Playforever at Moolka

Playforever is a British company and the toys are made in Britain. These plastic toys are made to withstand real play and to last forever.



There are three models, the Bruno Roadster (a car), the Enzo Speedster (a motorcycle with side car), and the Mimmo Buster (an adorable airplane). They each retail for $59.99. We reviewed the Bruno Roadster in orange.

Playforever Bruno Roadster ($59.99)



I didn't say anything to the kids about this review, but I think a race car must have been Linnea's birthday wish. When we got back from our Thanksgiving trip which included Linnea's birthday party, Linnea started talking about her race car that was coming in a package. When we went to the post office, she asked our postmaster if her race car came yet. And when the UPS man brought a package to the door, she started yelling "It's my race car! It's my race car!" And when we opened the box from Moolka, it really was.

Linnea was in love. There was one rough moment because the little figure does not have eyes, so she wanted to draw them. I explained that his eyes are behind his goggles. Disaster averted, but we found out that Playforever toys stand up well to toddler tantrums (as well as rough love).

In the afternoon, she made her daddy play with her. This is definitely a toy for daddies. He said, "Whoa that looks fast!" and they went racing around the play room.


Yeah, racing when one is three can involve climbing... or crashing...




She even tried riding it.



While little girls enjoy racing, they also have unique girly way of playing with cars that daddies don't understand. Linnea and her race car watched Sesame Street together.



And at bedtime, after a quick drive and a snuggle....





the race car was given a kiss and tucked in under Linnea's bed where it wouldn't get lonely and would be available first thing in the morning for more fun and rides.


This is a most wonderful gift for any car-loving boy or girl. The ten inch vehicles are made of tough and shiny ABS plastic (like Lego) with rubber wheels. It weighs two pounds, so it's a sturdy vehicle. So tough!

And, also very cute :) The retro-modern styling is the design of Julian Meagher, an industrial designer, and they truly are works of art.

Thank you, Moolka, for making wishes come true and for making a little girl very happy!

Beautiful gifts from Rosie Hippo

Rosie Hippo specializes in beautiful designed toys that inspire creativity and spark imagination! Just the type of toys that we like best.

Many of these are toys that I haven't seen anywhere else.

There is a nice section of toys made in the USA like this classic heavy-duty wagon.

Rosie Red Wagon ($145)



There are also sections for special interests like fairies, castles or pirates, and for gifts under $15, under $25 and under $50 - just what you need when you're staying on a budget.

Gifts under $15.

Lavender Girl ($15.00), she's lavender and full of lavender for a soothing,calming scent. Made in Brazil.



Gifts under $25

Squiggles ($20)



I am going to recommend this for anyone between five and 105! I love my Squiggles book and I use it for stress relief. I get pretty silly with the pictures, and the kids love to peek and see what I've drawn.

You start with an outline and simple directions like "what kind of store?" and you go from there. No talent required.

Last year I gave one to all our big kids, including my step-son who is a wonderful artist.

Here are a few pages from my book.






Gifts under $50

I chose to review the scale.

Scale ($39)



When my mother was a child, she played with a little scale a lot. So, that is what I thought about when I saw this little wooden scale. It's made in Romania by Estia, and it comes with five weights of different sizes. It's a great learning toy as kids figure out the mathematical concepts of weight and balance, but it is also fun.

Linnea said "It's a wee-saw!" and she put two stuffed animals on it. I wish I had pictures.

Arielle took one look at it and said "that's not a toy, it's homework."

I said, "OK. Then don't play with it."

Just minutes later....






She has been really enjoying the scale. She likes to take different objects and see which is heavier. It is great for weighing little wooden animals; is the rabbit heavier than the sheep?

Linnea finally figured out what a scale really is for, and it's been a nice addition to their store play. "Would you like two pounds of chocolate?"

I considered a few scales, but I really like that this one is all wood and, at $35, it had the best price.

Rosie Hippo has wonderful toys and it's definitely worth a look. Thank you, Rosie Hippo!

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.

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.

Kitchens.... sink and all.

Many of us are considering play kitchens this holiday season, and this can be a tough decision. It's a big chunk of money, and you want to be sure that the kitchen will be both fun to play with and last for years. I asked Carrin of Down to Earth Toys about the difference between the various wooden kitchens.

Kitchens made in the USA - all these sinks have removable stainless steel bowls.

Little Colorado is the least expensive of the brands made in the USA. Little Colorado kitchens are made of pine, but they use MDF for the backs and counter surfaces.

Little Colorado Child's Kitchen ($183.95)



There is an optional door window for an additional five dollars. The measurements are 24"W x 14"D x 34"H, which is pretty standard size. It arrives fully assembled, but allow a few weeks for delivery. The matching refrigerator($161.95)has little shelves on the door. A microwave ($63.95), pantry ($129.95)and washing machine with a turning tub($162.95) are also available.

Elves & Angels kitchens are made of pine with formaldehyde-free plywood for the backs. Elves and Angel kitchens require some assembly. They are finished non-toxic linseed oil.


Julianna's Kitchen ($206.90)



As you can see, the styles are very similar, but Julian's kitchen has more realistic round burners rather than X's. They are painted on. Christina's Kitchen ($185.00) has no shelf, but it is a little wider (28") with space to chop vegetable or mix a cake.

Sylvie's Kitchen ($245.00) is also 28" wide, but has two shelves. The matching Jacob's Icebox ($174.95) has inside shelves, but no door shelves.

Willow Toys kitchens are made of solid pine. They are finished with a natural oil finish. The finish is available in an aromatherapy lavender scent or in unscented. There are two basic styles.


Ivy's Kitchen ($229.00) is more traditional.




Liam's Kitchen ($225.00) has a more contemporary look.



Each style has a matching refrigerator. Devin's Icebox ($179.00) goes with Ivy's kitchen, and the Willow Icebox goes with Liam's Kitchen ($179.00).

Sandy's Kitchen ($185.00) is the basic model with no shelves.

Camden Rose kitchens are beautiful,pine-free and more expensive. They are available at Palumba.

A Simple Hearth ($349.99) is made of cherry with walnut and birch accents.



The shelves inside both the stove and the Simple Fridge ($299.99) are made of metal. There is a cutting board that slides out. The BEEautiful Hearth ($289.99) is simply the same kitchen without the hutch. You can add the hutch ($69.99) later. You can save a little by buying a refrigerator-kitchen combination.

The Gourmet Kitchen ($219.99) has a separate stove and sink. This is good for keeping two children busy.



Camden Rose's more affordable new kitchen, the Camden Kitchen, is made of solid ash wood collected from the many thousands of trees infected by the Emerald Ash Borer. It ships flat and quickly snaps together for assembly. It has a contemporary style and two burners for more counter space.

Camden Kitchen ($249.99)



You could wing a Camden Kitchen, click here for details.


Imagine That Woodshop on Etsy takes custom orders for handmade wooden kitchens, but they are no longer taking orders for this holiday season.

Kitchens that are not made in the USA

Plan Toy kitchens are made in Thailand of environmentally-friendly rubber wood and finished with a non-toxic water-based dye.

Plan Kitchen Center ($269.99)



The stove ($159.98), sink/dishwasher ($199.99) and refrigerator with water/ice dispenser($245.99) are also available as separate pieces in bright colors. We have the washing machine ($199.99). It is OK, but the big rubber band that makes the machine turn tends to slide off. I can easily reach in and slip it back on, but I am also have small hands.

The European kitchens tend to be smaller. The counter height is 19 inches rather than 22.

The Vitamin Kitchen from Nathan at Oompa is both beautiful and colorful -- and expensive! The wooden pieces are modular to allow it to be set up in different ways. Nathan specializes in toys for preschools, and that is what this reminds me of. Because the height is a little smaller, so it is more suitable for children under three. It is made in Poland.



Finally, a German play kitchen. This kitchen is made from alder wood.



Children's Play Kitchen ($350.40)

euroToyShop store review and coupon

If you are looking for European brands like Bruder, LEGO, Kathe Kruse, HABA, Siku, Ravensburger, or Schleich, then euroToyShop is the place for you. EuroToyShop sells European brand toys - both plastic and wooden, and some made in China (although most are made in Europe).

They carry an extensive selection of Selecta wooden toys. Unfortunately, because of the costs involved in labeling for the CPSIA, Selecta is no longer shipping to the United States so these toys have a rhino on their page. Like the rhinoceros, these toys are endangered and when these are sold, they are gone. Such a sad thing because Selecta makes especially lovely toys.


Variola Ball and Track System ($117.65)



Another favorite of mine is Kathe Kruse. In addition to cloth dolls and dollhouse dolls, euroToyShop carries Kathe Kruse vinyl dolls. The 12" bath baby can be taken in the bath and cared for by little mommies. This is especially fun for toddlers, but Arielle and Linnea love playing with dolls in the shower. They bring in a tea set and feed their babies, wash them and then wrap them in wash cloths and tuck them in bed.

Kathe Kruse Bath Baby $67.72




Ravensburger Puzzles are made in Europe. I have not bought any for Arielle and Linnea yet, but my older children played with them many years ago. They are cardboard, but well made and reasonably-priced, and there is a wide selection to capture the interests and abilities of any child.

Ballet class 43 piece frame puzzle ($6.65)



I had the chance to see some Bruder trucks recently. These are made in Germany of tough phthalate-free plastic. I especially like the snow plow as the snow plow is a daily part of our lives from December until spring. The snow plow is a big L 18.5 x W 6.3 x H 7.7 inches and the plow rotates to the left or right and can be raised and lowered. This would be awesome on one of our icky, sub-freezing days; I would bring a tub of snow in and let the girls plow it.


Bruder snow plow ($34.27)



EuroToyShop has offered our readers 10% off for early holiday shopping. "SARASTOYBOX" is good on all items until Thanksgiving (November 26, 2009). Enjoy!

A Toy Garden - You've been asking, and...

Yes!!! Here's a coupon code for A Toy Garden. "STB809" is good for 8% off any order over $40 through 11/30/09. Use it on cool toys that are handmade, fair trade, or made in the USA.

Thinking of the holidays?


Holiday Star Elf and Snowflake Fairy ($19.95 each)




Perfect for play, decoration or a season's table, they are made in Germany by Kathe Kruse.

Rabbits' Den Advent Calendar ($7.95)



I bought one of these last year and the girls enjoyed it so much! Every night, we opened a door and counted the nights until Christmas. My husband was recovering from his heart attack, and the kids felt the stress. It helped us to get refocused on the holiday. We're going to use it again this year.

Evergreen Tree Puzzle ($19.95)



Handmade in the U.S.A. exclusively for A Toy Garden.

Happy Holiday Shopping! Thanks so much, Sonya. :0)