Although the earliest known paper dolls originated in Europe in the 1700s (and were created to entertain adults, no less), it wasn’t until the 1930s that “The Golden Age of Paper Dolls” gained steam. Yet with the introduction of Barbie‘s 3D (or should I write 3DD?) dolls in 1959, the pastime slowly faded from the
“Everything starts as somebody’s daydream,” Larry Niven once wrote. And in the case of Ayelet from Israel, a mother and famed handmade shop owner, Larry wasn’t lying. “The work on my finger puppets consists of two of my favorite activities – knitting and needle felting – that allow me to do a lot of day dreaming,
Wooden toys are some of my favorite gifts to give – they’re long-lasting, classic and add such a natural element to any playroom. Here are a few favorites to consider for the littles in your life!: 1. Croc pile ($35) at Areaware 2. Birthday cake set ($60) at Acorn Toy Shop 3. Wooden marble run
When designer/crafter Lauren Bradshaw found a used stuffing machine online and had it shipped to her home, she had an instant reality check. “The thing was huge. And it weights I think 400 pounds. It sits on our screened back porch, and when we had my son’s 2nd birthday party, people thought it was a
With the season of giving (and receiving!) fast approaching, I’ve got toy overload heavy on the brain. Even though Bee is only four months, we’re already surrounded with plastic contraptions, giant toys and well-intended gifts from friends and family. And although it seems unappreciative to even utter, I’m feeling a bit overloaded with goodies. I
Chalkboard building blocks? Genius. Let your child create hundreds of different buildings with ease – from Arabian palaces to Midwestern barns. The Tsumiki Chalk Building Blocks kit arrives with 7 wooden blocks, 6 dustless colored chalk sticks, a mini eraser and a chalk sharpener – ready to be enjoyed for hours to come. Purchase for
Grown-ups have to balance the many people (and sometimes even animals, yes!) in their lives – why not teach kids to get an early start with this well-designed balance game for the littles? Way radder than your average Jenga. Purchase for $26 at Pomme.
Yay – another gift guide day! This one’s for the boys of all ages – from baby to double digits – and the young at heart. Happy gifting!: 1. Little Paul & Joe bear sweatshirt ($83) at My Little Square 2. Crocodile on Wheels pull toy (£45) at Idyll Home 3. Moulin Roty trike ($206)