Nifty NIFTY toys

Presenting the NIFTY System from Environments, Inc. Environments specializes in the "best and most appropriate early childhood classroom equipment, children’s furniture, educational toys, and curriculum materials for child care and early education" and has been in the business for over 30 years. I was introduced to the NIFTY System in one of my toddler's classes here in NYC where the focus of the day was the concept of balance, using one of the eye-pleasing (and high-quality) wooden scales.

This beautifully made collection of objects challenges your little one while it builds a "strong foundation for continued learning." You can choose either Phase 1 (for one year on) or Phase 2 (for two years and on). At around $225, this set isn't cheap, but it does come with oodles of great toys (a scale, peg boards, threading toys and even a DVD guide).