We are going on a Yak hunt!

At Best Years we are always looking for new and original products to add to our ranges

We have been wholesaling soft toys now for over 10 years and understand that to be successful a toy must be original, well designed and affordable. We don't do cheap but we do offer toys which are very good value for money

We probably talk to dozens of potential new suppliers every month. Many are Chinese factories where the product is well made but un-original and the rest are fair trade organisations where the product is either great but too expensive or not very well designed. The process is time consuming and for the most part, unrewarding

So we are really excited to tell you about our current project. At the beginning of December we are flying to China to see a workers co-operative who make toys from Yak hair.

Yak hair is warmer and much much softer than wool. Most people are surprised to discover just how soft yak wool is. and many people mistake it for cashmere. It feels every bit as gorgeous as cashmere but is harder wearing (Yaks are definitely not sissys!)This is because its not the over coat of hairs which are used but the soft, downy under coat which is combed out in the spring which is used to knit toys and clothing.

The overall effect is a soft and luxurious feel at a very affordable price.

We are going over to see more about the workers co-operative and have a look at some finished designs and hopefully we will launch the new range in Jan 2012

As soon as we have images of designs (and or Yaks!) we will post them on our facebook page