I can’t tell you what a life-saver this has been! I keep it in a toy bag in the car and the kids play with it on car trips, at restaurants, and on airplanes.
There seems to be something very satisfying about threading the lace through the holes, and then threading it back out again. I have even seen it used as a fishing pole!
The size of this simple toy is just right for travel. We have had ours for probably four years now and it is still in great shape. All in all a great, old-fashioned toy that still has the power to fascinate.
Available here, or here:
Toy Recommendations, classic toy, stocking stuffer, travel activity, wood
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classic toy, lacing, lacing block, lacing toy, Montessori, Pamela Drake, sew 'n' sew, sew and sew, stocking stuffer, toddler toy, Toy Recommendations, Toy Recommendations, travel toy, wooden toy
We have a mouse version of this French toy that I found on Ebay. It is so cute!
This one comes with a poseable cat family-of-four in a wooden box with an assortment of real fabric clothing in which to dress them. My kids enjoy dressing and undressing the little wooden animals over and over again. Many clothing combinations are possible. Plus, this family is sized just right for a dollhouse.
By French toy maker Vilac.
Available here.
Toy Recommendations, dollhouse, dolls, pretend play, wood
| doll house, dress-up toy, European toy, French toy, Leon the Cat Family, Toy Recommendations, Vilac, wooden toy
What I like about this game is that children have as much chance as grownups (sometimes even a better chance).
The idea is to remove the pawns without causing the spring bar to move. The larger the pawn, the more points you get, but the riskier it is to take out! If you are too greedy, then…SNAP! This game calls for some strategy and a delicate touch.
Definitely a family game night favorite in our household!
Available here.
This toy is very cute and colorful. I also like it because it is all one piece and has nothing that a baby could rip off and swallow (except maybe the ears, but baby would have to be awfully strong!).
My littlest has had this since she was 9 months old and she has always loved it. I think the bright colors are very interesting to a baby.
This would make a nice gift with the Elmer book that I write about here, or an Elmer board book for littler ones. To see some adorable Elmer board books, check out: Elmer’s Friends Board Book
or Elmer’s Colors Board Book
.
This Elmer stuffed toy is becoming harder to find. Mine came from a Borders bookstore, but I don’t think they carry them any more. After a Google search, I found them available here.
This is a board game version of charades that we all love (ours is an older version, but I think it is the same).
I think the best thing about this game is that picture cards are included so that even little players who can’t read can join in the fun. Also, you can use the picture cards to play without the board if you like.
This is a great family game night choice for all ages. We grownups have as much fun with this as the kids. For the adults, it beats Chutes and Ladders any day!
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