Is it a lemonade stand? From Down to Earth Toys

This was a surprise review, and I never would have thought it would be such a success. This toy inspired so much fun and creativity; I have to tell you about it.

The FedEx guy showed up with a big package. And, I was so sure it was the rocket ship that I'll be posting a review of in a few days. So, we did a little "the rocket ship is here!" dance.

When I opened it up, there were lots of big cardboard pieces...



But, when I looked at the instructions, they said lemonade stand.

Lemonade/Advice Stand ($78.95)

Well... the lemonade stand was quickly and easily put together (it took one small mommy about 10 minutes). Arielle wanted to sell pretend lemonade.




It was delicious. There's nothing like imaginary lemonade (LIMUNaD) on a chilly November morning!

When Arielle ran off to get more wooden lemons, Linnea discovered the best part...




The little doors on the bottom of the lemonade stands open up to make a perfect Linnea-doggy house. Woof Woof!



Later on, we played store.

Mommy Linnea arrives at the store with her children Cassie and Anna.



She looks over the selection of groceries.



"Do we need eggs?"



Here she is getting ready to pay for her purchases.



Ring them up, Store Lady Arielle.



"Oooh... that will be $100."



It's a hard job.



The lemonade stand has also been used a library and a bunk bed. The bunk bed option is not recommended. Although it is sturdy enough to support little girls, the thought makes mommies nervous. Their favorite thing is climbing inside.

Today, I draped it with a big play silk and it became a puppet theater.

The name of the show - "The Queen"



The audience is excited.



The star (she will be interviewed/reviewed soon).



The finale.



Best of all, it came in a big flat box. And the best thing about big flat boxes is....







The lemonade stand in made in the USA by Cardboardesign. It is made of sturdy 100% chemical free recycled cardboard. When children are done with it, it can be recycled.

Tomorrow, this one is going to a nearby preschool where I'm sure it will be used for years.

So, is it a lemonade stand? Or is it really a multi-purpose play center in disguise? What do you think?

I think if you don't have the room or budget for wooden play stands, this is an eco-friendly alternative that may offer even more play options. And, it breaks down for storage or transportation.

Down to Earth Toys has offered our readers 10% off in stock toys. Check out all their organic and natural toys and toys made in the USA. Use the code "SARA" through 12/31/09.

Finally, we have Calafant!

Calafant are paper toys. They come flat, and the pre-cut and pre-punched sturdy white cardboard pieces can be put together without glue and without scissors scissors. Then the child can use markers, paint, and other art supplies to decorate their creation. Eventually, the toy can be recycled.

Calafant is made in China and designed in Germany. It won the Toy Innovation Award in 2006 for creativity.

We tried out the Palace ($24.99).

The palace came in a big pink box.

"Ooooooooooooh! Whats that?"



"That's not a palace!"

No, those are the pre-cut pieces. The palace was a little challenging and required a mommy to help with assembly. It was definitely too much for a five year old, but I think an eight or nine year old could assemble it with only a little help.



Linnea checks out the pre-cut pieces.



Assembly in progress. The picture-based directions were a little confusing at times, but it was easy to figure out.



All done!



We decided to play first and decorate later. Our small dolls from were just the right size.






But, Linnea couldn't wait to decorate. Ooops! While we were cooking dinner, she got out her crayons and was very proud of the results.




Arielle was not happy. She wanted a real castle made of stones and sparkles. So the next day, I dug through the craft box for suitable materials. Color chips left from last years remodeling and anything sparkly. We cut out lots of stones.



Arielle glued stones to the castle.



Linnea got a very special job.



Lots of decorating...











... and they had a beautiful palace fit for all sorts of adventures.


The castle is for children three and up. It is sturdy for gentle play, but it did come apart (and was quickly reassembled) when Linnea got grabby and rough.

In the last few months, we've traveled a lot. I've had the challenge of keeping little girls occupied while spending hours in a hotel room without a lot of toys. I think a set of Calafant and a set of markers would have been a great solution. Smaller sets like the house ($6.99), farm ($14.99) or pirate ship ($14.99)are inexpensive (so you don't feel bad if you can't take them home) and will easily fit in a suitcase. Some sets even come with markers.

The girls had a wonderful time and worked together very nicely to create their masterpiece. It was a fun art project and a good learning experience. I think we'll do more during the long winter; what a perfect quiet project for a snow or sick day.

Thank you, Moolka!