Things Not to Buy

....unless you're Bill Gates.  And maybe not even then.

So the last look at Shop 4 Kids showed there are some quite cute, even reasonably priced kid's gear out there.

This post - not so much.  After going through the magazine, I have three contenders for the "Overpriced, Ugly and Just Plain Wrong" category.   More money than sense indeed.

First up - Leopard Print for Mini-Mes!  

Yes, because leopard print is such a great idea for grown women in the first place - classy, you know?

And $90 for a pair of kid's shoes?  Totally reasonable.  It's not like their feet are growing fast or anything.

Even if we take the point that a little leopard could work in the right circumstances - what are those in the bottom right corner?  Yep, it's leopard print boardies!  Of all the contexts in which leopard print could perhaps work, swimwear for kids isn't one of them.  At least the taste line was drawn at showing a leopard print bikini for little girls.  Or perhaps they just couldn't find one.

The next contender is a baby carrier, not unlike the Baby Bjorn or other popular carriers.

Except this one is designer, made of leather, and costs $549.

And in my opinion, doesn't look at all comfortable.  If you're wondering, it's from Silver Cross - the same folk who make the Balmoral Pram which retails for around $3000 US.  Almost makes the baby carrier look reasonable.

And finally, we have what Shop 4 Kids describes as "one funky family ride" that "screams mummy chic":

A Family Bucket Bike.  For $1600.

Maybe it's just me, but that thing doesn't scream anything chic.  It doesn't scream anything except perhaps the kids who are giving off a distinct Village of the Damned vibe.

The caption also laments that the bucket bike isn't available in Australia.  I would imagine not, as I can't imagine how it would possibly pass safety standards - one quick corner and the kids will be tumbling out of their bucket faster than Jack and Jill.  Although given they're probably reading your mind and directing your will, maybe the lack of restraints and seats isn't a bad idea after all.