Muddy Cloud Fun Family

I came across Muddy Cloud finger puppets last week. They are so adorable! And you can get the same characters in hats, mittens, dolls and pillows. Lovely!

By Muddy Cloud

Car Keys Fascination

There is something about keys that absolutely fascinates babies and toddlers. Kids can spend hours entertained at restaurants and airports just playing with our car keys. However, we hate the fact that keys are never sanitized, and can set the car alarm!

We've found a great solution, the FunKeys. They look quite real (toddlers don't fall for very "toysy" looks anymore!), and come with 4 fun car sounds, push-button flashlight and a handy belt clip. Also, they are made of stainless steel, a safe material for chewing. The only negative is the requirement for 2 AAA batteries (included), if you want the sound and flashlight working. Still a much better option than chewing on dirty car keys!

Made by Battat, Inc

A Toddler's Band in a Box

Music should be part of kids' development, and they love playing instruments.
We found this kit with a bit of everything ... a real band in a box! It includes glockenspiel, shaker maraca, rattle roller, hand bells and wave drum. It comes in a reusable storage box with handle. The plastic is phthalate free. Appropriate for kids 12 months and older.
Made by Hohner

Kid Powered Truck

This is a very cool kid-powered adventure vehicle. Made from eco-friendly sprigwood, a recycled bio-composite material, it comes with battery free lights and sound!

Kids can pick from three play modes: search with lights only, no sound; rally - engine rumble sound and lights; or adventure - lights and themed adventure sounds.

Manufactured by Sprig Toys, can be found at Amazon.com

Eco House for an Eco Future

A superb Christmas gift, the Eco House is made from environmentally friendly rubber wood and non-toxic paints, dyes, lacquers and formaldehyde free glue. Even the package is made from at least 70% recycled paper.
It also features windmill and solar panels on roof and recycling bin. It encourages creativity, imagination and respect for Mother Earth.

Made by Wonderworld, sold through Amazon.com

Wheely Fun

What a cutie! Awarded multiple times in Australia as best toy for kids, the Wheely Bug is a fun ride. And it helps the little ones develop their motor skills.
Made of plywood, aluminum and polyurethane leather, it comes in 2 sizes and different shapes: bee, cow, mouse and tiger.

Wooden Blocks, a Classic for Christmas

Get 100 brightly colored blocks in a variety of versatile shapes with this set from Melissa & Doug. Wooden blocks provide an opportunity for a child to build towers, castles, or dollhouses, practicing their fine motor skills. And it is very affordable, under $20 at Amazon.com

Recycling Truck Toy

Check out this cool recycling truck for kids!

Made in the US from 100% recycled milk jugs, your little one will learn recycling basics with this eco truck. It has a movable recycling bed and open/shut rear door. From Green Toys.

Lead Hazard

Exposure to lead is very dangerous to kids and adults, resulting in permanent brain damage, heart problems, behavioral and developmental problems.

Unfortunately millions of children are still experiencing lead poisoning from lead paint in older homes and low quality toys, and contaminated soil and drinking water. Kids tend to put objects and toys in their mouths, and not wash their hands as frequently.

Children should be tested for lead levels by pediatricians at ages 1 and 2. Protect your family by checking potential sources of lead at home and day care. Also, ensure they are receiving good nutrition with recommended levels of iron, vitamin C and calcium to help reduce lead absorption.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Flow 'N' Fill Spout: Gold Award from Parents' Choice

Congrats to International Playthings for the Gold Award from the Parents' Choice. The Flow'N'Fill Spout is the big winner!
Its spout attaches to the tub and creates different activities with water, turning a bath into a science experiment!