Recently in Toys Category

Custom Victorian House by Alan Mowrer for $23,400

Just to answer your first question, YES, this is a playhouse, as in, for a child. The second answer to your questions is, no I would not spend this much money on a "toy" for my kids, I want this for MYSELF!! Look at this most exquisite, beautiful and quaint little retreat for good quality alone time. It is two stories, has a kitchen, full living room and has the option of cable, running water, electricity, central air and wireless communication system. Hello!! Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes!!! Although my fantasy is to sit peacefully to read, catch up on Weeds or online shop in this house, the reality is that my 2 girls would be banging on the door wanting to evict me. Everything is customized by Alan Mowrer so you can really have anything you want. This house shown is $23,400 but is just an estimate. More details and ordering info at Posh Tots.

I always get excited when I see toys that I played with when I was younger still around, so I'm happy to report that you'll be able to pass on all the joys of Play-Doh to your little one! I just got word that come fall the Play-Doh Magic Swirl Ice Cream Shoppe ($12.99), will be released! Not that Play-Doh was this cool when I was growing-up, but it's such a simple, classic fun pastime for kids. It's meant for kiddies 3 year and up and it comes packed with a faux ice-cream maker for children to make pretend treats and desserts (just watch-out that they don't get tempted and eat them..eeck)! The playset features a soft-serve style ‘ice cream’ dispenser that extrudes Play-Doh to make swirled ‘ice cream.’ Of course no treat would be complete without toppings and kids can finish their treats (whether cup, cone, or sundae), at the ‘topping’ stations where Play-Doh sprinkles, hot fudge, and whipped cream provide some extra deliciousness. The set also comes with dessert-themed molds to create strawberries, cookie crumbles, or a cherry, along with over 40 others, two ice cream cones, two spoons, one ice cream scoop, one sundae dish, one parfait glass, and one cake...just don't try this on an empty stomach or risk a big sweet craving!

I'm in the midst of ironing-out all my vacation plans for August! I'm going to visit my family in Munich (I'm first generation American), and then heading to Morocco for my friend's wedding..couldn't be more excited:) But, as anyone with young cousins, cousins with kids, or siblings with kids knows, visiting the fam means having to load-up on presents (I have a complex about being everyone's favorite aunt!), so I've been checking-out all the latest and greatest toys for tots and thought I would share with you some of my favs. First up -- Playskool Busy Ball Popper ($22.99). This toy from Playskool is aimed at tots 9 months and up and I love it because it's fun, simple, and playfully colorful! Drop one of the colorful balls onto the track and the balls pop out of the top, roll down the track, and then pop out all over again for your little ones enjoyment pleasure! Every so often the balls fall out, so your tot can pick them up and drop them back in to keep the game, that encourages hands on exploration and discovery, going. The Popper also comes packed with sound effects and songs:) Jump for another fun toy from Playskool!

How cool is this wall mounted tracker panel? All kids love these movable tracks and this one is like a train set except it is on the wall AND you will never lose the trains! I look for any toys that will not lose parts (you know that box of scattered toy pieces? hate that!!) but this one is even better because it does not need to be put away. It also is a colorful and fun decor to liven up bedroom or playroom. Measures 40"x33.5". At Oliebollen.com for $240.

I have already gone on 3 big trips this summer with my kids and I am telling you, this is all you need. Well, not ALL you need, but if you've got this with you on the plane and in the car, you will make it. If you do not already have a Mess-Free Magic Board ($5.99 but comes in many variety packs ranging in price), get to the store immediately!! These "magic" paper boards will turn into a colorfully painted page with just plain water. There is a fun brush with water dispenser so your tot will feel like Van Gogh as he creates a perfectly painted scene every time. The best part is, once it dries, he can start all over. Perfect for summer travel because the only mess is water, so it also cools them off when they spill.

My favorite sunscreen (and I have them all) is the Mustela High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50 ($15). I have not had any problems with sunburns and this does not have harsh ingredients found in drugstore sunscreen for kids. It stays on all day, I know because I am not good about re-applying every 2 hours. We have gone to the beach in Hawaii for a full 4 hours without lobster skin of any kind.

This by far is the best invention in children's products! The
TravelJohn Jr.-Disposable Potty ( 6 pack) ($9.99) will save you from accidents and from having to use nasty gas station bathrooms (it is also perfect for amusement parks, if you have waited in line for 2 hours you will know that Murphy's law dictates that once you get to the front of the line, your tot will need to use the bathroom "RIGHT NOW"). This little doo-dad cups right up to your tot's privates to catch the pee-pee without a single drop coming out. There is a powder that becomes a gel so there is no sloshing mess if you cannot find a trashcan right away. I have a girl so, yes, it does work for the ladies as well. She actually loves it. To answer your fears of embarrassment (as I was before I used it), it is actually a very concealed operation so there is no need to worry about the crowds seeing this go down.

If you are flying, you must have the CARES airline approved seat belt ($74.95). It turns the regular plane seat into a 5-point harness in a quick minute. I just flew the new Virgin America and they told me that this was the ONLY seatbelt they approve of. Avoiding bringing your 30 lbs giant car seat on the plane? Totally priceless.

Happy Travels!

Of course the Bag Snob is going to love a dollhouse that is a handbag! What a brilliant idea because little girls love bags but they don't really have anything to carry other than toys! I know there are Polly Pockets, etc. but this is a beautifully made treasure that might last beyond her own childhood (my daughter loses pieces to everything so nothing lasts pass the first play at my house). There are actual working parts to this house. The fairy doll comes separately ($16.50) but it is a rag doll and not a typical plastic dollhouse doll which I really love. Get it at Chloe in Style for $106.

I have yet to come across a mother who doesn’t ooo and ahhhh over every drawing, collage or miscellaneous artistic creation her precious tot puts together. Everything a child makes is unique and great in its own way, so this mother’s day, why not treat yourself to something that’s sure to be fun for your child and a lifelong keepsake for you!

The Make-My-Own-Monster Custom Design Kit ($249), lets your child exercise his or her creative talent by drawing a "monster" and filling out a description card, both are then sent to the North American Bear Co., where every scribble and swivel is dutifully reproduced to translate your child’s unique design into a plush stuffed animal. Besides a plush monster, you’ll also get a descriptive hang-tag that identifies your child as the creator and tells the story of the creation as your child described it. As an added bonus, a portion of the sales will be donated to Global Action for Children!

My daughter got these for her birthday recently, and I didn't think much of it -- just another toy right? I had no idea it would boggle her mind and keep her interested for 20-30 minutes at a time (that's like a lifetime for a 3 year old, ya know!!!). She started off just putting them in order of size back into a cube, but then figured out how to put the pieces together like Legos (which she loves!). As 3-dimensional as Legos are, it does not compare to how complex and mind bending these cubes are. They learn how to balance and understand basic physics. Visual Spatial Learning has been a buzz term in child development and is thought to be a sign of intelligence. Being that we all have the world's smartest kid, you wouldn't want to deprive him or her of the chance to show it off, would you? =) Maybe if I had these as a kid I'd be an astronaut instead of a blogger! At Amazon for $24.95.

I don't want to sound like a scrooge but special occasions are making me angry and irritated with all the "goodies" they bring. It took months to get over Halloween, my daughter thought candy was a regular part of a balanced diet for a while. I finally got her back to a healthy diet and then the end of the year holidays came around. Pies, cookies, cakes, when will it stop??!!! And everyone who comes over wants to bring a "treat". Well, how about giving me a treat by not bringing more junk food, please! I know I sound like a bitch but you know what I mean. That is why when I saw these beautiful and delicious looking play food treats I knew I had found my solution! My daughter loves playing with her kitchen set and play food so I know she will find this treat to be better than actual cookies. It is delightful, fun and more special than any real junk food because it lasts longer and won't make her sick afterwards. She can't understand that exactly but in the end, I know everyone will be happier. There are a variety of play foods for every occasion so add this to your holiday tradition, I certainly will. At Mahar Dry Goods for $24.

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Have you ever seen a children's play set as soothing as this? I love this set and this is what I want my home to look like, a real home. I know kids love bright colors but that's what all their other toys are for. When I get something big like this, it become a permanent fixture in my home and I want it to be in harmony with the rest of the decor. And I am going to teach my kids how to cook, and not because they are girls, but because everyone should know how to cook. It might start with something as simple as a kitchen set that looks like a real kitchen so that they can translate it directly to everyday life. This set is available at The Little Seed for $348. Like this kitchen set, everything else on this wonderful site favors nature and the environment. Everything is eco-friendly and organic, like all their clothes, bedding, toys and of course furniture. I love them!!