Our Wodibo Don't Like Plastic


Our #9 super cool toy pick is..."Wodibo". A simple, smart and conscious toy, that's how we LOVE it!

Here is what the makers have to say "Here at wodibow we have only one way to express what we think: using wood. That’s why we’ve created Wo!ncept, a place where our favorite ideas come to life as unique wood shapes. In wo!ncept we allow concepts to turn into reality —without limitation. With Wo!ncept your imagination will never cease to surprise you, because these games will nurture it with fun new ideas. They might take you back to the Ice Age or turn you into the conductor of the cycle of life. Who knows!".

Must watch video: http://en.wodibow.com

Photograph and content source: http://en.wodibow.com

This Toy is Insanely Cool!


Miclik hasn’t limits. Build a castle or a flower, now an animal, a shield or a garment… Love the ingenious design which allows you to snap together and fold pieces in any direction for unlimited building possibilities. With miclick, your kids can create their own world. How many stories will your kids imagine playing?

Check it out @http://www.mitoibcn.com

Content source: http://www.handmadecharlotte.com/5-insanely-cool-toys-youll-want-to-keep-for-yourself/

Joki Crow's Nest Hammock Swing will Make you Wannabe a Kid Again


 

Our #7 holiday gift pick is...The "Joki crow's nest". This hammock is a perfect addition to any bedroom or playroom, allowing children some peace and calm in their own personal space. Children can use the crow's nest as a seat and gently swing or decide to cocoon themselves with their legs inside. The large integrated soft cushion makes the crow''s nest very comfortable. SENSES/SKILLS: • Quiet Time • Great for kids who have anxiety or regulatory issues — Provides a safe, quiet space • Can also be used with a swivel for Vestibular (spinning) Input.

Read more online: http://www.lasiesta.com/JOD70-25/#close

KITREX...Its Dino LOVE all the way!


A KitRex is a dinosaur-shaped puzzle craft. It is a flat-packed kit of paperboard pieces that you assemble to make a dinosaur.

It began as a homework assignment for Lisa Glover while at Lehigh University's Technical Entrepreneurship master's program. She had to demonstrate a manufacturing technique in a unique and interesting way. She chose Industrial Origami, a method for folding sheet metal into useful objects, and decided to make something fanciful- a 15ft long Velociraptor costume- made out of cardboard. She wore this to a Halloween party at school, and it was a hit! She never thought it would be anything more than that...

Read more online: http://www.kit-rex.com/about/

The Talking Dino


Our #6 holiday gift pick is...this talking Dino, it can intelligently interact with kids. Created by a small start-up company via a Kickstarter campaign, the doll can answer a kid's questions and remember specific details about their conversation by storing data in a cloud. And while there is some fear that this info could be hacked, these toys could open up a new avenue to develop speech in kids with autism or speech impediments.

Read more about it online: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/522717158/cognitoys-internet-connected-smart-toys-that-learn

How do you feed a hungry giant?


Our #5 holiday gift pick is...How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant? By Caitlin Friedman, illustrated by Shaw Nielsen, tells the story of Oscar, a boy who finds a giant in his back yard, with cool pictures, pop-ups, tabs and flaps kids will love playing with. Plus, the book comes with 8 yummy recipes perfect for hungry kids, like Pasta Mountain, Broccolini Trees with Cheese and more.

Photograph and content source: http://www.amazon.com/Feed-Hungry-Giant-Munch-Sip/dp/0761157522/?tag=parentingcom

Pantone's Pick For 2016 Color Of The Year is...


Pantone has announced its 2016 color of the year! Or make that colors. That's right. For the first time ever, two colors are sharing the coveted title. There's Rose Quartz & and

Pantone's team of color experts explained the choice in a statement: "Weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, Serenity comforts with a calming effect, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times. Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure."

Photograph and content source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/pantone-color-of-the-year-2016_565f45b5e4b079b2818ce26a

Anamalz, are the cuddliest wood alive!


Anamalz is our #4 perfect holiday gift! Designed by Louise Causon-Scott and her partner Tim Scott in Australia, these little heartbreakers were first brought into the world in 2007. Today our anaMalz team is made up of a group of passionate, and incredibly creative people. More than 15 industry awards have been won including an Australian International design award. Our team is passionate about building the world of anaMalz. And most importantly, we are motivated by a greater cause to help make nature grow.

Through creating quirky yet timeless products of the highest standard, we want to give everyone a chance to give back to nature, and that’s why for every anaMalz that finds a home, a percentage is being donated for preserving nature forever.

Photograph and content source: http://anamalz.com

Mini Maker Holiday Gift Set


Here is our #3 perfect holiday gift: Looking for the perfect gift for the creative little ones on your list this year? Look no further. Our Mini Maker Holiday Gift Pack will delight any craft kid and keep them busy on the coldest indoor days. 

Includes:

- Wooden Dinosaur

- Paint Set

- 3 Markers

- Glue

- Mixed Bag of Decorations

Photograph and content source: http://www.thebay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/thebay/mini-maker-holiday-gift-pack-0295-dsg0000164--24

Meet Henry!


Our #2 perfect holiday gift! Meet Henri. This friend of ours will become you new sidekick toy buddy - always ready for any adventure with his acorn helmet + snow suit! Designed in-house and exclusive to Drake General Store. $28

Photograph and content source: http://www.drakegeneralstore.ca/henri-acorn-plush.html#.VmmBsby2co9

Bee the Change


   

 

 

 

With virtually no retail or grocery sales experience, Paul and Liz decided it was time to think outside the box; maybe even design a new box. In 2012 they launched the African Bronze Honey Project to bring the honey to Canadian schools as a fundraising project. The Project is an innovative, healthy and educational way for school kids to learn about some of the issues rural Africans face while earning substantial fundraising dollars for their own school projects. Students learn a valuable lesson with every bottle sold.

The African Bronze Honey Project sets aside a percentage of profits for more training – supporting entrepreneurship and beekeeping in Africa. African Bronze Honey is one of the most delicious foods on the planet produced from one of the least developed places in the world. Call it, “Empowerment in a bottle.”

Check out your local stores to buy this product and Bee the change!

Photograph and content source: http://www.africanbronzehoney.com

 

Top Toys for Perfect Holiday Gifting!

 

We are going to feature our selection of top 10 toys that are perfect holiday gifts. These will make your munchkins jump with joy and are money-smart too. Our #1 choice is the: Minion Singing Sound Pad” by Skyrocket Toys . $15 . Ages 4 to 10 . Available at Toysrus

Photograph source: http://www.toysrus.com/buy/despicable-me-minion-singing-sound-pad-01521-59133286

#LoveYourCurls


Curly hair is gorgeous -- and a new Dove campaign wants to remind those who have doubts.

In a video for the "Love Your Curls" campaign, Dove interviewed young girls to see how they felt about their curly hair -- and organized a surprise to help change their minds.

Dove launched "Love Your Curls" after conducting a survey of 859 women in the U.S., U.K. and Brazil in September 2014. Only 10 percent of women respondents in the U.S. said they "feel proud" of their curly hair, and only four in 10 American girls with curly hair reported thinking that their hair was beautiful.

This campaign is the latest Dove video that aims to help women and girls feel more confident about their appearances, while simultaneously promoting Dove as a brand. It's undeniable that campaigns like this one and the viral "Real Beauty Sketches" spread an important message about self-acceptance, but it's important to remember that they are still commercials.

Ultimately, we're good with anything that reminds women to feel great about themselves just as they are. The best part of this video are the looks on the young girls' faces when they realize curly hair is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it's worth celebrating.

Photograph and content source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/20/dove-love-your-curls-campaign_n_6506930.html

The Goodness of Fish for Baby Food!


Fish contain all 9 amino acids – this means that fish is one of the few sources of complete protein. Our bodies do not make amino acids, we must get them from the foods we eat

Offering your little one fish is a very healthy and nutritious option to get in some Omega 3s. Fish are amazing sources of pure Omega 3s not to mention all sorts of wonderfully healthy nutrients that growing babies need. The Omega 3’s in fish are powerful indeed and may even help little one’s who have eczema or other skin ailments.

Stick with the white fish when introducing your little one to fish as these are the mild, less “fishy” tasting of all fish .

Read more at http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/fishbabyfoodrecipes.htm#pHUfqYfBi1qJ8JBL.99

Why You Should Upgrade Your Kids’ PJ’s for Winter


The colder it gets, the cozier little ones should be, whether in tried-and-true red plaid flannels, a storybook lace-collared nightgown, or organic footed onesies. As well as fending off Jack Frost, keep in mind that these pj’s can be highly photogenic, too. Think of all the Instagrammable photo ops: staying up late to watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving for the first, or 10th, time; Christmas morning; the past-their-bedtime pajamaed ride home from Grandma’s house. These are the moments when dressing down can liven up the occasion.

Photograph source: http://sayyes.com/2011/12/sponsored-post-striped-christmas-pjs.html

Content source: http://www.vogue.com/13366838/childrenswear-pajamas

STAR WARS family portrait


Star Wars 7 is opening soon, and this customized STAR WARS family portrait with us dressed up as our favorite Star Wars character is a great present for Christmas time! Do you like it? You send a picture of your family and Thomas Brush customize your family portrait to turn you into Luke Skywalker, Han Solo or in a Stormtrooper one!

Photograph and content source: http://cuteandkids.com/art/custom-star-wars-family-portraits

Remembrance Day!

 

Lest we forget! Remembrance Day is symbolized by the artificial poppies that people wear and place at war memorials. The poppies may be worn or placed singly or as wreaths. The use of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance comes from a poem written by John McCrae, a Canadian doctor serving in the military. The poem is called In Flanders Fields and describes the poppies growing in the Flemish graveyards where soldiers were buried.