Whether you love the messy, tactile nature of art, kitchen, and garden projects with kids, or need a little inspiration to say yes to mess, check out Beansoup’s amazing aprons. Offered in a variety of beautifully patterned, machine washable styles to suit toddlers and kids (and soon, grownups too!), I’m especially crazy about the Cobbler’s Aprons. These 40’s inspired smocks are both functional – featuring 3 generous front pockets perfect for little tools – and chic. When the apron's not busy protecting your kid’s clothes, it's cute enough to double as part of their outfit.

Want to win a kid’s Beansoup apron*? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Say Yes to Mess" »

Posted 26 Mar 2008 in Art Supplies & Toys; Fashion; For Little Ones | Permalink | Comments (129) | E-mail this link

If your family is tired of looking out the window and seeing the sparse drab of winter, consider trying Klutz Window Art to brighten your outlook. The kit includes a book of illustrations, 3 plastic sleeves, and 6 bottles of paint. Just slip a sleeve over a page, trace the illustrations with paint, let the paint dry for 24 hours, then peel and stick your kiddo’s colorful creations right on a window. I bought two more 18-bottle fanatic packs of paint from Klutz since Laurel was so focused on the project that she used all the kit paints in one (impressively long!) sitting. The project also apparently appeals to grownups (including - to date - mom, aunt, and grandma...).

Continue reading "Brighten Your Outlook" »

Posted 13 Feb 2008 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (1) | E-mail this link

We’ve been on the go a lot these days, and waiting anywhere got a whole lot easier once I started toting Laurel’s Ultimate Wipe Off 123 book. I have given this and the ABC book as gifts to several of Laurel’s pals and they’re always a big hit. The books offer a fun way for kids to learn to draw and write letters and numbers, and an erasable marker is included so all you need is a napkin or tissue to reset the doodle dial.

Continue reading "Reset the Doodle Dial" »

Posted 29 Jan 2008 in Art Supplies & Toys; Travel | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Today, Kate shares a puzzle pick:

“Our 2-year-old daughter is beginning to understand and enjoy puzzles, but I've had a hard time finding ones that are appropriate to her age and interests. Many have pieces that are too small and chokeable, others are too sophisticated for tiny fingers, and still others have strange and flashy features or sounds. For these reasons, we appreciate the Crocodile Creek Natural World ABC floor puzzle; this puzzle is made with large pieces that are easy for small hands to manipulate (even though the puzzle is labeled for ages 3-6), the illustrations are colorful and charming, and the images - of animals, fruit, and the earth - are child-friendly and easily recognizable. A hit with both adults and kids, this puzzle is lovely for anyone who enjoys puzzles and wants to share them with a little one.”

Posted 15 Jan 2008 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

We've recently received some useful leads for toy and safety guides, good for the holidays and all year round. Locally organized Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children’s Entertainment (TRUCE) has a printable toy guide featuring recommendations for toys that promote positive play (and those to avoid), as well as great ideas for themed creative play gifts made of household items. ToyTips.com features unbiased reviews generated by a team of psychologists, educators, child-care, and health professionals. And the Toy Industry Association has launched ToyInfo.org, a site dedicated to toy safety information.

Posted 4 Dec 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Home; Solutions | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

These have been tough toy times, and whether Laurel is aware of this on some psychic level, or whether she’s simply narrowly obsessed with art and puzzles these days, her response to The Discovery Channel’s Ready Set Learn! Paz's Lift-Off Rocket unfortunately was lukewarm, despite my thinking it’s actually a pretty cool toy. I’m reviewing this product today in conjunction with The Parent Bloggers Network.

Continue reading "Maybe We'll Lift Off Later" »

Posted 3 Dec 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (1) | E-mail this link

If you’re fed up with the recent toy recalls and want to do something about it, the Consumers Union is running a Twelve Days of Safe Shopping campaign to engage and educate shoppers. Ground efforts will take place in Boston, New York, Chicago, and Minneapolis this Friday (the biggest shopping day of the year). To become part of the local effort, meet up at 9:45am this Friday at the Park Street T station. CU also has an easy online means to send a message to lawmakers urging for improved toy safety legislation.

Posted 21 Nov 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Local; Outreach | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

We’ve called Laurel “busy legs” from the very start, but certain activities will – literally – stop her in her tracks; among them, puzzles. We’ve identified some truly terrific puzzle purveyors (stay tuned for further posts on this topic), and Mudpuppy puzzles are among our favorites. Read on to learn about our favorite picks from their collection, as well as how to win a fabulous Mudpuppy puzzle!

Continue reading "Mad About Mudpuppy" »

Posted 19 Nov 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (50) | E-mail this link

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Classy Mommy has raves for the groovy blue crib collection from Babylicious. Clever Parents reviews a kit for tending to that next scraped knee or bug bite. One Chic Mama reviews a site where you can keep informed on toy recommendations, ratings, and recalls. Healthy Bump and MomFinds offer guides to getting fabulous gifts from the comfort of your keyboard. And Moms’ Buzz is offering up a case of Starbucks coffee for the winning.

Posted 16 Nov 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I almost thought the toy recalls couldn’t get worse; now there’s the Aqua Dots recall. Aqua Dots allow kids to create multicolor, multidimensional designs with small beads that fuse together when sprayed with water. The CPSC reports: “The coating on the beads that causes the beads to stick to each other when water is added contains a chemical that can turn toxic when many are ingested. Children who swallow the beads can become comatose, develop respiratory depression, or have seizures.” The CPSC has received two reports of children who fell into a coma following ingestion. Aqua Dots are known as Bindeez in Australia, where it’s been reported that the chemical in the beads metabolizes into gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB; also known as Liquid Ecstasy) when swallowed.

PLEASE share this information with all the parents you know!

Posted 8 Nov 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (1) | E-mail this link

Cooking projects with kids offer a perfect way to enjoy time together, engage in hands on learning fun, and feed the house. And if you’re looking to encourage your child’s kitchen chops, check out the Playful Chef Kids Cooking Kit at The Chocolate Cake Club. Packaged in a plastic backpack that makes for easy home storage or fun cooking visits with the grandparents, the kit includes a bevy of child sized cooking tools, a multi pocket apron, and recipe cards and instructions for the grownups. The color-coded measuring spoons and cups are particularly handy to help kids learn about sizes, and we love that the apron’s drawstring design makes it easy to adjust the neck loop length as your child grows.

Want to win a Playful Chef Kids Cooking Kit? Here’s how to enter:

Continue reading "Make Your Cake & Eat It Too" »

Posted 5 Nov 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (164) | E-mail this link

This may sound odd, but this weekend our Scrabble set – dusty from years of dormancy – served not only to connect letters into words, but also to reconnect Jon and me.

Over the last six weeks, the stress of negotiating several transitions (Jon and my new work commitments and Laurel’s preschool room) was taking its toll. Initial school separation anxiety aside, Laurel seemed happy, but Jon and I were distracted, edgy, and not well connected. And conversations with several mama friends made it clear that I was not alone in feeling depressed that our lives seemed mired in logistics management.

Continue reading "Saved by Scrabble" »

Posted 22 Oct 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Family Issues | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

One of the joys of kids growing more dexterous is that it enables them to engage in countless hours of imaginative play via toy sets such as Playmobil, beloved by Tracy’s family:

“The recent spate of toy recalls has left me sort of amazed that we have not had to return a single toy. This is partially due to our families and friends understanding our desire for toys made of wood or other natural materials. Another reason though, is that we have encouraged Gabriel’s interest in Playmobil.

Continue reading "We (Heart) Playmobil" »

Posted 18 Oct 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Spooktacular: Need design inspirations for this year's pumpkin carving? Check out Coochicoos’s collection of ideas. Clever Parents features Aeromax dress-up gear, designed to last through Halloween and beyond.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

Posted 5 Oct 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Feeding & Nursing; Gear | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Pursuant to my recent post on the Goobi magnetic construction toy, I’ve had some inquiries re: recalls such as that of Magnetix (shown; Magnetix pieces with loose parts, also see CPSC notice and NYT article). After hunting around online, I didn’t find recall information related to Goobi products and also was happy to see a report that, following the problems at Magnetix, Goobi underwent testing sessions to try to dislodge their magnet rods from the plastic casings to no avail. I also checked the plastic casings on our set and the inner magnets are firmly set.

Continue reading "Magnet Safety" »

Posted 3 Oct 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (1) | E-mail this link

Like many kids, Laurel gravitated towards fridge magnets as a toddler, and now - with agile hands and imagination - she is crazy about construction magnets. We first learned about magnet stick and ball sets from our neighbor (a former preschool teacher), and were thrilled to receive the Goobi 61 Piece Beginner Magnet Construction Set (in rainbow, of course) for Laurel’s birthday. A terrific open ended creative play toy, it’s impossible for kids and adults alike to resist clicking together cool structures; we need to add one of the bigger sets (104 or 202 pieces) to our collection soon.

Posted 1 Oct 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (1) | E-mail this link

Before the weather turns frigid, I wanted to write a post about tie dyeing, the central activity of Laurel’s recent Color Party. I obsessed about this topic more than I’d care to admit because I wanted the activity to be fun, safe, and hopefully minimal in the mess department for both kids and parents. I’m thrilled that the activity worked out favorably on each of these counts; here are the tips to get your own groovy color party going.

Continue reading "Groovy Color Party" »

Posted 17 Sep 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Arts & Crafts; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I always feel disheartened when I hear about underpaid teachers dipping into their wallets for school supplies, so I hope you’ll consider this lead we learned about this week. Office Depot’s 5% Back to Schools Program allows you to earn credits for free school supplies for your school (public and private, Pre-K - Grade 12) when you purchase qualifying school supplies. Call 1-800-GO-DEPOT to find out your school’s ID # (if your school isn’t in the system you can sign them up to benefit).

Posted 24 Aug 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Sadly, more trouble on the toy recall front. This morning David Barboza of the New York Times reported Mattel’s expected announcement of a second toy recall. Mattel’s press release is live; the recall includes the CARS die-cast vehicle, Sarge, manufactured in China between May and July 2007. Click here to determine whether your product is included in the recall.

Posted 14 Aug 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I’m a few days behind in posting this important information, but better late than never. Many thanks to my sister-in-law Estelle, who sent on information about the monster Fisher-Price lead poisoning hazard recall. Please be sure to check out this information if you have purchased or been gifted with Fisher-Price products (Sesame Street, Dora, etc.; example shown) since May 2007.

Posted 7 Aug 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (2) | E-mail this link

For artistically challenged parents who would rather get a root canal than wade through the craft store quagmire there’s Fun Well Done, purveyor of ready to go craft kits. For today's birthday contest, one lucky winner (US entrants eligible) will receive Fun Well Done’s Animals on the Farm enrichment box, which includes animal facts and project materials to create your own funny farm. To enter to win, email us (by midnight EST tonight, Thursday, July 26) the answer to the following question: What is one of the benefits of crafting listed by Fun Well Done?

Posted 26 Jul 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Web (Admin) | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Boston Mamas isn’t the only one giving away cool stuff this month! Leave a handy bath time tip at MomFinds for a chance to win a jolly green Boon Frog Pod. One Chic Mama has high praise for the sleek and functional Svan high chair. Classy Mommy has a video review of the adorable handmade Art Smock by Kid O Mine sold at Momtique. And Clever Parents offers advice to handle 5-year-old backtalk that pushes parental buttons.

Posted 13 Jul 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Development & Behavior; Gear | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

We love products that give parents great bang for their buck, and our latest favorite is the versatile Fortamajig, a new piece of play gear that can inspire countless hours of creative play in a variety of settings.

The Fortamajig basically is an 8’ x 8’ water resistant, machine washable ripstop nylon tarp, but with seams, openings, and Velcro loop attachments smartly crafted to make fort building a breeze (just attach the loops to chairs, doorknobs, trees, etc.). It’s available in a cheery selection of colors, either as a lightweight single color layer, or as a two color reversible model, and folds up compactly to fit inside a matching travel tote.

Continue reading "Fabulous Fortamajig" »

Posted 9 Jul 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (1) | E-mail this link

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Build your child’s confidence in the water with the adjustable buoyancy Konfidence Jacket (from Clever Parents; shown). Forget those alphabet and number playmats - Skip Hop's Playspot playmat is the perfect answer (from Coochicoos). La Leche League launches a new line of nursing bras that are both pretty and affordable (from One Chic Mama). The eBeanstalk gift series allows you to send your favorite tot a new toy every 3 months to match their stage of development (save 10% and get free shipping with code CLASSY, from Classy Mommy). Win the chic, travel-friendly Lexie Barnes Darling diaper bag just in time for your summer vacation (from MomFinds). And check out this little boy who just doesn't look innocent enough (from Babyfaces).

Posted 29 Jun 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Fashion; Feeding & Nursing; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Gear | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

What with the proliferation of summer sweat, dirt, and sand, you're likely hanging around the tub a lot these days. This morning Tracy reports on a super cool tub toy that Nana gifted to her younger son:

“Whenever Nana visits, she typically comes equipped with the requisite “long-distance-grandmothering” presents for the boys; however, this time she hadn’t had a chance to shop so we all set off for one of the local toy stores.

Continue reading "This'll Float Your Boat" »

Posted 21 Jun 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

This Just In: Yikes…check out Clever Parents to find out which Thomas and Friends™ trains and accessories are being recalled due to lead poisoning hazard (from sales over the last two years), and how to get your replacement toys. One Chic Mama reports on In the MotherHood, an Internet sitcom based on your true-life adventures with kids. Babyfaces’s photo of the week features a young enthusiast of baseball.

Cool Finds: Enter this week's (June 10th - June 16th ) Classy Mommy Giveaway sponsored by Forty Weeks and Bumble Bags to win a choice selection of the entire Bumble Bags line including the newest prints for Spring 2007 (value of $260). MomFinds shares their top five picks for cool diaper bags dad would be proud to carry. Coochicoos features car and plane game decks offering ideas to keep kids entertained on your vacation trips.

Posted 15 Jun 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

How cool is this Endangered Species Finger Puppet Kit from Craftsbury Kids ($9.95)? Cute, environmentally minded, and great for a rainy afternoon (or one so hot that you need to hang in the AC for a while), the kit comes with pre-cut felt pieces to make fox, deer, and owl finger puppets. Also included is a cotton muslin drawstring bag for storage; if you can get these little critters off of your kid’s fingers of course.

Posted 13 Jun 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

If physically sifting through discount racks tuckers you out, try this online shopping suggestion from Kate:

“Anyone who regularly shops for baby and kid items knows how expensive it can be to do so. KidSurplus.com offers a great selection of toys, clothes, shoes, feeding items, art supplies, and other gear, all at amazingly low prices. The website is a little low-tech, and it can take a long time to look through all of the available items, but the prices are great, the brands are well known (although sometimes disguised behind cute false names), and the customer service is top-notch. This site was particularly handy back during the holidays, when I wasn't in the mood to face the stores but still wanted a good range of options for the range of babies and little people in my life. Shipping is always $7.95, no matter how much you order, and my items arrived quickly and without trouble.”

Posted 12 Jun 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Fashion; For Little Ones; Gear | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

For your budding artist, Kate has praise for this welcome upgrade of classic grade school desks:

“Our 17-month old daughter has become increasingly interested in arts and crafts over the past few months - encouraged by her wonderful daycare teachers - so we started stocking fun art supplies and decided that it would be a good idea to have a designated art space in the apartment, both to foster her creativity and independence and to try to preserve our floors and furniture from stray marks. Many companies sell desks and chairs for toddlers, but they often are large and require more space than we have to spare in a city apartment. Fortunately, the Offi Doodle Desk provides the perfect solution: an all-in-one seat, desk, and storage drawer, the Doodle Desk is a good size and shape for little artists, while being stylish and space-efficient enough to suit most parents. Available in sky blue and orange, the Doodle Desk features a pine veneer which is remarkably easy to clean: most child-friendly markers and paints wash right off."

Posted 5 Jun 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Laurel recently has shown an interest in healing, both via Western (doctor kits) and alterative (shamanic maraca shaking) practices. After hunting around online, I was really happy to find the basic (i.e., not a million tiny parts), inexpensive Fisher Price Medical Kit. The set includes interactive pieces (thermometer, syringe, blood pressure cuff, and a stethoscope that actually works against the skin), as well as an otoscope and bracelet style bandage. Also included is a soft tote, which is nice so you can add other tools - such as a shamanic maraca - easily (a common complaint of kits with hard cases is that it's tough fitting all the pieces back in), and the set is compact for travel.

We generally favor wooden over plastic toys and also considered the Haba Doctor’s Suitcase, but it’s missing the all important stethoscope, which Laurel really digs.

Posted 30 May 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (3) | E-mail this link

In anticipation of summer travel, I’ve started sussing out cool, compact travel toys, and was reminded of one of our favorites: Lauri’s fabulous manipulatives. Lauri's Primer Pack is an expanded version of a small tote we own (no longer available), and offers great bang for your buck. Made of textured, easy to handle rubber, the set includes a 25-piece "locktagon" construction set, lacing and tracing cards and shapes, an alphabet puzzle, and four little shape puzzles.

Another great Lauri item for home and travel is the Stacker Pegs & Pegboard set. As homage to her love of all things covered in frosting, Laurel has taken to serving her finished pegboard creations as cake.

Posted 17 May 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

During a recent toy rotation (we’re big fans of “what’s old is new again”), we rediscovered Laurel’s nifty Animal Lotto game. We have yet to play with the game in intended bingo style (the chipboard set includes four playing boards showing 9 baby animals each, and 36 individual animal tiles to match to the boards), but little animal enthusiasts will dig the game pieces regardless. As a toddler, Laurel loved looking at the animal pictures, and then one day blew our doors off by matching all the tiles to the boards. We do more of the same now, but accompanied by rounds of “Old MacDonald.”

Posted 15 May 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from our stylish blog partners:

Cool Stuff: The new Foogo line by Thermos is just what every parent on the go needs. Foogo has a line of sippy cups (with and without handles), straw cups, and food jars that are designed to prevent the growth of bacteria; the straw cup (shown) keeps drinks cool for up to 12 hours (from Classy Mommy). Trying to shed the last of the baby weight? Jump start your workout with these fab gifts for Mother’s Day and beyond (from SheFindsMom). Who says bling is for grown-ups, Metro Mamma creates a baby wrap with bling for even the littlest bodies (from The Stylish Child). See how easy the new Bugaboo Bee Stroller folds up (from Coochicoos). A solution to all your craft problems courtesy of Fun Well Done run by the very clever Jennifer Giattino (from Clever Parents).

Yummy Yummy: This diptych of a little girl and her feet captured everyone's hearts this week (from Babyfaces). As Patrick Dempsey adjusts to life as a dad of twin boys, he says he still wants to make his wife swoon (from Celebrity Moms). Send in a tip on being one chic mama and you'll have a chance to win a dozen healthy donuts (from One Chic Mama).

Posted 11 May 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Books & Entertainment; Feeding & Nursing; For Grownups; Gear | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Ever since the weather warmed up, Laurel’s gone bonkers over her big kid trike (a generous hand me down from her cousin). It’s heart breakingly cute to see those little legs pedaling away, and the steering handle makes for easy-on-the-back work for parents. Laurel’s Charton trike isn't readily available online anymore, but the Kiddi-o Supertrike 4 by Kettler ($79.99 at ToysRUs.com) is comparable, has received enthusiastic user reviews, and is nearly half the price of other Kettler models on the market. Similar to Laurel’s trike, the Kiddi-o has a low center of gravity, limited turning radius, and wide wheelbase to prevent tippage. The back "trunk" is great for loading, dumping, and storing.

Posted 7 May 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from our stylish blog partners:

Moms may find comfort in: Fat Girl Slim, a great cream from Benefit that helps smooth skin as it firms, trims, tones, and energizes (shown; from One Chic Mama); tips for how to take advantage of the freshest, most in-season produce in your regular grocery store (from Clever Parents); the style and functionality of Sara Bear diaper changing baskets (from The Stylish Child); and the serenity of an angelic baby face (from Babyfaces).

Kiddies may find comfort in: the most adorable, comfy shoes for newborns, crawlers, toddlers—and big kids, too (from SheFindsMom); Baby Jogger’s City Series Double Stroller (from Mommies with Style); Fairy Princess Designs tooth fairy pillows for boys and girls (from Classy Mommy); and the customized Bumbi Doll (from Coochicoos).

And on the West Coast… learn more about Jayneoni Moore & Renae Plant’s fashion show at BCLA (from Swanky Moms); get the scoop on Tori Spelling’s modern nursery (from Celebrity Moms); and find out whether Marc Anthony is “suffocating” J-Lo (from Mama Pop).

Posted 13 Apr 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Bath, Beauty & Health; Books & Entertainment; Diapers & Potty; Fashion; For Grownups; For Little Ones; Gear; Home; Solutions | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I’m thrilled to formally introduce Kate, who essentially has served as a guest contributor by virtue of the number of tips she has shared with us! In her debut guest post, Kate passes on word about a terrific dual function bib that no doubt will save you countless hours wrestling with stain removal. Welcome, Kate!

“My daughter was a big drooler as an infant, and we developed quite a collection of cloth bibs in her early months. As she got older and progressed to eating solid food, we quickly learned that the cute cloth styles weren't going to cut it. We needed full coverage, preferably in an easily washable material. My sister-in-law turned me on to the perfect solution: long-sleeved bibs. Gone are the days of crusty cuffs and collars coated in veggies! Surprisingly hard to find, we've been particularly happy with the full coverage, easy to clean Best Bib from I Play, which can also double as an art smock.” (Available at Target.com in girl and boy styles; $13.99 per 2pk.)

Posted 6 Apr 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Feeding & Nursing | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Laurel recently has decided to make her opinion of my periodic “thrill of the bid” shopping habits known; she yells “Ebay!” then laughs hysterically.

The shopping does serve a function, though. I recently picked up a 10-piece set of Russian nesting dolls on Ebay (we discovered while visiting relatives that she loves the nesting and un-nesting) and they have been a huge hit with Laurel and her older toddler friends (i.e., the ones past the stage of mouthing everything).

And in addition to offering impressive practice with shape sorting, matching, and hand/eye coordination, Laurel’s curiosity has resulted in a lot of conversation about artists (“Who made these dolls?”), the Russian Federation (“Where are these dolls from?”), and culturally oriented craftsmanship (“Why do Russian artists make these?”). When we’re not engaged in Q&A, the dolls also have kept Laurel busy independently to give me a little time to prep dinner, pick up around the house, or check my e-mail.

Posted 20 Mar 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Our friends Andrew and Nooshi are similarly resistant to battery-operated toys so a visit to their home typically guarantees learning about some nifty, classic toy options. Laurel and Jack couldn’t get enough of this Choral Top ($16.95 at Amazon). The pump action creates a whirl of bright color and triggers the sounding of harmonious tones. The latter vaguely reminded me of some of the experimental stimuli I used to monkey around with during my research days, but I won’t hold it against this cool classic.

Posted 7 Mar 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Babies born in the Year of the Pig (this year, between February 18, 2007 and February 6, 2008) are friendly and loyal souls who crave creature comforts; no doubt they’ll find confidants in some of these amazing cuddly pigs from the ever-awesome Oompa Toys.

Among Oompa’s soft and squishy pig collection is the German patchwork Rollie Pollie Pig (shown; $24.99), the 100% organic cotton Lana Pig, the ultra cuddly Jellycat triumvirate of Large Truffles Pig, Slackajack Piglet, and Bunglie Pig, and the Peruvian hand knit Blabla Pig Rattle.

And for piggy banks off the beaten path, check out Oompa’s groovy, mod Posh Pig Banks and the bright and cheery Haba Piggy Bank.

Posted 20 Feb 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Infants are all about oral, and my pal Paige’s son loves his Sophie Giraffe ($18.95 at Craftsbury Kids). Made of fine rubber and food quality paints, this classic French toy is designed to soothe teething gums and stimulate the senses through its squeaky, easily graspable figure.

Posted 15 Feb 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link