Twig

Blocks are serious play for Linnea, and she took to Twig ($49.95) right away.

Twig is different from other blocks. The consists of 72 wooden blocks in unusual, open shapes and bright colors.



The cool thing is that while the blocks can be stacked like traditional blocks, they are also hollowed out. This adds a whole new dimension to building as pieces can be stacked inside and through other pieces allowing all kinds of intricate structures to be built.



Still don't get it? Linnea will explain.

You stack,



But, then your pieces start falling through. Hmmm... what to do?



Put some cross pieces inside and you can resume stacking. Problem solved.



Arielle's approach was different. She tried to nest her blocks by fitting small blocks inside big blocks.





This open-ended and unusual set of blocks was the idea of a teacher in Canada. Matt Hiebert took the idea of a traditional block set and took out the insides. He prototyped his product and sold a few and then sold more. Fat Brain Toys licensed the design and they now produce the block set using sustainably harvested wood, non-toxic colors, recyclable packaging and fair labor conditions. They are CPSIA certified.

But, mostly they are fun! If you are looking for a Christmas gift or birthday gift for a three or four year old who loves to build, this is perfect. While they play, they'll be developing their mathematical, visualization and creative skills - just the skills a future engineer needs.



Twigs is the winner of many toy awards include:

• Parents’ Choice Gold Award 2009
• Creative Child Toy of the Year Award 2009
• Dr. Toy Best Green Product 2009
• NAPPA -National Parenting Publications Honors Award 2009
• 2009 Grandkids Superproduct Award

Twig is available at Fat Brain Toys.

Fat Brain Toys developed Twig and they sell Twig and a variety of other toys, including HABA, Plan Toys, Challenge and Fun, and many, many other brands. Check out the Organic & Green Toys Section.

Update! Spinny Speller from Doudou bebe!

I just had to tell you all what a huge hit the Spinny Speller has been with Jackson's teacher and classmates. Jackson had the words down pat so I took it in to share with his Pre-K class. The teacher and aide both raved about what a great learning tool it is. The kids loved sounding out new words and the teacher loved the one piece construction. No small pieces to lose in a busy classroom!


The Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers are planning on going in on an order to use in their classes. I love spreading the quality toy love. This wooden toy is made by Maple Landmark Woodcraft. They use sustainably harvested wood and any byproducts are reused locally.


I also have to show you a section of their site that impressed me. The mother-baby art offered here is just beautiful. Though they are not toys, I think they are simply lovely and just had to mention them.


One more note on Doudou bebe! I forgot to mention in my first post that the company donates a portion of heir proceeds to La Leche League Canada. In addition, their products aim to encourage breastfeeding. Love it!!!




Michelle has given us the following discount code, good for 10% off any of their Vermont made toys. In addition, orders over $50 are eligible for free shipping to the United States or within Canada. Thanks Michelle!