Wait, is it a chair, a toy or a sculpture instillation? Who cares! It’s the Julian Child’s Chair from Magis. ($112) The Spanish Designer Javier Mariscal came up with a winner here: this chair is full of whimsy and fun. And it’s just vague enough on all levels (chair? Toy? Animal? Other?) that it becomes whatever your child wants it to be. Four brilliant color options help add to the intrigue.
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Leave it to P’kolino to turn a table into an erector set. The Play Table ($1,399) is a multi-piece mélange of playtime possibility. Machine pressed bent maple and vinyl mean strength, while interchangeable foam pieces mean fun. Works as a table, a chaise lounge, a rocking chair, a giant puzzle, a ramp for car races, you name it. Mix and match ‘till you drop.
Get dirty and stay clean in the process with Art Aprons. ($36) These 100% cotton aprons are designed to encourage endless creativity. C’mon, how many other aprons actually come with a set of 8 crayons, in their slots on the front? Not too many, by our count. Your little Monets will love creating their own masterpiece works. You’ll love that their good clothes stay clean while they’re working.
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Sleepy time is learning time with the Photo Mobile by Kikkerland. ($12) This stainless steel five-card mobile uses Wee Gallery flash cards (not included) to teach about animals. The cards are sharp and sleek, so you’ll get aesthetic hipness points. But really, it’s about baby learning while they drift off to sleep. Shhhh…..
Wow. No signs of recession here! The Aristabrat King of Kings Crystal Rattle ($129.95) is bling-to-the-extreme for a gilded age that won’t quit. Over 800 Swarovski crystals shimmer like the northern lights, and the rattle comes wrapped in ribbons on a black velvet pillow. And it won Best of Show in the 2008 Magic Fashion Show. Ridiculously luxe and award winning: does it get any better in a rattle?
Okay, it’s a cardboard chair. But if you tried to build one, baby would be on the ground bawling. Try Take a Load Off Cardboard Chairs ($69 for two) instead. They’re made of corrugated, double-wall recycled cardboard, so they can hold up to 200 lbs. They have handles for easy transport, and they’re a blank canvas for crayon or marker work. You can try to build a cardboard chair. But we don’t recommend it.
It’s a toy! It’s a statue! It’s décor! It’s a retro post-modern nouveau classic! It’s the Eames Elephant from Vitra! ($290) The original wooden version, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1945, never made it into production. This polypropylene version finally brings the delightful Eames elephant to your children (and of course you’ll love it too). Choose from five colors, and have fun indoors or out.
The Baby Einstein Connect and Play Zone ($39.99) is a great way to introduce your kids to language, colors and shapes. Set comes with five toys like ball drop, mirror and bead chaser, all designed for little hands to discover and learn. All pieces can be used separately or clicked together, and you can choose from English, French or Spanish. Hey, you might learn something yourself!
Be afraid! Be very afraid! Okay, be whimsical by giving your kids Monsters Wall Decals. ($22.25 for a small monsters 4-Pack or $31.25 for a large monsters 2-Pack) These monsters are more goofy looking than scary, and they stick and re-stick for hours of creative home décor fun.
Yes, the economy sucks, but you’re not headed for a cardboard box by the river. Your kids will have to live the “dream” for you, with the Home Sweet Cardboard Playhome. ($89) Part treehouse, part refrigerator box, part Lowe’s-for-kids, this play-home is all fun. It’s got a working door and mail slot, and six windows, and your kids can draw their preferred decorative touches all over. They’ll love riding out the market in this palace.
