naptime and vintage night lights

Mouse night light, Vintage-toys.com

 When I get around to writing a new post (which is becoming increasingly infrequent, unfortunately), it’s usually either 11-something in the morning or 4-something in the afternoon.   Needless to say, I love naptime.   It’s crucial that naptimes are as peaceful and productive as possible, for both the kid and for me.   

In addition,  today’s rain reminds me that winter is coming soon to the Northeast.  And I’m  reminded of the darkness and chill that seems to find a home in our house during that time of year.  I’m not good with gloom, and I’m the kind of person who turns on every single lamp in the house to defer it.  For Fionn’s sake, I’m determined to fix the situation in his room too, and upgrade his lighting as well.  I’m getting rid of those  solar and soulless plug-in nightlights from the drugstore once and for all.  So in the search for something with more character,  I’ve discovered vintage night lights.  A great example is the mouse at top (from Vintage-toys.com), from the 50s or 60s.

Mouse, switched on

Vintage night lights are fantastic.  Instead of plugging into the wall, they’re more like little figurines that sit on the dresser.  They’re either ceramic or made of plastic, relatively inexpensive (around $30), and adorable.  The only drawback I see is that sometimes they require rewiring (understandable, after 50 years of use!) Here are some of my favorites.  Oh, and if they’re  gone by the time you read this, keep looking – they show up all the time on Ebay and Etsy.

Pink and blue plastic whale, Ruby Lane

This little whale is being sold on Ruby Lane for $20.

Ceramic shell nightlight, Bonanzle

For the traditionalist, a ceramic shell – more like a TV lamp, it lights up at the back.  $15 at Bonanzle.com. 

Cerramic bunny, Ebay

Bunny, at night

I personally love the figural night lights because A) they’re adorable and B) they light up in really cute ways.   This bunny is great – its ears and tail light up for you.  If you like it, hurry up; the auction on Ebay is ending soon. 

Ceramic puppy, Mary Had A Little Lamp, Etsy

Saved the best for last.  If you love vintage children’s lighting, you must check out the Etsy shop called Mary Had A Little Lamp.   Specializing in lighting for nurseries and playrooms, the items on offer are often rewired and in immaculate condition.  Is this puppy the cutest thing ever? Yes, the light shines from his little bum, but I can overlook that. It sells for $45 and would be a great start to your collection.  And with those words, my naptime time is over.