Guest Picks: Great Toys Beyond the Big-Box Stores
http://www.decor-ideas.org 12/14/2013 17:10 Decor Ideas
I’m a toy designer, and when it comes to finding great toys for my daughter, it turns out that I’m really picky. Though there are some great things at Target these days, I tend to seek out handmade or European toys that usually appear in specialty stores. So I’ve gathered some of this year’s favorites just for you. If you’d like to see more, check out my other gift guides for all of my favorites! — Mari from Small for Big
Eco Wooden Robot - $31 I just love the paradox of a futuristic robot made out of all-natural wood. But more than that, this is a fun toy and fully poseable for hours of adventures.
ColorKu - $36.95 Though traditional Sudoku is also great for kids, this version using colors seems more my speed — I’m such a visual learner that this one makes more sense.
Plush Penguin - $49 This oh-so-huggable penguin has all the characteristics of a good plush toy: soft fabrics, a big squeezable tummy and an adorable face.
Parcheesi Royal Edition - $14.99 I remember playing this game as a kid. Bring this classic edition to your family game night.
Rio Roller Passion Retro Roller Skate - $89.50 Get retro with your kids by strapping on roller skates and learning how to roll.
Stack N Scare Blocks - $48.95 Give young’uns the best-designed blocks in town. Sure, kids can make awesome towers, but they can also create hilarious creatures right out of their imaginations.
Lundby Smaland Dollhouse - $99.95 This Swedish dollhouse has charm to spare. The working lights put it over the top for me — I kind of want one for myself.
Boxcart Ride On - $159 Oh, the timeless joy of a beautiful go-cart like this one. Isn’t it stunning? What kid wouldn’t want to go racing with this?
Alphabet Zoo Match & Play Puzzle - $25 This sweet puzzle features letters and animals, plus inner and outer shapes, and teaches matching skills too — all that packed into one toy.
Ms. Tulip Stitch Kit - $24.95 This sweet sewing kit is sure to please both the kid and the parent. I just love all the details of this little doll.
Natural Organic Wooden Teething Ring, Dottie by Cwtch Bugs - $14.25 Handmade and all natural, this grasping and teething toy will soothe the pickiest parent and delight any sweet baby at the same time.
Butchers Apron Set - $45 Here’s a gift for the little chef. Kids just love to help in the kitchen, but the question is, are you ready for it?
GoldieBlox and the Spinning Machine - $29.99 Engineering meets storytelling in this sweet new toy geared toward helping girls love science and tech. I’m in love too!
Thames & Hudson Build Your Own Pinhole Camera Book - $14 Give those Lego-loving kids another way to build. And then they can shoot unique photos when they’re done. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
Egmont Red Heart Lined Wicker and Wood Pram - $92.50 Let the other kids have the Pepto-pink strollers from the big-box stores. Your sweet girl deserves this heirloom buggy.
Nesting Dolls, Black and White Animals - $38 These nesting dolls are supersweet to look at, but even more fun to play with. I love the black and white graphics.
Jellycat Fairy Tale Folk Snow White - $24 This version of Snow White has so much kid-like charm that I can hardly stand it. She still says “girlie princess,” but I think she’s more relatable to today’s little ones.
Habermaas Click Clack Rattle Clutching Toy, Blue - $7.59 This little rattle is so compact, and the bright colors are so engaging. I just love the minimalist design.
Tree Frog Mosaic Kit - $24.95 This is one of the prettiest craft kits for kids that I’ve ever seen. And when the children are done, they’ll have a mosaic masterpiece that you’ll be happy to display.
Janod Magic Tree Round Stacking Pyramid - $14.99 Forget stacking blocks and boxes; this circular tree has much better illustrations. Bonus: Kids love nesting the pieces back together to put it away too.
Next: Stop the Toy Takeover by Changing the Way You Think
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