Kids

Because every tot needs a jalopy or six

Because every tot needs a jalopy or six
My kids' rooms sometimes remind me of Las Vegas, and not because of there's always the possibility I might win a multimillion dollar jackpot when I go in them. No, despite my best intentions, they each house a lot of beeping, whirring, brightly-colored plastic toys that go off at will (usually in the middle of the night, which is too creepy for words). That's why it's always such a welcome--and quiet!--relief to find toys that do nothing of the sort. Tree Hopper Toys is a small company in Illinois that produces some of the most adorable handcrafted toys around, using nothing but sustainable Midwestern wood. These Hopper Jalopies are amazing--a modern take on a classic toy. The jalopies (made with supersmooth wood) are easy for little ones to hold and wheel along the ground--preciously simple, and, according to my toddler, still completely fun. I especially love the Jalopy gift set--all six cars for $80. That's six chances to play with nothing but beautifully handcrafted wood and a lot of imagination--talk about a pretty awesome deal. And an awesome one-year birthday gift. Take Tree Hopper Toys' wooden Hopper Jalopies for a spin (and be sure to check out the gift set, too)

More in KidsView all picks →

A Q&A with author Jamie Sumner about her new book Wish You Well

Q&A with middle grade author Jamie Sumner

Jamie Sumner is a best-selling middle grade author who often writes about the disability experience. • Wish You Well follows three kids who feign friendship to scam a wish-granting foundation.

Girls' beach weekend packing essentials

What to pack? Be sure to include these girls' weekend beach essentials

What we took as a moms' girls' beach weekend getaway in Destin, Florida. • Author named the Laura Ashley buttery soft robe the #1 robe in their collection. • Sherpani Jetsetter Totes has tons of space and exterior pockets for tickets and passports.

shannon hale princess in black book and author

Q&A with children’s book author Shannon Hale

Shannon Hale is the bestselling author behind The Princess in Black series. It's a favorite early chapter book series for kids ages 5–8 and boys love it as much as girls do. Her newest book, Princess in Black and the Trick or Treating Trouble, comes out just in time for Halloween. We talked with her about it as part of our Q&A author series and asked about a few of her favorite things too.