About Donsje

Amsterdam-based Donsje (Dutch for fluffy) produces adorable leather booties for babies and toddlers, as well as super sweet and stylish accessories for older children. On trend and with a nostalgic twist, each product has the cute factor and comes beautifully packaged in a bag dangling a tiny bell, making Donsje the perfect gift.

Donsje products are not just super cute, they are super comfortable and safe too. With the healthy development of tiny feet in mind, Donsje designs ensure that baby and toddler feet are well-protected and have the space to move freely, allowing them to develop naturally and safely in preparation for those long-awaited first steps. In the smallest sizes, the leather soles have been roughened and are non-slip and from 12 months up all of Donsje’s shoes have a flexible rubber sole. Fastenings allow the shoes to be slipped on and off easily and keep them secure, even on the wriggliest of feet. Owning one pair simply won’t be enough and each pair will become a precious keepsake to treasure forever.

Corporate responsibility is key at Donsje. The brand has a dedicated factory in Indonesia utilizing the talents of local artisans who create all the products by hand. Donsje adheres strictly to Fair Trade regulations. Workers are paid fair wages and are treated with respect. In addition, the company strives to recruit enthusiastic and fully committed employees who are trained to manufacture Donsje products with love and an eye to detail.

Donsje also believes in helping children take their first steps in education. Through the Shining Star school in Nairobi, Kenya, Donsje is giving children living in the slums of Nairobi the chance to shine. Founded by Donsje's designer and owner Floor van Oosten Slingeland and her husband Skief Houben, the school was set up in cooperation with a Kenyan teacher, Judy Nzomo. The lack of Early Childhood Development (ECD) education in Kenya is one of the main reasons why around 25 per cent of children do not attend primary school. Shining Star ECD Centre was established to help address this need. Having opened its doors in September 2010, the Centre offers nursery schooling and free meals to babies, toddlers and kids in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. The Centre's goal is to give these children a solid base to help them shine in life. Everyone involved with the Centre believes that every child deserves a chance of a bright future, no matter what their social or economic background. Every year Shining Star helps to give over 100 kids a better start in life.