Gerri Hunt

Bring Up Baby Under the Big Top

Last year, in an effort to get my husband something really different for Valentine's Day, I did various searches on eBay, including his first name, Randy, and last name, Hunt. I discovered that there used to be the Hunt Bros. Circus, and there were all sorts of memorabilia on the auction block. I thought maybe an 8x10 picture would be interesting, or a pennant.

But then I came across a vintage advertising poster, and knew immediately that it was my gift for Randy, no matter what the cost. It was 4 feet long and 2 feet wide, and had 3 male clowns (who could definitely pass for Randy and his 2 brothers) and 1 female clown (me!). But the amazing thing, the reason I just HAD to have THIS poster, was that splashed across the bottom in giant letters was the date the circus would be in town – Saturday, August 20 – which coincidentally is my husband’s birthday!

That poster is now matted and framed, in a place of honor next to the front door. We get complements from everyone about it, even before they realize it says Hunt, and certainly before we explain the clowns and the birthday.

Inspired by the gorgeous poster that I see as I leave for work every morning, I’ve managed to come across some circus-themed juvenile products:

	Circus Train Mural Elephants on the Wall, $109.95 This is a large paint-by-number wall mural! It features colorful clown commandeering the engine, pulling the three other cars right behind him. Each car is filled with a variety of animals. This 16' long mural can travel around the corner of the room if necessary. It can also be personalized with up to three lines of copy and seven letters per line for the red banner. The kit includes the pattern, transfer paper, directions and color guide.
	Circus Play Set Plantoys, $60 Children will have fun pretending to be the playful clown, learning about circus animals and discovering the magic box where the audience can disappear and reappear.
	Circus Pillow Boodalee, $42 This bold throw pillow is part of the circus bedding collection, but is cute enough to stand on its own. This is one pillow, with both sides shown. It is 12x12” cotton twill, silk-screened with certified non-toxic pigments, and an eco-insert that uses fiber spun from corn. It’s $32 for just the pillow cover.
	Musabee Manhattan Toy, $28 Part of its Cirque du Soleil collection, pull this 12” plush’s nose to hear “Alegria, an original Cirque tune.
	Le Cirque Clothes Rack Sevi, $49.95 This wooden rack is 23x10x3”.
	Curtains Rise Haba, $34.99 A mouse and bear perform as acrobats hanging from this mobile. They are affixed by magnets, so they are detachable for cuddling. Has a little bell and mirror foil, all under a circus tent.
	Lacing Cards eeBoo, $14.95 Included are five beautifully illustrated, brightly colored cards and five laces. They help little ones with hand-eye coordination. Made with sturdy board and laminated on both sides for extra durability. Holes are cleanly drilled and the faux silk threads won't ever unravel.
	Tumbling Elephant Bobles, $139 Based on a simple geometric form, a child can tumble, roll, balance, seesaw, rock, jump and gain some bodily experience, which can serve as the foundation for further development. It is made of firm foam with a soft surface. It is free of toxins and phthalates.
	Circus Storage Step-Up Guidecraft, $45 This stool is bright and colorful, hand-crafted and hand-painted, with storage under the top step.

If you have ideas or requests for themes for "On the Shelf," post a comment or email gerri.hunt@reedbusiness.com.

Posted by Gerri Hunt on January 13, 2009 | Comments (4)