I wish I had invented these.
We discovered Wikki Stix when we were staying at a hotel in San Diego. They gave them out in the restaurant instead of crayons. My kids (3 and 5 at the time) thought they were WAY more cool than crayons and a coloring place mat.
What a simple idea! They are simply bits of colored string covered with a wax coating thick enough for them to bend and stay in position! Like a candle wick, hence the name I suppose. Kids can make all kinds of things with them.
We use them in restaurants, the car, my purse, anywhere that an instant emergency diversion might be needed. They also make great stocking-stuffers. Santa brought some this past Christmas. Available in primary and neon colors.
This one is very simple and has been around for a long time. I believe that string games exist in just about every culture. Really all you need is a piece of string, but this set is nice because it comes with a sturdy string as well as a book of instructions.
The instructions are simply presented and well-illustrated so that children can learn the two person Cat’s Cradle game as well as how to make string-figures like Witch’s Broom, Eiffel Tower, and Jacob’s Ladder.
This makes a great travel game (it is easy to pack a string!) or stocking stuffer. My 6 year-old loved it and has taught her friends how to play. It brought back memories for me too. I discovered that I can still remember how to make Cat’s Whiskers after 30+ years!
This second book, is nice to have too:
Toy Recommendations, classic toy, stocking stuffer, travel activity
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Book Recommendations, Book Recommendations, cat's cradle, classic toys, Klutz books, simplicity, stocking stuffer, String Games, Toy Recommendations, Toy Recommendations, travel toys
I bought this for my youngest daughter’s first birthday and it is totally cute! This functions as a dual purpose toy. Little ones can stack and unstack the cheerful mouse family, then they can take the mouse family for a ride!
My baby likes to take apart the mice, but she hasn’t reached the stacking or pulling stage yet. The mouse family is another of those toys that seems like it will last forever. Solidly made of wood by French manufacturer Boikido.
You can buy it here, or Google “Boikido mouse family toy” to find other stores.
Boikido, Toy Recommendations, baby, brands, pull/push toy, stacking toy, wood
| Boikido, European toys, French toys, pull toys, stacking toys, Toy Recommendations, Toy Recommendations, wooden toys
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!
Toy Recommendations, award winner, baby, crib toy, stuffed animal
| award-winning toy, baby toy, crib toys, Hungry Pelican, stuffed animal, Toy Recommendations, Toy Recommendations
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.”
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