Recently in Toys Category

Every once in a while you find a toy that is as simple as it is mesmerizing and engaging. But never had I seen a toy that is all that and a life saver when traveling. I picked up a couple of these on a whim at the checkout line of a toy store on the 2nd day of my 20 day trip. This toy single handily was responsible for keeping both my tots quiet and happy through long car rides, ferry trips and connecting flights on both round trip flights. The best feature of this toy is that it's one piece so things don't drop/go missing and it does not require batteries (which means they can play through takeoff and landing). It is truly amazing to see them hard at work at new configurations and the creativity of play. In the bottom photos, one is of a dog (or dragon or the Lockness monster) and the other is incorporated into play of Cinderella's infamous staircase. My tots also made tables and chairs for their small animals and dolls but the possibilities are really endless. The design is really ingenious, the pieces can go in many different directions - but it is also its limitations that make it a puzzle to flex their brain muscles. I highly highly recommend spending the 4 bucks here - best money ever sent. These are also amazing goodie bag stuffers (or stocking stuffers if you are already thinking about Christmas). At Amazon for $3.99.

This is beyond adorable!  Though I'd be worried my tot would be tempted to take a nibble at the yummy scented bubbles (I think too much, I know).  Anyhoo, what a great way to keep your kids entertained during the warm summer months!  The jelly bean shaped bubble container is attached to a necklace made of, what else, jelly bean shaped beads.  There is a wand attached to the inside of the cap so they can blow anywhere they go!  Three flavors including Top Banana (just for fun I'd like to give this to Kelly's daughters, Kelly has an intense fear of anything Banana flavored, lol!), Very Cherry and Grape Jelly.

Jelly Belly Scented Bubble Necklace $9.99

I don't have daughters so I should not judge but I've always wondered why parents would allow little girls to paint their nails with toxic polishes and worse-- use toxic polish removers!  I was not allowed to use make up or paint my nails until I was 13 (that's not to say I didn't sneak lip gloss to school!) but looking back, I'm glad I was so closely monitored.  Our nails need to breathe and being suffocated by polish is not healthy for anyone, let alone a 5 year old!  Sorry, is this too preachy?  Maybe I'm just jealous cuz I don't have a daughter to play dress up with!  At least now you can use Piggy Paint Nail Polish Remover; a low odor, biodegradable and hypoallergenic polish remover containing aloe vera and vitamin E.  Next time you paint your tot's digits, remember to remove with Piggy Paint Nail Polish Remover !

My tot has already broken one camera. But they LOVE taking pictures so I continue to allow them to use the new one. Well, with the summer vacation happening next week, I am going to make sure they can still express themselves as well as give us the opportunity to see the world from their eyes with a camera made just for them. The case is made for impact (but I wouldn't push it, I think it's just good enough for dropping, not throwing!) and allows for up to 200 photos. There is a slot to add your own SD card for more memory which also ensure pictures are saved in the event anything happens to the camera. Comes with cables to hook right up to your TV which is always fun for everyone. There are 3 preschool games built right in so when they have nothing to take pictures of they can still keep busy (although they are just as happy taking pictures of feet and walls). At Amazon for $64. Great price for what it does, it takes pretty good pictures although I'm not sure why it's called "Kidizoom" when it doesn't actually have a zoom feature.

You know how messy arts and crafts can be so you can only imagine where all that paint and glue is ending up, most likely everywhere and in every crevice of your tot. I would feel better if the art supplies my tots are using were non-toxic and environmentally friendly. There are a lot of choices out there but I like the Clementine line because they are not only non-toxic but are made from all natural ingredients, not chemicals. So let your tots dig in and get as messy as their creativity takes them. The Clementine Art Paint is $13.99 and Clementine Art Glue is $5.99.

This plushy play mat can go from activity to nap time with removable arches. I love the design of the bear, it is just cute and sweet and not overly stimulating with colors, shapes and patterns. The legs crinkle and the unit squeaks and plays music. A sure favorite for your tot and of course, this would make the best gift for the discerning mom who is avoiding crayola colors. The entire thing is machine washable!! At Arte Bebe for $99.

Everyone talks about "free play", which I agree is a good thing - why restrain a new brain with our own views and prejudices? Thinking outside the box is not something you can teach but you can certainly nurture that tendency with an environment that is not so restrictive and defined. And what can be more restrictive and defined than a track! It's the definition of inside the lines. This Doodle Track Car may not change world views but it does metaphorically represent Robert Frost's philosophy exactly - "I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference". You get a special pen and the car will go where you destine it to. The road to life's most valuable adventure is available at Amazon for $17.45.

This electric ride on is remote controlled by you! Your Tot has reign of the controls until you step in and maneuver it out of danger or when he's gone too far. I understand the love for fun electric cars but I am not confident enough to let them go at it alone. This allows you to take this to parks and yes, if you have the stomach for it, city sidewalks. At Amazon for $399.99.

The Imagination Playground is something you would expect to find at an amusement park or at a well funded children's museum. The kit comes with blocks and pieces that can be arranged and built in endless ways, all of which is stored in a container on wheels. This is incredibly interactive and promotes creativity and free play. Yes, it would be super cool to have on of these sets at home but it is $25,000 and is meant for schools, day cares, community parks, etc. But KaBOOM!, the makers of the Imagination Playground, has partnered with Parents magazine and Foresters, a life insurance company, to give away three Imagination Playground in a Box systems. You can enter to win here!

Or if you are in New York later this month, the first Imagination Playground Park is opening at Burling Slip in the South Street Seaport. This park is intended to create a gathering spot for families with features incorporating the East River like, buckets, sandbags and wooden dams for water play. Seating and storytelling can happen in the tiered steps of the amphitheater.