Congratulations to our winners!

Thank you, Blueberry Forest Toys, for sponsoring such great giveaways.

Donna won an advent calendar. Donna is all about Christmas and chose the Bavarian Nativity Advent Calendar ($4.95) because it reflects the true meaning of Christmas. She has four girls who will enjoy counting down the days till the holiday.



Katie won the Mini Bambina Crumpet Doll. Katie was so excited because this was the first time she has won something, and she has a daughter who will love getting the doll for Christmas.

So many of you entered, and I appreciate the support. We currently have two more giveaways going on, so enter those. You might win next time.

If you didn't win, the Advent calendars are on sale (enter VTC25 at checkout) and we have a coupon code for 15% off Kathe Kruse, "STB2" is good until 12/15/2009.

Happy Holidays.

Keva Planks

Sometimes, we get all wrapped up in how cute a toy is that we forget toys aren't supposed to do the playing, children are. Fortunately, there are some wonderful toys that are so simple, the brain can't help doing the "work."



Keva Planks are like that. Keva planks are sets of American-made, maple blocks where each block is exactly the same size (1 in. x 4.5 in. x .25 in.) - the perfect size for building just about anything a child or adult can imagine.



I have to admit that I had some doubts when Kate of Blueberry Forest suggested this toy. It is suggested for ages 5 to 95, and Arielle is just five. I had visions of Arielle building complex palaces, and Linnea knocking them down, and everyone bursting into tears. But, Kate has five children between the ages of three and nine, and she said that her kids love this toy.

She also said that she sometimes builds a little house at the breakfast table for fairies and gnomes, and her children's faces just light up. That's so much like something that I would do. I love it!

I'll just say that Kate knows what she is talking about.


We reviewed the Keva Planks Set of 200 ($63.95).

Keva planks are available in different-sized sets ranging from 100 to 800 blocks. You can start out with a small set and keep adding as your child grows and his building becomes more and more complicated. Or, buy a huge set as a gift for the whole family. We all sat on the playroom floor and tried these out.

Arielle started out simply. She built a tower for Rapunzel the Rabbit. "Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your ears..."


Then Linnea built this. Just kidding! That was me (totally fun for moms). But, Linnea was watching intently.


And, when I walked away, Linnea tried it for herself. Not bad.


Arielle took the geometric lessons that she learned from her first project, and tried them on a bigger scale - an octagon.



Linnea got frustrated.


She gave up on stairs and made a cat bed.


Arielle ran out of blocks, so she imprisoned Linnea's friend PooPoo. PooPoo didn't mind; she's smiling because she loves her little house.


So, the cat needed a house, too.


Hmmm..... what can I do with this house?



There's nothing better than a look of intense concentration on an almost-three-year-old's face. It's so much better than the tantrum face, right?

The blocks arrived on Friday. Today is Monday. Both girls have H1N1 and nobody really feels like playing, but these blocks have been out and been played with almost constantly (between naps).

So, thank you, Kate. What an excellent toy!

And, check out Blueberry Forest for many wonderful toys.

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.

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.

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.