Hippity, Hoppity...Easter's on its way! Beautiful dolls from Magic Cabin...

....AND A GIVEAWAY!!!!

After months of gloomy weather, March has brought sunny skies, temperatures above freezing and muddy shoes. It's a nice change for me to review Easter gifts and to think of spring.

Magic Cabin goes all out for holidays. I look forward to their spring catalog. They always have the cutest dolls, neat egg decorating kits, and even made in the USA treats. I like the sets of German nesting eggs ($19.98) for hiding small treasures.

Arielle and Linnea got to review a Spring Flower Fairy and an Easter Doll ($34.98 each).

These are wonderful Easter gifts for the little girls in your life.


These 7 inch dolls are made by Kathe Kruse of Germany. They come in a pretty pouch...



...and would look adorable tucked into an Easter basket. What a nice alternative to the traditional stuffed bunny! After all, if you give your child an Easter bunny every year, they'll multiply like rabbits :0)

Here's the Daffodil doll tucked into Arielle's purse. (We'll be reviewing the purses later this week.)



Lucky us, the dolls are pink (Arielle's favorite color) and yellow (Linnea's favorite). Linnea was very excited, but said the doll was "not quite bootiful."


Then she proceeded to undress the doll. The fact that the clothing (and the flower) is removable is a big plus for Linnea.


After she dressed the doll by herself, the doll named "Lila" was pronounced perfect.


Arielle is more grown-up. She told me, "I love the pretty pink dress and she has princess hair. Her name is Daisy and she is the Easter Bunny's helper. She gives the eggs out and makes the baskets when the Easter Bunny needs a break."


A close up of Daisy without the removable basket of felt Easter Eggs.


Daisy and Lila have been very busy picnicking and attending tea parties with the other dolls and the stuffed bunnies from three Easters ago. Daisy is especially fond of strawberry tea.

Seven inches is also the perfect size to tuck in a backpack.

And, like all Kathe Kruse dolls, these dolls are beautifully made and will stand up to lots of love. In future years, they will look adorable on a seasonal or nature table. I can just picture the doll, a jar of daffodils, and some decorated eggs on a pink play silk.

But even better, one lucky reader will win an Easter Doll or Spring Flower Fairy of their choice. All you have to do is go to Magic Cabin and tell me what you'd like to put in an Easter basket. You can post a comment with a link here or on Facebook - just make sure I can contact you if you win. I will randomly choose a winner on March 15th.

Thank you, Magic Cabin. Check them out for more Easter treats and don't forget to sign up for the mailing list so you can find out about free shipping deals and coupon codes.

And, thank you readers. Stay tuned for more Easter reviews.

20% off at Rosie Hippo

I just posted a coupon code good for 20% off purchases at Rosie Hippo. The code "STB20" is good until the end of the year.

Check out Rosie Hippo for great holiday gifts.

Holztiger animals make great stocking stuffers and will be played with for years. Arielle asked Santa to bring her birds. She says that wooden animals are the best toys in the world.

Swimming Swan ($10.00)



Linnea thinks dolls are the best toys ever. And pine cones. This beautiful German-made Kathe Kruse fairy doll could flutter through the pine cones.

Flippippi Fairy Doll ($65.00)



Young knights will love the knight set. It's made in Germany and includes a tunic, sword and shield.

Knight Set ($52.00)



Your future scientist might appreciate a moon ball. OK, it's really me that wants a moon ball :0)

Moon Ball ($10.00)



Anyway, Rosie Hippo has lots and lots of wonderful toys. And, with the coupon, you'll get a great deal!

This month, for every purchase over $100, Rosie Hippo is donating a toy to Room to Grow. Room to Grow is a non-profit dedicated to enriching the lives of babies born into poverty throughout the critical first three years of development. They provide one-on-one parenting support and essential baby items.

So you get a great deal, and you can help someone else.

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.

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.

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)

Fairy Tale Village - from Magic Cabin

Last week, I was playing blocks with Arielle. We were building our city and talking about our favorite subject, toys, when Arielle said "What I'd really like is the fairytale blocks from the catalog."

I wondered if she'd been reading my mind. Those blocks were actually on their way to us for a review.

Magic Cabin's Fairy Tale Village ($99.00)



So, I didn't say anything.

When they came, Arielle was playing upstairs. I unpacked the blocks and put them on the playroom floor. This is a very surprised and very happy little girl.



She ran upstairs and got dressed, so she could play.

Arielle used small dolls from Etsy to play. Magic Cabin's mini fairies ($39.98) would be absolutely perfect, too. And, the size would work well for dollhouse dolls.

I took lots of close-ups so you can see the detail on these blocks and the absolutely Seuss-ical buildings that Arielle made. I definitely think this is a case where my words aren't adequate.













Dr. Seuss, right?

Arielle's quote "These blocks are the funnest because they make fairy houses."

The blocks are handmade in Germany by Grimm's Spiel und Holz Design. The blocks are solid wood and they are dyed with non-toxic, water-based dyes. The quality and detail is amazing. They are perfect for fairy tale play. They don't only make fairy houses; the abstract shapes are very versatile and can be used as furniture or trees or rocks. These are the blocks I would have wanted when I was a little girl.

These blocks are large enough for young children, but the unusual shapes make them fun for older kids as well. I think the colors and designs will appeal to girls. Still, they aren't too girly to be shared with brothers. And, they look beautiful on top of a dresser or shelf when not in use.

Oh, be sure to sign up for Magic Cabin's emails to receive news about coupon codes and sales.

Thank you once again, Magic Cabin, for sharing such wonderful toys with us!

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)

10% off at Carl & Me

Carl & Me: Exceptional Toys for Boys offers high quality toys made in the United States and Europe. The cars, trucks, blocks, active toys and building toys are fun for both girls and boys.

Featured brands include Matador, Janoschik, Scalino, Varis and NIC.

Matador - Matador are building toys. The wooden pieces are held together with rods. Tools are included.

Matador Klassic 2A ($74)



Janoschik - These adorable riding toys are made in Germany.

Mina, the giraffe scooter($142)



Skippy, the kangaroo scooter with removable baby ($198)



Scalino - Scalino marble runs are made in Switzerland. There are all kinds of additions such as waterfalls and xylophones to make these marble runs extra fun. Sets can be combined over time to make a toy that grows with your child.


Scalino Sound Staircase Set ($92.00)



Varis - Varis are just like Lincoln Logs. They are made in Latvia.

Varis 111 Parts Set ($60)



NIC - NIC Toys are my dream toy. The Creamobil series includes trucks, building parts and little figures that can be combined for construction play, truck play and general imaginative play.

Creamobil Little Men Maxi($32.00)



They can play in the Creamobil Vario House Base ($92.00)



or,in cool trucks like the Creamobil Sweeping Machine ($68).



NIC also makes Cubio, which is similar to a marble run, but uses balls so it can be used by children as young as 18 months.

Cubio Ball Track ($132)



Carl & Me is offering our readers 10% off on these brands through November 30. The code is "SPIEL".