Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions:
What are Your Payment Options?
You can pay for your order using Debit or Credit Cards on our secure payment site when you order.
Are Your Products Handmade in the UK?
Absolutely! Our teepees and wash bags are designed and handcrafted in our studio, based in the heart of the New Forest.
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Teepee Specific Questions:
Play Safely.
Do Your Teepees Meet Current Regulations?
Our teepees prioritise child safety, meeting UKCA, CE, and EN71 standards.
A stabilizer secures the poles to prevent collapse.
Keep teepees away from fire or open flames.
Place your teepee in a safe spot away from stairs or drops.
An adult must assemble the teepee.
Adult supervision is strongly advised.
Keep plastic packaging wrap out of children's reach to prevent suffocation.
Keep ties secure and short, especially the long top tie at the pole cross.
During high temperatures, open both teepee doors to optimise ventilation.
What is the Recommended Age for your teepees?
The recommended age is 36 months plus, under adult supervision and discretion.
Do Teepees Have An Age Limit?
Teepees suit children up to early teens, adapting to meet their changing needs and creating a calm space for reflection.
Are Your Teepees Washable?
We advise that our teepees are not washed as this would compromise the EN71 part 2 flammability due to the washing detergents. We suggest spot cleaning with a lightly damp cloth.
Are Your Teepees Waterproof?
No, our teepees are not waterproof, they are made from 100% cotton.
Are Your Accessories Washable?
Our accessories are machine washable at 30°C on a delicate cycle, with a spin speed up to 600 rpm. Alternatively, wipe surface marks with a damp cloth. Iron cotton at a maximum of 110°C. Do not tumble dry. Always follow label instructions.
Which Teepees Can I Personalise?
We offer personalisation on all of our teepee’s, including those available ‘in store.’ There is a small charge of £10.00
What Size Teepees Do You Make?
Our teepee is a generous 120cm square at the base x 185cm tall – 200cm when closed.
What Size are the Floor Mats?
Floor mats are 120cm square, they are quilted, appliqued and embroidered to match the teepee design.
Bespoke Teepees Explained
At Atticus and Elbie, each bespoke teepee is crafted with care and attention to detail, reflecting our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We communicate via email or telephone to collaborate and develop your perfect design It could be an imaginary cottage, castle, lighthouse, or simply a quiet nook where an older child can escape into their own calming sanctuary, the list is endless… Once satisfied, we will estimate a timeframe and the build will be scheduled accordingly.
Can you see the embellishments on the inside?
Unlike most teepees, Atticus and Elbie models feature a double-skin design with a full cotton lining that includes toy pockets and peg lines for added interest. This makes our teepees heavier and more durable than typical options on the market.
Are the wooden poles visible?
The wooden leg poles are placed into a fabric case along each side of the teepee. The tops of the poles extend out from the casing, cross, and are tied together for structural support. In this design, the poles are positioned outside the teepee to increase stability.
What about ventilation?
Each teepee features one window with a cut-out that remains open to provide ventilation and allow visibility into the interior. The doors are designed to open for additional airflow and fold back over the poles due to the weight of the double-layer construction. This design eliminates the need for door ties.
Why include Toy Pockets and peg lines?
Toy pockets can help children organise and store their toys or books in one place. The peg line (pegs not included) enables children to display special photographs or pictures, allowing them to personalise their area.
Is There A Flag?
A flag is positioned above the teepee, resting on the stabilizer and concealing the bolt.
Can You Store the Teepee When Not in Use?
Unbolt the stabilizer and fold the poles together to collapse the structure. Storage bags are available as an option for keeping the teepee clean and for storing the stabilizer.
How Long Is the Dispatch Period?
For specific information, please consult our delivery options at the bottom of the home page.
Is the decoration on the front panel only?
Each of the four panels is adorned with unique yet interconnected designs, with every side presenting a distinct narrative. This diversity contributes to a comprehensive and engaging educational experience.
Can I Use My Own Fabric?
Sadly, only if it has been tested EN71 part 2 & 3. Without it would nullify the UKCA and CE certification.
Are there elements to enhance communication and wellbeing for older children?
We recommend an embroidered sign to show if a child wishes to have company or need time alone to regulate. We can include an ‘inbox’ and ‘outbox’ for exchanging notes or drawings when conversation is difficult. There's a small pocket near the top lining for securely storing a battery pack if you want to add fairy lights for a calming, sensory effect.
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Wash bag Specific Questions:
Can I add a personal message on the front and inside the wash bag?
Absolutely! 'Just because...' is stitched on the front of some designs, leading to you naturally completing the message with your own affirmation embroidered on the inside; however, 'Foxy Little Thing...' bags could have a short personal message embroidered, or be left plain, your choice! You might opt to replace 'Just because...' and embroider the front, for example,' Remember...' with the completed message inside...'Phone home!' Time for you to get creative!
How big are the bags?
The medium bag are 22 cm wide by 13cm tall and 10 cm deep (due to the handmade element sizes are approximate) They are a generous size and ample to take shower gel, deodorant, make-up removers, shave foam etc, there is a handy zippered pocket to keep razors/medications away from the main contents. They are an ideal size as a general make-up bag with plenty of space for make-up brushes and cosmetics.
The large bag is 26cm wide by 16cm tall and 10cm deep (due to the handmade element sizes are approximate) This bag gives additional space should you travel with a more extensive array of goods! You may like to consider a matching set?
What are the linings made from inside?
There are two choices. A wipeable and water resistant 100% polyester lining, slightly crinkly to the feel, or a soft 65% polyester 35% cotton soft-feel option. Both are fully washable.
Is there a hard base to the bags?
No. The bags have been constructed using a generous layer of wadding, quilted inside between the outer fabric and the inner lining, this gives the bag it's shape.
Can I machine wash my bag?
Yes, follow the care instructions inside the bag. We advise a 40°C wash on a delicate cycle, with a spin speed up to 600 rpm. Dry flat or on a line. Do not tumble dry or iron. Alternatively you may prefer to gently handwash.
What is the delivery time on wash bags?
Bags that are 'in stock' and from the online store can be dispatched immediately and should arrive between 3-5 working days. A bespoke wash bag will take a little longer, however, generally between 5-10 working days. If your order is time sensitive then please contact us by phone 07576 503942 or by email at cari@atticusandelbie.co.uk and we will be able to confirm if it is possible to meet your timescale.