I’ve always been delighted by the fact that small children are often more interested in the empty cardboard boxes that the toys came in than the all singing all dancing toy itself
A clever cardboard Christmas
Tips for Helping Your Children Give Away Old Clothes and Toys
July 9, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Tips for Helping Your Children Give Away Old Clothes and Toys
If your family is anything like mine, your kids’ rooms are filled with stuff. Clothes, toys, books, art supplies and school projects spill out of closets and cover the floors. However, kids are often hesitant to purge these materials because, to their minds, these are treasured possessions. Where you see a toy chest overflowing with stuffed animals and dolls, kids see loved friends and old playmates; where you see items your kids have clearly outgrown, your kids see items that are indisputably theirs.
It’s no wonder that trying to get your kids to sort through and cull old clothes and toys often ends in frustration and tears. You’re asking your children to give up their own belongings, and they’re too young to realize that there will be plenty of new things to take their place down the road.
Flip2BFit Game Combines Strength, Cardio, Yoga, & Stretching: Reduce Childhood Obesity, Have Fun, Maintain a Happy, Healthy Lifestyle
April 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment
We all want our kids to be healthy. We feed them healthy foods. Yet, unfortunately our society is rather sedentary. Kids sit at school. They come home and sit at screens or with gadgets. Gone are the days when kids ran outside until their parents called them in at dark.
Soccer may be popular, but why not play games that promote a happy, healthy lifestyle by combining strength, cardio, yoga, and stretching? Flip2BFit is an eco-friendly game that does just that!
My New Favorite Eco-Friendly Toy: Larsen Toy Lab Building Bridges Wooden Blocks
February 18, 2013 by 3 Comments
I think that all children should have lots of blocks! It is really the only toy they need with their imagination as the only limitation.
Just like sewing clothes for my babies, I always envisioned I would make wooden blocks for them. We have made some Citiblocs style blocks to expand the set we were sent for review. What I envisioned was more what I have just discovered from a new toy company that thanks to Kickstarter is in business!
Larsen Toy Lab is founded on the idea of creating a book series and puzzles, around wooden blocks to promote critical thinking. I am so excited about these toys!
Natural Easter Egg Dyeing Made Easy: Eco-Eggs Egg Coloring Kit
February 3, 2013 by 1 Comment
Two years ago, I tried dyeing eggs naturally. I had experience coloring wool with natural dyes with much success, so I was not worried about the eggs. Unfortunately, our naturally colored eggs were a disaster full of disappointment.
This year, I am excited to try the Eco-Eggs Easter Egg Coloring Kit by Eco-Kids.
Sticking to the basics is natural for us. eco-eggs coloring kit™ is an original in the market of made in the USA natural egg coloring kits. Comes with 3 primary color powder packs and a color chart to create 6 custom colors, a crayon for texturing your eggs and a custom egg dipper made right here in Maine. Under the exterior wrap you’ll find our exclusive creature cut outs to dress up your eggs. Please visit fun stuff on our website for printable activity sheets, more creature cutouts and how-to videos.
Made with natural and organic fruit, plant and vegetable extracts from annatto seed, curcumin, purple sweet potato and red cabbage. Includes color chart and instructions.
Made in the USA Last Minute Stocking Stuffers: Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty
December 21, 2012 by 1 Comment
Kids love tactile toys. They love goop. They love to stretch and squish and form shapes. Add sparkles, and putty becomes irresistible. Sure there is traditional Silly Putty; however, Crazy Aaron has reinvented it for the 21st century in many unique colors and shimmers.
We were sent Crazy Aaron’s Snow Angels Thinking Putty to try. My kids immediately split it in half, as they both were enthralled with it.
With over 30 amazing colors, this is one ball of fun as a toy, stress ball, or therapy putty
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Thinking Putty is non-toxic and non-gooey, it is the ultimate toy for kids and adults
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Available in super Illusions, Putty Creatures, Glow in the Darks, Heat Sensitive’s and more!
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Thinking Putty can bounce, shatter, and stretch; Great for science and learning at home or school
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Thinking putty can be used in the office for stress relief or during creative brainstorming
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Can be used as therapy putty to assist with fine motor skills, arthritis, ligament injuries, etc.
2 Red Hens Toy Nanny: Is it a blanket? Is it a toy tote? It’s BOTH!
December 9, 2012 by 1 Comment
It can be challenging going from play dates to visiting relatives to home with a baby. When my kids were little, I would stuff a backpack with toys and a blanket, as you never knew what you would need when you are a busy mom with a little one on the go. A clean blanket is essential, as you want to protect your child from dirty floors or pet hair or a lawn outside. Toys, of course, are necessary for play so mom can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while visiting.
2 Red Hens Studio Toy Nanny is a unique item that doubles as both a play mat and a fashionable toy tote:
- The most ingenious thing to hit the baby market since disposable diapers!
- This floor blanket quickly cinches up into a toy tote
- 8 mesh pockets to keep small pieces in place
- Soft velour interior and water resistant back
- Hauling toys from Grandmas, to play dates, to the back yard has never been easier
Well, I don’t find disposable diapers ingenious, and I actually take offense at that part of the product description. I also wish the fabrics were more eco-friendly.
11 Classic, Retro Toys
December 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment
It can be challenging navigating all of the gift giving options for children. Every year, new toys come out, but rarely do any of them become new classics.