Great seasonal toy find

There is something about advent calendars that still excites even grown-up me.  The tiny doors with surprises inside combined with the delayed gratification are sure to delight your kids, too.  I'm sure it will be the first thing on their mind every morning until Christmas.

If you celebrate Christmas, pick up an advent calendar before December 1st.  You can find really cheap versions with chocolates inside or extravagant ones that become nativity scenes.

I just picked up Playmobil's version today.  It makes a Santa and animal scene in the woods.  It's really quite cute and gives your child a new, little item to play with each day while waiting for the big arrival of Santa on the 24th.

I also found it cheaper at Three Wishes Toys 'n More in Wilmette, IL for about $22.  They also have an online store.

Playmobil also makes other versions of Advent calendars that have ponies, unicorns, dragons, and, get this, even a "Police Christmas."  But, I think the Santa theme is a bit more apropos for the season, don't you?



Toys for 3-24 month olds

I don't know about you, but finding good baby toys always seems to be a challenge for me.  As many of you know, I can't stand toys with lights and music that don't offer baby anything more than a button to push.  So, I have found a lovely collection of toys that will keep babies busy and playing.  I do need to preface this list with the fact that spoons, cups, gladware containers and pans still rank first on my list as the best toys around for little ones.

The high school French student in me loves these little guys called Chan Pie Gnons, a play on the french word "champignon" for mushroom.  These are fantastic teethers from the people who make Sophie the Giraffe.  Since every baby has Sophie, be a non-conformist and get a Chan Pie Gnon.

For shape sorting, check out this wooden house from Land of Nod. It's so much cooler than the classic plastic version.

Kids Toys: Kids House Shapes Play Toy

I really love Plan Toys.  All of the toys are wooden and "green."  Here are some must-buys.

For a stuffed animal, this elephant is not only cute, but covered in silky tags. I've met so many babies who love to play with and rub their faces on these tags. I guess this company has too since they are called "Taggies."

My love for Melissa and Doug even carries over into the baby sector. The picnic basket is all the more darling when you put faces on the food.

Even though this is a toddler toy, I guarantee the child in your life will play with these instruments for much longer. This is a guaranteed baby pleaser. Plus, most toys from the Parents brand come with a free subscription to Parents magazine.

Here's another instrument that will stand the test of time. Anyone wanna polka?

Toddler Musical Toys: Toddler Accordian Squeeze Box

For those that can sit up in the tub, this sensory toy is fantastic.

And finally, the coup de grace, keys and cups!

Any other suggestions?

It's not even Thanksgiving!

I know, I know... it's not even Thanksgiving.  But, I know that there are a ton of moms out there already freaking out about what to get their kids this holiday season.  And, if the moms aren't freaking out, they have already received a phone call from at least one relative freaking out and wanting some tips. 

So, I thought that I would do one post a week for the next month of so with some suggestions.  I play for a living and have very strong opinions about what toys are best.  Frankly, I get the best toys at garage sales, but since kids typically like to open new presents, here are some ideas. 

Just please, BEWARE: These toys do not have buttons or speakers and don't make noise.  I know, it's odd in these technologically advanced times to expect our children to use their imaginations to make their own sound effects and move their toys with their own volition.  But, I feel they are up for the challenge.

These toys are all best for kids ages 3 and up and are for symbolic and representational play... you know - it's what the kids call "pretending."

I love Melissa and Doug .  Their toys are fantastic simply because they are simple.  They are also organized into fantastic themes - like "birthday party" or "mailman."  The quality is exceptional and almost everything is either wooden or plush.   Here are some of my favorites:

Awesome castle, complete with a dragon. Plus, it folds up for travel and storage.

I love this barn. It looks great in any playroom and comes with just the right amount of farm animals. The only thing missing is the farmer.

Love this mailbox. It's sturdy and big enough to hold lots of letters and packages.

Here are my favorite play food sets. The cupcakes are especially cool because the set comes with dry erase markers to use like icing to decorate the cupcakes.

Have a child who loves aggressive play? I know quite a few. Helping channel that tenacity through play is a surefire way to keep your child emotionally healthy and regulated in his/her relationships. I have found that dinosaur and pirate play are excellent mediums for this.

Check out these dinosaurs. They are big so that when your child makes them stomp, it really feels like a dinosaur. I also like the additional volcano.

When it comes to pirates, Fisher Price has them covered with this fantastic set.

I also like this pirate set from Matchbox. You can use it in the bathtub and it comes with a hammerhead shark that actually swallows the pirates! You just pull them out of the shark's stomach to get them out. ARRRR!!

Also fun is this treasure chest complete with pirate booty.



I'll post some more ideas next week, but hopefully this will get you started on shopping and keep you out of the stores! I own or have personally played with each of these items, so if you have any questions or comments, let me know!