by Kristin | Toys + Playthings
What kind of cruel punishment is it that parents, with the brain fog that comes from raising children, are expected to compete with their kids’ fresh brains in memory games? We featured scented memory games and modern art memory games, but they usually end up...
by Liz Gumbinner | Toys + Playthings
I don’t know if there’s a more perfect gift for a baby than a great set of modern alphabet blocks. (Besides maybe a great alphabet poster.) They start as decor in the nursery, become a great toddler toy, and eventually you get to watch as your kid turns...
by Shari | Toys + Playthings
Just in case you didn’t know, it’s National Puzzle Day. And we like puzzles! So I’ve put together 8 of the most creative jigsaws, blocks, stackers, wooden, handmade, felt and letter puzzles for toddlers that are perfect for kids just starting to get...
by Kate Etue | Toys + Playthings
Cool. Cheap. And your kids will like, oh, everything. Doesn’t get better than that, right? Then check out this weekend’s huge sale at Black Wagon starting today. It’s one of our favorite go-to sites for apparel and toys for babies and kids. The toys...
by Delilah S. Dawson | Toys + Playthings
If you’re looking for the “to go” version of a kitchen play set or one to suit a smaller space, we think you’ll love this adorable toy set that packs into itself for easy transport. Pull it out for all the pretend pancake flipping you can...
by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings
Want to round up those toy horses and ponies scattered around the playroom and put them into a proper stable? Whether your kids own one of the coveted, gihugic American Girl Doll horses or something a bit smaller, we’ve rustled up a few options for all kinds of...
by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings
There’s still time to give a special child a special gift that keeps giving each month with one of these awesome subscription boxes. We’ve recently rounded up our picks for the 10 best subscription gifts for adults, but kiddos get their own choices too!...
by Liz Gumbinner | Holiday Gift Guide, Toys + Playthings
I remember one of the first times I was interviewed by a media outlet, and they surprised me with an off-topic question: What’s the best safe toy for a child? I paused, then stammered, “Uh…blocks.” Not my finest moment. But the truth is, I do...
by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings
If you’re still looking for that one gift under the tree that will make kids scream “OH EM GEE!” (or is that just our kids these days?) this Doctor Who TARDIS Play Tent might do the trick. While it’s not a classic kids’ tent shaped like a...
by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings
What are the best gifts for an 8-year-old boy? I’m looking for a big gift, in the $50-$100 range. —CMP reader, via Twitter Oh, you mean the kind of gift that makes a child pause while unwrapping, shout out with glee, and rush over to give you a big hug? Well,...
by Delilah S. Dawson | Toys + Playthings
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen. But do you know Reba? You should. She’s a great gift for the little person in your life who likes handmade wooden toys on wheels. Reba the Wooden Reindeer comes to you from Imagination Kids, a mom-and-pop Etsy...
by Delilah S. Dawson | Toys + Playthings
It’s alive! And it’s adorable. And you don’t need any pesky lightning to bring it to life. In fact, all you need are a few eye stalks, some munchy teeth, and possibly some adorable chevrons and stripes, because of course monsters come in chevrons and...