Real monkeys are impractical and nasty. The 5 Little Monkeys Chain Link Mobile from Modern Mobiles ($65) is a much better bet. This gorgeous mobile features five laser cut 1/8 wood monkeys that are ready to hang out and shoot the breeze. Your little one will be mesmerized for hours with these playful primates in their room. Beautiful, tough, and best of all, no diapers required.
LINKS
5 Little Monkeys Chain Link Mobile
Alex Toys Super Art Table
We colored on the table as kids. And we got sent to our rooms! Your kids, however, can go nuts with the Super Art Table from Alex Toys. ($250) This is the Swiss Army Knife of toy sets! It’s a hardwood table with chalkboard surface, with built-in cup holders, a paper roll holder, paper cutter, lead-free finish and a canvas storage bag. And did we mention the chalkboard surface? Your table and walls are safe. For now…
EarthWorm
Okay, we don’t want to encourage TOO much grabbing. But they have to start somewhere, right? Here’s where the EarthWorm Red from ImagiPlay ($12.99) comes in. This sustainably-grown wooden critter is perfect for developing baby’s skills at grabbing. They can twist the beads to change the color of the worm endlessly, thus teaching them how to grab. Teaching them that grabbing is not always appropriate? Well, that’s your job.
Tumblin’ Tree EcoBalancing Game
We all fall down! Well, hopefully not. The Tumblin’ Tree EcoBalancing Game from ImagiPlay ($19.99) is a totally naturally way to have a great time. Up to six players take turns building this 100% sustainable balsawood tree, but they’d better not make the tree fall! Whoever causes tree collapse has to pick up the pieces. You can adjust the tree to increase difficulty, so the fun will never stop. It’s natural kicks for the whole family with the Tumblin’ Tree.
Cole’s Tree House
Yeah, seriously. You don’t even need a tree anymore. The Cole’s Tee House from PoshTots ($6,250) is tree and tree house in one. This 6’ junior manse is supported by a real log recycled from local ranches. The 4’ x 5’ house features Douglas fir framing and cedar siding, dormers, windows with flower boxes, swing and even a porch. Ostentatious? Just a bit, but hey, there aren’t many self-contained tree house units out there…
P’Kolino Multi-Solution Shape Puzzle
They don’t make ‘em like they used to, right? Wrong! They make ‘em better. The P’Kolino Multi-Solution Shape Puzzle ($19.99) is old-school like your grandparents wooden puzzle. But this modern marvel allows for endless combinations of shapes and solutions, developing hand-eye coordination, muscle dexterity and proportion and size skills. And it looks great! MDF with plywood base and non-toxic water based finish are good for the earth, too. So they do make ‘em like they used to. But better.
Big Eyed Monster Lunchbox
Don’t even THINK about sending them off with a paper bag. Not with Big Eyed Monster Personalized Lunchbox. ($38) Their name will be featured on the lunchbox, right next to Big Eyed Monster (who’s really a happy friendly monster), and in reverse on the back. The box is lead-free metal, and of course food-safe and easily washable. Lots of lunchtime fun, all in their name.
Eggling Crack and Grow Plant
Ch-ch-ch-Chi…oops! The Eggling Crack and Grow Plant ($8.50) is a lot like that …other plant. But this one doesn’t suck! Crack the top of the egg and there’s a garden ready to grow inside. Your little one will love growing their own plant. Use the included seed pack: plants grow for up to five months in the included peat mixture, and then they can plant the whole egg in the ground. This is WAY better than that lame “Pet” plant.
Tinkle Targets
Ready, Aim, Fire! Tinkle Targets ($4.95) help your little man get whizzing down to a science. These fun toilet targets are completely biodegradable and flushable. Drop one in and let them take aim. Each 15-Pack contains three different graphics for nearly unlimited target practice. Unfortunately, they won’t teach your son how to close the lid. But that’s where you come in, right Dad?
The Teethifier
You probably don’t remember, but your baby knows for sure: teething sucks. Make it a little better with The Teethifier. ($9.75) This one-piece 100% FDA Approved Santoprene unit takes the familiar form of a pacifier and adds two massager balls to sooth sore gums when new rear molars start appearing. It sooths the pain of teething without having to use any topical medicines. Safe, natural, and soothing for babies. Okay, it doesn’t make teething fun, exactly. But it helps…
