08.18.2008
Clockwork 101, from Djeco
OK, so your child is not going to learn to repair your watch by using this toy, but you can still get a warm glow from the fact that he can see the fundamentals of clockwork in action. Meanwhile, he's probably just enjoying watching the happy-faced animals going round.
Seriously speaking, bright colours and chunky wooden shapes make this a winner. It's another hit from good old Djeco.
Posted by Myf
Category:
toys
Tags: animals wooden toys
Email this
| Comments (0)
08.12.2008
Micro-G bike
We - along with what appears to be about 99% of the population of our town - have the Micro-G scooter, and have found it to be a good, steady option for our three-year-old. We've appreciated such features as the two front wheels giving it extra stability, and its light weight.
So, I was interested to see this new development, the Micro-G bike - the next step up, I guess. Not a true cycle, it's in the same line as the Like-a-bike and Pedobike - that is, no pedals. The kid sits on the saddle and learns the basic principles of cycling and balance the same way they did during the early evolution of the bicycle: by pushing the ground with the feet.
No doubting this is a slick-looking model, and a second option for those not turned-on by the earthy woodiness of the originals. I'll just wait until the inevitable trickle into our local playground, and see them in action before I judge.
Posted by Myf
Category:
toys
Tags: bicycles ride-on
Email this
| Comments (2)
08.11.2008
Wooden animal instruments
Wood feels so great in the hand: wouldn't that help inspire you to make a little music? These animal music shakers (bear, whale, cat) just look so good, too.
Not for starving artists, these will set you back £21 (approx $42) - each.
Posted by Myf
Category:
toys
Tags: animals music wooden
Email this
| Comments (1)
08.11.2008
Safe & Sound Mice by Flying Star Toys
Etsy always delivers when you're looking for something sweet and simple for little ones. These Safe & Sound Mice by Flying Star Toys are just darling. Designer Florence Forrest tells us that "Safe & Sound Mice are two naughty mice that have been hung up by the tail! Now that they've been captured all is well in the house." A student of folk charms, Forrest asserts that these mice signify a desire to keep bad things at bay. By having them all tied up, it signifies that things are all under control. Ah, if only it were that easy.....
Posted by Katie
Category:
decor
| toys
Tags: animals decor mice
Email this
| Comments (1)
08. 8.2008
Rockabye baby, in the tree top: a swing
This little Treetop Swing is an appealing way to keep your baby (six months and above) happy and contained while you get on with a little gardening or get the washing on the line. In hot dry climes (so, not here in the UK, then) it might even be a nice preamble to a nap.
Posted by Myf
Category:
toys
Tags: garden outdoor swings
Email this
| Comments (0)
08. 8.2008
Whimsical Wonderball: a new take on Pass the Parcel
In the highly competitive world of children's parties, anything that's a little bit different is looked on with admiration.
I'm joking of course, but who can deny a certain jadedness with the same old party games, snacks and favours, once you've been to six or seven samey events?
Here is a new twist on Pass the Parcel: the Whimsical Wonderball. It's a bundle of crepe-paper streamers, with fifteen small toys tucked in between the layers. Once it's all unwrapped, there are metres and metres of brightly coloured paper to play with. What kid wouldn't enjoy that?
Posted by Myf
Category:
toys
Tags: parties
Email this
| Comments (0)
08. 7.2008
This wooden piano will make a Schroeder out of your kid
Actually, hardcore Peanuts fans will know that Schroeder's toy piano is a lot lower-slung and, in fact, a grand rather than an upright. But its presence in the cartoon is a sign, at least, that the mass-produced toy piano has been around a good half a century, if not more.
This version is in fact from Vilac, and the retailer promises that it sounds 'almost like the real thing'. With only eleven white keys, that's quite a statement, but it'd be worth a go for those wishing to encourage early musicianship.
Posted by Myf
Category:
toys
Tags: music wooden toys
Email this
| Comments (0)
08. 5.2008
Toy drip coffee set: early barrista skills at the ready
If you're one of those parents who, like me, has an early-morning 'no pestering until I have a cup of coffee down me' rule, you might like this wooden drip coffee kit. It'll give your kids something to tinker with while you fumble with the real thing.
I was going to say that it's slightly odd to give your kids something to play with that they wouldn't use themselves in real life, but then I realised that it's not radically different from that very traditional kids' toy, the tea set.
Posted by Myf
Category:
toys
Tags: toy food wooden
Email this
| Comments (2)
08. 1.2008
Crazy Fort
We all know that kids can build forts out of blankets, sheets, cushions, and whatever furniture happens to be around at the time. Now Crazy Forts rationalises the entire process by removing the need for conveniently-shaped furniture. A set of slot-together sticks allows you to make a framework (ideas for shapes are provided) and then all you have to do is throw a sheet or two over it to make your den. Soon, you'll even be able to buy specially-designed lights to go inside as well.
I like the idea, sure - but I do wonder whether we are taking all of the initiative away from our kids by providing them with ready-made sets like this. What next? A hopscotch template? A hide and seek set?
Via SwissMiss.
Posted by Myf
Category:
toys
Tags: indoors tents
Email this
| Comments (0)
08. 1.2008
Baby golf set
A recent seaside holiday revealed the fact that our daughter is a natural at Crazy Golf - a natural at hitting the ball in the entirely wrong direction and laughing maniacally, that is.
I guess she needs a little more practice. The Vilac soft golf set would enable her to play in our sitting room, rain or shine. And next holidays, there'll be a little less of the anarchy, and a few more of the holes in one. Maybe.
Posted by Myf
Category:
toys
Tags: baby toys balls
Email this
| Comments (0)
