Once kids are past the age of banging on an overturned pot and wooden spoon,they can now move onto something more melodious than a simple percussion instrument. And while their fingers may not yet be big enough to tickle the ivories, the…
Though I know some eager young children who are excited to begin their kindergarten adventure, not one of them wants to be doing flashcard drills and workbooks on a summer's day. Which is why I love the adorable and smart monthly subscri…
When I brought home a Best Pals rag doll for my youngest daughter, I had no idea it would end up becoming one of her very favorite of many (many) dolls an stuffed animals. I mean, clearly I loved the simplicity of the design and the wond…
Long before it was considered the "right thing to do", one of our favorite toy companies, PlanToys was making imaginative, eco-friendly toys in cool, modern shapes and bright colors. While they've pushed the standards in environmentally …
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, b…
If you have got super hero fan at home, and we are talking a comic-con diehard, we have found the place to make all of their comic book dreams come true. Welcome to The Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. Sure, we have featured capes and costu…
I've seen enough tangram activities in my kids' math books to know that they are supposed to be great at fostering an early understanding of geometry , spatial reasoning, and design. But eh, my kids just think they are fun and make neat …
Living with three LEGO-obsessed children, it does seem like these little bricks multiply like magic. But now, it appears that those innocent-looking little minifigures have been busy doing a little uh, multiplying on their own. Oh, yes, …
When I had my first daughter almost eight years ago, I decided that my gift to each of my children would be to start a collection of some kind. And so, whenever I'm at an antique show or making my weekly Etsy rounds, I look for the perfe…
If there are three things I was sure would never happen in my life, it would be: 1) writing the word "SeedBallz"; 2) knowing what to do with something called SeedBallz; 3) having kids who would fall in love with something called SeedBall…
What's that old adage about how spring is coming, and a young girl's thoughts turn to mermaids? Oh right, that's not an adage. Still, my girls seem to be extra interested in them these days, and I'm happy to see so many cropping up that …
Around the same time our daffodils appear, the kids drag their big bucket of chalk out onto our driveway to create an elaborate chalk city. And while I love that we all get out into the fresh air, have you ever tried to help draw a road …
My 8 year old niece is about to celebrate her First Communion, and I don't have any good gift ideas. Can you help? Thanks, Sarah I don't remember much about my First Communion oh-so-many-years-ago, but I think my relatives gave me cards …
When I first read about Kiwi Co's monlhly craft box suscriptions for kids (here, in fact), I couldn't wait to gift one to my niece. She clapped in delight each time her box arrived because she knew it'd be packed with fun, engaging, and …
On Earth Day or any day , I love the feeling a wooden toy creates; fresh, clean and perfect for a creative little mind. It's no secret we are fans of Little Sapling's all-natural wood toys. Now the husband and wife team, Nick and Kimber,…
Just before Christmas, I was at a craft show and bought the sweetest set of wooden play money (yes, wooden bills!) for my kids. Then, I promptly lost the business card for the creators. As luck would have it, last week a Facebook friend …
Any fab gift ideas for 9 month old boy who has everything? - Alysia, via Twitter If you're about to visit a little one who has "everything" (a slightly daunting proposition when he's not even a year old!) I like giving toys that can be b…
Our inbox is jammed lately with parents asking for non-caloric Easter gift ideas. As luck would have it, we have quite a few. The latest being the adorable, affordable handmade creations from Etsy's Bossy's Feltworks--and just in time fo…
While I wouldn't recommend handing a baby a spicy tuna roll to keep him entertained in the stroller, I might if it's made out of cardboard. The brand new sushi touch-and-feel stroller cards are beyond adorable (more so than the box would…
Have you ever given an infant or toddler a paper book only to have returned to you in one mushy mess? Thanks to Wee Gallery's organic soft book , we found a beautiful solution last year. And now there are 3 modern, colorful new soft book…
When Liz got back from her Disney World trip, she laughed about the ubiquitous turkey leg that seemed to be everywhere. Which is probably why I can't get over the sheer awesomeness of this handmade rattle. Yes, it's a rattle in the shape…
So I'm a sucker for everything handmade with a nerd-chic pop culture reference built in. It's like three of my favorite things all in one glorious, slightly weird package. And the handmade finger puppets from Abbey Christine fit the bill…
Last week, I realized I forgot to grab a calendar for the new year when I glanced over to check the date on my desk and saw nothing but a gaping hole where the 2011 calendar once stood. Though I know I could grab a majorly discounted '12…
If you are looking for a balance bike for your eager-to-ride toddler or preschooler, get ready to weigh your options because in the past, we've found great eco friendly balance bikes made of birch and ones made in a lightweight, long-las…