Now you’re cooking, kiddo

Now you’re cooking, kiddo

It doesn’t seem fair that kids can now have a nicer pretend kitchen than my real one. Then again, mine does run on more than just imagination.Our friends at Natural Pod has just debuted two heirloom quality wooden play kitchens that they designed themselves, and...
Real art kits for real kids

Real art kits for real kids

I get the appeal of the no-mess paints and markers out there that let your kids create and be creative without completely ruining your kitchen table. But there is something about the experience of allowing them to delve into the real stuff, and Clementine Art Kits do...
DIY toys, hold the hammer and nails

DIY toys, hold the hammer and nails

In concept, I’m all for kids making and decorating their own toys. But the fact that they generally involve sharp, pointy tools along with paint that does not come off  with a simple bar of soap sort of puts a damper on my plans. But color-your-own cardboard...
Mobile homes

Mobile homes

Oh what my daughter wouldn’t give to be able to pack up her beloved dollhouse and take it with her. So imagine what she did when she saw the set of Nested Country Cottages from Olie Bollen. These two brightly colored paper board boxes open from the top,...
Eco dolls, not eek-oh dolls

Eco dolls, not eek-oh dolls

Ever since coming across something called an “eco doll” that was made of pvc and served up in plastic packaging, I’ve been pretty skeptical of the eco label on toys. Sometimes it fits and sometimes…well, at least the intent is good. But Sue...
Crafty genes by mail order

Crafty genes by mail order

Update: This site no longer exists. RIP Kid’s Busy Box.   I thought that 4 hours of preschool every day would satiate my daughter’s immense hunger for crafts, but alas, she still comes home from school running directly for the glue and construction...