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.

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!

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)