Monkey Bean Toys is one of our Retailers of Toys to Trust. Their selection includes lots of beautiful wooden and plush items, most of which are manufactured in North America or Europe. Just to make sure their toys are safe, Monkey Bean uses a hand-held X-Ray Fluorescence Metal Analyzer (the same model used by the […]
SIGG Reusable Water Bottles
We love the safe, eco-friendly, reusable water bottles from SIGG–our entire family uses them! These bottles are safe and virtually indestructible, just like their adult sports bottles. Because they are reusable, they do not add to the landfill. The special coating ensures that there is no chemical leaching (a concern with plastic bottles) and your […]
Our Green House Coupon Code (Deal of the Day)
Call it the Green House effect…people everywhere, especially parents, are turning to more eco-friendly products for their homes. One of my favorite places to shop for environmentally friendly and safe products for my nest is Our Green House. I originally found the store looking for toys, and they have just about the coolest assortment of […]
Recycled Plastic is Endless Fun with Green Toys (enter to win!)
We are very excited about Green Toys, a new line of recycled plastic toys that actually meets every item on our check list: good for the environment, safe for children, not manufactured in sweatshops, and really, really cool. These sturdy toys will withstand whatever your little whirling dervish can dish out. I was really impressed […]
Is my (Doll)House Safe?
A reader e-mailed us because she had concerns about the Melissa & Doug Victorian Dollhouse ($150, unfurnished) she had purchased for her daughter. After checking out the research we e-mailed her, she felt comfortable keeping this child-safe dollhouse. Melissa & Doug manufactures in China and many parents are understandably concerned about the lead paint recalls. […]
Language Littles Dolls Help Kids Learn Another Language
I want my daughter to enjoy the benefits of learning a foreign language. After reading The Bilingual Edge, I decided to introduce Spanish, since I’m proficient, and Russian, since I know a little and it is a heritage language for us. We read books in these languages, listen to Baby’s First Steps in Spanish, and […]
International Baby of Mystery: Little Jet Set Travel Gear and Toys
Whether it is a trip down the block to the doctor’s or a journey across the globe, preparation for travel with children is key. Little Jet Set is a cute children’s store with a selection of innovative products for keeping babies and children safe, comfortable, and occupied during travel. My toddler is entranced by the […]
Unique Toys Made in the USA at Down to Earth
We check out a lot of excellent toy stores, but few that have as many unique and hard to find choices as Down to Earth Toys. Down to Earth Toys has a great selection of Toys Made in the USA including this gorgeous free-standing dragon puzzle made by the Amish ($12.95, on sale for $9.95). […]
Go on an Audio Adventure with Billy Brown
We love alternatives to television that recognize children are naturally imaginative. Billy Brown’s audio adventures from Giddio are entertaining additions to your child’s playtime. Whether you are home on a rainy day, taking a long car trip, or looking for a soothing pre-nap activity, Billy Brown will engage your youngsters. Giddio brings a child-friendly approach […]
Play Ball! (And Promote Social and Economic Justice)
Ah! Spring is in the air! It is that time of the year when a young child’s thoughts turn to…soccer! football! volleyball! Fair Trade Sports manufactures and sells children’s, training, and professional level sports balls certified to be made by fair-wage adult labor. As an added bonus, the gear is eco-certified and vegan. Although I […]
