The cast of Hamilton gets bigger and cuddlier

by Liz Gumbinner | Toys + Playthings

Of our entire 2016 holiday gift guide, by far one of the most popular gift ideas were the genius handmade Hamilton dolls by Christina of Etsy’s Bobeena Shop. What can we say, you all have good taste in artists — and game-changing Broadway musicals. Now...

How a rag doll is helping to spread random acts of kindness around the world.

by Liz Gumbinner | Toys + Playthings

This past holiday season, my 9-year-old asked for a boy doll. “But not a boy baby doll,” she said, “because they’re exactly the same as the girl baby dolls when you take the clothes off. They are just girl dolls! Only in blue clothes!...

The Girly Girl Doll Company: Redefining what it means to be girly.

by Kate Etue | Kids

My daughter isn’t what you’d typically call a “girly girl.” Her favorite clothes are athletic wear and she can hold her own (and then some) with the neighborhood boys in a game of flag football. But she still loves to dress up and has a...

Just Like Me: A book subscription box created for children of color who want to see themselves in the books they read, too.

by Georgette Gilmore | Books for Kids

I did the research, and in 2013, out of 3,200 children’s books published, only 93 featured African American characters. Sadly, that’s even more than I had expected. And the numbers aren’t much better for other races and ethnicities. Thankfully, campaigns...

We found them! 15 seriously awesome preschool birthday party gifts under $15

by Kate Etue | Toys + Playthings

When you’ve got a little one, you probably know that means you have a whooooole lot of preschooler birthday party gifts to look for over the course of the year. One gift for each party for each kid in your child’s preschool class? Yeouch. That’s a...

14 fun birthday traditions you can start with your child at any age

by Kate Etue | Party Ideas

I’ve already let my secret out: I’m not one for elaborate birthday parties. In fact, we keep birthday parties simple and on a budget around our house. That said, I love to celebrate the birthday kid and make them feel really special on their big day. We...

The most adorable cardboard playhouses for animal-loving kids.

by Caroline Siegrist | Toys + Playthings

If I had a dime for every time I walked into what was once a clean den or bedroom to discover it’s been colonized by tiny pillow forts and sheet palaces, well, then I could buy one of these awesome, animal-shaped HULKI playhouses instead. After a hugely...

The best friend blankie your child is sure to love.

by Caroline Siegrist | Toys + Playthings, Family Travel

I have a soft spot for twee animal products in general, but when I received Lewis, the snuggly, adorable travel blanket with the sweet raccoon face, I found myself in a blissful, childlike state, wanting to run outside and climb the nearest tree. The Nomad Travel...

Blankie Tails makes a big splash with new mermaid tails for dolls

by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings

If our most popular post of 2015, which introduced the brilliant and much coveted Blankie Tails, is any indication, there are now swarms of kids across America, flipping (ha) for their super-soft, well-made mermaid and shark tail blankets that are perfect for cozying...

The most outrageous beds and bunk beds for kids. Just, whoa.

by Kate Etue | Uncategorized

I have big dreams of redesigning my kids’ bedrooms with one-of-a-kind, fun furniture that will capture their personalities and make way for the most awesome sleepover destination ever. Which is why my jaw dropped when I saw the amazing VW camper bunk bed....