Comments (0)

By Mom Unplugged, March 23, 2007 4:50 pm

Our Hungry Pelican is now on child number three and shows no signs of wear despite being a favorite crib toy for many years.

The bright yellow velour pelican ties onto the crib railing. His fat cheeks squeak, his wings crinkle, and his feet rattle. He comes with four sea creatures (crab, shrimp, fish, and octopus) that are each different textures and colors, and make different sounds (rattle, rustle, etc.). Children can put the little animals into pelican’s mouth and watch them drop down into his tummy. The large circular tummy opening allows for easy removal of the animals so play can begin all over again.

I found that babies enjoy quietly investigating the sounds, colors, and textures of the four little sea creatures. Toddlers progress to the eating game.

I am grateful to Mr. Pelican for allowing me an extra half hour of sleep every morning. What can be better than that!

Comments (1)

By Mom Unplugged, March 11, 2007 6:22 pm

These little wooden bear puzzles come in three parts: pants, tops, and 6 faces, each expressing a different feeling.

There is no wrong way to do these puzzles. Kids can mix and match outfits and faces. Teaches fine motor skills as well as recognition of different emotions.

All pieces store inside a wooden box. The lid of the box is the puzzle outline. Choose “Emma” or “Ernest.”

Comments (0)

By Mom Unplugged, March 1, 2007 11:17 am

How about a simple little wooden kitchen set for your budding chef? It can be hard to find quiet versions that allow the child to imagine the sounds.

We have an earlier version of the single stove unit (see below), and it has lasted about four years now with no mishaps.

This one photo seems nice because it has the stove and sink for not that much more than the stove alone. There is also a refrigerator available too. I wish my appliances were this pretty!

Comments (0)

By Mom Unplugged, February 28, 2007 3:22 pm

I adore all the Haba teethers! They are lovely, smooth cheerful chunks of bright, primary colored wood. Made in Germany.

This one, the Trix, is a series of triangles strung on a sturdy elastic so that little hands can manipulate them into different shapes. These teethers feel so clean and solid, like they’ll last forever!

Here’s a link, along with links to a few more that I like:

Comments (0)

By Mom Unplugged, February 27, 2007 7:20 pm

Cranium games are fun and educational, although some of them do require batteries and make noise. Cariboo is a quiet one that seems to be quite fascinating to preschoolers and young children.

Kids must match cards to the flaps on the game, then open the appropriate flap with the “magic” key in the hopes of finding a ball. Once all six balls have been found, then the treasure chest will open.

Teaches letters, numbers, colors, and shapes. Play time is short enough for little attention spans and no reading skills are required. It can also be played as a cooperative game if you prefer.

My kids even enjoy just sitting and opening flaps for fun. Hey, anything that keeps them occupied, right?

A multiple award winner. Check out the Cranium website for more info on their award winning games as well as some great family fun ideas.