If you can believe it, there are only 69 days left until Christmas and 52 days until Hanukkah. The clock is ticking and, even though I LOOOOOVE to shop, I’m getting a bit anxious on what on earth I’m going to get my son, nephews, nieces, neighbors, you name it. Every time you turn on […]
Ambi Toys are BACK and in Full Retro Swing!
If you’re a classic toy lover like me, you may already be familiar with the iconic Ambi® brand, the manufacturer of infant and toddler toys with a fabulously retro design and feel. In years past, only a few items were available in the US for purchase. Now, the ENTIRE 44 piece Ambi collection is available in the US, […]
The 5th Annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day is Coming to a Neighborhood Near You!
(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, and I received samples of many of the toys featured. I was a part of the team that helped ASTRA create Neighborhood Toy Store Day in 2010, and I have worked with them as a consultant since 2009. However, my opinions are not influenced by my work with ASTRA. […]
If It Goes, It’s My Favorite Thing
My toddler son has convinced me that a love of things with wheels is genetic for some babies. Every time he sees a car he shouts, “Vroom, vroom” and claps his hands in delight.
Until very recently, though, he had a habit of mouthing everything. So, I had to make sure all his toys were baby-safe–with non-toxic dyes and no small parts.
Plan Toys has a charming new wooden baby car in a rainbow of bright colors that is a perfect, developmentally appropriate, first push car…
Best Push and Pull Toys
This is one of my favorite categories of toy. My mom recently brought out an old pull toy of mine and it is a classic that just keeps on giving. Push and pull toys delight babies, amuse toddlers, and occupy preschoolers. Some, like the sophisticated and clever mix-and-match Automoblox, are collectibles suited for older children, teens, and even adults.
The selections from our Hottest Holiday Toys Awards are engaging, interactive, and made from high-quality and often eco-friendly materials.
Imagine That, ImagiPlay
Imagine a world where toys please the senses and stimulate the imagination. Now imagine a world where all of those toys are made in fair trade facilities from eco-friendly, sustainable materials.
It is easy if you try… just visit ImagiPlay. They make beautiful, clever wooden toys for infants, toddlers, and children…
Building Blocks Fit for a King or Queen
Classic toys are timeless for good reason. Wooden building blocks never go out of style–durable, creative, open ended toys that allow for hours of exploration.
HABA makes quality toys primarily from cloth and wood. These organic materials, combined with a European aesthetic, lend HABA toys a warmth and charm that encourages tactile play.
The HABA Plug and Pile Royal Tower Wooden Blocks are a fun twist on traditional building blocks…
These Animals Get Wild: Color Zoo Plush Friends
Unique, funky, and oh-so-chic, Color Zoo from Allen Ave. is a perfect gift forany child or even a kid-at-heart, animal-loving adult.
Exuberantly vivid, retro prints will add flair to any child’s room and, if your kid insists on bring her friend along, you’ll have no problem spotting the brightly-colored plush animal hidden in the jungle gym.
Zoom, Zoom Around the Room!
Kids love pushing little toy cars around the room. A great place to push all your little vehicles is the Driving Around Town Play Mat from Rocket Bug Toys (My Lullabug – $29). Moms know what kids like, and this mom entrepreneur thoroughly kid-tested the play mat, taking special care to create an attractive, functional, […]
Go Vroom, Vroom with Natural Pod
Natural Pod is one of my favorite boutiques for children’s toys. All of the products are so lovely and I feel good knowing they are made from eco-friendly and child-safe materials, by fair-wage workers or independent craftsmen. My preschooler checked out the Wooden Van (CAD $25; about US $19.50), a charmingly simple wooden toy automobile. […]
