist toys, decor, clothing and more.
But is Scandiborn worth the investment? I analyzed the brand inside and out to give you the full scoop. Keep reading for an in-depth review of Scandiborn‘s bestselling products, insight into their manufacturing and sustainability, advice on how to shop smartly, and creative ideas to design a magazine-worthy nursery on a budget using their items.
An Overview of Scandiborn’s Scandinavian-Inspired Offerings
Founded in 2016 by husband and wife Grace and James Tindall, Scandiborn sells a range of kids accessories, toys, furniture and clothing. All products feature clean, minimalist Scandinavian influences.
Scandiborn‘s collection includes items made from eco-friendly or recycled materials whenever possible. They also partner with brands that align with their values of quality craftsmanship and sustainability.
Some of Scandiborn’s most popular categories include:
- Toys and playsets: Wooden play kitchens, dollhouses, pull-along toys, play tents
- Furniture: Cribs, changing tables, shelving units, high chairs
- Textiles: Quilts, blankets, knit booties, ponchos
- Decor: Wall art, mobiles, baskets, lighting
- Tableware: Bowls, plates, cups, placemats
Now let’s dive into reviews of Scandiborn’s 10 bestselling items to help you determine if their quality and style are worth the cost.
10 Reviews of Scandiborn‘s Most Popular Kids Products
1. Scandiborn Ferm Living Toro Tea Set
This wooden tea set shaped like a bull (toro means bull in Spanish) features charming simplicity. It includes a teapot with lid, creamer jug, sugar bowl with lid and four mini mugs.
The smooth beech wood feels nice for little hands to hold. My daughter hasn‘t had any splinters from regular use. Easy to hand wash too.
I‘ve used the tea set to host several princess tea parties which my daughter and her friends adore. It encourages creativity and roleplaying. When not in use, the neutral wood color blends into any playroom.
For $63, this tea set is a worthwhile investment. The pieces feel sturdy and well-made compared to cheaper plastic options.
Rating: 5/5
2. Kids Concept Pavilion Play Tent
This neutral-hued play tent makes an elegant addition to a living room or bedroom. Assembly took about 10 minutes – just attach the poles and lay the fabric over top.
The tent has held up well over 6 months of heavy use by my rough and tumble twins. A few mysterious stains but nothing a wet cloth couldn‘t fix.
I love that the tent transforms into different spaces to match their mood and imagination – reading nook, clubhouse or even a stage. It also folds flat for storage or travel.
At $248, the price tag made me gulp initially. But considering the stylish design and quality materials able to withstand constant use, it’s turned out to be a worthwhile investment.
Rating: 4.5/5
3. Banwood Bikes First Go Balance Bike
We purchased this wooden balance bike to help our 2 year old learn to ride on two wheels. Assembly took about 30 minutes to attach the wheels, handlebars and seat.
The bike itself is very lightweight yet feels sturdy once put together. The seat adjusts to grow with kids up to age 5. It also includes an adorable front basket for toys.
Over the past few months, the bike has helped boost our toddler‘s balance and confidence. The cream and green color scheme looks sharp in our entryway when not in use.
For $216, it‘s a splurge but we consider it money well spent. This Scandiborn bike should last through years of use by all our kids.
Rating: 5/5
4. Bloomingville Bamboo Bench
We struggled finding a bench for our narrow entryway until discovering this Scandinavian-style option from Bloomingville. It arrived as six pieces to assemble – easy enough with an Allen key.
The bench fits perfectly into our space and holds baskets well for organizing hats, mittens and bags. It looks chic yet natural with visible bamboo knots and variations in the wood. My only complaint is the rough underside snags fabric.
For $441, the bench was an investment but worth it for the storage options, minimalist style and quality compared to cheaper big box options. This bench should last through years of wear and tear.
Rating: 4.5/5
5. Flexa 3 Tier Wall Shelf
To add storage options to my daughter’s small bedroom, I purchased this three tier floating wall shelf. Simple assembly – just screw on the wooden brackets.
It looks sharp yet playful attached to her light blue bedroom wall. The shelf holds books, stuffed animals and toys perfectly without sagging. Easy for her to access items herself to encourage independence.
My only dislikes are the wall anchors it came with didn‘t hold firmly so we reinforced with stronger anchors. Also wish the unit came in a white wood stain option.
But for $147, this wall shelf maximizes vertical storage space stylishly. I would order it again, just reinforce the mounting.
Rating: 4/5
6. Sebra Cot Bed
As first-time parents wanting a cot to last through toddlerhood, we invested in this convertible cot bed from premium Dutch brand Sebra.
Assembly required attaching the mattress base, back panel and side panels using the Allen key and screws provided. Took about 1 hour but wasn‘t complicated.
Our son has happily slept in this cot from ages 9 months to 2.5 years (and still going!) We lowered the base as he grew more mobile. Has held up extremely well through constant use. Easy to wipe clean too!
At $1,251 it was a HUGE splurge for us but worth every penny considering he will use this bed for years. We also purchased the Scandiborn cot mobile to pair with it!
Rating: 5/5
7. Cam Cam Changing Cushion
To jazz up our basic change table, I purchased this colorful changing cushion from Danish brand Cam Cam Copenhagen. The floral pattern adds a fun pop of color.
It‘s made from soft cotton canvas with a water-repellent coating on the other size – perfect for messy diaper blows outs! I‘ve also used it for tummy time and play. Easy to spot clean stains.
My only dislike is the buckle straps to secure it to the change table don‘t fasten super tightly. Not a huge issue but have to ensure it‘s centered before laying baby down.
For $80, I think it‘s a fun yet functional way to spice up a boring change table on a budget! Recommend reinforcing straps for wiggly babies.
Rating: 4/5
8. Charlie Crane Grey TIBU High Chair
Wanting a space-saving high chair for our urban apartment, we invested in this modern style from European brand Charlie Crane.
Compact folding design makes it easy to tuck away – occupies about the same space as four dinner plates when collapsed!
We pair it with a Tripp Trapp seat cushion then remove once baby starts solids around 6 months. He has happily eaten all his meals in it from ages 6 months to 15 months and counting! Extremely durable too.
It was pricey at $323 but worth it considering how compact yet stylish it is. We use it multiple times a day and is easy to wipe clean after messy meals. Love how it will grow with him into a toddler seat!
Rating: 5/5
9. Liewood Troels Bath Toy Boats (Set of 3)
These wooden sailboats make bath time more enjoyable while also teaching colors/counting. Made from natural rubber wood, they contain no nasty chemicals.
They‘ve held up well over 9 months of near nightly baths – no chipping or flaking paint even when gnawed and thrown about! My toddlers have had no issues maneuvering the pull handles.
Easy to squirt liquid soap inside then rinse clean after. I also love displaying them in a ceramic vase on the bathroom counter when not in use. Chic yet playful!
At $44 for the set, it feels pricey for bath toys. However, they’re well-made without plastic components or BPA likely found in cheaper options.
Rating: 5/5
10. Liewood Merce Cups
To minimize dishware waste, I purchased these reusable training cups made from medical-grade platinum silicone. Completely non-toxic!
The cup is very soft and squeezable – perfect for little hands. Easy for my 10 month old to grip the octopus shaped handles independently. Cup holds 5 oz.
As a bonus, you can remove the flexible handles to transform it into a push-pop silicone ice cube tray! Such a clever 2-in-1 design.
At $25 for the 2-pack, these cups offer great bang for buck given how versatile and eco-friendly they are. My toddler uses his multiple times a day.
Rating: 5/5
Scandiborn Brand Analysis: How Sustainable and Ethical Are They?
As part of my brand review, I also wanted to take a closer look at how and where Scandiborn manufactures their products. This is key when evaluating any company marketing eco-friendly goods.
The majority of products sold on Scandiborn‘s website are made in Europe, especially Scandinavian countries like Denmark, Sweden and The Netherlands.
Many items also contain environmentally friendly materials like organic cotton, sustainably sourced bamboo and FSC certified wood.
Scandiborn states they partner exclusively with brands that share their values around ethical production and sustainability. All suppliers must sign a Code of Conduct agreement regarding safe working conditions, human rights protections, and responsible manufacturing processes.
When possible, Scandiborn opts for recycled packaging like cardboard boxes versus less sustainable options like foam or bubble wrap.
Ultimately, no company is 100% waste-free but Scandiborn strives to be as eco-conscious as possible – a mission that I as a customer highly appreciate and respect!
Smart Shopping Strategies and Budget-Friendly Hacks for Scandiborn
While Scandiborn‘s impeccably-designed products appeal to my inner Francophile, the prices initially had me rethinking my cart contents.
However, having now purchased and used several items myself, I found the quality and durability justify the investment, especially for key furniture pieces. Many products should last your family for years to come.
That said, you may need to get creative when shopping on a tight budget. Here are my top tips for affordably bringing Scandiborn’s chic Danish style into your home:
Wait for sales or limited-time offers. Scandiborn occasionally offers 5-10% off discounts on your first order for joining their newsletter.
Stretch expensive products over time. Invest in a few big-ticket items like a convertible crib or play kitchen set that your kids can enjoy for years as they grow.
Mix and match price points. Buy a splurge piece like the Bloomingville bench then pair with cheaper accessories from Target or Ikea.
Seek out secondhand finds. Scour Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark or consignment sales for gently used items. Scandiborn‘s neutral palette makes mixing old and new achievable.
DIY alternatives. Recreate the iconic Scandiborn style through DIY projects. Transform an Ikea kitchen set by wood painting or sew boho pillows using Remnant fabric.
Get the Magazine-Worthy Scandi Look on a Budget
While not always the most budget-friendly, Scandiborn’s minimalist offerings can help you achieve a chic Scandinavian-inspired nursery or playroom with some savvy shopping.
Here are five tips to recreate Scandiborn’s iconic modern yet organic style on a budget:
1. Embrace natural materials – Focus on renewable resources like wood, cotton, seagrass and sheepskin versus plastic. Scour secondhand shops for wooden toys and decor.
2. Incorporate earthy neutrals – Think creamy whites, tan, light wood tones and pale green. Use neutral walls/furnishings as a base then add pops of color through textiles and toys.
3. Seek out sustainable brands – When possible, support responsible companies that prioritize ethical manufacturing and eco-friendly materials in their products.
4. Add warmth through textures – Layer natural fibers like wood, sheepskin, knit and linen which feel cozy yet refined. DIY a chunky wool pillow or macrame wall hanging.
5. Allow a hint of playfulness – While Scandinavian style embraces minimalism, don‘t be afraid to incorporate whimsy through animal motifs, floral patterns or brightly colored toys.
How Scandiborn Compares to Popular Baby Brands Like Lovevery and ToucanBox
Scandiborn certainly isn’t the only aesthetically-pleasing baby brand out there. So how does it compare against competitors like Lovevery and ToucanBox?
Lovevery takes a more pared-down approach to their products and playthings. Their Line subscription provides quality developmental toys tailored specifically to each stage. Practical yet often pricey.
Whereas Scandiborn focuses more narrowly on decor and gear with Scandinavian influences. You‘ll find stunning yet functional staples for nursery and playroom. Less emphasis on developmental ranges. Wider array of aesthetics depending on partnered brands. Generally higher price points than Lovevery.
ToucanBox sells gift boxes with a unique craft or DIY activity paired with supplies for kiddos. So an affordable way to encourage open-ended creativity and family bonding versus accumulating tons of stuff! ToucanBox doesn’t sell large furniture/decor pieces like Scandiborn and focuses more on enjoyment through experiences/activities. Accessible pricing model through subscriptions.
No matter your parenting style or budget, hopefully breaking down the key attributes of these three brands helps you determine which is the best fit for your family! I personally think there’s room for all three approaches.
The Final Verdict: Is Scandiborn Worth the Investment?
At the end of the day, when it comes to assessing the value of higher-end nursery brands like Scandiborn, there are compelling arguments on both sides.
The cons: Their beautifully crafted furniture, accessories and toys undoubtedly veer on the pricier side, especially for young families on a strict budget.
However, Scandiborn fans would argue that cost per use makes the investment worthwhile. By purchasing versatile, durable pieces in a more timeless style, many products should last your family for years to come.
I agree that the higher price point goes towards ensuring stellar quality, ethical manufacturing, eco-friendly materials and charming Scandinavian-inspired design (if that’s your aesthetic).
Just be selective – maybe start with one showstopper item like the Sebra cot bed or stunning play kitchen. Then supplement with budget buys until you can save up again!
I‘m thrilled to have discovered Scandiborn and already have my eye on a few new wishlist items I hope to slowly acquire over the next few years as we expand our family.
So if you admire Scandinavian style and believe in investing in quality goods, I confidently recommend giving Scandiborn a try for your little ones! Hope you found this helpful – let me know if you have any other questions.
Happy shopping!
- Oliver & Rain
