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I went to the newly opened Habitt’s outlet at Dolmen Mall and found myself impressed again. The home store seems to get better every time I visit. But there was another reason for my admiration this time: I discovered a little Habitt inside the larger Habitt store.

Little Habitt sits right in the centre, circled by the trappings of the adult world. It's like a baby of the bigger store in that way. The children's section is bright and colourful and cozy - a haven for little kids - and as a mother of one, I couldn't resist stepping inside.

I was half excited and half envious. Where were these furniture options when I was a child? Imagine a bed with a cupcake-shaped headboard, complete with matching bed linen. That wasn't all: I could choose a princess theme or a painting theme, a space theme or a sports theme, little swing chairs and… the list is a long one.

Apart from shopping for my little girl, there was something else I found at Little Habitt: a magical link to my past. Everyone experiences that yearning to return to their carefree childhood days. So, I sat on a pink couch for almost 20 minutes and watched the little angels play and learn.

Should I share something that will remind you of your childhood? There was this girl, about 6 or 7 years old, playing Ghar Ghar with some other kids. Taking full advantage of a complete home display, the kids began the familiar role-playing routine. The girl was calling the shots, announcing bed time, breakfast time, study time at will. God knows the kids had an ample choice of beds, breakfast counters and study tables to perform the said activities. It's amazing how kids can tap into their natural creativity and transform their environment in their minds. I used to create my own little home from sofa cushions, creating a mess for my mom to clean up later on. Habitt made the kids' job easier.

There's more to Little Habitt than just fun children's furniture; there's educational material too.

If I had known there was an activities area, I would have brought my daughter with me. The culture of Karachi has changed since I was growing up; we don't talk to our neighbours anymore, there aren't that many opportunities for children to socialise. At Little Habitt, my daughter could make friends as they watch cartoons, play with toys and make puzzles together. It'd be a better experience than having her nose glued to the tablet and cell phones at home.

I love how the Habitt staff lets children play around, when most stores bear signs like “do not sit” or “do not touch”. Children climb the bunk beds and play Ludo on the tables - they're really testing out the products they'll badger us parents to buy. Hats off to the team for creating this environment. It’s a refreshing new addition to the market and a void well filled. Now I have another reason to visit Habitt… for my little princess!

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