Now here’s a feeding set that truly deserves its name! Suitable for kids of all ages, the Table Fun series is made of a durable, dishwasher-safe melamine, decorated with illustrator Eleanor Grosch’s playful designs.

(Via Gnr8.Com)

   

For the kids who are looking to leave a light carbon footprint when going to play at the beach! Green Toys, Inc. has a good but limited number of toys available that are lead-free, and phthalate free.

Green Toys products are tested by nationally recognized, independent, third-party labs (located, yes, in the USA.) They contain no traceable amounts of Phthalates or BPA. They are also designed without any external coatings, eliminating the fear of lead paint.” ~ Green Toys, Inc.

All Green Toys products are packaged in recycled corrugated boxes with no plastics, cellophane or twist-ties, and are 100% recyclable. They make their toys from recycled plastic milk jugs, smart!

(Via GreenToys.Com)

   

The thing I am trying to do this Mother’s Day is get away from buying at all the big franchise stores and try to support the small local retailer who are either making unique and beautiful stuff.

Now that I am a full fledged dad with a couple kids and another on the way, it has me thinking of keepsakes. I never really thought about them before but the thought of have a few cherished heirlooms to add to the family tree, sounds - well it sounds nice.

A piece that I’ve been drawn too was recently highlighted in Life & Style Magazine on the original Material Girl, Madonna. It’s the Nashelle Cherished Engraved Necklace from an Indie Jewelry retailer, Penelope Poet. This piece is designed by Heather Beeson, the creative mind behind Nashelle Jewelry. From her studio on the gorgeous Oregon Coast, Heather and her team of talented artists create exceptional jewelry by hand. Penelope Poet makes an effort to support female artists and moms. So I guess if you buy from them you’re building positive karma points, too.

I recently got it for my wife (don’t tell her) with the two boys names engraved on it and with the third on the way, I was assured I can call in a few months or a few years and add more charms to it. What more can you ask for - a keepsake that grows with the family.

(Via Penelope Poet)

   

This thing has mud flaps for miles! This thing is so cool looking! Its low center of gravity and wide stance make this as safe as it is beautiful. It has a working headlight, to boot!

Modeled after the classic 1934 Van Doren design. This graceful tricycle is made of handcrafted steel and features chromed trim, a supple leather seat, a charming battery-powered headlight, adjustable handlebar and seat, and durable steel spoke wheels with solid rubber tires.

(Via BackToBasicsToys.Coom)

   

TinyTotBoutique.Com has this Three Little Ziglets Making Tracks table with a set of built in trundle storage drawers for all of the kids toys and bits. It’s a nice little design for rooms with limited storage.

(Via TinyTotBoutique.Com)

   

Looking for some refreshingly guilt-free toy shopping? Consider Plan Toys (Palo Alto, California), the next time your looking for a gift for the little one.

Their manufacturing process has a very refreshing transparency to it. Meaning, it is clearly stated what they use when assembling this simple but beautiful toys -

• Organic Rubberwood,
• E-Zero (Non-Formaldehyde Glue),
• Water Based Dye, Recycle
• Recyclable Material, and
• Soy Ink & Water based Ink

They are available at a number of online outlets, but you should really check out their site, it is very informative and has their entire catalog of stuff - really nice stuff at that. The different places to buy their good is listed under FAQ’s (oddly enough).

Sit Walk Pup Pull Toy (pictured above) listed for $18.99

(Plan Toys Vis a Vis Moolka.Com)

   

I don’t care what they say, nothing describes the joy of boyhood more than a good toy race car to play with. I love MatchBox cars, they represent the “bread n’ butter” of car play for the boys, but having that special one in the toy box or on the shelf can’t be beat. Well it doesn’t hurt to dream, anyway.

Ulf Hanses has designed this beauty. Named an Excellent Swedish Design recipient, the Racer F1 flaunts a high-luster exterior and an exhilerating body design. An exclusive gift for racing fans around the world, this solid wooden race car gives a whole new feeling to the expression “vroom, vroom.”

(Via PlaySam.Com)

   

Astrophysicist Stephen Hawking is about to release his first children’s book, George’s Secret Key to the Universe. The first book in a planned trilogy, explains the workings of the Solar System, asteroids, black holes – one of Hawking’s favourite topics – and other celestial bodies with the help of a set of young heroes.

(Via Cosmos.Com)