Playing House. And Senate.

Playing House. And Senate.

Don’t be surprised if your little one starts asking why all the commercials on TV now have have scary, angry voices saying mean things about other people. It’s just the start of election season. So squeeze a timely civics lesson into your kid’s...
A Bicycle Built for Two Year Olds

A Bicycle Built for Two Year Olds

It took me three years to figure out that my daughter doesn’t care what the heck her ride-on toy looks like, just so long as it has wheels and she doesn’t have to work them. As for me…well, I care. Man, I love this über cool Italtrike Oko Bike...
Stuck On You

Stuck On You

With all the bells and whistles – literally – that are the hallmark of modern toys, I’m always happy to find those that put a new spin on an old classic without the use of batteries–or the need for a bottle of ibuprofen for mommy. Artist Gaia...
Toys Like They Used to Make ‘Em

Toys Like They Used to Make ‘Em

I’m a huge fan of choosing wood over plastic when it comes to kids’ toys. My only gripe is that they often seem to be just for show, and not made to stand up to the drooly mouths and rough grips of actual children. This is not the case, however, with the...
Well Isn’t That Spatial

Well Isn’t That Spatial

Throughout my life, I’ve always leaned on the excuse that I just wasn’t blessed with the spatial-relations gene, never realizing that this is actually a learned skill. Obviously as a kid I wasn’t playing with the nifty Dado Cubes from modern kids...
Baby Gifts of a Different Stripe

Baby Gifts of a Different Stripe

I’m always stuck on what to get the newborn who has everything; particularly when that newborn isn’t the first to hit the household. All I know is, another package of onesies or flannel receiving blankets do not top my list. So check out the zebra-themed...
A-List Teddies

A-List Teddies

Sure, your toddler loves that ratty old blankie – it goes everywhere that he does. But did you ever stop to think about what that ratty old blankie says about you and your style…or lack thereof? I shudder to think. Perhaps it’s time to upgrade to a...
Getting All Felt Up

Getting All Felt Up

I love watching my daughter’s imagination in action. She sets the table for five so her imaginary friend can eat too, and there’s no end to the litany of cool animal pals that she describes as stopping by for a visit at bedtime. Not one to squash any of...
Gnome-in-the-Box

Gnome-in-the-Box

I always loved jack-in-the-boxes as a kid, but you’ve got to admit, there was something about that original "Jack" that was pretty creepy. Clowns are generally a little questionable anyway, come to think of it, let alone one intended to scare the...