Nothing says psychedelic play-time fun like Boing Light Ball. ($9.95) Remember those old BUM Equipment shirts that changed colors with body heat? And Red Hot Chili Peppers videos back before they started to suck? Combine those elements with a touch of the planetarium and you’ve got Boing Light Ball. You and your kids will love flipping off the lights and watching these balls glow and change colors. Think of it as a PG rave at home.
There’s nothing they can’t build with Dado Squares. ($24.89) This set features 35 colorful 3” squares with four slits for interlocking fun. Literally, there’s no limit on what kind of 3D wonders that can be built with this set. And the whole time they’re playing, they’re also developing visual spatial development. Who knew?
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What a gorgeous way to engage your kids! The Parrot in Tree Puzzle from ImagiPLAY ($30) is beautiful and beautifully crafted from chemical-free plantation grown rubber wood with child-safe paints. Five pieces mean even you could put it together. Or at least have a blast helping your kids put it together.
Your little one can teach that Icarus a lesson about safe flying with the Bird Mask & Cape Set from zid zid kids. ($68) This set, designed by Julie Klear, is built for some serious play-time: the mask is sturdy recycled cardboard, and the cape is washable fabric with appliqué and embroidery. The cape is also reversible, for quick-change ease. Take off for play-time with this fabulous dress-up set.
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You probably shouldn’t let junior carry the forest into his bedroom: might mess up your rugs a little. Try the Branching Out Wall Stickers from blik ($55) instead. With 4 24-30” branches, 4 6” branch nodes, 7 7” birds and 100 leaves, there’s plenty of options for rustic decoration. And of course, they un-stick and re-stick over and over again. Nature just got domesticated.
The Craft Table from P’kolino ($129) is like an indoor picnic table in a classroom. It’s solid fiberwood with a bold veneer finish, and the design matches the rest of the P’kolino line. Nifty cutout handles allow for easy transport. And really, it’s just a fun seat to play, create and snack. Sit down and play a while.
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It’s like a bungee cord for bottles. The Toy Wrangler & Mini ($14.99) keeps control in baby’s hands. Use one or all three of these colorful cords to keep bottles and toys securely attached to stroller or high chair. It doesn’t mean you can stop paying attention, but it does mean you probably won’t get hit with a flying bottle. It’s the little things in life.
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Try sitting on grandma’s roll-top desk and you may have some issues. Your kids, however, will love sitting on their Roll-top Bench from Offi. ($399) Bench + toy chest = brilliant! And at 27” W x 22” H x 24” D of solid birch construction, there’s plenty of room for toys, toys and more toys. Sit, plunder and play, not necessarily in that order.
Bring your kids up to your level with the Learning Tower from Little Partners. ($179.95) Kids need to feel involved and engaged, and the Learning Tower lifts them up to where the action is, in fully-enclosed safety. Get them off that stack of phone books and on to the Learning Tower! Once they’re at your level, they may take you down to theirs.
Put a little spring in your step with Bounce a Bye Baby. ($52.95) It’s an essential health tool before and after giving birth. During pregnancy, using the ball will stimulate postural reflexes. During labor, it aligns the pelvis and eases pressure. After birth, it’s a great exercise ball, and a soothing tool for colicky, fussy babies. And it’s got a stability base, so you won’t suddenly roll away with baby. It’s a ball for all seasons.
