With the holiday season having so craftily snuck up on us (as it tends to do), and with the fear of escalating numbers of coronavirus cases, we find ourselves reacting by binging on classic Christmas specials, overloading on gingerbread cookies, and perhaps overdoing it a bit on the double-shot hot toddies. Simply put, we need comfort…and joy.

Our friends at Etro clearly understood this, and have just released a holly jolly new collection of their iconic Paisley printed handbags and accessories…decorated with charmingly captivating designs inspired by old fashioned toys. Skipping right past any ambiguities, the collection is simply called TOYS.

And we’re talking real toys, the kind that look like they were actually made in Santa’s workshop (don’t believe the skeptics, Santa is real real), before the crass cash-in mega merchandising of Disney and superhero movies went and ruined toys forever. The collection includes elegant Paisley clutches, totes, shoulder bags, wallets, etc, adorned either with the most adorable teddy bear ever, or, for something a little more extravagant, a white Pegasus rocking horse. But seriously, the little teddy keychain is the most ridiculously cute stocking stuffer ever.

The accompanying campaign video shows everyone in their gorgeous Etro prints, having way more fun than any of us have been allowed to have for a very long time. Which is reason enough be thankful for this little hit of happiness the exalted Italian fashion house is sending our way at just the right time.

If we’re being honest, we have actually been seriously considering reverting back to childhood since at least a few months into this long pandemic lockdown. But now that we’ve got the dosh to do it in style, an Etro Pegasus bag will definitely be our first, and very much treasured Christmas present to ourselves.

“Oh by golly…”