Gift guides
A Guide to Little Dutch Bundles
4 Min Read
If you’re lucky enough to have a Maileg friend in your life, you’ll know they’re no ordinary soft toy. With their tiny stitched details, vintage charm, and thoughtful expressions, Maileg mice, bunnies, and animal friends feel more like companions than playthings.
They’re tea party guests, bedtime watchers, picnic pals, and loyal sidekicks on every grand adventure. And like any great friendship, your relationship with your Maileg friend deserves care, respect, and a little tenderness.
So how do you take good care of your Maileg mouse or bunny so they stay soft, sweet, and ready for every cuddle or castle siege? Here’s everything you need to know.
Your Maileg friend is more than just a toy—they’re the perfect listener, the quiet companion at bedtime, and the secret keeper during long car journeys. Their eyes stay open at night when the room goes dark, keeping a gentle watch to make sure you’re safe. They join you in play and in rest, and they deserve to be treated like the dear friends they are.
Whether you’ve welcomed a tiny Mouse in a Matchbox, a soft plush Bunny, or one of the delightful Safari Friends, caring for your Maileg toy is about cherishing the bond you’ve built.
Let’s start with the basics: keeping them clean, cosy, and well-loved.
From muddy garden tea parties to chocolatey hands and the occasional unexpected puddle, your Maileg friends are bound to pick up a little mess now and then.
Yes! Most soft Maileg toys can be safely machine washed at 30°C. Be sure to check the care label or hang tag before popping your friend in the wash—different materials may have different needs.
Use a delicate cycle and a mild, non-bio detergent.
Pop your Maileg friend inside a pillowcase or laundry bag to protect any delicate stitching or accessories.
Avoid fabric softener—it can sometimes affect the toy’s texture or scent.
Always air dry (no tumble dryers, please!). Reshape gently while damp and lay flat to dry.
If your friend doesn’t need a full wash, try this lovely little trick: hang them in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam helps lift out any subtle odours naturally—no soap or water needed.
Once your Maileg friend has had their bath, they might come out looking a little... flat. This is totally normal.
Help them get their bounce back by:
Gently fluffing their body and limbs.
Reshaping ears, tails, and noses with your fingers while the fabric is still slightly damp.
Giving them a good cuddle (it always helps).
Remember: the more your Maileg friend is hugged and held, the softer and more loveable they become. Wobbly knees and squishy tummies are signs of a toy well-loved.
Maileg toys are beautifully crafted, and with just a little care, they’ll last through childhood (and beyond).
When your Maileg friend isn’t out adventuring, it’s best to store them somewhere warm and dry. A toy basket, shelf, or drawer is perfect—as long as it’s away from damp or direct sunlight.
If your Maileg toy has clothing or accessories (and let’s face it, they all have better wardrobes than us), you might want to keep those items stored safely when not in use. Tiny socks and hats can easily go missing between the sofa cushions!
Maileg toys are made with care and meant for gentle play. They’re ideal for storytelling, role play, and quiet imagination—but they’re not made to withstand tug-of-war, mud fights, or being thrown across the garden.
Encourage your little ones to treat their Maileg friends like they would a real-life friend: kindly, gently, and with respect.
Your Maileg friend was made for adventure. Whether that means joining you for a springtime picnic, a summer beach day, or sleeping under the stars on a backyard camping trip, they’ll be right by your side.
Pack them in a little pouch or zip bag to keep them clean while travelling.
If they’re coming to the beach, avoid direct contact with sand and salt water, which can be tricky to clean.
After a big day out, check for any stains or loose threads, and give your friend a quick wipe-down if needed.
Let them rest somewhere cosy after their adventure—they deserve it.
Sometimes, accidents happen. Tea gets spilled. Crayons go rogue. A beloved mouse gets dragged through the garden by the dog.
Here’s what to do:
Act fast—a fresh stain is easier to treat than a dried one.
Use a gentle, damp cloth to blot the area (don’t rub—it spreads the stain).
For stubborn marks, try a bit of diluted mild soap or a fabric-safe stain remover (test first!).
If your Maileg friend has a loose stitch, you can sew it back with a fine needle and matching thread. If you’re not confident with needle and thread, a local seamstress or craft-loving friend can usually help.
Taking care of a Maileg friend isn’t just about keeping them clean—it’s about teaching care, responsibility, and kindness. These little characters help children understand the value of nurturing relationships, being gentle, and respecting the things we love.
When you care for your Maileg friend, you're not just preserving a beautiful toy—you’re building memories, and keeping a childhood treasure ready for the next story, the next bedtime, and the next cuddle.
Machine wash at 30°C (when needed) and air dry
Use steam for a quick freshen-up
Fluff and reshape gently after washing
Store in a dry, cosy place
Be gentle with clothes and accessories
Treat them kindly—they’re friends, after all!
At PlayFaire, we adore Maileg toys for their timeless design, magical charm, and storytelling potential. We hope your Maileg friends bring as much joy to your home as they do to ours.
Looking to start—or grow—your Maileg family? Browse our hand-picked Maileg collection here, full of tiny treasures perfect for play, cuddles, and lifelong companionship.