more fun and games
Filed Under Places, Stuff | December 15, 2008
Here’s the last of our holiday shopping lists, part two of our great toy and game suggestions, and this time we’ve also included where to find info if it’s not readily available online. With the economy in turmoil our goal this year has been to think mindfully about presents, not choosing the cheapest ones around, but choosing presents that have longevity, gifts that are “safer” and local ideas.
Djeco: So far we’ve discovered you really can’t go wrong with anything from this lovely French line, but we’re particularly fond of their puzzles, games and art kits (pictured) for kids of three and up. Unfortunately their web site is under construction, so you’ll have to trust us when we say if you’re thinking art supplies for your kids you’ll want to check them out at Dandelion Kids or Vancouver Kidsbooks. Chapters has some of their puzzles and games online as well.
Wood Toy Shop: Even if these toys weren’t great, we would have had to include them just to tell you the backstory. Wood Toy Shop toys are made from scrap from lumber mills and cabinet shops, finished with mineral oil, which is non-toxic, and made using 100% renewable energy – either wood, solar or biomass. And the toys are great too, with everything from pull toys and vehicles for tots, to more complex Kinetic Toys for bigger kids. Available locally at Jack & Lola.
Green Toys: Made of recycled milk jugs and BPA and phthalate-free, award-winning Green Toys has four sets of toys for kids of three on up – a tea set, gardening kit, sand play kit and cookware and dining kit. Not only did the story on the recycled packaging get our preschooler interested in recycling, but they provide hours of ongoing fun and since they meet FDA guidelines for food contact, you could practically set the snack table with the cookware and dining kit.
Viking Toys: Like Wow Toys, award-winning Viking Toys are plastic toys we can get behind. They are BPA and phthalate-free and their soft rubber wheels make them ideal for playing anywhere – on the sand, in the water, on hardwood or cement. Oh, and they can be washed in the dishwasher. They range in size from their small Chubbies, at small prices, to larger items at larger prices. And in fitting with our green Christmas ideas we think their recycling truck is pretty great. You can find them locally at the Granville Island Toy Company, EIO! and Kaboodles.
Wish: Wishing Traditions Around The World by Roseanne Thong, illustrated by Elisa Klevin: We wanted to throw this book into the mix as through its vibrant illustrations and wishing customs from around the world – everything from religious traditions such as inserting papers with wishes in Israel’s Wailing Wall to puffing dandelions in Ireland – it helps broaden your child’s perspective while spreading a message of hope for better lives, which is really what this season is all about.
Looking for Wow Toys? In the comments at the bottom of last Friday’s article you’ll find info on where to find them.
We hope we’ve been able to help you with your holiday shopping! Here are all our gift ideas for 2008:
• Personalized Presents
• Gifts of Experiences
• Stocking Stuffers Part I
• Stocking Stuffers Part II
• Toys & Games Part I
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Let us know what you think or share your great finds with us so we can share them with other Vancouver mothers!
In addition to Viking Toys and the Green Toys Tea and Cookware Set, The Granville Island Toy Company also carries some of the great puzzles and games that come in beautiful keepsake boxes from Djeco.
[...] Green Toys tea set, gardening kit, sand play kit and cookware and dining kit & chef set and dish set [...]
[...] 2008 yoyomama holiday gift guides Share and Enjoy: [...]