Crayon Rocks
I just love these rock shaped crayons. They’re made of soy instead of wax (petroleum-based) and come in beautiful vivid colors. The shape of the rocks make it easier for young children to draw with, and it encourages the use of the tripod grip which helps develop fine motor skills. Just make sure your little one does’nt try to eat one. They do look like big jelly beans. A box of 16 crayons cost $7.49, and 64 crayons are $24.99. As of this post date, the Crayon Rocks website is giving an additional 20% off. Crayon Rocks Rock! CRAYON ROCKS

Posted: March 27, 2009 | by Julie
Filed under: 3-5 yrs (Pre-school), 5-12 yrs (Big Kid), Toys/Games/Books | No comments yet
Garvalin Sandals for 2009
Here’s another one of my favorites. Just in time for spring and summer, comes the new collection of Garvalin Sandals for 2009. Beautifully made of quality materials, these Spanish made shoes are both comfortable and super cute! The footbed is cushioned for comfort and the outsole is made of durable rubber, so they should last till your kid outgrows them. Available at ZAPPOS.






Posted: March 12, 2009 | by Julie
Filed under: 0-1 yrs (Baby), 1-3 yrs (Toddler), 3-5 yrs (Pre-school), 5-12 yrs (Big Kid), Fashion, For Parents, Furniture/Home Accessories, Kids Gear, Shoes, Toys/Games/Books | No comments yet
Gallop! A Scanimation Picture Book
What a delightful book! From a galloping horse to a fluttering butterfly, this book is very clever in its technique. Through the use of Scanimation the pages come alive in motion as the pages are turned. Kids can’t resist turning the pages over and over again. This book is sure to mesmerize children age 18 months – 5 years old. GALLOP
Tags: books, children, scanimationPosted: February 28, 2009 | by Julie
Filed under: 1-3 yrs (Toddler), 3-5 yrs (Pre-school), Toys/Games/Books | No comments yet
Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium
Have you ever looked up at the sky at night and wonder whether you’re looking at the big dipper or the little dipper? Well, this revolutionary device will tell you using GPS. And if you want to locate a star or planet, simply select the name from the menu and follow the arrows through the viewfinder. Once you find the what you are looking for, the SkyScout will give you facts and trivia about the object you are looking at. The SkyScout has a built-in database that can locate over 6,000 stars, planets and constellations. This is a wonderful learning tool for your child, if they can prie it out of your hands. SKYSCOUT
Posted: February 19, 2009 | by Julie
Filed under: 5-12 yrs (Big Kid), Educational, Toys/Games/Books | No comments yet
Custom Paper Toys
Here is something you can do that is free. I came across this website created by Cartoonist and Illustrator Matt Hawkins. It’s called Custompapertoys.com. There you will find downloadable paper toys you can make with your kids. Just download the template, cut the pieces and glue together. These are really fun and creative. Some are even political, like the “Build-O-Bama”. Check out all the different characters and creatures you can make, and have fun! CUSTOM PAPER TOYS



Posted: February 3, 2009 | by Julie
Filed under: 3-5 yrs (Pre-school), 5-12 yrs (Big Kid), Toys/Games/Books | No comments yet
President Obama Air Force One Wood Toy
Check out this limited edition toy that your kids are sure to love. This toy is handmade in the US, made of Pennsylvania hardwood and is sure to outlast some of the cheap plastic crap thats out there. No mass-production here. This one is a keeper. Cost: $18, Available at CRAFTSBURY KIDS
Posted: January 28, 2009 | by Julie
Filed under: 1-3 yrs (Toddler), 3-5 yrs (Pre-school), Toys/Games/Books | No comments yet
Beautiful Pop-Up Books by Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart
For those of you looking for a beautiful keepsake book, look no further. Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart are masters at making pop-up works of art. I’ve chosen three but there are many more to enjoy. My all time favorite is the “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. This book is simply a masterpiece. If your child is very young, I would think twice about letting him or her read any of these books unsupervised. Adults will enjoy them too. Available at AMAZON






Posted: January 16, 2009 | by Julie
Filed under: 5-12 yrs (Big Kid), Educational, Toys/Games/Books | No comments yet
Pony Pals
Pony Pals makes the perfect bike for that pony loving kid who can’t have a real pony. The seats on these bicycles look like an English riding saddle. They were designed by Paul Selvey, a famous saddle maker that has made saddles for many top riders. The life-like pony head was created by a renowned sculptor by the name of Lado Goudjabidze. The seat height and handlebar is adjustable, and the mane is made of synthetic hair that can be groomed and washed. Pony Pals even sells riding apparel to match. Perfect for that pony ride in the park. PONY PALS


Posted: January 7, 2009 | by Julie
Filed under: 1-3 yrs (Toddler), 3-5 yrs (Pre-school), 5-12 yrs (Big Kid), Toys/Games/Books | No comments yet
Organic Play Dough Set
This handmade play dough is organic and comes in 6 scented tubs; lemon, cherry, orange, key lime, grape and strawberry. The kit includes a 2 patterned rollers, a hammer and a rolling cutter. Cost: $38, by CLEMENTINE STUDIO
Tags: art, gift, handmade, kids, organic, play dough, scentedPosted: December 16, 2008 | by Julie
Filed under: 3-5 yrs (Pre-school), 5-12 yrs (Big Kid), Educational, Toys/Games/Books | No comments yet
Project Runway Design Sketchbooks
The perfect gift for the little fashionista or aspiring designer. You can choose from Shoe Design, Handbag Design or Pet Fashion Sketchbooks for only $14.99. These portable sketchbooks come complete with a set of 7 colored pencils, spiral bound sketchpad and style guide. Recommended age is 7 years and up. PROJECT RUNWAY DESIGN SKETCHBOOKS
Tags: christmas gift, design, Fashion, handbag design, inexpensive gifts, kids, project runway, shoe design, sketchbooksPosted: November 29, 2008 | by Julie
Filed under: 5-12 yrs (Big Kid), Fashion, Toys/Games/Books, Tweens & Teens | No comments yet









