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Thursday, November 19, 2009
LivingPlaying store review
I recently made my first purchase from LivingPlaying. Mostly, it was a birthday surprise for my soon-to-be three year old. It's a big secret until her birthday, but I'll review her gift after the big event.
LivingPlaying offers a variety of toys that encourage creative play. Some are made in Europe, some in the USA, and some in China. There is a section for eco-friendly and fair trade toys, and none of those toys are made in China.
My favorite part of the store is the section devoted to Waldorf and Montessori learning and play. I found this great puzzle, which is perfect for fall and perfect for Linnea.
Layered Oak Leaf Puzzle (on sale $17.99)
Linnea can do this because there is one piece at a time, but the layers make it challenging.Linnea has to figure out which is the littlest leaf left and then get it oriented correctly. It's just the right amount of challenge for her. The puzzle enhances sorting, spatial placement and manual dexterity skills.
Here's another puzzle that is fun and educational for toddlers.
Wooden Layered Hen Puzzle (on sale $17.99)
Although, some of the toys are made in China, I learned about LivingPlaying through my involvement with the Handmade Toy Alliance. Jennifer is very concerned about toy safety and is very thorough about making sure the toys she sells are safe and CPSIA compliant.
While Jennifer prefers to offer toys that are not made in China, the new CPSIA law is making that more difficult to do. Increasing numbers European companies have pulled out of the American market. Handmade toys are becoming scarce because few carters can afford the costs of testing. Many larger companies such as Plan Toys are passing the costs of testing to the consumers by raising their prices. I have heard these frustration from many store owners who are concerned about being able to continue to offer safe, high quality playthings. You can learn more here.
Jennifer's recommendation, Magnatiles!
Jennifer says, "This is by far my kids’ favorite thing to play with—all of them from age 4 through 8!" This open-ended building set contains 100 tiles: 50 small squares, 4 large squares, 15 isosceles triangles, 11 right triangles and 20 equilateral triangles. An instruction sheet with idea guide is also enclosed.
The toy teaches geometric relationships and encourages mathematical thinking, patterning, shape recognition, building and motor skills - not that your kids will notice. From what I hear, they'll be too busy having fun. Several of you have also written to tell me how much your children love this toy.
Magnatiles usually sell for $119.99, but use the coupon code LivPlayM100 for $10 off!
LivingPlaying wraps all of the toys in turquoise and lime green tissue paper for free, and also includes a hand written note (from Stubby Pencil Studio!) card with gifts.
LivingPlaying offers a variety of toys that encourage creative play. Some are made in Europe, some in the USA, and some in China. There is a section for eco-friendly and fair trade toys, and none of those toys are made in China.
My favorite part of the store is the section devoted to Waldorf and Montessori learning and play. I found this great puzzle, which is perfect for fall and perfect for Linnea.
Layered Oak Leaf Puzzle (on sale $17.99)
Linnea can do this because there is one piece at a time, but the layers make it challenging.Linnea has to figure out which is the littlest leaf left and then get it oriented correctly. It's just the right amount of challenge for her. The puzzle enhances sorting, spatial placement and manual dexterity skills.
Here's another puzzle that is fun and educational for toddlers.
Wooden Layered Hen Puzzle (on sale $17.99)
Although, some of the toys are made in China, I learned about LivingPlaying through my involvement with the Handmade Toy Alliance. Jennifer is very concerned about toy safety and is very thorough about making sure the toys she sells are safe and CPSIA compliant.
While Jennifer prefers to offer toys that are not made in China, the new CPSIA law is making that more difficult to do. Increasing numbers European companies have pulled out of the American market. Handmade toys are becoming scarce because few carters can afford the costs of testing. Many larger companies such as Plan Toys are passing the costs of testing to the consumers by raising their prices. I have heard these frustration from many store owners who are concerned about being able to continue to offer safe, high quality playthings. You can learn more here.
Jennifer's recommendation, Magnatiles!
Jennifer says, "This is by far my kids’ favorite thing to play with—all of them from age 4 through 8!" This open-ended building set contains 100 tiles: 50 small squares, 4 large squares, 15 isosceles triangles, 11 right triangles and 20 equilateral triangles. An instruction sheet with idea guide is also enclosed.
The toy teaches geometric relationships and encourages mathematical thinking, patterning, shape recognition, building and motor skills - not that your kids will notice. From what I hear, they'll be too busy having fun. Several of you have also written to tell me how much your children love this toy.
Magnatiles usually sell for $119.99, but use the coupon code LivPlayM100 for $10 off!
LivingPlaying wraps all of the toys in turquoise and lime green tissue paper for free, and also includes a hand written note (from Stubby Pencil Studio!) card with gifts.
Lunch at Palumba, a sandwich and pear
Once you've chosen a kitchen, you'll need to stock it with food (good for filling a stocking). The chefs at Palumba offer a whole menu that gives new meaning to natural food.
Arielle and Linnea tried a perfectly knitted cheese sandwich ($12.99) with a pear.
Knitted pear ($5.99)
The knitted foods are made of hand carded-hand dyed wool. They are fair trade from Peru. The sandwich comes with a slice of your favorite cheese, tomato and lettuce on a healthy, whole-wool bread. It goes really well with a cup of good milk ($8.99). Lizzie's favorite lunch!
Check out the whole menu of felt, wool and wooden play food at Palumba.
Everyone likes pizza. The felt pizza ($34.99) comes with removable toppings and a metal pizza pan. Made in the USA. Since the toppings aren't attached, Arielle could make vegan pizza for her daddy, lots of vegetables for me, plain cheese for Linnea, and pepperoni for herself.
Thinking about Thanksgiving? This made me laugh.
Felt turkey with stuffing ($24.99)
and, I don't think I could eat this guy... too cute!
Knitted lobster ($9.99)
Palumba also stocks a whole range of kitchen accessories for little chefs. Many of these can be used for real cooking, too.
The colander ($4.99) has been a favorite plaything in our house for years. It is also perfect for rinsing just-picked strawberries.
Linnea is using the colander with the cherry kitchen straining spoon ($7.99) and cherry kitchen spatula ($7.99). These utensils are so pretty, I wish they made larger ones for my kitchen.
Mmmm.... acorn and pasta pie - with mushrooms, ladybugs and stars. A future Top Chef for sure :o)
And, I dream about the stainless steel cookware set ($29.99). I think they are on my own Christmas list.
The little metal pots I bought at TJ Maxx already show so much wear. I like that these are made of high quality steel that will last. And, the kids just seem to prefer realistic kitchen toys. They often take stuff out of my kitchen.
Kitchen play is a big deal here. Linnea walks me over to her toy kitchen, practically pushes me into a chair, and says "Ok, Hon. What would you like to eat?" Then my little mommy cooks me a feast. She's so grown-up.
Happy cooking!
Arielle and Linnea tried a perfectly knitted cheese sandwich ($12.99) with a pear.
Knitted pear ($5.99)
The knitted foods are made of hand carded-hand dyed wool. They are fair trade from Peru. The sandwich comes with a slice of your favorite cheese, tomato and lettuce on a healthy, whole-wool bread. It goes really well with a cup of good milk ($8.99). Lizzie's favorite lunch!
Check out the whole menu of felt, wool and wooden play food at Palumba.
Everyone likes pizza. The felt pizza ($34.99) comes with removable toppings and a metal pizza pan. Made in the USA. Since the toppings aren't attached, Arielle could make vegan pizza for her daddy, lots of vegetables for me, plain cheese for Linnea, and pepperoni for herself.
Thinking about Thanksgiving? This made me laugh.
Felt turkey with stuffing ($24.99)
and, I don't think I could eat this guy... too cute!
Knitted lobster ($9.99)
Palumba also stocks a whole range of kitchen accessories for little chefs. Many of these can be used for real cooking, too.
The colander ($4.99) has been a favorite plaything in our house for years. It is also perfect for rinsing just-picked strawberries.
Linnea is using the colander with the cherry kitchen straining spoon ($7.99) and cherry kitchen spatula ($7.99). These utensils are so pretty, I wish they made larger ones for my kitchen.
Mmmm.... acorn and pasta pie - with mushrooms, ladybugs and stars. A future Top Chef for sure :o)
And, I dream about the stainless steel cookware set ($29.99). I think they are on my own Christmas list.
The little metal pots I bought at TJ Maxx already show so much wear. I like that these are made of high quality steel that will last. And, the kids just seem to prefer realistic kitchen toys. They often take stuff out of my kitchen.
Kitchen play is a big deal here. Linnea walks me over to her toy kitchen, practically pushes me into a chair, and says "Ok, Hon. What would you like to eat?" Then my little mommy cooks me a feast. She's so grown-up.
Happy cooking!
Win a Kathe Kruse Mini Bambina from Blueberry Forest Toys
Santa's elves at Blueberry Forest Toys are sponsoring another giveaway. On November 30th, one lucky Sara's Toy Box reader will win a Kathe Kruse Mini Bambina Crumpet Doll (normally retails for $86) from Blueberry Forest Toys.
Kathe Kruse Mini Bambina dolls are made in Germany and have beautiful, hand-painted faces. They have soft, cuddly bodies with dangling vinyl legs, arms, and head. The vinyl is certified phthalate-free and nonyphenol-free. Phthalates and nonyphenols are plastic softeners that are linked to hormone disruption and early puberty. It is not easy to find vinyl dolls without nonyphenol and without phthalates, and that are not made in China, but Blueberry Forest has a huge selection of dolls that are made in Europe and free of both nonyphenol and phthalates!
And, this is very important - there is Mini Bambina clothing available. All the outfits are available separately, so the doll can be dressed. Dressing and undressing dolls is a fun learning/playing experience for three-year-olds.
To enter to win a Kathe Kruse Mini Bambina Crumpet doll, visit the Blueberry Forest website and check out the Kathe Kruse doll selections. Then let me know your vote for the cutest Kathe Kruse doll. You can enter by comment, Facebook, or email to Sara's Toy Box.
Maybe your choices will help me pick the perfect Christmas Baby for Linnea. I'll announce the winner on November 30th.
And if you just happen to fall in love... Blueberry Forest is offering our readers 15% off Kathe Kruse. Enter Coupon Code "STB2" for 15% off your Kathe Kruse merchandise total at Blueberry Forest, valid through 12/15/09.
Kathe Kruse Mini Bambina dolls are made in Germany and have beautiful, hand-painted faces. They have soft, cuddly bodies with dangling vinyl legs, arms, and head. The vinyl is certified phthalate-free and nonyphenol-free. Phthalates and nonyphenols are plastic softeners that are linked to hormone disruption and early puberty. It is not easy to find vinyl dolls without nonyphenol and without phthalates, and that are not made in China, but Blueberry Forest has a huge selection of dolls that are made in Europe and free of both nonyphenol and phthalates!
And, this is very important - there is Mini Bambina clothing available. All the outfits are available separately, so the doll can be dressed. Dressing and undressing dolls is a fun learning/playing experience for three-year-olds.
To enter to win a Kathe Kruse Mini Bambina Crumpet doll, visit the Blueberry Forest website and check out the Kathe Kruse doll selections. Then let me know your vote for the cutest Kathe Kruse doll. You can enter by comment, Facebook, or email to Sara's Toy Box.
Maybe your choices will help me pick the perfect Christmas Baby for Linnea. I'll announce the winner on November 30th.
And if you just happen to fall in love... Blueberry Forest is offering our readers 15% off Kathe Kruse. Enter Coupon Code "STB2" for 15% off your Kathe Kruse merchandise total at Blueberry Forest, valid through 12/15/09.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Advent Calendar Giveaway - From Blueberry Forest Toys
How would you like to win a beautiful Advent calendar, made in Germany?
The winner of this giveaway may choose any of the in-stock paper Advent calendars at Blueberry Forest Toys. To enter, just go to the Advent calendar page and choose your favorite. Let me know by email, comment, or Facebook message which one you'd like to win.
This is my favorite. The round-cheeked little angels remind me of Linnea.
The winner will be chosen on November 30th.
The winner of this giveaway may choose any of the in-stock paper Advent calendars at Blueberry Forest Toys. To enter, just go to the Advent calendar page and choose your favorite. Let me know by email, comment, or Facebook message which one you'd like to win.
This is my favorite. The round-cheeked little angels remind me of Linnea.
The winner will be chosen on November 30th.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Haba Pixie rattle - update
If you scroll down the sidebar, you'll see a link to The Toy Recall Finder. The button has a picture of a beautiful HABA clutch toy. That toy was recalled last year because the mirrors could falloff causing a choking hazard. What a disappointment. Linnea had that toy and it was so cute.
The good news is that HABA redesigned the Pixie Clutching Toy ($16.99) and the other recalled toys. They now have foil instead of a mirror and are perfectly safe. You can tell which are the newer clutch toys because the house is orange.
Pixie clutching toy is made in Germany.
The good news is that HABA redesigned the Pixie Clutching Toy ($16.99) and the other recalled toys. They now have foil instead of a mirror and are perfectly safe. You can tell which are the newer clutch toys because the house is orange.
Pixie clutching toy is made in Germany.
Woodland Adventures from A Toy Garden (a story by Arielle)
Woodland Small Animals Set ($24.95, tree $12.95)
Once upon a time there was a magical forest. There was a magical owl that could fly and walk and his best friend was a magical hedgehog who could fly. The hedgehog could also turn into a fuzzy pig when it wanted to. Owl's other friends were Frog and Mouse and they were magic, too. They all lived in a big tree in Magic Town.
One day Owl told Hedgehog, "We are running out of magic and we have to save the magic. The only person that can save the magic is Arielle. Lets go find her."
But, Arielle lived near the tree and walked right over. she put on her magic suit with butterfly wings and flew up, up in the air and tried to catch the magic. It took her lots of days, but then she caught the magic and brought the magic back.
The animals could do their magic again. The tree grew into a giant tree, and they were all safe from the evil dinosaur.
The End.
This delightful set of wooden animals is made in Germany by Kinderkram. The animals are just right for imaginary adventures or for decorating a nature table. They play well with most other wooden figures and block sets, although the Holztiger dinosaur seems to cause problems ;o)
Arielle is convinced that a fairy made the animals just for her out of wood and tree bark and fairy dust. She says most kids would like to play with them because "they don't bite or make the house too messy."
I like them because this is a high quality toy that encourages imaginative play and will grow with her.
A Toy Garden is currently offering our readers 8% off all purchases over $40. The promotional code "STB09" is good through November 30th.
Once upon a time there was a magical forest. There was a magical owl that could fly and walk and his best friend was a magical hedgehog who could fly. The hedgehog could also turn into a fuzzy pig when it wanted to. Owl's other friends were Frog and Mouse and they were magic, too. They all lived in a big tree in Magic Town.
One day Owl told Hedgehog, "We are running out of magic and we have to save the magic. The only person that can save the magic is Arielle. Lets go find her."
But, Arielle lived near the tree and walked right over. she put on her magic suit with butterfly wings and flew up, up in the air and tried to catch the magic. It took her lots of days, but then she caught the magic and brought the magic back.
The animals could do their magic again. The tree grew into a giant tree, and they were all safe from the evil dinosaur.
The End.
This delightful set of wooden animals is made in Germany by Kinderkram. The animals are just right for imaginary adventures or for decorating a nature table. They play well with most other wooden figures and block sets, although the Holztiger dinosaur seems to cause problems ;o)
Arielle is convinced that a fairy made the animals just for her out of wood and tree bark and fairy dust. She says most kids would like to play with them because "they don't bite or make the house too messy."
I like them because this is a high quality toy that encourages imaginative play and will grow with her.
A Toy Garden is currently offering our readers 8% off all purchases over $40. The promotional code "STB09" is good through November 30th.
Blueberry Forest Toys - 15% off magical toys
When I look at the Blueberry Forest Toys website, I feel like I'm taking a peek at Santa's Workshop. It just feels like the toys are especially chosen to give that sparkly Christmas morning feeling. Which is why it is one of my favorites for Holiday shopping.
And, I'll definitely be doing some shopping at Blueberry Forest this year. Blueberry Forest has a huge selection of Kathe Kruse Dolls. Linnea would really like a vinyl baby doll. The new, bigger (14.5") bath babies are a possibility.
Kathe Kruse Baby Mein Doll, "My First Trip" ($94.95)
Kathe Kruse vinyl dolls are made of vinyl that is free of nonyphenol and phtalates. The vinyl is made in Germany and tested in Germany at the Chemical-Technical Institute. Most vinyl dolls are made of PVC.
Little girls love being able to bathe their baby dolls. Kathe Kruse bath baby dolls can be played with in the bath or swimming pool and can then be dried off and dressed, all ready for more adventures with their little mommies.
If you are looking for a Nativity scene for this holiday, Blueberry Forest Toys has several alternatives that are both beautiful and fun.
I like the Kathe Kruse Finger Puppet Nativity Set. It comes with comes with Mary and Baby Jesus, Joseph, angel, ox, and donkey finger puppets, and a manger stage. What a fun way to tech your child the story of Christmas.
Kathe Kruse Nativity Finger Puppet Theater Set ($65.95)
While I'm on a Kathe Kruse roll, let me mention the Kathe Kruse Advent Doll. This seven inch doll comes with 22 pieces of handmade clothing - one for each day of the Advent. After the holidays, she can be put away for next year or played with year round.
Kathe Kruse 7 in. Advent Doll ($96.95)
But, Blueberry Forest isn't just about Kathe Kruse. They offer a huge range of European and American toys, gifts and photo albums.
They are not a toys, but I love the antique replica cookie and craft molds. These are made of a wood and resin composite. If you are like me and make baked goods as holiday gifts, these are an easy way to make something truly special for your friends. The molds also have hanging rings so they can be displayed on a wall.
Baroque Owl Cookie Mold ($21.00)
Now, back to toys! Blueberry Forest offers HABA toys, Kettler tricycles, Plan Toys, Selecta (while supplies last), Sarah's Silks, Ostheimer figures, Kinderkram toys and Evi Dolls. There are special sections for fairy and mermaid play, pirate play, castle toys, blocks, and wooden figures.
Look at the Kinderkram Snow White Set ($248.95)
What a creative alternative to the Disney version.
Blueberry Forest Toys has offered Sara's Toy Box readers a coupon code good for 15% off all Kathe Kruse items on the site. Please enter Coupon Code "STB2" valid through 12/15/09.
And, I'll definitely be doing some shopping at Blueberry Forest this year. Blueberry Forest has a huge selection of Kathe Kruse Dolls. Linnea would really like a vinyl baby doll. The new, bigger (14.5") bath babies are a possibility.
Kathe Kruse Baby Mein Doll, "My First Trip" ($94.95)
Kathe Kruse vinyl dolls are made of vinyl that is free of nonyphenol and phtalates. The vinyl is made in Germany and tested in Germany at the Chemical-Technical Institute. Most vinyl dolls are made of PVC.
Little girls love being able to bathe their baby dolls. Kathe Kruse bath baby dolls can be played with in the bath or swimming pool and can then be dried off and dressed, all ready for more adventures with their little mommies.
If you are looking for a Nativity scene for this holiday, Blueberry Forest Toys has several alternatives that are both beautiful and fun.
I like the Kathe Kruse Finger Puppet Nativity Set. It comes with comes with Mary and Baby Jesus, Joseph, angel, ox, and donkey finger puppets, and a manger stage. What a fun way to tech your child the story of Christmas.
Kathe Kruse Nativity Finger Puppet Theater Set ($65.95)
While I'm on a Kathe Kruse roll, let me mention the Kathe Kruse Advent Doll. This seven inch doll comes with 22 pieces of handmade clothing - one for each day of the Advent. After the holidays, she can be put away for next year or played with year round.
Kathe Kruse 7 in. Advent Doll ($96.95)
But, Blueberry Forest isn't just about Kathe Kruse. They offer a huge range of European and American toys, gifts and photo albums.
They are not a toys, but I love the antique replica cookie and craft molds. These are made of a wood and resin composite. If you are like me and make baked goods as holiday gifts, these are an easy way to make something truly special for your friends. The molds also have hanging rings so they can be displayed on a wall.
Baroque Owl Cookie Mold ($21.00)
Now, back to toys! Blueberry Forest offers HABA toys, Kettler tricycles, Plan Toys, Selecta (while supplies last), Sarah's Silks, Ostheimer figures, Kinderkram toys and Evi Dolls. There are special sections for fairy and mermaid play, pirate play, castle toys, blocks, and wooden figures.
Look at the Kinderkram Snow White Set ($248.95)
What a creative alternative to the Disney version.
Blueberry Forest Toys has offered Sara's Toy Box readers a coupon code good for 15% off all Kathe Kruse items on the site. Please enter Coupon Code "STB2" valid through 12/15/09.
Monday, November 16, 2009
PADiLLY
If you head over to PADiLLY you will find page after page of beautiful toys. You can almost hear the delighted squeals on Christmas Day! As you browse the site keep in mind that PADiLLY has generously shared a coupon code with us. To redeem it enter SARAToysPADiLLY when you check out.
While I loved so many toys at PADiLLY the following represent my favorites:
Haba Egg Race (Made in Germany)
This toy would make the perfect party game! I can also see it chasing away the winter blues. What could be more fun than racing around the house with a clown's head on a stick? Small toys that encourage activity are perfect in my book. Quadrilla Basic Set (Made in China)
This set is made in China. However, I have included it as it is made of sustainable wood and is colored with water based stains. I showed my six-year-old this picture and his jaw dropped. "This is going on my list for sure!" Love at first sight! This 99 piece set is currently on sale at $47.99.
This set is made in China. However, I have included it as it is made of sustainable wood and is colored with water based stains. I showed my six-year-old this picture and his jaw dropped. "This is going on my list for sure!" Love at first sight! This 99 piece set is currently on sale at $47.99.Glueckskaefer Green House of Doors (Made in Bosnia-Herzegovina)
This many doored house is just adorable. The play possibilities are endless. Is it a fairy house, a horse stable or a garage? Let the kids decide. I know that my two toy hounds would find a million ways to use all those doors. The house is painted with water based paints and has a slightly rough, earthy texture. Coming soon....
We are going to be reviewing and giving away a Wonderworld Tea Time Play Set from Toys and Games Online.
Wonderworld Tea Time Play Set ($26.00)
Wonderworld Toys are made in Thailand from environmentally friendly rubberwood and non-toxic water-based paints.
More details are coming soon.
Toys and Games Online is a CSN store. There are over 200 CSN stores specializing in everything from nursery decor to Christmas decorations.
Wonderworld Tea Time Play Set ($26.00)
Wonderworld Toys are made in Thailand from environmentally friendly rubberwood and non-toxic water-based paints.
More details are coming soon.
Toys and Games Online is a CSN store. There are over 200 CSN stores specializing in everything from nursery decor to Christmas decorations.
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